Pray 4 Hamster Superthread

[mossrose]

1 Cor. 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

[Bill the Cat]

I am proud of the life you have chosen to live Hamster. Resisting sin is often all we can do.

[Teallaura]

You are not alone. Yeah, we're here too but that's not it. You have Someone Else in your corner - He died for you, He sure as heck isn't gonna give up on you just because the going gets a bit tough. What you can't handle - which is everything, really - He can! Let Him help you, even if it's just by waiting for Him.

He's God - He can handle it!

[Christy]

[hamster]

Thanks for your prayers guys.

You're not alone, hamster. We all struggle with temptation - in fact, I was talking just yesterday with my priest about dealing with temptation. And though the idea of confessing to a priest was a huge barrier to conversion, I've since found it extremely helpful.

I actually like priest confession, that's one thing I miss about being Catholic, though I only had first confession. I'm pretty much a shut-in, I work nights so I can work alone and when I'm not at work I'm in my bedroom. Unfortunately the only contact I have with Christians is through the internet

[Teallaura]

Thanks for your prayers guys.


I actually like priest confession, that's one thing I miss about being Catholic, though I only had first confession. I'm pretty much a shut-in, I work nights so I can work alone and when I'm not at work I'm in my bedroom. Unfortunately the only contact I have with Christians is through the internet

To quote Jamie from Mythbusters, "There's your problem!" You need fellowship with real live warm bodies that can hug and touch and set you straight if need be - you know, friends, Christian ones. The more isolated you become the harder resistance becomes.

Forget the Borg comeback - resistance is never futile with Christ in your corner! But you were made to be with others - humans don't come in 'asocial', they just don't. Christians are no exception - we need others as much, if not more, than non-Christians. Withdrawal is bad for us (this chick knows whence she speaks - I'd hide in my little corner forever if God would let me - and I'd be much the worst for it). You have GOT to make 'fellowship' a priority.

I do too know how much easier that is said than done - but do it anyway. You need it - socializing is like food to the spirit. No spiritual starvation! It's bad for you.

Granted, people socializing can be meat and potatoes but is often a junk food snack but calories is calories and we need 'em! Yes, you need God more - but He's more like air to the spirit - going without for very long makes you dead inside. You need both air and food - that's how God made us all. Pixel people can be a wonderful treat - but they can't hug you properly or really be with you like you need.

I know you know this and suspect you don't really want to hear it. Some temptations (and I don't know what you're struggling with so I'm not assuming anything here - it's just my impression) get harder to deal with with other people around and when you're already struggling, it's tempting to just avoid people altogether - tempting, but unwise. Withdrawal is a trap - you NEED other warm bodies to be around and with - so go find you some.

My best advise (had a hard time learning to accept it myself) and a virtual hug are all I can give you online. You're of course in my prayers.

[rogue06]

To quote Jamie from Mythbusters, "There's your problem!" You need fellowship with real live warm bodies that can hug and touch and set you straight if need be - you know, friends, Christian ones. The more isolated you become the harder resistance becomes.

Forget the Borg comeback - resistance is never futile with Christ in your corner! But you were made to be with others - humans don't come in 'asocial', they just don't. Christians are no exception - we need others as much, if not more, than non-Christians. Withdrawal is bad for us (this chick knows whence she speaks - I'd hide in my little corner forever if God would let me - and I'd be much the worst for it). You have GOT to make 'fellowship' a priority.

I do too know how much easier that is said than done - but do it anyway. You need it - socializing is like food to the spirit. No spiritual starvation! It's bad for you.

Granted, people socializing can be meat and potatoes but is often a junk food snack but calories is calories and we need 'em! Yes, you need God more - but He's more like air to the spirit - going without for very long makes you dead inside. You need both air and food - that's how God made us all. Pixel people can be a wonderful treat - but they can't hug you properly or really be with you like you need.

I know you know this and suspect you don't really want to hear it. Some temptations (and I don't know what you're struggling with so I'm not assuming anything here - it's just my impression) get harder to deal with with other people around and when you're already struggling, it's tempting to just avoid people altogether - tempting, but unwise. Withdrawal is a trap - you NEED other warm bodies to be around and with - so go find you some.

My best advise (had a hard time learning to accept it myself) and a virtual hug are all I can give you online. You're of course in my prayers.

What she said.

[RumTumTugger]

[hamster]

To quote Jamie from Mythbusters, "There's your problem!" You need fellowship with real live warm bodies that can hug and touch and set you straight if need be - you know, friends, Christian ones. The more isolated you become the harder resistance becomes.

Forget the Borg comeback - resistance is never futile with Christ in your corner! But you were made to be with others - humans don't come in 'asocial', they just don't. Christians are no exception - we need others as much, if not more, than non-Christians. Withdrawal is bad for us (this chick knows whence she speaks - I'd hide in my little corner forever if God would let me - and I'd be much the worst for it). You have GOT to make 'fellowship' a priority.

I do too know how much easier that is said than done - but do it anyway. You need it - socializing is like food to the spirit. No spiritual starvation! It's bad for you.

Granted, people socializing can be meat and potatoes but is often a junk food snack but calories is calories and we need 'em! Yes, you need God more - but He's more like air to the spirit - going without for very long makes you dead inside. You need both air and food - that's how God made us all. Pixel people can be a wonderful treat - but they can't hug you properly or really be with you like you need.

I know you know this and suspect you don't really want to hear it. Some temptations (and I don't know what you're struggling with so I'm not assuming anything here - it's just my impression) get harder to deal with with other people around and when you're already struggling, it's tempting to just avoid people altogether - tempting, but unwise. Withdrawal is a trap - you NEED other warm bodies to be around and with - so go find you some.

My best advise (had a hard time learning to accept it myself) and a virtual hug are all I can give you online. You're of course in my prayers.

Thanks for the great post

It's not that I don't want to hear that I have to go to church, it's just that I have really bad stumbling blocks. My mental health problems for starters, which are pretty severe, and also... I just don't know what church to go to or even how to "do" church. I haven't been to church since I was 14 years old when I had my first communion and confession. I wish I still agreed with Catholic tradition sometimes just so I could just continue being Catholic. I don't even know where I stand on countless issues (non-essentials, but important) or where I should even go... then there's the gay thing. Last time I tried to join a church was about six years ago. I had severe depression and a pastor agreed to speak with me because I was suicidal. It was a nice talk .. but then in a follow up e-mail I mentioned my problem with homosexuality and I never heard anything from them again. That made me feel (whether rationally or irrationally) incredibly rejected and I'm honestly really scared of anything like that happening again. I have an avoidant personality, and while not a full blown personality disorder, it's still a big part of me

[DesertBerean]

Keep going to church. Find one that teaches the Bible and have fellowship. There ARE churches out that deal with the issues you talk about with love and support.

[hamster]

do I have to agree with the denomination completely? Do I just show up and sit down? They won't point me out will they? Sorry if this sounds silly...

[One Bad Pig]

do I have to agree with the denomination completely? Do I just show up and sit down? They won't point me out will they? Sorry if this sounds silly...

I think most churches will let you attend regardless of your beliefs, as long as you aren't being disruptive by challenging their beliefs. Membership/full participation will likely be more restricted to those who agree with the denomination's beliefs, however.

The Orthodox priests I know are generally willing to hear anyone's confession and offer advice, though they will only pronounce absolution for Orthodox members in good standing.

[RumTumTugger]

do I have to agree with the denomination completely? Do I just show up and sit down? They won't point me out will they? Sorry if this sounds silly...

hamster if you could come to my neck of the woods my church will let you attend no problems. in fact my pastor is a preterist. we just left PCUSA and went to another denomination that teaches the bible(one of the reasons we left PCUSA since htey don't accept the Bible as the word of God) and fellowship is good there. that is if it isn't to far for you to go.

[Raphael]

do I have to agree with the denomination completely?

No, most Churches will be happy so long as you agree with the essentials of Christianity (which you do). Heck, I'm on the leadership team at my Church and my pastor knows I disagree with him on some issues, but they're not essential ones to Christianity.

That being said, if you're Charismatic and you go to a cessationist Church, expect some lively discussions with the pastor (and vice versa).

I would recommend visiting a number of churches, more than once, and finding the one you fit in. My opinion is that I would rather that you were attending A church where you are getting fellowship than not going to Church

Do I just show up and sit down?

Yes

They won't point me out will they?

Probably not. we do ask visitors to put up their hands, and then give them chocolate.

Sorry if this sounds silly...

If you don't know the answer it's not a silly question

[Darth Xena]

Thanks for the great post

It's not that I don't want to hear that I have to go to church, it's just that I have really bad stumbling blocks. My mental health problems for starters, which are pretty severe, and also... I just don't know what church to go to or even how to "do" church. I haven't been to church since I was 14 years old when I had my first communion and confession. I wish I still agreed with Catholic tradition sometimes just so I could just continue being Catholic. I don't even know where I stand on countless issues (non-essentials, but important) or where I should even go... then there's the gay thing. Last time I tried to join a church was about six years ago. I had severe depression and a pastor agreed to speak with me because I was suicidal. It was a nice talk .. but then in a follow up e-mail I mentioned my problem with homosexuality and I never heard anything from them again. That made me feel (whether rationally or irrationally) incredibly rejected and I'm honestly really scared of anything like that happening again. I have an avoidant personality, and while not a full blown personality disorder, it's still a big part of me

This breaks my heart. Just go hammy… and if they are jerks, it is them not you. I wish you were by me, I go to Scum of the Earth Church, can't much more real than that.