Comments on Biblical Therapy: Is God Punishing Me?

"Jesus said that we are to hate our mother and fat...

2009-10-29T16:54:58.172-05:00

"Jesus said that we are to hate our mother and father and brothers and sisters and even ourselves if we are to be His disciples (Luke 14:26). Does He really mean we are to actually "hate" all of these people? Of course not. He's making this a contrast to the love we should feel toward Him. As compared to our love for Him, we are to hate everyone and everything else on the face of the planet. Anything short of that is idol-worship. God must be your one-and-only God."

One thing to keep in mind is that if you love someone, you observe their commandments. So if you love God, you will observe his Commandments (All ten) - 1 John 5:3. In that light, with love defined as the keeping of God's Commandments, to hate your mother, father, brother, sister, etc, means to listen to God rather than men - Acts 5:29, and observe His Commandments, Statutes, and Judgements.

God has a way of teaching people good things throu...

2009-06-11T20:32:44.300-05:00

God has a way of teaching people good things through unusual methods. I am still trying to learn. This has been the toughest times for me. I think anyone else will have destructed if they had gone through what I am living through. But I still believe at the end, this is a way for God to tell me this is what I need to go through to get to where I want to be.

Thank you for your comments. There are two things...

2009-03-12T06:51:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your comments. There are two things you need to remember about your new life as a Christian. The first one is: God has a plan for your life. The second one is: So does Satan. God has your soul, and there's nothing Satan can do about that, and he's angry. However, Satan can ruin your witness so you don't bring others with you. I don't know anything about your life other than what you've just said here, but I do know this: We have a good God, but bad things happen because we live in a terrible, fallen, evil world. Bad things happen to God's people just like they do everyone else, and you will find "bad" people living a good life. The Bible talks about that, and helps us see those people, and ourselves, through God's eyes. Check out Psalm 73. People will sell you Christianity as the solution to all of your problems and you'll be happy. That's Satan's lie to keep us confused and weak. Christ (not Christianity!) is the solution to all of your problems, but it doesn't mean you'll always be happy. Joy comes from a relationship with Christ, and happiness comes with circumstances. Joy is eternal, happiness is circumstantial and fleeting. Grab hold of joy, and let happiness take a back seat. Thoughts?

hello i have just read what you have written thoug...

2009-03-12T03:34:00.000-05:00

hello i have just read what you have written thought provoking to say the least , my life is in pieces right now and everyday feels like punishment, every thing i undertake right now just goes wrong , and i just cant accept that the hand of a loving father is upon me , i have been a christian now for 5 years and to be honest the worst 5 years of my life i am totally confused

To anonymous,That is exactly how I feel.. and it's...

2007-11-20T13:53:00.000-05:00

To anonymous,

That is exactly how I feel.. and it's been that way for years.. childhood abuse victim and scapegoat, depression leading to failure, ADD-ness, rape, pregnancy, homelessness, abusive marriage and rape again, homelessness, kicked out of "home" after "home" for no good reason, poor hygiene? no - NO HYGIENE, filth, destruction, sin, liars, betrayers everywhere around me, with God being "a bear lying in wait" (Lamentations 3) And right now I'm being kicked out again, my strength is so sapped, I can barely pack, my water will be turned off tomorrow, my needs being manipulated by my psychopathic mother that everyone believes is so sweet and "loves" me, only playing into her goals, don't know where we'll go, and much, much more - This has been my hellish life for over 8 years, not counting my childhood hell days... "When will anyone show me any good?" "I will openly declare my complaint!" as Job said. I once had faith, now, after all these years, it is just dwindling away.. is that what God wants? And He showed me clearly that He punished me, sorry is some can't believe that this can be true. This does not mean I'm not His child, nor does it mean I'm condemned to hell.. it means that He hates idolatry and He will JUDGE. He used oppression to punish the Isrealites, and He's used oppression to punish me. Those who, in their own willful sin, participated in the oppression of the Israelites will face their punishment too. Likewise, those who participated in oppressing me, (God using their sin) will face their punished. He still avenged the Israelites, and He will avenge me too. And knowing all this, my faith that He will ever show me any good is dwindling, and bitterness has become my most faithful companion. Most people have no clue what this level of suffering and destruction and loss, etc, is like, yet they can't seem to shut up their mouths with worthless advice, like Job's friends, when they ought not dare to speak on it. May God have mercy, how will we praise You if we go down to the pit?

so many times I here people say that he punishes y...

2007-08-08T17:09:00.000-05:00

so many times I here people say that he punishes you to make you go the way he wants. what is that!
Just like Jobe... is that any consolation. When you lose every thing ,even your health, then your Home, car, children, dignity as a human. Not over the years but in months. When people turn their back,and you begging with needs.when youre trying your best to serve, but every time you think something will ease may the pain gets worse. when you beg for his voice, his peace anything to know he cares and you get nothing;except someone you thought loved you,telling you God told them you need to be more humble. When you have been stripped of ever essance that says youre a woman not beast, when you feel that you are trash that needs tossed. when you take baths in creeks. when you live homeless.
when you use to have a job, a home, children , laughter, friends sometimes ease.when you cant die no matter what you try. when your not allowed to feel angry,or disappointed. dont you wonder what he really needs from someone like this.... he doesnt need anything thats the point,but why do we breath.
when people tell you well if you pleased God it wouldnt happen but you see in their life atleast as much,mistakes

I used to really take it personally when I felt Go...

2006-02-27T20:08:00.000-05:00

I used to really take it personally when I felt God was personally 'punishing' me. I too had read through all those Old Testament stories, and actually found myself frightened at how our God was a God of Retribution and Justice. It was a total turnaround from the warm and fuzzy image I'd always had of God - kind of like 'He knows my heart' kind of thing without much accountability. I now believe that God doesn't 'punish' me so much as chastise me - and it says that He chastises those He loves. He corrects me in the way I should go out of love, not necessarily anger. You 'punish' your children when they disobey your rules, but only because you want them to be safe. I hope - and pray - that God continues to love me this way.

Standing Firm, I trust your judgement. I'm just ...

2006-02-10T16:44:00.000-05:00

Standing Firm,
I trust your judgement. I'm just glad it was there long enough for us to exchange some thoughts and hopefully provide a little support.
God Bless, Sue

Sue, I deleted the previous post so that it is not...

2006-02-09T18:37:00.000-05:00

Sue, I deleted the previous post so that it is not stubled upon inadvertently. I do not wish to do damage to others. I thank you again for your help and your prayers.

Forgetting is indeed the hard part. Forgiveness i...

2006-02-08T23:52:00.000-05:00

Forgetting is indeed the hard part. Forgiveness is a decision. Forgetting is a process of erasing something that's in our memory.

I heard a sermon on that once. He said "Forgetting means that when the thought comes into your head, you purpose to push it out again. But more importantly, you don't talk about it again. When you continually push the thoughts out of your head, and especially when you refuse to talk about it, eventually, the thoughts will come less and less, and you'll have essentially 'forgotten.'

God is God, and we're not. Although we're commanded to purpose to be like Him, we're never going to get there, so don't beat yourself up for not being able to forget like He would. However...

Forgiveness means wiping the slate clean. Talking about it says the slate isn't totally, absolutely clean. As you find yourself thinking about it and having feelings about it, pray that God will take any remaining negativity away, even the subtle stuff that stays locked up in the nooks and crannies of our minds.

When you feel the thought come into your head, pray pray pray. Focus on Jesus with all you're worth. "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6) Take the thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5)

Another thing I do is memorize large sections of Scripture. When thoughts come into your head you don't like, immediately try to recite the scripture you've memorized. I'm not talking a verse or two. I'm talking 14 verses. Memorize John 1:1-14, and then when a rogue thought pops into your head, start "In the begining...". Or choose your favorize Psalm and memorize the entire thing. I memorized all of Psalm 40, and when I need to focus, I start "I waited patiently for the Lord..." and by the time I've recited the whole thing, I'm calm, the memory is gone, and I have peace.

Focusing on reciting accurately will distract you and focus you back on the Spirit. And every time you successfully supplant the thought with a pray and scripture, you've erased a layer from the top.

Jesus didn't say "Blessed are those who are righteous." He said "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." Hunger and thirst for Jesus to repace the memory, and He will.

There is life and peace there.

Wow, if I may I would like to comment. While read...

2006-02-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

Wow, if I may I would like to comment. While reading your story, standing_firm, God was confirming all that sue mentioned. As well I would like to add that, for me personally, forgiveness can come easy. But forgetting is the hard part like you had mentioned. But God remines me that he totally forgets what I have done to him, so should I not do that for others? Of coarse, but man is it hard. Then one day, as I was struggling with someone in my church God gave me the eyes that he saw that person in. He showed me how much he loved them and it was overwhelming and scary. But amazing. And he will show you the same if you allow him to. Because we are all brothers and sisters, called by God to love one another. And family fight more than non-family members.

I want you to know that I am not judging or trying to pass my own opion of onto you. I want to share that I am where you are right now, but I am not letting go because God has called me to where I am. It can be hard at times, but Gods love for my family keeps me going. I know one day there will be reconciliation!

I want to bless you and surround you with love that passes all understanding. I pray that peace in this and other circumstances will overwhelm you and your family.

Blessings Your sister In Christ

i have printed out that prayer and I am going to k...

2006-02-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

i have printed out that prayer and I am going to keep it by my side and pray it if and when I am tempted to pick up this burden again. Thank you

You were very helpful! It is difficult sometimes f...

2006-02-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

You were very helpful! It is difficult sometimes for me to trust what I feel. Thank you for apologizing I know it came from your heart.

I have forgiven it is the forgetting that is my trouble. I lay down the hurt and try not to pick it up again, sometimes I am more sucessful than other times. When I am not I try to examine what is going on that day that is causing me to ruminate more.

I re-read the story in Luke of the prodigal son. It is what God spoke to me in my heart. I know He is pleased and I know the angels rejoiced when i turned back to Him.

My friends in the church have decided to "trust the church leadership" even though they know what happened was an awful thing so I am dusting off my feet. I will continue to pray that truth prevails, no one else is hurt by a possible wolf in sheeps clothing, and to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We live in tough times for even the strongest among us, my prayers are for the weaker ones who have trouble testing reality.

Thank you for your ministry.

Your Sister in Christ

Dear Standing Firm,First of all, do something for ...

2006-02-08T20:03:00.000-05:00

Dear Standing Firm,

First of all, do something for me. Re-read Luke 15 - the Prodigal son story. There are several aspects of your story - particularly your reaction to the church abuse - that you'll find there. First of all, you're absolutely right. The Bible has several incidents where people asked God for something He didn't want for them, but because they wanted it so badly, He gave it to them. The Prodigal son story is a perfect illustration of that. But what happened when he repented and returned? Note these things:

1) The father saw him from far away. Why was that? Because he was LOOKING for him to return! He wouldn't go after him because he loved his son enough to let him learn what he needed to learn. But he never stopped looking.

2) Second, he RAN to him! In those days, it was extremely undignified for a Jewish man to run. But he didn't care. He was so excited, he ran anyway.

3) He immediately wrapped his returning son in a robe and all the fineries and gave a feast in his name.

That's what you experienced when you returned! God was watching for you, and when you turned, He RAN to meet you!! What a great picture, and what a great God! Welcome back into the real "church," the church that is Jesus' bride.

Now second, let me offer a thought. Unfortunately, the church - the bride of Jesus - is made up of people. People are flawed, sinful, deceitfully wicked. They often make bad decisions. Even those who are the "elders and pinnacles" of the church. They're just people with deceitfully wicked hearts, sinners, falling short like the rest of us. I'm horrified that you were the unhappy victim of their failures, and I'd like to personally apologize to you for their conduct. We're all family, and if my daughter offended you that way, I'd feel led to apologize on her behalf. On behalf of them, even thought they don't know, I'm deeply sorry, and please forgive my church family for offending and hurting you. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Now having said that, forgiveness is not forgetting, and forgiving doesn't mean you have to associate with those whom you've forgiven. I'm not going to go into it here, but please take a minute and read my thoughts on forgiveness.

But what about reconciliation? Jesus said "be reconciled to your brother" in Matthew 5:24. He also said "so far as is up to you, be at peace with all men."

Jesus wants us to reconcile. No question. But even David left the palace when Saul came after him with a sword. He never lost his love or respect for Saul as his 'father' or as God's anointed, but he couldn't stay.

My thinking is this: Think about approaching them and confronting them. When the Bible says "be reconciled to your brother," the inference is that the offense could have gone either way. Whether you’re the offended or the offender, if you're the one hurting, you need to go to your brother. Matthew 18 says the same thing. Think about that.

If they ask for your forgiveness, by all means give it. If they ask you to come back to the church, consider it, but remember that David left where it was not safe to be. You need to think about whether or not it is safe for you. There are plenty of churches, some more spiritually functional than others, and you need to pray about what God wants for you.

Finally, if you have friends in the church, ask them their opinion. God can work through our brothers and sisters, and often communicates with us through them. The sources of God's communication with us are 1) Prayer, 2) Scripture, 3) Our God-given authorities (husband, church leaders we trust, etc.) and 4) Other Christians. I've even had God speak to me through non-believers, and I know others who have also.

One final thing to close. I am so sorry about the loss of the child. God loves all of us and I personally believe that children whose lives are cut short have a special place in his heart and his Kingdom. You have many losses to grieve. Please take the time to do that. Read a good Christian book on grief. You'll be glad you did.

My prayers are with you. I hope this was helpful. Please e-mail me directly at sue@opnhrt.com if you'd like.

No problemo sister in Christ. My hope and prayer ...

2006-02-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

No problemo sister in Christ. My hope and prayer is that you will post again with more inspiring wisdom. I always enjoy how God has uniquely blessed each one of us. And you are totally blessed!

I'd like to thank both of you for visiting and lea...

2006-02-07T06:27:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank both of you for visiting and leaving comments. Your encouragement and support mean a great deal to me. I value your thoughts, and I appreciate your love for the Word and for the Lord. Thanks, Sue

It would have been nice to stumble upon this blog ...

2006-02-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

It would have been nice to stumble upon this blog a couple of months ago. All in His time though and I am glad I am here now. Thanks for your blog. I am sure I will be a frequent visitor.

Living Faith- My sincere apologies. I inadvertent...

2006-02-05T09:03:00.000-05:00

Living Faith- My sincere apologies. I inadvertently deleted your post. Here it is again:

Wow, I needed these words. I have struggled, basically as far back as I can remember, with is God punishing me! Even though I know that he is not, it is truly hard to believe. When I sin, I ask for forgiveness and repent but sometimes I think that God will punish me for doing the same sin over and over and over. But Gods word says his plans for me is to prosper me and Not to harm me. So I figured, for myself, that as a resault of a abusive earthly father I view God as my heavenly father who will punish me.

I am thankful that you touched on this subject. By no means am I a theology student. I just am sharing how I struggle with the same thing. My hope is that somehow God will bless you in turn because I know you have blessed me, so thanks!

Living Faith's profile here