Has God Been Trying to Get Your Attention?
When I think of moments when God has tried to get my attention, at first I think of times when difficult things happened. I would turn to God in a dramatic manner and seek his help in my life. But as I think about it more, I realize that the times he has really gotten my attention were not big and dramatic moments. Rather it was the times where I sensed him being with me and possibly even giving me a sense of the next step to take in a complicated time.
If I’m really honest, I think God tries to get my attention everyday. I can be fiercely independent, but then I have this sense that I’m not alone and as I turn to God I realize he truly wants to walk the road with me. His way of getting my attention is that of a caring friend who is with me guides me through each day. I need to become more sensitive and in tune with him.
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Caden Clough–
Why do you think God is trying to tell you something; simply because it’s been windy? It’s likely just a matter of it being windy.
What is God trying to tell me? It’s been really windy the past few days and nights. What is He trying to tell me?
Hi Amaya, I am pleased to hear that you have been looking to God for leading in your life. That is your best way to make decisions. Don’t worry about missing the right man; as you look to God for leading He will direct your thoughts, attitudes and actions so that you will end up exactly where He wants you to be.
Can you tell me a little bit about your relationship with God? Prior to your boyfriend abandoning you, what did your relationship with God consist of?
I just got out of a relationship a month ago, I was so sad depressed and almost committed suicide, he left without a good explanation, cut me out of his life like I was nothing to him, he doesn’t even realize how badly he hurt me.But for some reason, god spared my life. Now when I talk to guys, at first they “seem” interested but then start to lose interest, its like ever since I started praying more and trying to talk to god, most of the guys leave and I don’t really feel that much pain anymore. I get frustrated and want to quit, but for some reason, I still have hope that special guy is around the corner. What could he be trying to tell me? Even though I don’t really see anything good. Its like when my gut tells me this person isn’t right or hes about to do something, 9/10 its right.
I just got out of a relationship a month ago, I was so sad depressed and almost committed suicide, he left without a good explanation, cut me out of his life like I was nothing to him, he doesn’t even realize how badly he hurt me.But for some reason, god spared my life. Now when I talk to guys, at first they “seem” interested but then start to lose interest, its like ever since I started praying more and trying to talk to god, most of the guys leave and I don’t really feel that much pain anymore. I get frustrated and want to quit, but for some reason, I still have hope that special guy is around the corner. What could he be trying to tell me? Even though I don’t really see anything good
Hi Linda, I don’t know for sure if God is using license plates to get your attention, but these are both great promises from Jesus. Luke 6:38 is, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Here Jesus is saying that our generosity towards other people is how He then responds to us. When we are generous with other people we are reflecting the character of Jesus. That is why Christians are called ‘followers of Jesus’ because they are following the leading of Jesus in their lives and He is helping them to love others like He does.
John 6:29 records Jesus saying “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” God’s purpose is that you know Him and believe in Jesus, the one whom God sent to us. So do you believe in Jesus? When I say, ‘believe in Jesus’ I mean do you believe that He is the Son of God and that He became a human in order to reveal to us God the Father and to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross? That He was resurrected from the dead and now lives to lead us into a life that reflects His character?
I keep seeing license plates with Psalm then a number. Last week it was one that said Luke 638 tonight the one I saw was John 629. Is he trying to talk to me? I don’t always understand what they mean. Thank you.
Hi Noey, I am so glad to hear that you took action to help Patrick realize the cruelty of his actions. I understand that you feel guilty about charging him with assault but when a person gets to the place where they cannot restrain themselves from hurting others they need to have help to get that self-control back. When God brings Patrick’s name to your mind, pray for him. He is at a cross-road where he can choose to receive God’s discipline for his cruelty or he will follow his own path into deeper destruction. Jesus can rescue Patrick and by bringing his name to your mind Jesus is inviting you to be a part of that through prayer.
Let me join you in that: Dear Jesus, thank You for helping Noey through this difficult decisions. You know how hard it has been for her to see Patrick face the consequences of his cruelty. I pray that You would strengthen her and to comfort her. I pray for Patrick’s heart to be softened to to fully realize the pain he is causing. I pray that You would convict him and bring him to true repentance where he turns away from his anger and allows You to guide the way he lives and loves those around him. Bring people into his life who can introduce him to the way that You offer him a new life through a relationship with You. Amen.
Noey, I am so glad that you know that God is the one who can turn things around in your life, and that you are looking to Him for help. I was watching this video recently that I thought about when I was reading your comments http://powertochange.com/itv/family/husband-stoppped-liking-me/ I agree with the lady telling her story, there are struggles and challenges in life, but when Jesus is first in your life, Everything will be OK. Have a look and let me know what you think.
Hi, ugh, where do I begin?…Me and my boyfriend/Childs father of a year and a half broke up on April 25th,2016. I could tell we were getting distant but I never thought we would end. He started drinking and smoking more after he promised he would stop and save money for our son. On the day we ended our relationship we got into an argument because I asked him to help me shave my legs. I’m pregnant. I thought he would understand why I didn’t want to keep bending down unnecessary but I guess not. He assaulted me and called me hateful names and its not the first time either. I know Satan had really gotten a hold of that relationship. I had him arrested and have a current restraining order against him. I love him so much I cry everyday that he is not here with me. Its like I want to be with him but the smoking and drinking have to stop as well as the abuse. Its like if he doesn’t have those things or the money to get them he takes it out on me. I was so desperate for answers I went to a psychic. She made me feel 1,0000,000 times worse. She was so mean to me and said that everything that happened was my fault and that I chased him away. I cried for days after that. After I wasted about $500 on those psychics I done my research and found out that they are not workers of God. I’ve learned another huge lesson. Then his father calls my house (who knows nothing and was not there) saying that I have been calling my ex boyfriend wanting to talk to him which is Not true. I want to talk to him but I know I cant. I was so close to killing myself that day but God and my son is what has kept me here strong and alive. Since this situation I have gotten so close to God then ever before. His name is Patrick and everywhere I go somewhere I keep seeing the word Pat. It reminds me so much of him. Is God trying to tell me something? I have seen it over 20 times. what does this mean? PLEASE HELP ME !
Richard–
God’s desire is that every person would be saved, and he calls everyone to know him personally. “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
You mentioned having attended a church that your mother used to take you to. What church is that? What denomination?
hi for a while now I feel like I’ve been having a God stirring I’ve been through quite a lot lately and it feels like he’s trying to get through to me by different things that have been happening. about 4 weeks ago I had a scary experience couldn’t eat ect but gradually came around but I was so scared of making the wrong mistake so bad I took it to the extreme. I ended up feeling like I needed to goto church which we ended up going to the one my mum used to take us to as kids. they all made me feel very welcome. there was a 4 week course they wanted me to attend which I was willing to do as I want to have a relationship with jesus and am willing to do all I can but we already had a holiday booked which meant I missed the first week. I keep feeling like I’m getting pulled away and tested so much it’s driving me crazy. I ended up getting drunk before going onto the plane and continued to get drunk the next couple of days. then all of a sudden boop I feel like he’s trying to get through to me again. I feel so guilty for going out and getting drunk I keep praying that il not give into temptation and that God will take over my life and I do everything he wants me to do and act. I hate going back to the same old me I don’t want to be that person but keep going back there. what can I do to keep my faith?
Jossy—
What a delight to hear that God is calling you to full time ministry. Our prayers are with you.
May I offer some words of caution Jossy . . . . .
First and foremost you must depend on the written Word of God, your Bible, to clarify to you God’s plan for reaching the lost and encouraging the saved. The little books of Timothy are a great place to start as the elder Paul wrote to the young pastor Timothy about what a proper pastoral ministry would include.
As for “preaching in ways that will make God’s heart leap for joy,” if you will simply seek the filling of the Holy Spirit He will speak through you what he wants the people to hear. Always remember that it’s not about your ability, but your availability. There is no biblical reason to believe that God will be any more pleased with your preaching than anyone else’s. He is not a discerner of people. He’s looking for humble obedience in whatever task he’s placed before you. Innovative and creative techniques are what make for prideful, puffed up preachers who are more about the “how” than the “who” and “why.” Be very cautious that you remain as humble as possible, regardless of how the Lord may use you. Keep Christ first and yourself last.
May the Lord richly bless you Jossy.
jossy….if i in any way can assist you in your walk with jesus, it would be my privelege. feel free to write anytime!
Hi! I need a spiritual mentor. I have accepted God’s calling of ministry by working towards becoming a pastor. I have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. God has promised me a very powerful anointing for His people & I need a believer who can help me understand all that God wants to reveal. I need a mentor who has traveled this road before & can help me preach in ways that will make God’s heart leap for joy! And With an innovative & creative technique that will draw so many people into relationship with Jesus Christ.
Maddy…so sorry to hear you are struggling so much….its really important to be sure that you have in fact received jesus christ as your personal lord and savior and then begin building your life upon his promises in the bible and being in the right Christian church since not all churches are his. i would suggest logging onto knowingjesuspersonally.com or clicking talk to a mentor above so that you can be sure you are a true Christian and truly saved through jesus christ. then you can begin to grow not just through praying but by building your life upon the positive promises of Christ and resist the enemy as he did in luke 4. please let me know about my suggestions and what they mean to you. i am praying jesus comes and bring you the peace you need as you receive him and his words for the spiritual prosperity of your soul! blessings to you!
I grew up with Jesus in my life.My parents would take me to church and my mom always told me about God and Christ.She also told me stories from the bible and showed me how god was the way to anything and everything.Jesus has been a huge part of my life.I went to a Christian school for about 2 years and learned about God everyday.No words can explain how I feel about the Father.God always faced me with trials and tests.During those times Satan always tried his best to bring me down.But in late June my life changed.God presented me with the hardest test I’m still facing.It was about doing evil .I feel like my faith was so strong that the devil used it to his advantage.I was terrified .Lies were put into my head about how if God was really there and if he was then why isn’t he helping me with these outrageous thoughts.The thoughts were terrible.I knew it wasn’t me for God even told me.I felt it in my soul and various amounts of signs appeared.The next trail I had was just weeks before I completed the other.This one was terrifying.It was so disturbing I’d rather not even say what it was.It was hard for me to remember that it was a test and not my own mind saying those things.I couldn’t eat for days and barely even talked because it wasn’t sure what to do . I knew that god had the key to it ending but I didn’t talk to him for a couple of days because I was scared and angry at him.Later on I started praying and miracles happened I once more felt God in my soul saying your being tested and I believed him.I felt reborn almost when I felt God.then God finally said that my test for that subject was over.everything was carefully out back together piece by piece.In august the devil out a question mark were god already put a period .I started questioning myself and started losing my faith.I would cry and cry because I felt so lost and to deep in my situation.I don’t know if God is sending me a message or is telling me to trust in him more or to have more faith .I don’t know.I can’t figure out why or what.I feel like the devil wants me to pay more attention on him than my LORD God .I just don’t know I’ve been reading my bible and go in to church a lot for answers and messages.can you help figure out what God is trying to say?
tommy…sorry to hear of your injuries. . .in order to know Gods will, we need to know God in a personal way. this is not the same as religión you see, but rather relationship. the bible tells us that we cant save ourselves, only jesus can. ephesians 2.8 to 9. i would encourage you first to be sure you have the assurance of jesus salvation and forgiveness in your life. you can do that by logging onto knowingjesuspersonally.com or by clicking talk to a mentor above. once you do, jesus will show you about his personal will and plan for you life. it may include football but it may not but if it doesnt, jesus will help you be happy with his plan for you since what he plans is always good, all the time! praying now that jesus becomes the lord of all your life always and for his glory!
I am wondering if god is trying to tell me something through injuries. Its been 4 years in a row that I’ve gotten injured in football and i feel like god is trying to tell me something, probably not to play football is the answer, but i feel like he might be trying to tell me something else. I am catholic and i have always believed in god but after these injuries, i am starting to lose my faith in god. Could u please tell me what god is trying to tell me.
Thanks
@ Trevor…. Consider to study with The Shepherds Chapel.
Mabel…the best way to live life is to let Gods will be done in each and every one of us through a saving relationship with jesus christ. isaiah 55.8 to 11 says that Gods ways and thoughts are not ours. we need to be willing to relinquish the control of our lives to him who has made us. psalm 100. i encourage you to log onto knowingjesuspersonally.com today or click talk to a mentor above to begin living the personal will of God in your life today. praying that you find jesus peace in doing jesus will. . .blessings!
I really don’t know what my dreams is trying to tell me but I pray that god help me
Trevor…so sorry to hear of all of your struggles. its true that when God wants all of us, satan will try and take a part to render us unfruitful in our Christian lives but not to worry. hebrews 7.25 is a promise we can always cling to. the issue is living each day totally for jesus glory. achieving that may take some time but as we seek jesus first thing each day in prayer, the Word and fasting, have a powerful Christian church to have spiritual support in, we can be sure of the victory. we must guard against isolating ourselves from an imperfect but necessary body of christ. isolationism breeds deception so that is something to always watch out for. jude 19. if you dont have a church you are comfortable with please let me know. i pray jesus give you total freedom in your life as he promised he would in knowing and obeying the truth! John 8.32 to 36. blessings!!
So happened to stumble across this page and wanted to comment. I was not raised in a religious family, military actually. And have some interesting occurrences. It starts before I was born when my mother was freshly pregnant with myself and at a low point.(Contemplating abortion) She’s in her bathroom, crying ,and all of sudden she feels for the first time ever the lords presence come over and feals immediate peace and she hears what to this day she still says weren’t words. butt she just understood and the lord said u must have this child for he is meant for pivotal moments in the coming battle. in a near future. My life up to this point has been a. very long battle spiritually. But from the age of 5 I have had this deep feeling that as I get older I can no longer tune out. I have always felt ,before hearing my moms story was told to me at 17, that I am here for the end days. At 10 I was molested by another older male (18) in the neighborhood but never told my parents out of fear and that my father would have killed him so I chose to burden with myself only.. Shortly after I started to become attracted to both males and females.. After college I made the decision to come out as gay and have lived that lifestyle ever since looking for that special guy that made my soul complete.. The past year gods voice has become constant and I also get the feeling of urgency. I started going to church and managed to pull 4 friends very loose believers of Christianity to come with.. I’ve been told my whole life by media and society I was born gay and while my thesis on it has to do with estrogen levels in the womb and outside chemicals from our foods impacting brain developmental steps while mother is pregnant is now the cause for identity crises. It was easy once believing this can’t be wrong because how can god disown me for genuinely loving another soul.So it put more of a split in my relationship with god. My mom says when I was young I was obsessed with Revelations and Book of Daniel and wanted those as bed time stories. I feel with every atom in my body Im being shaken to my core.. The gay culture.I once was proud to be a part of is now decayed to a culture of Babylon ways pursuing nothing but fame, vanity, promiscuity, godlesness, and materialistic idols. As my relationship with god grows every day Im finding myself questioning all I believe to be true, my attraction foe wanting a wife and kids has changed over night as if by miracle now feel myself has been played by the ultimate deceiver. GOD I believe has given me an understanding of the world and what’s really happening and what so many including people very dear to me just will not even speak about. I pray for them daily. To this day I can’t fathom why he picked me when I’ve led a life of sin, selfish, lust, Vanity, Drug addiction and.co dependant relationships. But His voice for the past 3 months have become all consuming. Im an intelligent, caring, compassionate,and feel a pre-destined human being so much so that times I can physically feel others emotional pain somehow and like this I believe with all my heart my destiny is to be left behind at the end of times to be a leader for the for those left behind to guide them through the great tribulation and be there light that tries to save as many as possible! May god bless you all! Am I alone in how I feel? I’ve never spoken it to anyone. For fear of being called crazy, pretentious, and super-ego’d to max. I promise I have a heart that is genuine , faulted at times, but am a calling. Sorry so long
michele…sorry you are strugging with knowing Gods will for your life….in our Christian lives its very important to be led by the spirit of christ on the inside as we apply the principles of the bible to our lives. one principle we need to pray about is not getting into debt when buying anything, especially a home. i know that sounds strange in todays mortgage world, but if we dont have the money to buy a house, its really best to wait until we do that way we stay away from what proverbs refers to as being a slave to the lender. when we are considering a move, we should check with our pastor for prayer and confirmation about what God is doing in our lives. remember, the new testament concept of the church is that its our lives and its our main source of life and blessing apart from christ himself. i would pray that you would think on some of these concepts and take them to the lord. as you do, he will clarify your lifes calling, not based on homes, but strategically positioning your life where he wants to use you most for his kingdom and glory, in jesus name amen!
Thank you Michele for your comment and let God make the decision for you, as you seek his grace each day.
Hello,
WE recently purchased a home in Colorado. We had to come home to sell a rental we had so we could purchase the house in Colorado which we did but then 3 days before closing the people backed out. Then a week later someone came in with cash to buy the rental home we had so we were able to purchase the home in Colorado.
WE then listed our own home for sale. Again it sold and then a week later that contract canceled. WE did not believe the same thing happened. WE now have the house listed for sale again.
I don’t know if this is a sign for us not to move to Colorado but if it was then why did God let it work out that we could purchased the home in Colorado.
I just don’t know. Any thought would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for listening.
Karolina, I think you will find that Chris is correct . . . read on below . . .
Prior to the time of Jesus, water baptism was a Jewish practice that signified that the sins they had been cleansed of were left behind in the waters, a purification ceremony known as mikvah.
However, John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt. 3:11) and for followers of Christ, this changed the meaning of baptism. At Mt. 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to “Go and make disciples . . . baptizing them . . . “; in this way, Jesus associated baptism with the disciple-ing process, the process by which one becomes more Christ-like.
Jesus’ baptism “with the Holy Spirit” is explained at 1 Cor 12:13 in that “For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body”, that body being the body of Christ (For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ – Gal 3:27) Thus we are (spiritually) baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit and water immersion is not a necessary part of this process.
Paul, the greatest evangelist ever, affirms this at 1 Cor 1:13-16 when he talks of how few people he baptized and goes so far as to say that “Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” in verse 17! Clearly Paul did not view baptism as necessary for salvation – he did see it as an act of obedience (the disciple-ing process ) for the redeemed but not as a part of the redemptive process.
The most obvious example of “salvation without water baptism” is that of the thief on the cross to whom Jesus Himself said “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” and this man was never baptized . . . he simply saw Jesus for who He was (called Him Lord) and placed his trust in him (remember me) for salvation (into Your Kingdom) when he said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom” (Lk 23:42)
i just don’t understand how God would want to put baptism all over his bible and not mean what he actually is saying. God is perfect. he doesn’t play games and try to trick people. you know what, Chris, i encourage you to pray to the Lord and ask him to guide you to the truth. i believe its a sign from God so that you can open your eyes from Satan’s evil schemes. Perhaps studying out the scriptures on baptism and salvation would help. Chris, I’m going to make it crystal clear again. Baptism does not save you nor does faith alone. You need faith and baptism to be saved. BOTH are essential for salvation. baptism means immersion. The definition of immersion means to be covered completely. ANNNND in this case, what would be covering you completely? Water of course.
26-28 Later God’s angel spoke to Philip: “At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza.” He got up and went. He met an Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. The eunuch had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was returning to Ethiopia, where he was minister in charge of all the finances of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was riding in a chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah.
29-30 The Spirit told Philip, “Climb into the chariot.” Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”
31-33 He answered, “How can I without some help?” and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was reading was this:
As a sheep led to slaughter,
and quiet as a lamb being sheared,
He was silent, saying nothing.
He was mocked and put down, never got a fair trial.
But who now can count his kin
since he’s been taken from the earth?
34-35 The eunuch said, “Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?” Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
36-39 As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, “Here’s water. Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn’t mind. He had what he’d come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.
this scripture is talking about actual water. it is not a symbol whatsoever. there is only one interpretation in the bible. if you don’t understand the one and only truth then you are just a fool. think about it. if you are teaching and twisting God;s word, you will be judged harshly. those that teach and deceive people have the darkest hell.
karolina…again you are equating salvation with baptism which is a grave error called baptismal regeneration. only the holy spirit regenerates our human spirits to be alive in christ. any earthly substance, be it wáter or whatever has no power to change us much less recreate us. romans 6 is referring to baptism as a symbol of what we already have in christ, not what we get by being baptized. if that were true then any person who became a Christian by receiving christ but were either martyred or killed before being baptized would not be in heaven right now as happened down through the ages. John baptized unto repentance to prepare the people for christ. Christian baptism demonstrates to the world we are identifying with christ and his church. just as the church doesnt save us, neither does wáter baptism. the root of believing in wáter cleansing sin goes all the way back to rome. the bible is clear, only the blood of christ cleanses which we receive by faith in his name. romans 3.25
You need faith and you need water to be baptized, because if not what would be the point?
here are scriptures about actual water baptisms not parables like you assume.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said to me, On whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, to that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.
karolina…the fact that jesus does command baptism doesnt negate the fact that his salvation is free the moment we believe as described in John 5.23 to 24. in John 3, jesus however isnt talking about wáter baptism but a new birth. just as we are born through the watery placenta of our mothers naturally, so too do we need to be born from above, from on high, or born again, not baptized again. the new birth is a spiritual experience that has nothing to do with wáter. we see that from acts 10 where the house of Cornelius became christians and were filled with the spirit without having been baptized. if baptism were necessary for salvation, the holy spirit would not have filled them since they wouldnt have been saved yet according to your thinking. we will never arrive to heavens gates and proclaim…i am saved because i believed on christ and i was baptized since baptism is a work and no flesh will glory before God in his presence over their own Works as 1 cor 1.29 clearly states.
well, I can clearly see that you believe in God. so now you have to agree that the bible is the principle of God’s teachings. You see, Gods words is god-breathed, therefore everything in the bible is inspired by God (comes from GOD). john 3:1-73 1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we all know you’re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren’t in on it.”
3 Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.”
4 “How can anyone,” said Nicodemus, “be born who has already been born and grown up? You can’t re-enter your mother’s womb and be born again. What are you saying with this ‘born-from-above’ talk?”
5-6 Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
7-8 “So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.”
you can clearly see that not only does it require FAITH but WATER. Baptism does not save you alone you need faith and water and of course repentance.
Romans 6:1-4
6 1-3 So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!
3-5 That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.
i mean….it can not get more CLEAR than this! lol
i just can’t process things such as praying jesus into the heart and stuff..nowhere in the bible have i ever seen that. It could only be applied to people who have already been baptized and received the holy spirit..
MY QUESTION FOR YOU IS..what do you think about when the bible says something like “repent and get baptized in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit to receive the holy spirit”??? please answer this. Thank you.
Hi Karolina, I appreciate your passion for helping people know what Jesus said and live it out. I agree that sometimes the words that we use to describe our relationship with Jesus can be misunderstood. “Praying Jesus into your heart” is one of those phrases that can get confusing.
In Luke 7:36-50 we read of the woman who washed and anointed Jesus’ feet in the home of Simon the Pharisee. Jesus’ statement to this woman was, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace” It wasn’t the action of worshiping Jesus with the washing and anointing but it was her faith that saved her. What was her faith in? Jesus. She knew that she had many sins. Jesus knew that she had many sins. She knew that there was no way that she could do anything to erase the sins she had committed. She saw that her only hope was Jesus. It was that faith in Jesus’ ability to deal with her sin that saved her, according to Jesus.
Jesus, in this situation, points out the contrast to the others in the room whose faith was in their ability to atone for their own sin. Simon, the Pharisee, revealed in his lack of love for Jesus that he didn’t feel the need for his sins to be dealt with by Jesus. He felt he could handle that on his own by doing the ‘right things’. Yet in Matthew 5: 20, Jesus said “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Simon the Pharisee felt that his sins were few and would not get in the way of his entrance into the kingdom of Heaven, but Jesus said that a person needed a righteousness that went beyond that. What righteousness was greater than the Pharisees? Jesus’ righteousness fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17) That’s what the woman was putting her trust into: by faith receiving Jesus’ righteousness. That’s why Paul wrote, “God made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin, to become sin so that we could clothed in the righteousness of God.” (2Corinthians 5:21)
So you don’t “pray Jesus into your heart” but by putting your trust in His sacrifice on your behalf rather than in your own ability to atone for your sins, you receive His righteousness. And when Jesus clothes us in God’s righteousness He then leads us to live a life that reveals that righteousness transfer. A follower of Jesus doesn’t just sit and continue to sin without repentance but their faith in Jesus is revealed by their following Him and living right. James wrote, “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18) That’s why Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches; the one who abides in me–and I in him–will bear much fruit…and apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) We need to be permanently connected to Jesus and have Him living in us in order to live a life that is right.
I don’t think I am twisting any of these Scriptures. If you think they mean something different I am open to hearing your thoughts.
karolina…a distinction should be made between working out our salvation, phil 2. 12 to 13 vs. working for it. ephes 2.8 to 9 is clear, that our salvation is by grace through faith so that there is no glorying on our part. avoiding sin, doing what is necessary to spend quality time with christ and being faithful to his Word is one thing but saying that we must work for our salvation when the bible says its a free gift in romans 6.23 specifically and in other places, is a grave error.
There is no such thing as praying jesus into your heart. Stop leading people to hell! It makes me so mad when people distort the word of God to their liking where in the bible does it talk about praying jesus into your heart? Over and over again jesus talks about baptism! And to work for your salvation // Matthew 28 18-20. How pleasant would it be to receive eternity by just sitting and continuing to sin without true repentance
False doctrine is scary. Read your people bible it’s your salvation on the line. Don’t get led into emotional mumbo jumbo.
Olivia…i am sorry that you have passed through a time of confusión in your life but i can assure you that God has a clear path for you to walk in based on his many promises he has made us in the bible, the Word of God. you see, now that jesus has come, you dont have to try to earn your salvation by being good or keeping commandments. jesus did that all for you by living a perfect life and dying in your place on the cross so that you, by simply receiving jesus into your heart, can be forgiven instantly and forever by jesus and his wonderful unmerited grace. if you would like to know more about how to receive jesus personally as your savior and lord you can log on at…knowingjesuspersonally.com. why wait any longer? there is no need to be confused about what God has made so clear in his wonderful words of life we know as the bible. . . i pray now that jesus would reveal himself to you know as you seek him and be freed from all confusión and misunderstanding that christ has come to remove from you and give you the clear understanding of his simple plan of salvation by simple faith in his name, jesus christ. blessings Olivia!!
I need help. So I have been seeing the numbers 53,54,55,and 320 constantly I mean day after day for like six months. First it was just 54 but now its all of them. Today I haven’t seen them though now that I think about it. I have been wondering if God was sending me a message. I’m confused and I need advice. Also today I was taking a shower and I was singing “Halleluiah” Because I had earlier watched this video about how to go to Heaven because I’m scared I won’t I really want to but there are so many commandments, what if I Break them? I’m very young well younger than 15. But as I was saying when I was in the shower I got scared and I was singing “Halleluiah”! As I was singing I was looking and all a sudden the earth moved. There was no earthquake! At first I thought I had just imagined it but then I realized the whole earth had moved I was freaked out and wondering if that was God telling me something. I’m confused all help/Advice I will glady take. :(
cory…the first step to truly living is by receiving christ as your personal lord and savior into your heart. when you do, then stay in his Word and with his people, so that the curse of sin can be removed once and for all from your life blessings!
I have been in church my whole life and know the bible & know of Jesus.
John 4:48
So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”
I’m seeing them, and I do believe. I believe God is telling me something very important.
Hello hi Kirstin..for years people have been tell me God is trying to tell me something and wants my attention but I ignored them up until 8 weeks ago I decided to go to church and been going every week and reading the Bible..I have gotten the feelings God wants me to turn my life around and change..so do I,everyone that knows me knows I’m a good person and bad things happen to me. In November I lost my job ,license,car,3 weeks ago I lost my apartment. Prior and past years I’ve be in 4 near fatal automobile accidents, I’ve been dragged by car car 300 yards,and I been shot in the back of my head..so now I pray,I talk to Christian’s spiritual people, I pray and now I found you and I’m looking for answers
abe…the bible encourages Christian believers to not follow signs but rather be guided by the pure Word of God through the holy spirit. this all starts by receiving christ as ones lord and savior and then being biblically taught in a Christian church. please write back if you have any questions. blessings today!
I have this feeling that God is trying to tell me something. It feels like he is throwing so many signs in my face I don’t know what to truly make of it. For months it seems that numbers are trying to tell me something, I try to understand & in the past week it’s almost like it’s 20 or more signs a day. I keep seeing repeating numbers everywhere I look. Every time it seems I look at the time it’s 3:33PM, 4:44AM, 5:55PM, 12:12PM, etc. Today I went to pay a bill at a grocery store for $160 and with the fees it came to a total of $160.66. I just thought, wow that’s not a good number. Then as we were walking outside they had some of those little machines that take quarters and my fiance picked the one with little animal finger puppets & she got a red snake. I know this means something but I can’t figure out what. I read a page online about the different angels there are and it said the very top angels have 6 wings and they are burning and constantly singing “Holy, holy, holy” to God. Then I started reading about feeling like God is talking to me & one article said to listen so I just started following until I got to this page that said to ask a mentor a question. I said to myself, “Should I ask?” and I knew that I had to after that. Not sure what you will have as an answer, but I know this is where it is.
Hi Kirstin, it sounds like you see your love for Jesus is at odds with your desires for a relationship. Is that true or am I just reading too much into your comment? Do you feel like God has been directing you in a particular direction? If so, what has led you to feel that way? Is it just a ‘gut feeling’ or have there been ‘signs’?
Here’s what I know: God has a plan for you and He will clearly lead you into that plan. So right now if you are unsure of what God wants you to do there can be one of two explanations: 1) God is waiting for His perfect timing to show you the next step, or 2) God has made it clear but you don’t like what He has said so you are stalling.
I see myself doing the latter so often, even though I try to convince myself that it is the former. Sometimes what God is calling us to is uncomfortable and we rationalize our way out of it because we don’t want to take that step of faith.
Let me encourage you to focus your attention on knowing Jesus. Spend time listening to Him and interacting with Him. The better you know Jesus the more clearly you will hear His leading in your life and the more readily you will follow Him. Spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, talking with other followers of Jesus, and find ways to serve other people. When we are engaged in those activities our hearts are focused on Him and we are in a place to hear and obey.
Lord God, I pray for Kirstin and ask that You would help her to know Jesus better. Lead her into those activities that focus her heart and mind on You and in that refine her relationship with You. I pray that she would know Your voice and be willing to follow no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Amen.
So Kirstin does that make sense to you? Does that connect with what you are experiencing?
Kristin,
If you would like to have an email mentor respond to your question, take a minute to fill in this form http://powertochange.com/experience/talk-to-a-mentor/ and someone would be happy to email you. It sounds to me like you need to focus more on your relationship with God at this time and ask Him to change your heart towards the right man when he comes along.
I have struggled in my life entirely too much for a young women in my life. I know Jesus very well and love him with all my heart.But I have this problem of always wanting to be in a relationship. I have been in a engaged twice now and that is way too much. I feel like god wants me to take a chance on someone, but then again I have feelings for an older friend. But then there is another part of me just wants to be free. I enjoy my freedom. In my eyes it is all I have left lately.But if a mentor could maybe help me figure out what to do. I would be grateful. Thank You! And God Bless!
Hi Jennelle,
God speaks to us in many different ways and your experience may have been a clear way for him to get your attention. That’s a really amazing story and I hope that you will continue looking into God and who Jesus is. Since you don’t come from a spiritual background it may be challenging to examine God and Christianity but what I do know is God speaks volumes and he seems to be speaking to you. I’d like to recommend a few resources for you. Here are some articles that may help answer your questions:
This page explains what Christianity is all about. It will help you get a better understanding of faith in Jesus.
The following pages will provide you with more information on the subject:
Who is Jesus?
Questions about God
Does truth exist?
Thank you for commenting and I hope you find this information helpful. If you would like to speak with someone over email about any questions you might have feel free to sign up for a mentor which you can do here.
I was in school on Thursday. You know how when a person walks in a classroom, everyone turns their heads to see who it is? Well, this lady walked in and I turned to see who it was, but no one else did. When she walked passed people’s desks, they didn’t even notice her. She came straight to me and asked how my day was and I said good. She handed my this paper called “The Gospel Soul-Winning Script” and told me she thought I might need this. I said thank you and she smiled and left, but nobody seemed to see her except me. Then my mom picked me up from school and she went to the gas station to buy something and I styed in the car. I told her about the paper and school before she went in. She came out and told me I wouldn’t believe it. She handed me a card and told me it was the only card on the counter. It said “Who is Jesus”. Do you think God is trying to communicate with me? I’m not really a Christian. I’m kind of more of an atheist. I’m not sure…
Nicole,
Thanks for taking the time to stop by. It sounds like you have definitely had some difficult things happening in your life that’s for sure. But just because the road is rough doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be walking on it. Sometimes God wants us to walk it and just be aware that we need His help as we are heading in the right direction.
Having said that though, God does love you and I don’t doubt has been trying to talk to you…or whisper in your ear as it were. Would you like to correspond privately with one of our site mentors? If so just click on this link and fill it in and someone will get in touch with you by email and walk alongside of you.
I’m way down in the dumps today – weather, my back, life… pretty much everything sucks. I was in a car accident in February of this year. Previous to that, my paperwork for re-entering school (as and adult) my paperwork got messed up and I had to fight to get into the program; then the car accident; I was unable to continue in the program for the rest of the semester, but was told that I will be able to just sign up for the classes this fall and I would re-do the portion of classes that I had to withdraw from; THEN I got a call this morning that said that I’m NOT enrolled in the program and I have to re-apply and got thru the waiting list again. That’s 3 separate incidents that have made the completion of this program all but impossible. Do you think God is trying to tell me something?
I know that I’ve lost my excitement for the program, but I don’t know if that’s because of my depression or if I’ve just lost the excitement.
I don’t know. I feel like my life completely changed since the accident. I don’t feel normal at all, I feel like I’m just blowing in the wind waiting for something to happen. I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know. Everything that used to make sense doesn’t make sense anymore. The constant pain sucks, I can’t sleep, the PT isn’t helping; I spent the day a friend’s house yesterday helping her to get ready for her rummage sale, which required standing all day – I’m paying for it today – I’m in so much pain I can’t get out of bed.
I thought I would throw this out there – I think I’ve been sent “God Whispers” in the past, and ignored them and I don’t want to do that again.
I’m open to anything – I already pray, I meditate, I’m working my way back in to yoga. I have called my pastor to meet and speak with him.
Hopefully I’ll hear something that makes sense – I’m thankful for any help anyone can give me.
Thanks,
Nicole
I want to seek the LORD more & more. I need a healing. I dont want to worry to no more i be in fear, i dont want to be lazy no more,
Reading this has helped me realized that God allow things for a reason, I have just over come some hard times and I realize that God is always here by my side im freshman in collge and is realizing how much I need him daily
Hi,
I am craving change from a cancer battle and a marriage breakdown and God is calling me but I am so scared of letting go. Its what I want to do but I keep hanging on. I love God and have started attending church and learning more but a mentor to help me acheive things would just be wonderful