Sunday, January 29, 2023

 We tend to get confused when we apply scripture to ourselves during difficult experiences, because it doesn't sting as much to think about it when things are going well. We easily accept that scripture could be a problem when things are going good, but we need to examine and be obedient. It is unclear to me why we subject ourselves to these warnings when we are feeling vulnerable. This is a by-product of living a life of grace. I know the picture looks like a person who suffers from a phobia of small spaces, but I think the guy in this small space is enjoying the mystery of God's love more than he is worried about losing the reputation or material possessions of this world.I have discussed at length how experiencing a sense of God's presence is akin to experiencing His love and kindness in a way that defies explanation. Some people think that the apex of God's love is what the apostle is talking about. However, experiencing God's love gives us an understanding that goes beyond the confines of how things work in this world. We are experiencing the positive effects of His love, and we also know how to grow down. I guess you could say the narrow experience is our ability to push the effects of the curse down.I understand what you are saying, and I would never ask God for anything that is against His word. However, at the same time, He encourages us to ask for anything in faith, and He will grant it. Does this mean that God is only concerned for us asking on behalf of others, or can we present our personal requests to Him as well?Will God only answer prayers relating to religious matters, or will He also grant us victory over other aspects of our lives, such as financial success or control over events? Of course, since He is concerned with providing for even the most basic needs of creatures like birds. Even though we may try to define God according to our own doctrines, the expression of His character is shown through His acts of kindness, faithfulness, longsuffering, and gentleness.How can we reconcile these attributes with our own understanding of God? Is God bound by cultural rules, or does He distinguish between words of our own prejudice and His justice and equity? If salvation is personal, then He has gifted us with His desires and there is no evil in wanting our needs to be met, since He made us to express our needs through desires that are like His own. God is king of the earth and He has made us like Himself to rule over kingdoms. Our salvation is determined by our overcoming all opposition.

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