S
Struggling1
Guest
I will absolutely give God the chance. I’m continuing to pray daily. I will continue to make use of the confessional as well and I will talk to a priest ASAP! Thank you again.
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S
Struggling1
Guest
Thank you so much!
T
tweedlealice
Guest
Blessings
God exists. Scientifically, when you look at plants and see the intricate structure w xylem and phloems and chlorophyll production, it is awe inspiring. The human body, how it works. Arteries and veins, a heart pump! Lungs w bronchi and bronchial tubes to alveoli. How alveoli exchange carbon dioxide and Oxygen… WOW!
Here’s a thought! If this wasn’t real, what was Jesus to gain? What would the first church gain? Com men want POWER AND MONEY. Did Jesus get wealthy? He was tortured and crucified. His Apostles were hunted and martyred. What wealth did they gain? What position of power did they earn.
They ALL were killed. So, why join??? Greeks and Romans were deep thinkers. WHAT IS THIS LIFE FOR? AFTER WE DIE, WHAT HAPPENS?
Well, Jesus rose from the dead and shows there is life after life… Why would they go into arena to face torture and death? They were going to another life! So, who gained anything worldly w preaching Jesus? What was their angle?
Now, the Bible has existed over 2 thousand years. The Dead Sea scrolls validate the OT. Jesus maybe was mentioned in scrolls but only briefly. Scrolls were before His ministry. OT has clues of the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled them.Read Hebrews.
Jesus was written of in Roman literature. He existed. He was a rebel and rabble rouser. He was tortured and crucified. In Roman literature. Believing in the RESSURECTION is the question. Did He? Mary Magdalene and Apostles witnessed sitings. Again, what did they gain for lying.
Think about that. Jesus died a horrible death to bring us home to our Father. The Father loved us enough to send a big part of Him, as His Son to be born, as His Creation is born. To share our lives.!
You are loved and cherished . Your Father inheaven wants you. JOHN 3:16. JEREMIAH 29/11. JOHN 10:10.
ISAIAH 53:4
Isaiah 49
I will never forget you, My people
I have carved you on the palm of My hand
I will never forget you
I will not leave you orphaned
I will never forget My own
Does a mother forget her baby?
Or a woman the child within her womb?
Yet even if these forget,
Yes, even if these forget,
I will never forget my own
I will never forget you, My people
I have carved you on the palm of My hand
I will never forget you
I will not leave you orphaned
I will never forget My own
The Suffering Servant ISAIAH 53:4,5,6,7
3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
I’m Christs love
Tweedlealice
God exists. Scientifically, when you look at plants and see the intricate structure w xylem and phloems and chlorophyll production, it is awe inspiring. The human body, how it works. Arteries and veins, a heart pump! Lungs w bronchi and bronchial tubes to alveoli. How alveoli exchange carbon dioxide and Oxygen… WOW!
Here’s a thought! If this wasn’t real, what was Jesus to gain? What would the first church gain? Com men want POWER AND MONEY. Did Jesus get wealthy? He was tortured and crucified. His Apostles were hunted and martyred. What wealth did they gain? What position of power did they earn.
They ALL were killed. So, why join??? Greeks and Romans were deep thinkers. WHAT IS THIS LIFE FOR? AFTER WE DIE, WHAT HAPPENS?
Well, Jesus rose from the dead and shows there is life after life… Why would they go into arena to face torture and death? They were going to another life! So, who gained anything worldly w preaching Jesus? What was their angle?
Now, the Bible has existed over 2 thousand years. The Dead Sea scrolls validate the OT. Jesus maybe was mentioned in scrolls but only briefly. Scrolls were before His ministry. OT has clues of the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled them.Read Hebrews.
Jesus was written of in Roman literature. He existed. He was a rebel and rabble rouser. He was tortured and crucified. In Roman literature. Believing in the RESSURECTION is the question. Did He? Mary Magdalene and Apostles witnessed sitings. Again, what did they gain for lying.
Think about that. Jesus died a horrible death to bring us home to our Father. The Father loved us enough to send a big part of Him, as His Son to be born, as His Creation is born. To share our lives.!
You are loved and cherished . Your Father inheaven wants you. JOHN 3:16. JEREMIAH 29/11. JOHN 10:10.
ISAIAH 53:4
Isaiah 49
I will never forget you, My people
I have carved you on the palm of My hand
I will never forget you
I will not leave you orphaned
I will never forget My own
Does a mother forget her baby?
Or a woman the child within her womb?
Yet even if these forget,
Yes, even if these forget,
I will never forget my own
I will never forget you, My people
I have carved you on the palm of My hand
I will never forget you
I will not leave you orphaned
I will never forget My own
The Suffering Servant ISAIAH 53:4,5,6,7
3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
I’m Christs love
Tweedlealice
S
Struggling1
Guest
I need to read more scripture it may be a huge missing piece to my life’s puzzle. I appreciate how tied to history you kept it and that’s an angle I need to meditate on deeply. I’ll pray hard and turn to scripture. Thank you so much for helping me!
T
tweedlealice
Guest
HThe Holy Spirit will melt your heart w scripture. Look up the ones I sent. Matthew 11. LUKE 11
In Christ’s love
Tweedlealice
In Christ’s love
Tweedlealice
S
Struggling1
Guest
Thank you!
J
Just_Another_Sinner
Guest
I would recommend reading more of the the Desert Fathers. These were the monks that followed St. Anthony of the Desert.
I would start with asking your spiritual director about Heaven Begins Within You by Anslem Gruen.
Our thoughts and feelings are the place of spiritual battles. Start by analyzing your thoughts and feelings. Do not accept everything as yours. Doubt in the Holy Trinity in particular. Doubt is natural and even a healthy part of faith to keep to safe but the kind of doubt your are facing sounds like a spiritual attack.
As a person with a background in science I can assure you that science has not answered almost any miracle. We have massive gaps in our knowledge and what society focuses on.
Possession exists I have seen it and known people with it. Most people turn to ineffective medication to tranquilize them and do not pay attention to the details in front of their face. I have met several people freed by priests when medical field failed them.
I have seen “skeptics” called into disproving a weeping icon and he walked in said it was melting wax and left. Meanwhile it continued to weep myrrh for hours and days. When analyzed it was similar or rose infused holy oil.
I have had a healing of a offset shoulder due to mild scoliosis. The spine is still slightly bent but my shoulders are level. It was spontaneous due to a faith healer traveling to different churches done in the name of Christ.
I have met Christian prophets who were deeply devoted to Christ able to 100% accurately predict what they informed me of. Some warnings others predictions on my life.
I have experienced various spiritual event confirmed by spiritual direction. Prophetic dreams, various forms of demonic attacks, intense mystical ecstasies lasting an hour or more during prayer, the Gift of Tears at various times like communion or stations of the Cross.
I started life as a scientific atheist now I am at awe of how much there is to learn.
Peace
I would start with asking your spiritual director about Heaven Begins Within You by Anslem Gruen.
Our thoughts and feelings are the place of spiritual battles. Start by analyzing your thoughts and feelings. Do not accept everything as yours. Doubt in the Holy Trinity in particular. Doubt is natural and even a healthy part of faith to keep to safe but the kind of doubt your are facing sounds like a spiritual attack.
As a person with a background in science I can assure you that science has not answered almost any miracle. We have massive gaps in our knowledge and what society focuses on.
Possession exists I have seen it and known people with it. Most people turn to ineffective medication to tranquilize them and do not pay attention to the details in front of their face. I have met several people freed by priests when medical field failed them.
I have seen “skeptics” called into disproving a weeping icon and he walked in said it was melting wax and left. Meanwhile it continued to weep myrrh for hours and days. When analyzed it was similar or rose infused holy oil.
I have had a healing of a offset shoulder due to mild scoliosis. The spine is still slightly bent but my shoulders are level. It was spontaneous due to a faith healer traveling to different churches done in the name of Christ.
I have met Christian prophets who were deeply devoted to Christ able to 100% accurately predict what they informed me of. Some warnings others predictions on my life.
I have experienced various spiritual event confirmed by spiritual direction. Prophetic dreams, various forms of demonic attacks, intense mystical ecstasies lasting an hour or more during prayer, the Gift of Tears at various times like communion or stations of the Cross.
I started life as a scientific atheist now I am at awe of how much there is to learn.
Peace
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Struggling1
Guest
So there is hope for me! I will continue to pray.
F
FaithfulKnight
Guest
I often find comfort in this - “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
— St. Thomas Aquinas
— St. Thomas Aquinas
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Struggling1
Guest
I have no faith so for me it’s kind of filled with despair. 
G
george.s.v
Guest
Faith by its very essence lies beyond explanation, evidences and arguments. If it is supported by reason or anything reasonable it is actually not faith. Moreover, having faith in God does not mean that one is in a position of certainty and comfort – on the contrary, one is always in front of signs that are against the existence of God; in other words, faith is a perpetual struggle. Isn’t this very close to your own experience of uncertainty?
J
Just_Another_Sinner
Guest
I would start with having faith in your life.
Reflect on yourself, your body, your feelings, your sentience and self awareness, your memories.
Next be grateful for your life.
Now try to understand God is an immense being waiting to see what we will do.
He give us Free Will and does not interfere in our live very often.
To have faith in God is as simple as having faith in your existence. I think therefore I am…therefore Thank You God.
In the world around you marvel at creation. From food to love. Next marvel at what His permission of our free will has made. Art and science. Look how far we have come as we are more inquisitive. Cars, grocery stores, computers, the internet, etc. We did this on our own because we were given sentience, self awareness and free will using the tools and materials God gave us.
Next Reflect on Christ, the King of Heaven, King of the Angels, Son of God whom the Universe was made for. Look at the type of person he was, simple, humble, wise. A Healer and a Teacher.
Reflect on his teachings…forgiveness, love God, love each-other, the gift of eternal life in Heaven.
We are born and we die. Death is inevitable. But Christ died in a humiliating public execution so not matter what kind of sinner we are we can be redeemed by His sacrifice to enter Heaven.
Another good book for you to read would be Saints Behaving Badly: The Cutthroats, Crooks, Trollops, Con Men, and Devil-Worshippers Who Became Saints by Thomas J. Craughwell. It is funny and uplifting while also being very informative on the redeeming power of the Cross and God’s Will for His Son to help sinners.
Peace
Reflect on yourself, your body, your feelings, your sentience and self awareness, your memories.
Next be grateful for your life.
Now try to understand God is an immense being waiting to see what we will do.
He give us Free Will and does not interfere in our live very often.
To have faith in God is as simple as having faith in your existence. I think therefore I am…therefore Thank You God.
In the world around you marvel at creation. From food to love. Next marvel at what His permission of our free will has made. Art and science. Look how far we have come as we are more inquisitive. Cars, grocery stores, computers, the internet, etc. We did this on our own because we were given sentience, self awareness and free will using the tools and materials God gave us.
Next Reflect on Christ, the King of Heaven, King of the Angels, Son of God whom the Universe was made for. Look at the type of person he was, simple, humble, wise. A Healer and a Teacher.
Reflect on his teachings…forgiveness, love God, love each-other, the gift of eternal life in Heaven.
We are born and we die. Death is inevitable. But Christ died in a humiliating public execution so not matter what kind of sinner we are we can be redeemed by His sacrifice to enter Heaven.
Another good book for you to read would be Saints Behaving Badly: The Cutthroats, Crooks, Trollops, Con Men, and Devil-Worshippers Who Became Saints by Thomas J. Craughwell. It is funny and uplifting while also being very informative on the redeeming power of the Cross and God’s Will for His Son to help sinners.
Peace
S
Struggling1
Guest
I will thank you. I’m really struggling with the whole argument of if my parents loved me and they do I can witness their deeds directly I.e times they sacrificed so I can have food or fun. Acts of spending time and providing their love through direct actions and since God does not seem to perform acts on the tangible level for me I am struggling.
J
Just_Another_Sinner
Guest
There are more parts to it than one figure…
While he is loving, Father God is more of a Creator Father than direct care giver Father.
So think of God the Father like the working Provider. He is the one who lovingly sets up your life, makes up a complete plan for your whole life and makes small unseen adjustments depending on your free will vs His original plan for you.
The supernatural events are more like band aids for people than the normal natural working of creation. Ideally we could live our life without a miracle and appreciate life and each-other as it was intended. For a miracle to occur Angels need permission of the Father to suspend the natural workings of the world.
The Angels are more of the direct care takers in our life. Protecting us, carrying our prayers, etc. We have 9 Choirs of Angels for carrying out His Will and presenting Him with our needs.
The Holy Spirit part of the Holy Trinity is the one who is like “God’s Fingers” here on Earth. Our bodies are temples to the Holy Spirit and the Spirit can be responsible for miraculous events as well. Given that the Holy Spirit resides withing us it is the most intimate part of the Triune God living within us.
Christ is our friend, healer, and advocate to the Father. It is through him we have access to God.
So you are dealing with a large family at work here…
Father God in Heaven providing and planning for everything…punishing as well when needed.
Christ acting as bridge between us and God with many roles ie healer, advocate, friend etc.
Holy Spirit lives within you giving graces from within such as fortitude, knowledge, piety, Holy fear, Wisdom etc.
Angels tend to you without you seeing them taking care of your spiritual needs of your soul and protect you
You and the people around you are responsible to take care of yourself and taking care of your physical needs
Peace
While he is loving, Father God is more of a Creator Father than direct care giver Father.
So think of God the Father like the working Provider. He is the one who lovingly sets up your life, makes up a complete plan for your whole life and makes small unseen adjustments depending on your free will vs His original plan for you.
The supernatural events are more like band aids for people than the normal natural working of creation. Ideally we could live our life without a miracle and appreciate life and each-other as it was intended. For a miracle to occur Angels need permission of the Father to suspend the natural workings of the world.
The Angels are more of the direct care takers in our life. Protecting us, carrying our prayers, etc. We have 9 Choirs of Angels for carrying out His Will and presenting Him with our needs.
The Holy Spirit part of the Holy Trinity is the one who is like “God’s Fingers” here on Earth. Our bodies are temples to the Holy Spirit and the Spirit can be responsible for miraculous events as well. Given that the Holy Spirit resides withing us it is the most intimate part of the Triune God living within us.
Christ is our friend, healer, and advocate to the Father. It is through him we have access to God.
So you are dealing with a large family at work here…
Father God in Heaven providing and planning for everything…punishing as well when needed.
Christ acting as bridge between us and God with many roles ie healer, advocate, friend etc.
Holy Spirit lives within you giving graces from within such as fortitude, knowledge, piety, Holy fear, Wisdom etc.
Angels tend to you without you seeing them taking care of your spiritual needs of your soul and protect you
You and the people around you are responsible to take care of yourself and taking care of your physical needs
Peace
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Struggling1
Guest
How do I build that relationship and know him or experience him. I’ve been praying and taking advantage of sacraments but I don’t know if I have felt him or experienced him on a personal basis. I’m scared that what people experience is suggestion and that I may never find him. If I may ask your advice should I pray more? Or just have faith with praying and understand it takes time?
J
Just_Another_Sinner
Guest
Prayer is like a conversation. Right now it is one way, it may change now or after you die. If it is the later you will be rewarded for your faith (ie maintaining a mysterious relationship). Otherwise read up on mysticism. I came from Orthodox parents so I am partial to monks, incense, monastic music and a contemplative prayer life.
When I started it was a lot of formal prayers and bible reading after converting from atheism.
20 years later I am more into religious reading, some regular prayers for the souls who need it and now a regular conversation with God.
I found it is like tending a garden. Helping those who were possessed I got weeds (demonic attacks). Thus I developed a relationship with the Angels and the Blessed Mother. After my Miracle healing my shoulder I was curious about Christ so I talked to him alot. After some intense ecstasies I talked to the Holy Spirit. Now I find myself curious about God again. So I read Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish sources. I just talk to Him as “Dad” since he created me. If I am frustrated about something I do not understand I talk to the Holy Spirit (Even though it does not have a gender I view it as a She since I am male and it strikes me better to have a female reference for something so intimate as a spirit living in my body). If I fall to temptation or am struggling I talk to Christ. If I feel spiritually threatened I turn to St. Micheal or the Blessed Virgin. For daily protection (like driving) I chat with my guardian Angel.
As far as answers go it takes time and spiritual guidance for discernment. For me: I have a dream, someone will talk to me, I get a nudge to read something, I will read something here on the forums, it just clicks after prayer and I am able to understand, etc.
Again it is like a garden. To me it sound like you have unhealthy doubt weeds. Doubt has a place…like discerning a religious event. Even if a supernatural event occurs we must doubt its origins and seek guidance from the church to make sure an unclean spirit is not trying to deceive us. For example, There is a splinter
Catholic group in my state that report visions, prophecies etc. The Bishop had them analyzed and it proved false. Thus doubt has its place.
Other wise weed your garden of stuff the affects your vision of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Thoughts, feelings, etc when you are praying. Christ most of all is important since He leads the way to the Father and sends the Holy Spirit.
Be mindful of “heaven storming” as some monks call it. It is a marathon not a speed race. Mystical experiences vary from person to person are more rewards, incentives, etc. Some go through periods of dry spells for years.
As my spiritual director told me, “are you more interested in the cookie or God?” For me I stated I was not interested in the cookie but since then I ended up receiving many
God’s Will is mysterious
Peace
When I started it was a lot of formal prayers and bible reading after converting from atheism.
20 years later I am more into religious reading, some regular prayers for the souls who need it and now a regular conversation with God.
I found it is like tending a garden. Helping those who were possessed I got weeds (demonic attacks). Thus I developed a relationship with the Angels and the Blessed Mother. After my Miracle healing my shoulder I was curious about Christ so I talked to him alot. After some intense ecstasies I talked to the Holy Spirit. Now I find myself curious about God again. So I read Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish sources. I just talk to Him as “Dad” since he created me. If I am frustrated about something I do not understand I talk to the Holy Spirit (Even though it does not have a gender I view it as a She since I am male and it strikes me better to have a female reference for something so intimate as a spirit living in my body). If I fall to temptation or am struggling I talk to Christ. If I feel spiritually threatened I turn to St. Micheal or the Blessed Virgin. For daily protection (like driving) I chat with my guardian Angel.
As far as answers go it takes time and spiritual guidance for discernment. For me: I have a dream, someone will talk to me, I get a nudge to read something, I will read something here on the forums, it just clicks after prayer and I am able to understand, etc.
Again it is like a garden. To me it sound like you have unhealthy doubt weeds. Doubt has a place…like discerning a religious event. Even if a supernatural event occurs we must doubt its origins and seek guidance from the church to make sure an unclean spirit is not trying to deceive us. For example, There is a splinter
Catholic group in my state that report visions, prophecies etc. The Bishop had them analyzed and it proved false. Thus doubt has its place.
Other wise weed your garden of stuff the affects your vision of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Thoughts, feelings, etc when you are praying. Christ most of all is important since He leads the way to the Father and sends the Holy Spirit.
Be mindful of “heaven storming” as some monks call it. It is a marathon not a speed race. Mystical experiences vary from person to person are more rewards, incentives, etc. Some go through periods of dry spells for years.
As my spiritual director told me, “are you more interested in the cookie or God?” For me I stated I was not interested in the cookie but since then I ended up receiving many
God’s Will is mysterious
Peace
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Struggling1
Guest
Thank you so much I get too focused on the signs of God since I am worried about it I will try to focus on it being a marathon and continue to lead the Best life I can morality wise and take advantage of the sacraments and prayer. I have to hope that one day it will result in me fully believing or being able to sense the presence of God. I just wish it was easier but that’s human weakness for you. God bless you for responding to me and I really appreciate it more than you know. It brings me hope someone else was atheist and now believes.
J
Just_Another_Sinner
Guest
Glad to help but it is a lot of recycled info from my personal experiences and spiritual direction.
God Bless
God Bless
S
Struggling1
Guest
I still appreciate it more than you know. Currently I don’t know for sure there’s life after death so I try to be especially grateful for anything people do to help me. Life is so short and time is so limited and yet you took a minute to help me in a rough time and I appreciate it. Have an excellent evening.
A
anon64350612
Guest
By faith, man completely submits his intellect and his will to God. It is not about God proving it to you, it is about you accepting and believing what God proposes. Faith really starts in the will. Read the catechism and think about it. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s1c3a1.htm
Pray the Act of Faith and ask for the theological virtue of faith.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe
that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man
and died for our sins and that he will come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths
which the Holy Catholic Church teaches
because you have revealed them
who are eternal truth and wisdom,
who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
In this faith I intend to live and die.
Amen.
Pray the Act of Faith and ask for the theological virtue of faith.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe
that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I believe that your divine Son became man
and died for our sins and that he will come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths
which the Holy Catholic Church teaches
because you have revealed them
who are eternal truth and wisdom,
who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
In this faith I intend to live and die.
Amen.
- Status