Dec. 5th, 2022 3:44AM
I woke up with a sour stomach and felt lead to read my Bible and pray. I asked God what He wanted me to know, do or understand. He lead me to the first three chapters of Jeremiah.
In the first two chapters, God has the prophet Jeremiah tell the people of Israel about how they forsook and turned their backs on God to chase after foreign gods and idols made from their own hands and worship them instead of Him as a prostitute would and do vile and evil deeds. He told about how because the people turned away from God to do these things and only cried out to God for help when things got really bad, He withheld His blessings and His help and even the rains. They had neglected God otherwise as God wanted their devotion and their hearts. God wanted their love, obedience and a relationship with them all the time not just during their hour of need and trial.
Because the people had rejected God except when things got bad, God rejected them, for God is a jealous God and wants our whole hearts not just part of the time.
Chapter 3;3,4 Therefore the showers have been withheld and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute:
You refuse to blush with shame. 4)Have you not just called me: ‘My Father, my friend from my youth.’
It brought to mind something that happened over 32 years ago. I was in a date with an old boyfriend downtown Seattle. I had grown quite promiscuous and had been seeking the love I had so lacked and so desperately needed at home growing up as a kid with no guidance from an abusive home.
We were walking down the sidewalk holding hands when a homeless man jumped out in front of us from out of nowhere and began yelling at me. He kept repeating over and over.
“You’d better start blushing girl! You’d better start blushing!”
It made no sense to me then and he kept challenging my boyfriend to fight him and darting back and forth into doorways in front of us. We ignored him and continued walking away. As we were walking away from him, he yelled at me. “I’ve got nobody, nowhere, nothing!”
We just assumed he was either just another druggie or mentally disturbed or both. My own dad spent over twenty five years as a homeless alcoholic and would often go on yelling rants such as this, so this just like my dad made no sense to me at the time.
Just now though reading Jeremiah, it suddenly made sense. I think that man may have actually been a prophet who appeared as a homeless man so that I could relate and I missed it. I think he was telling me that I should be ashamed of my actions in how I turned my back in God, my first love whom I had chosen at just five years old.
I was so sinful in chasing my own willful lusts and desires that I had turned my back on God. That man was warning me. I didn’t listen and I paid the price. Over the next few years I lost one job after another, one boyfriend after another, three apartments, totaled my car, lost my first two pregnancies out of wedlock, had to turn to extended family for a place to stay and friends from church as I wasn’t welcome at my parents because I was my real dad’s kid not because of any crime, drug or horrible act though I had been diagnosed as bipolar when I was nineteen and I’m sure I was a handful and a half for my mom and stepdad with rollercoaster moods.
God wants our whole heart, love and devotion all the time, not just when times are bad.
Some of the things man turns to to replace God that steal away our live and devotion to Him and become idols are:
Idols made of wood, clay, metal and stone and plastic
Foreign gods and other religions
Celebrities-actors, singers, musicians, magicians, sports games and players
Fame
Lust, sex, abortion (sacrifice to Moloch)
Sexual immorality, perversion, depravity, homosexuality
Beauty in man’s eyes
Drugs and Alcohol, partying
Wealth, money
Fancy buildings, homes and cars
Jewels
Fancy clothes
Careers
Clicky Friends
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When we turn to any of these things as our go to priority and forget God, we cannot expect to be blessed, helped, protected, healed, lead or guided. We can no longer hear His voice. He wants to be first, NOT an afterthought when we are in trouble. God will NOT be mocked and when we put Him last, it is mocking Him. Return to God!!! Put Him first and He will bless, protect, lead, guide, direct you.
Comments (77)
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Thanks for writing this. I was well written and definitely worth the time. I, too, struggle with reoccurring sins. I had turned to porn for my pleasures since I was a teen. Lately, I have been fighting it and while I still succumb to it from time to time, I have always tried to keep God front and center which has helped in fighting those urges. We are all broken people, but only when we become self aware of our issues can we fix them and God helps with that. You said you missed it with the homeless prophet, maybe not. You still remember it and now you're here sharing it. Better late than never. The struggles are real, this life can be so difficult but keep on pushing through. Again, thanks for the writing. It was something that was good to read.
Dear Lord, break the bonds of addiction from MLZ that he no longer turn to view that which he should not, but be made strong by you to turn from it and rest in you. Bless him this day as you did with Joseph, when confronted by Potiphar’s wife, to even leave his cloak behind and flee to you if needs be. Let your Word guide him on the path he should follow. Restore to proper order what is in disarray in his life that he be whole in body and mind. Fill him with your peace. I ask this in Jesus’ Mighty name, Amen.
Thank you fren! I truly appreciate the prayer.
You are very welcome, fren!
Redemption has been a theme in my life too. Once a drug addict and alcoholic, Got relieved me from the bondage of self 34 years ago, and I am a much happier person now. God bless you on your journey.
Wow good stuff sis. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are doing well.
And you also brother
OK,
Wow, so that explains why u/Slechta5614 posted those threads https://communities.win/c/CampYesu/p/15JUCiFaOB/mission-statement-/c 3 months ago & WHY you want people to buy property in WA-state for YOUR CampYesu. - How is that working out? - Do you Already live on that property too?
BTW, I lived a totally-different Youth = I was a very determined lady Virgin ... until at age 25 when I was raped by a church guy.- Neither did I drink Alcohol, & Never did drugs, instead I prayerfully started countless Service opportunities...
get this: My mom told me at age 13 "I hated you from before you were born & I will HATE you with my last breath" - & as she did., I was the only 1 of her 4 kids who Tenderly & Lovingly Cradled her in my arms + said "I Forgive you Mom. Now Relax, & go to your reward".
And to think some christians on this platform hate me, by their actions as did she.
However, a FEW people here are TRUE-christians, Praise God
Praise God. Also, though I came from Washington, I believe from the visions and dreams God gave me that Camp Yesu is to be in the mountains of Montana.
Yes, “hated and worthless, sick like my dad” were frequently said to me by my mom and stepdad. I was told, “don’t bother trying, you aren’t good enough, you’ll be lucky to live to see twenty” My mom claimed to believe in the writings of Dr. Spick and reverse psychology. She also said I was strong willed and she needed to break that will.
I shared what I did to Really say that Tho I was in nearly all ways hated by my
parents, - yet I CHOSE to grow into a Different person & Love.... on people
Then too, tho some on this very platform by their words too hate me,
yet I CHOOSE to be a Different person & live my life differently Too, because too many Bible-christians here are hateful, the chance of me ever going to "church" again are about Nil. -- Instead, I will Stay with God/Jesus as my ALL --> Creator+ Daddy+ Savior+ Teacher+ Best-friend+ Resurrector I talk with Jesus every day & he means everything to me A few Christian are my friends here.
Add me to that list of friends if you would please. I have prayed for many years for godly lifelong Christian friends. In the past nearly every friend I had turned into back stabbers and fair weather friends. Also, Camp Yesu will need many people like you as staff and board if you are interested. I can share mission plan via email. I am on prayer garden through discord if you want to share with me there. Same name.
As you can see in my 1st. response here I've lived as quite the little creator... of all kinds of community Service projects incldg. Envisioning & helping operate a successful Homeschooling co-op :) - Then 3 months ago, I read all Ryan's posts re campJesu, & responded with my own little summary comment there, but since you just mentioned Montana... have No interest in moving there, as I am planning moving closer to my daughter in Tenn. - tho I do wish you God's speed & success :) - Too, I was on Ryan's discord server briefly but when that thing Required Email, I told Ryan that all 4 of mine are Private & I intend to keep them that way, so I had to leave. - But once I accept someone as a friend, I only walk away...when the person is persistently negative to the point of being a destructive influence in my life & others = which unfortunately describes too many "Bible-christians" so that referred to my previous statement. Decades ago, I described them as me being Allergic to them. ~~
Merry Christmas to you :)
May I ask your prayer in it at least please?
We will also need part time and occassional workers as well as volunteers. Would your daughter be interested or a good contributor? Perhaps the two of you could come occassionally or something. Just spitballin. Have a Wonderful Christmas. God Bless you
What thing required an email?the only reason I had asked for one was because I didn’t know you had already seen the Camp Yesu mission plan and I was going to share it with you. I am kind of a technotard (according to my grown kids anyway) and it’s the only way I know how to send stuff. Also, I don’t know for sure that Montana is where Camp Yesu will be, it’s just where I feel like God is leading me to put it based in what the visions and dreams I keep having look like. I made a list of properties from several mountain ranges around the country though in case it isn’t Montana.
Oh yay your talking to our sis u/2rainbows she is a good apple(when she behaves right) and has a huge heart for Jesus. Was eventually gonna try to introduce you to each other, was hoping it would happen naturally and looks like God is good. Like usual. She is someone that I know can be a huge resource to you and what God has put on your heart
Thanks Ry. Btw; I’m having a difficult time making connections on prayer garden. No one really wants to engage in conversation with me for some reason. Plus not spending as much time there as I wanted as Allan still has an issue with it.
First off let me say I am truly thankful for your willingness to contribute. I seriously cant Express it enough. Out of everyone that has ever been part of Prayer Garden you have been one of the few that has been eager to contribute and have stuck with it. It's not an easy thing and can often feel like we are being ignored. Please dont let that doubt stop u. I am finally starting to feel better plus Amanda is not working right now. She is gonna be spending more time there yo help out. I will ask her to engage with u more plus I will do a better job as well. Holidays are rough times because people are busy and/or in a weird frame of mind and distant. We will make it through. Everything we do now is like laying a brick for the foundation of the future. I love u sis
Have a wonderful Christmas
What do you talk about in Ryan's place?
Are you asking what I talk about, or anyone. Many topics come up but I don’t get alot of time on there like I’d like as my husband has issue with me being on here and there much for some reason. He thinks it gets in the way of our time together. I think the age gap might have something to do with the lack of conversation engagement. I’m nearly twice the age of most on there and different topics of interest. I’m probably closer to your age.
Did you see that, Callme? - I have been in relationship with Jesus about twice as long as Ryan has been alive. Yet (when she behaves right) no less sight Unseen he JUDGES me.That's the sort of "judgmental christians" I told you I usually walk away from, so I'm glad I Noticed that.
I don’t know what he is referring to so I can’t comment on what he said. I have spoken to him several times though and he’s a pretty nice guy with a big heart
He loves us so much! You're a blessing to many my fren. Thanks for an inspired start to a great week ahead.
Hmmm, much like the homeless man that jumped from the shadows to yell at you, your message this morning is the same to me! I needed to hear, see & read this as you, my person jumping from the shadows. Amazing. God always finds a way to get his message to us! Thank you for sharing.
We are forgiven, His Mercy for our sins, once confessed to God, with a sincere heart and true repentance, we are forgiven. My sins were many, and mostly, I sinned against myself, but I came to learn that God loved me more than I loved myself. As an older woman, many of those sins, and my behavior can come to haunt me at those wee hours in the morning. I am humbled by his forgiveness and love, for me, a grain of sand in the big picture of it all. Christ said to forgive others as He has forgiven me, not 7 times, but 7 times 70 times. And I do find comfort from the pain and sadness sin messed up my younger life with, I cannot do it over, but I can also look at all my resentments of those who hurt me, and pray for them, and that gives me peace. We must stand steadfast against Evil, but we are also asked to pray for those who are under it's influence, and that is all I know.
Amen
I have turned my back on God so much that I often worry that I’m no longer worthy of His love. I know that’s the devil whispering in my ear, but it is deafening. We all need to repent and recognize the only true leader of this planet - God.
Take heart about being worthy - none of us have anything we can point to as worth. All of our deeds are but filthy rags. But God in his infinite Grace and Mercy loves us with a love that endures forever. Forever. Not until we do that one thing, or not do that other one, but forever! We need to stop listening to the devil for when we were yet sinners Jesus died for the sake of our sins. He clothed us in His righteousness. Because of Him we can come confidently before God without fear and rejoice in His presence. Rest easy fren. God loves you!!!
Thank you for sharing that! In my heart I know He loves me and forgives me. I just need to rid myself of the shame.
You are so welcome! We all go through this. God is patient and kind. He’s with you and He loves you.
We all have sinned. All of us. (Except maybe my Grandma, RIP Nana!) I think a repentant sinner is God's favorite. I hope so anyway. I've done a LOT of repenting! God bless us, one and all.
the hardest thing to forgive is ones self...but that shows you have a soul worth saving
It’s always us who walk away from the Father, all we have to do is take one step back and He is welcoming us with open arms (:
Amen- none of us of our own accord is worthy, only through Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
Many of us can relate to your journey, thanks.
Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. I hope your journey has brought you to a good place.
I think everyone in our situation should read "The Call of Jeremiah" until s/he feels s/he can recite chunks (or all!) of it, to herself/himself.
The Call of Jeremiah
"4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone
I send you to and say whatever I command you.
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.
10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Amen-God has been prompting me over these last few year to start a ladies Bible study and as it turns out, he has also been prompting a neighbor gal I have only met once. We have about eight ladies interested in coming so far and just have to build our game plan. I have never lead anything before and as I am only social when I feel comfortable around someone and otherwise would prefer to find a hole in the floor to crawl in or blend into the wall, I feel like God is using this to prepare me for leading Camp Yesu. Currently I am an awkward loner nerd minus the glasses and smarts.
You will be fine.
Remember. Yay, tho' I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil.
Jesus has passage after passage about learning to not be afraid. You can use "Bible Gateway" to find passages based upon topic, and then read them to see if they fit to the journey. https://www.biblegateway.com/ - Please also make good use of the different translations/versions, as often the "most popular" versions tell a slightly different story than some of the others. I personally prefer the Douay-Rheims 1899 version.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard. It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come." - Shakespeare, Julius Caesar.
“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own. If a god appeared to us — or a wise human being, even — and prohibited us from concealing our thoughts or imagining anything without immediately shouting it out, we wouldn’t make it through a single day. That’s how much we value other people’s opinions — instead of our own.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
"Jesus therefore said to them again: Amen, amen I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." - John 10:7
Let Jesus be your door.
Great post!!! God is good!!!
Ty for your post, this hit home for me too. Sexually abused around 5-6, promiscuous, drinking, drugs, pornography, stealing. You name it Ive probably done it. 2 children out of wedlock with physically abusive men. It took me a long time to realize that no matter what Ive done God has forgiven me. He looks at me through the blood if his son. Im 53 yrs old and I still struggle with things but that is humans sinful nature. The devil tries to whisper in your ear because he knows his time is short. Rebuke that sucker! Kick him in the teeth! We do all fall short of the glory of God but he is a merciful God and he wants us all to be saved. ❤️ Be blessed today my frens!!!
You and I are the same age
❤️
Amen-we MUST give our ‘All the time’ to Him though, not just the desperate times
Yes sister everyday first thing! Be blessed sister you are a treasure ❤️
I love this post. Thank you for sharing your struggles and the journey you have been on. I just want to encourage and lift you up. You have found the Truth and that is heartwarming to hear. I hope your freedom and peace and happiness only continues to grow and magnify and your presence and story blesses all those around you
Amen, and God bless you!
Amen. Thank you for Sharing
Thank you for sharing this. We all have a testimony to tell. God is amazing. Thank you Lord for sending your son Jesus, who died for my sins, was buried in a tomb for three days, and was brought back to life. Thank you for all that you do Lord. Forever in your name Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Amen
Beautiful! You are our “homeless man” reaching out to set us on the right path toward God. Thank you 🙏🏼
Praise The Lord, He is Leading you! When I came home from Washington DC on Jan 6th the Holy Spirit fell on me for 4 days. He talked a lot about Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Revalations, books I am unfamiliar with. Thank you for posting.
temptation is around you 24/7/365 for we are on the land satan was cast into and we all will need to rise above it all to escape its grip or until Jesus casts satan and his demons into the pit and Heaven on earth springs forward
Also, I do not consider a calling from God to be a pet project
I suppose all of us have played the harlot and then became the prodigal son. The main thing is returned before it was too late. His MERCY never fails! Amen
God created the Universe with it's millions of Galaxies, yet He still finds time to love us each and everyone. He is there for us, but we must choose Him.