I did mention rules..lol...but it wasn't because I wanted to slam on anyone religion.It was just some content that I didn't want to offend anyone with.
But I do believe that there is some truth in all faiths,just not 100% truth in 1 faith,because I believe that God is everywhere,and with all faiths,not just one.His love is spread out around the entire universe,and all of existence,in all cultures,like you said,and all religions,even the twisted one's,there the one's that need him the most!

Justice, I've found lots of my perceptions about who I thought God is to be "twisted" as you say. As a Christian, I find God's living Word and written Word to be the sources of Truth. So, I thought if you would like we would look at what the scriptures have to say about your very important question.

Actually, at first glance your statement "that God would not give any one person more than they can handle" seems to be legit. I mean I've heard sayings similar to this off and on my whole life, but just because you hear something over and over doesn't make it true. Let's check the Bible and specifically look at 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, that you may be able to endure it." There it is God will not give you a __________. Wait. It doesn't say burden but instead it says "temptation." Temptations and burdens are totally different.

Now, let's find some other verses, specifically 2 Corinthians 1:8-9: "For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." Notice that even Paul was burdenened excessively and even despaired of life. Ever felt that way? Why would God allow such a great man like Paul, who had important missionary work to accomplish, to be burdened excessively? Why would He allow such great pains to you and me? Many on this thread have given possible answers to this. I doubt we will know all of the answers to this on this side of heaven, but I think I know part of it. You see we all are born into this world wanting to do our own thing. Salvation is marvelous, but even if you have been saved, we continue to remain in control of our life most of the time. Oh, we may strive and try hard to live the Christian life, but at some point as circumstances overwhelm us and we feel burdened excessively to the point that we give up. God you are going to have to live through me. Finally, God replies: "now, you are ready to trust me and not yourselves." Hey, this is what happened to me anyway. As we give up and let God teach us, we find life liveable again. Slowly, we find some peace on occasions despite circumstances. I loose this peace and continue to struggle and God gently nudges me once again to depend on him. For brief periods of time, I find myself experiencing the "abundant life" promised in John 10:10. Oh, how I want more of that life, the life of Christ living abundantly through me. Are you interested in living such an abundant life? Any comments?

And to Sally's Mom, Amen. As we are burdened excessively and then depend on Christ, we learn that indeed "Jesus gave His life FOR us, so that He could give His Life TO us, so that He could live His Life THROUGH us."

David

Oh,David,I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to come out as meaning that God himself is Twisted.I meant that the religous teachings I was being taught as a child was twisted,like the kind of things that my Mother was telling me about my families religion was extremely twisted.But I truly do not believe that God is Twisted,God is Love,and Love is not twisted at all,it's the most powerful thing in the world,I believe.I'm so sorry you misunderstood what I meant.I really hope I didn't offend you.But I'm glad you said something,because if you took it that way,some others may have also,and I would have wanted to straighten this out.I don't want to sound evil! God has blessed me with so much in my life,and to call him twisted would offend me as well.I hope you understand better what I meant now,and don't look at me as a bad person.

Aw, Justice, we know you're not a twisted sister. You wouldn't be here doing the twist with us if you were. I'm often misunderstood in the same way.

I can't speak for David, but I think he was just offering specific counseling and interpretation of the Bible in case you were interested in further Bible study.

Don't worry, no one will beat you up for being "evil" here, even if you're into that sort of thing. I don't think you are though - that would be....twisted

Justice,

Oh no, I never thought you were saying God is twisted or that you were sounding evil. I think EVERYONE has misconceptions about God because our families that raised us were imperfect and the churches that taught us were imperfect and also because there is an enemy in this world that desires to deceive us about our wonderful God. Or, at least that is MY story. So, now that I have clarified your concern maybe you and others can reread my thread if interested and if you have questions about the content, please reply. I am inconsistent in checking threads, but I will make a point to return eventually.

David

P.S. - Amen to "God is Love."

Justice,

You are no more twisted then the rest of us. LOL. In fact we have all been or are now going through something. That's why we are here. Without getting specific, religions can be twisted or people twist them or .......well you already know that. God is different. He is bigger and wiser than all of that. If fact he is love himself as you pointed out.

David was pointing out what he has experienced as well as what the Bible has to say. They don't have to be mutually exclusive.

By the way, welcome back David. We have actually posted together before, (see the back page of this board - a thread called Grace Walk.)

What we have learned is that God is not a mean God who wants everything a certain way and then zaps us when we don't measure up. Yes, as I mentioned in my earlier posts, the Bible teaches that Jesus did come to earth and die for the sins of the world. If we as individuals admit we have sinned and receive the gift of salvation - also known as mercy and grace, then we can know that we are saved. Once that issue is settled, then how do we live?
Do we still try to do the best we can, trying to measure up to a God that never seems to be satisfied?

No! God himself not only does not condemn us but comes right where we are and helps us. He continues to do that. He is not our enemy. He loves us more than we love ourselves. Why? Because he made us and doesn't give up on us.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.

As Chemar pointed out, this is a muti-faith board. I think she means we are not to bash any particular brand of religion. I, and I think I can speak for David and others, are talking specifically about Christianity and what the Bible says. If people are not interested in that, that is all right, but I think it is OK to talk about this in general terms......Moderators correct me if I'm wrong.

Now, Justice, you have been through a lot. You have been hurt. I validate your feelings. I don't believe you need to apologize to anyone. You have raised a very good question at the beginning of this thread.

Judy

I do believe in the Bible,and would allow one in my house.But Book of Mormons,are not allowed in my house or,
But I'm glad we were able to clear up that misunderstanding that I don't think that God is Twisted.

just wanted to leave a for Justice and more for everyone else too

May your day be blessed

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! BUT I DON'T FEEL LIKE I CAN REALLY OBJECTIVELY DISCUSS RELIGION AND ISSUES WITHIN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.I KNOW I STARTED THIS THREAD WITH MY QUESTION ABOUT GOD,BUT I FEEL LIKE MY QUESTION HAS BEEN ANSWERED BY MANY OF YOU,AND I APPRECIATE THE HELP! SO HUGS TO YOU ALL!
NOW I'M OUT! ANY PRIVATE MESSAGES I'LL EXCEPT,BUT I CAN'T SAY WHAT I REALLY THINK IN OPEN FORUM! I'M SORRY,BUT I HAVE TO THINK OF ALL THE MEMBERS FEELINGS,NOT JUST A CERTAIN FEW.MUCH PEACE AND LOVE!

that's ok Justice. I sure do understand When things have hurt us deeply it colors so much doesnt it.

you are always welcome in the Sanctuary. we can love and support you even without details Justice.