Can we do this?

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Feb 7, 2015
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#1
I say, in all honesty, that we cannot. And that the majority of us would not even try.

My wife just came to me, and said that she was recently challenged to read the Bible as though there was not a word in there which pertained to THEM.... but rather, that every single word was written to and about her, personally.

I say none of us, including myself has the guts to do that.

I think we lack the ability to ask, "Are you saying that directly to ME, God?"
 

kodiak

Senior Member
Mar 8, 2015
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#2
I have actually been trying to do this...Are you going to try?
 

Yeraza_Bats

Senior Member
Dec 11, 2014
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#4
What do you mean to them, and to ourselves personally? Like, I sometimes here people make the claim that God left the Jews with verses where Christ says stuff about how "none of you are righteous", but I always take that to mean all of us, how we are all fallen, and how He has come to save us Himself.


I may not be anywhere near what you are saying : p I just wanted more clarification I guess : p
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#5
What do you mean to them, and to ourselves personally? Like, I sometimes here people make the claim that God left the Jews with verses where Christ says stuff about how "none of you are righteous", but I always take that to mean all of us, how we are all fallen, and how He has come to save us Himself.


I may not be anywhere near what you are saying : p I just wanted more clarification I guess : p
You are right where I am saying. But how many verses can we do that with before we find ourselves saying... "This is exactly what ___________ needs to hear." Or, "Yep, that is sure the way those Grace/Legalistic people (you pick the one that fits for you) think or act."
 
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Joidevivre

Senior Member
Jul 15, 2014
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#6
I have done this. Of course, there are lots of verses that do not pertain to me - but I sure found the ones that were like an arrow in my heart. And underlined them. I wanted to grab hold of many of them. And if I questioned if this was right, I sort of heard the words to my spirit "why not?"

I think I would like your wife, Willie.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#7
I have done this. Of course, there are lots of verses that do not pertain to me - but I sure found the ones that were like an arrow in my heart. And underlined them. I wanted to grab hold of many of them. And if I questioned if this was right, I sort of heard the words to my spirit "why not?"

I think I would like your wife, Willie.
Yeah, she's quite a woman. In our church and other spiritual venues, I am the one who makes more noise.... but SHE is the one people consistently ask to pray for them. The preaching staff is always bringing new and troubled people to us for guidance and counseling. But, they really don't address me. It pretty plain that I am only being included as a courtesy to her. She is the one they know will be reaching both God and the people, even though I am the one with a background in that field..
 
I

Is

Guest
#8
I don't ever read the Bible with the thought that I'm not included.

Hey did you listen to Fresh Air by Quicksilver Messenger Service on my Woodstock thread?

If we're being led by the Spirit then the Bible is meant for us.
 
I

Is

Guest
#9
You know Willie I have a problem with dis-association. The older generation in my husbands family, all hard core Southern Baptist could just stick their heads in the sand like a bunch of Ostrichs. Maybe I watch too much news on TV. I try to have faith every day that things are going according to plan, but I have days when I feel God needs to get this show on the road.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#10
I say, in all honesty, that we cannot. And that the majority of us would not even try.

My wife just came to me, and said that she was recently challenged to read the Bible as though there was not a word in there which pertained to THEM.... but rather, that every single word was written to and about her, personally.

I say none of us, including myself has the guts to do that.

I think we lack the ability to ask, "Are you saying that directly to ME, God?"
Little problem. The Bible isn't about us. It's about God. God centered. Not me centered.
 
S

sydlit

Guest
#11
Little problem. The Bible isn't about us. It's about God. God centered. Not me centered.
Indeed, but I have to admit, I'm a bit confused by the OP.
I tend to see the bible as one giant love-letter written by the creator to his creation. My problem is I tend to personalize the bad news, (I never knew you, depart from me, ... If you don't have the spirit, you're none of His, ... etc, etc.), but the good stuff I tend to see as written to everybody else, (You are loved with an everlasting love, ... I will never leave you, ... etc.) and some will probably laugh at me about this, (oh, well, that shows Their heart), but this really troubles me at times, and I almost feel like I have to fight Against what God is telling me in His word because it's too painful to accept. But I rarely read a passage and think, 'Oh, God's talking about this or that sect of believers'. But like I say, I probably am not understanding the OP correctly. As usual.:p
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#12
For you who "can't see it", let's take only a couple of verses directed at Peter, and trust that you can get the idea from that.

"Get behind me Satan."

"Do you love me?"
.......... the answer wasn't good enough.
"Do you love me?"
.......... again, the answer wasn't good enough.
"Do you love me?"
.......... the answer STILL wasn't acceptable.

The point of this exercise is to put yourself in the mindset that Jesus didn't say those things to Peter. He said them to YOU.
 

student

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2010
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#13
Enjoying this thread...The bible is God centered, but written for US. He already knows... so good, so good.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#14
Enjoying this thread...The bible is God centered, but written for US. He already knows... so good, so good.
My wife just told me that she did Romans 12 today, interjecting her own name at every place she could use it as a substitute for what was actually written. It really had a profound effect on her.
 

student

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2010
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#15
Will try to do that tonight. -Thanks!
 

eternallife7

Senior Member
May 19, 2015
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#16
You have no choice but to realize that it is being spoken to you. It is a covenant between you and God. God might use letters written to other people in the past to convey it to you, but it all aplies to us someway or another.
 

Stunnedbygrace

Senior Member
Nov 12, 2015
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#17
I definitely get your point Willie!I shared this elsewhere, something God once told me:
If I read my bible and my first thought is how so and so REALLY needs to read this, it is a sure sign that I am having a problem with seeing.
 
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shebamo

Guest
#18
You know Willie I have a problem with dis-association. The older generation in my husbands family, all hard core Southern Baptist could just stick their heads in the sand like a bunch of Ostrichs. Maybe I watch too much news on TV. I try to have faith every day that things are going according to plan, but I have days when I feel God needs to get this show on the road.
Paul was kind of like that. He so badly wanted to be with the Lord but knew he had to do what God wanted him to do.
 
S

shebamo

Guest
#19
Indeed, but I have to admit, I'm a bit confused by the OP.
I tend to see the bible as one giant love-letter written by the creator to his creation. My problem is I tend to personalize the bad news, (I never knew you, depart from me, ... If you don't have the spirit, you're none of His, ... etc, etc.), but the good stuff I tend to see as written to everybody else, (You are loved with an everlasting love, ... I will never leave you, ... etc.) and some will probably laugh at me about this, (oh, well, that shows Their heart), but this really troubles me at times, and I almost feel like I have to fight Against what God is telling me in His word because it's too painful to accept. But I rarely read a passage and think, 'Oh, God's talking about this or that sect of believers'. But like I say, I probably am not understanding the OP correctly. As usual.:p
Oh dear--this is serious. Sounds like you are still holding yourself in condemnation. Read those love words over and over again and claim them. He died for you and forgave you because he loved you first now you can love him back for all he has done for you. Cry out all your shame and guilt at the cross then take his hand and let him lift you up off your knees and love you. He is your life now. Walk in his light Do not fight it, receive it jesus-and-child-1.jpg
 
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Feb 7, 2015
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#20
Indeed, but I have to admit, I'm a bit confused by the OP.
I tend to see the bible as one giant love-letter written by the creator to his creation. My problem is I tend to personalize the bad news, (I never knew you, depart from me, ... If you don't have the spirit, you're none of His, ... etc, etc.), but the good stuff I tend to see as written to everybody else, (You are loved with an everlasting love, ... I will never leave you, ... etc.) and some will probably laugh at me about this, (oh, well, that shows Their heart), but this really troubles me at times, and I almost feel like I have to fight Against what God is telling me in His word because it's too painful to accept. But I rarely read a passage and think, 'Oh, God's talking about this or that sect of believers'. But like I say, I probably am not understanding the OP correctly. As usual.:p
No, it sounds like you pretty well understood what I was saying.