Open Forum 2

"I have been attending church all my life and lately I have been going to
different churches trying to find one where I can feel God and His Word in my
life. Do I keep looking till I find one?"
A person must find and feel God and His Son Jesus in their life whether they are in church or
not. If you only feel comfortable in God's house then you must work on having a personal
relationship with Him where ever you are, then you will not feel insecure. There are
practices and constant prayer that can bring you to that personal spiritual connection. It is a
way of life one must work on. Something I have found that does start our connection is
actually looking up at the sky as we talk to God. Once we find that connection the reason for
finding another church would not be the lack of God's spirit in His house it would be human
preference.

"I understand that anything we try earthly is external of us and only gets our
attention temporarily but how much time and where do we look and what do
we do to get that spiritual lasting contentment?"
They are very good questions that many come to eventually. It takes work but it is fun and
when you start it will keep you motivated. You must find a guide either someone who
doesn't force their belief on you or in a church of your choice. The person you find must get
to know you and ask many questions to see where you are at this time in your life. Once that
is accomplished he or she will guide you in many ways for YOU to find stability and your own
path. Be aware that the devil has many people out there and you may bounce from one to
the other and that will cause even more confusion in your life. YOU must be led in a way to
find your own path.

"How do I walk in both worlds, earth and spiritual? Sometimes I feel I am
standing in both.
If you feel that then they both have near equal control over you. Some say they feel torn
between two things in their life. We have to work on the one that we want to control us the
most or in other words the one we want to exist in always. Yes we can work on our
spiritual connection and make that our dominant one. Then as we deal with the worldly
encounters we will handle it better because we will always be conscious that we will enter
that other existence.

"How do I maitain peace of heart when the chaos of this world demands your
attention?"
It is obvious you do not have a good balance in your life. There's two types/ways of balance.
One is earthly and that is to make time and find an attraction that is positive and separate
from what causes your chaos. It must be enough to get your full attention long enough to
relax you. The second way is spiritual and that never fails. It involves that inner self, your
real self, your spirit. Learning to center and meditate will let you escape at any moment you
wish even in those chaotic moments. Actually both ways are needed but the first way is
temporary as it will leave you soon into your chaos but the second way is eternal especially
if you focus on the true source.

"I haven't felt positive or alive much in my life. I have been talking to
someone for direction and lately I have been feeling this energy that has
made me smile. How can I find out where the energy comes from and then
keep it when I find it?"
Many people look for contentment in the wrong way. They think it may come from outer
space or from an object. If that were the case then the external source would be in control.
We are the object that can make this source from within. We make the decisions on being
positive and being in the right places and with the right people. Think about how you feel
when you are excited and happy. We find positive people/places/conditions/hobbies to keep
us motivated. This good feeling is not something we must search for and buy. It starts from
within and if the source you are looking into is not real or the right path then your stagnant
depression will come back.

"I am a Christian and I always thought I had faith. In the last several years,
twice, I have made a decision to take a leap of faith concerning money to
start a business. Neither one worked, now I am in debt. I am mixed up on this
faith thing. Ideas?"
I don't know how you planned or reasoned it out first but if you read the Gospels, Jesus
showed us reason in everything. He told us that faith is a must but not to use it to gain our
human interests but to use it in our journey in following Him. First, if you haven't, we must
take our time, pray about what we want, then take time to feel inside if its the right move.
Gods speaks to us with feeling. Then faith is walking through that journey slowly and feeling
each turn. He will have things turn out the way He wants it, not what we want. It sounds like
you made a blind leap of faith. If that were the case then we as humans could just do that
for anything we want without reason and prayer. There is a special way that we must learn
to Walk in faith and it's not for our benefit. It takes time and guidance if you haven't went
for help. Then, God says He will always take care of His followers, a way that you will be
content with.

"I married a man I met that lit up my life and world. I was always feeling high
when I was around him. We did get married soon after we met. I was crushed
when he told me six months later that he didn't want to be married anymore.
What caused that to happen?"
There could be any number of reasons if he didn't give you one. The most common and
looking at your question, it looks like you and possibly him were infatuated with each other
when you met. Infatuation is a cause for many divorces. It wears off and you begin to face
reality. For starters, you have to want a mate, then, in time they should be your best friend.
You can be infatuated by many, but when it wears off, you may not really want the
commitment.

"I have been looking around to find a church that feels comfortable, a church
that I can call mine. Even the church I grew up in doesn't feel right. How do
you find the right place?"
You will never find the right building to be comfortable in. First, you must get comfortable
with knowing Jesus and God. You must form a personal relationship with them. When you do
then you will be comfortable anywhere anytime as you walk with them. Then, you will find
one of God's houses that will feel right. It doesn't work the other way around, the building
does not secure you with God.

"When Jesus said, "I am the truth the light and the way' what exactly does the
Truth mean?
You have heard the saying 'the truth of the matter is'. In this life when we finally are told the
truth, we then can see what really happened or finally can see the way it really is and there
could be no other way if it's the truth. When someone tells us the truth then it's like a light,
we then see what we have to do. Jesus says He is the truth. That means what He has said
about life is the truth. There's no other way to see it. He is the truth, which means He is the
only way to anything that is real. No need to look around any longer. It's like being lost in the
forest and someone comes along and says, 'The truth of the matter is, if you don't follow
me, you will never find your way'.

"I am in a position at work where I can make a difference. I see a lot of things
that should be changed. I am not a confronter and some feel that I am against
them for some of my suggestions. I pray all the time for God to change things.
Am I missing a step?"
We certainly are to depend on God for guidance. But we are to get motivated and get
involved in making the difference. God will not do it for us. He will walk with us to get us
through it. We would never grow if we waited and only prayed. He wants us to do the
walking and have faith in Him that all will turn out the way He wants it. We let our fears get
in the way of progress, even for God. Whether at work or for God, we do have to do some
confrontation to get the job done.

"I have decided to become active in my church and took a position on council.
Since then I have discovered that there is more jealousy and power control
than in the real business world. They are not open to anything I say or my
recommendations. I can't believe that the fellowship is so poor. How do you
deal with that?"
Just about anywhere where people have been in control for a long time they are not open to
any change. The worse part is that their comments have no reasoning to them. Also, many
do not see that they are not sacrificing at all. Many give their personal opinion about change
or new things introduced. The problem with running things on personal opinion is that when
they leave or die, so does the church. Yes you are giving it a try, but stay there if you can
because you will probably have to pick up where some leave off and sooner or later your
ideas will be received.

"How do you account for the declining Christian faith in the U.S. and look at
the muslim and others who do not question their faith?"
There's a difference between habit and perpetual faith or belief. Habits are picked up at
birth and are groomed by fear and expectation. Perpetual growth means eternal,
uninterrupted and a, knowing, that you can't push away even if you wanted to. A pure
Christian will not listen to reason or even agree to disagree with someone over the doubts of
Christianity. To many people listen to other people to see what sounds best in their human
minds. The problem with that is, nothing will stay true or solid in their search. It's all inside
of us what is really true. If you only look at one or two possibilities in life then you may be
missing the one you haven't looked at.

"Today on the news I seen where they think they found the tomb of Jesus, His
wife Mary Magdalene and their son Judah. Each casket was marked with their
names. Jesus' was marked, 'Jesus, the son of Joseph'. Look at the proof that
has been surfacing in the last few years that goes against the bible."
Humans want human explanation to prove everything. Therefore if that were the case then
there would be no faith. Faith believes in things said without human proof. God said only our
faith pleases Him. Jesus said that there will be signs that will come from the sky that will
even sway the elite. I could just imagine what He meant by that, maybe people in flying
saucers with all the answers. Yet, finding a tomb with common names back then like Jesus,
Mary, Joseph and Judah will sway thousands even today. Our Christian faith tells us that
there is an explanation that perhaps only Jesus knows and we humans will never know, but
some humans will find one and tag that find with it.

"I am so much attracted to Ireland and the Irish ways. It is so powerful I am
studying there ways and culture. I can't wait to go over there and hope to
live like them. Is this the wrong thing for me to do? How can I not pursue my
interests?"
We really do not know the mystery of why we are so attracted to a country or area and its
people. There are some theories but none proven. It sounds like you may just want to live
like them and be in that atmosphere. That's OK, enjoy it, but that is for enjoyment and some
acting. The realness of it all is that we can't turn it off when we have these feelings, so, it is
ourselves that we must find. We must become who we are, where we are. You have been
given something to share. So become who you are and stay where you are. Become what
you are from the inside out, not from the outside surroundings in.

"I feel like I am not living up to what God wants of me. I keep asking Him over
and over for my needs. I cry at times when I seem not to get an answer. I put
so much emotion and use so many words I feel that it's a lack of faith. Is it?"
You can ask all you want and your problems will effect your emotions but ask your self if you
know that God is always in control. If yes, then your faith is there. Jesus says that we should
put all our concerns on Him. That could be in any way or form that we want or feel secure
to do. It's the person who tries God, like using a vending machine when they need Him.
Those people do not know Him and have little or no faith. Then they give up. It is good that
you constantly talk to Him in any form. It's the focus on Him that He wants of us. He already
knows before you ask what your request will be. But we as humans need to feel connected
to Him, so we talk and ask and emotionally respond to Him. Keep your feelings on Him and
when you want to, use words.

"I am a private person and rarely share any of my personal history or thoughts
with anyone. Almost every story I have heard about me is not true. How do
you get around that?"
That would mean changing people's opinions and assumptions which is not possible.
Assumptions mean that the facts aren't present and so, people's assumptions lead to
conclusion. Then gossip steps in and before you know it you are what people have falsely
made you. It's only when we are confronted by it that we have the opportunity to correct
the assumption made and that opportunity doesn't come around that often. The end result
though is that your true self always shines through eventually.

"I keep God in my mind always and seek His ways but life seems to be more of
a challenge to me lately. When I am around people who I have known for a
long time I don't feel comfortable at times. When they start their gossiping
and making fun of others I just want to leave. How should I handle that?"
In life if we do not seek God or an understanding of other things, then we will not be able to
see the environmental situation we are standing in. Did you ever move away from your home
town and return years later to visit and see that no one has changed, that they still talk about
the same things? When you search and seek then you are able to evaluate and become aware
of the differences. God wants us to seek Him out. Awareness is one of our greatest gifts.
Yes it is uncomfortable in many circumstances but if we push them away then we are no
good to them but if we stay around they will see our reaction which may be changing the
subject or not laughing at what bothers us. People will see that in you and some will follow
you and change themselves without knowing. Then they will also start seeking out what you
have felt and learned.

"I am divorced and have met several men. I have also been going out more
and socializing at libraries and different places to be with people. I don't
seem to feel a realness in many people, even the men I date I can't seem to
get close to. Is it because I have been out of circulation for the past twenty
five years?"
Your question has been asked in several ways through out the forums. Some people are not
for real and you will feel that but others are and you may not be attracted to them. You will
be able to tell the difference but it will leave you with the same feeling from both. What you
are looking for are enough people to feel comfortable and close to and another mate who
fits the same way. Yes you have been out of touch for awhile. Get involved with things that
satisfy you so that you will learn to be comfortable with yourself first. Some people go the
rest of their lives without finding that special connection. Just listen to your heart and you
will know the truth about anything. It's a feeling that we can't make happen. It just comes
along.

"I have read Betty Eadies books and I feel just like she did about her new
insights. Now I always feel alone even if I am with others. I can read all
people very well and I can feel all the evil or negative locations where ever I
go. When will it let up, will I always have these feelings and visions?"
If you have read all of Betty Eadies books you will see how she dealt with it and how she
finally accepted it as a gift. It is a gift but one that completely turns you around from the
surface life you had. You will learn to handle it and then use it to help others. There is
always a peace of mind with it. Earth life will become secondary to you and you will learn to
connect to the spirit of all things, what God has made.

"We are supposed to love everyone, even our enemies. It's hard to be around
people who push us away, shun us, or put us down and degrade us. How are
we to love them?"
Some have a rough time at first seeing what God means when He uses the word love. We
humans have seen the word love related or felt in a slightly different way. When we push God
out of the way He still cares for us always. He waits till we call on Him again, and He never
says no. Have you ever not wanted to be around someone then one time when you were,
that person fell or something happened where they really needed your help and you switched
immediately inside to caring for them? The thing to do is not to isolate a person from you,
just set them aside till they respond either to you or ask you for help. Then if your heart is
open you will feel very good about it. That is love, being there unconditionaly.

"I have learned many lessons in my life but at times I feel that Gods wrath is
upon me. Why does He make things happen so strongly?"
I think you may use the word wrath in the wrong content to Gods words. Yes life's
adjustments can and will be rough at times. Remember this, Gods discipline on us is only His
caring and adjustment He wants for us. But, His wrath is condemnation in most cases. Read
your bible especially some of the Old Testament stories where the word wrath is used to
eliminate people from the earth. As long as you believe in Him and His Son Jesus it will only
be His caring that forces us to see and adjust that sometimes seems a little rough.

"The pastor in our church has told me and others that some of our relatives
are in hell because they didn't come to church. He tells us many things and
says we aren't saved because of them. We have to watch ourselves if he is
around. I'm confused, is he right?"
You sound like you are in a classic situation where you are afraid of your pastor more than
you are of God. That does happen when people or pastors want us to follow their
expectations, interpretations or their personal opinions. Remember, people are not to judge
or condemn. We are to be fed properly by referring to scripture and letting us chew it and
try to adapt, learn by, live by, from the assistance of our leaders and friends.

"I have found Jesus in my life. I know now how it feels to have a personal
relationship with Him. As He said, we will always be sinners. I feel that I
backslide to much. Where is the point where He leaves us for backsliding?"
Yes He does say that we will always be sinners but, if we accept Him for who He says He is
and all His words then we will be saved. He said that we must be aware of our sins, which
means we should be conscious of them and some day stop. But, we seem to continue with
other sins or go back and forth to the ones we try to keep away from. It is a constant
struggle and will be till we leave this earth. That seems to be the best we can do and as long
as we are aware of our sins and work in that manner He will never leave our side. The main
two types of backsliding are first the ways I just explained which will always be, and the
other one is non acceptable. That type of backsliding is when you say you believe in Jesus
and all His words then are swayed to change your belief to eliminate Jesus as who He says
He is. When you eliminate Jesus then you have committed the worse backslide possible as a
proclaimed Christian. So from the sounds of what you are concerned about keep being
aware of your walk with Him, that seems to be the best we can muster each day.

"You mentioned that if a person is not a Christian then what they have to say
is only rocks. Could you explain that more?"
Most people who are asking the questions are still searching for something to believe in, they
are very vulnerable at this time. If they go to a none Christian then what ever belief or view
that person has, they will project and someone who is not rooted in one belief will take in
many different theories and beliefs which will just make them more confused. Once a person
knows what is true then nothing can or will sway them. Now you can go listen to anyone
and pick out some good tools to use to strengthen yourself in your belief.

"I don't understand why some people say they want to feel life to all its
extremes, especially love and relationships. We certainly watch that we don't
get hurt physically so why not watch we are not hurt emotionally?"
Each person has their own tolerance to emotional connections. It can be a real balancing act
trying not to fall too much in either direction. Either not enough feeling to make things grow
or too much of an emotional connection to control. Usually once we experience something
for the first time it's not such a great impact on us the second time. It sounds like you have
been hurt already. What you are trying to do is avoid that happening to the extent it did
before. Your approach to relationships will be in a more cautious manner in the future. Even
though we can't avoid getting close to someone once we spend time with them, in the
future you will be more prepared to handle rejection or loss.

"I've always felt that I had to live up to other peoples expectations of me.
Now that I am older I am pursuing many things that I have felt is the real me. I
feel like I am disappointing family and other people in my life or like I am out
of the norm. Is that norm?"
It's really hard to explain norm. It lies within each of us. It doesn't matter who it is but when
we are around certain people most of the time and we happen to deviate in our dress,
name, or interests in life then we will get all kinds of looks, comments and opinions. Most all
feelings are signs to pursue. Not only will they affect people close to us but they were meant
to bring a positive effect on people who we will meet in our continuing journey. Go for it,
"Feel Good About Yourself".

"It's been over twenty years and I have moved back to my old home town.
What really bothers me is that I am not the same person and have become
very successful. Why is it that people still see me as I was before I left?"
When people haven't seen us for any period of time they still talk about us from the last
things they heard or seen. Some are to narrow minded to see that people do change, that's
the way we mature, at least most of us. Obviously they haven't. When people stick to an
opinion without seeing for themselves then they usually have a problem of expanding in their
own lives. They also use that opinion not to participate in any social gatherings which they
don't realize, confines them to isolation.

"I have been divorced for ten years and in that time I have met three men
whom at the time thought that they were the one. I have no problem meeting
men but have become very depressed and scared to try again. I don't want to
go through a hundred more to hopefully find the right one. I'm stuck."
Ms Stuck, prayer always works with faith enough to wait. You may have felt that you had to
keep moving and testing each man. It really is as simple as just sitting back and waiting.
Also, most people put the cart ahead of the horse. When you meet someone don't start to
analyze them to fit into your wants and expectations. Don't put hope in them. Let the horse
pull the cart. Just enjoy the time spent and don't ponder on the feeling of whether he fits any
of your wants. Let it roll into something on its own. There should never be any hurry to join
in marriage. I heard a bit of good advice from an older couple who married at 80. They
were both divorcees and met in their 50s. They both said that if they were still dating at 80
years old then they would marry, and they did.

"It seems that all of a sudden I am attracted to the alternative healing
methods. It isn't that I want to use them in my work or start a business, I just
feel something different about my life. What is that feeling?"
Many people for the first time show up for one of the classes in healing and they really can't
explain why. It's all part of breaking away from the earthly elements that control many
people up until a certain time in their lives. We begin to feel something deeper and more
meaningful in our lives but can't put our finger on it. It's the start of finding who we really
are, where we are at this time in our lives and a new beginning to find, notice and see the
real things in life. It will also bring us closer to God instead of only seeing the earthly things
that have controlled us up to this point.

"I have read several sites about energy and the basics of life and how to be
and find true happiness through intuitive training in karma. They say it makes
for better relationships and to find that soul mate in our lives. They had the
answers to all concerns. I have practiced it for awhile but still feel a certain
emptiness. What is the one piece that is missing?"
As you have said there are many people who say they have the answers to everything. If you
have noticed they all give you exercises, ceremonies and rituals to practice, but leave out
the true power in life. Once we find the true power in life that has made all the energy of
existence, then we can practice ways to draw it closer to us and be a part of it. Notice
though that you have not identified anything yet to work on being close to. Those people
talk like they have harnessed the energy themselves and they want you to feel the same. They
actually are just rapped up in the business they have started. When someone starts out by
saying that God is the sole power of life, then goes on to help you with ways to make your
life better through Him, then give it a try. The most important is that you find the true
power source of life, and then you will see clearly and feel full as you find ways to serve that
power. There's another book that has all the answers to life but many fail to mention it, its
the New Testament bible.