This is for Sweets:
Hun, I never intended the Earthen Vessels thread to be one of condemnation. And it grieves me that it has made anyone feel that way. Its only for those that God convicts of smoking. If He hasnt told you to quit, then by all means, dont feel guilty about it!
If God has told someone to quit and they are struggling with it, I wanted to have a place where they can get encouragement.
When we are saved, there is a lot of "cleaning" up that needs to be done. But its not always done instantaneously. For most people (like me!) its a process that takes time. And one thing at a time! For me, I had to learn to be honest, even when its scary. Then to pay attention to people and not be in my own little world all the time. But while I was learning to be honest, I was still in my own little world and He didnt say anything about it. Or about anything else that needed to be changed. Only later, like about 2 years, did God ask me to quit smoking. Please note: He ASKED!
The wonderful thing about God is, you really dont have to stress out over stuff. If He wants to change something in you, then rest in Him and let Him do all the work! Just be open to His leading and be willing to be obedient, even when its hard or a little scary. Because He wants the best for you and would never lead you down the wrong path.
I have found that the problem with alot of religious organizations is legalism. You have to conform to what their ideal is in order to be accepted. But like Bondman has repeatedly said "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"! We are accepted just the way we are, warts and all!
There may be some things that we WANT to do, to please God, not man. But to be forced to conform to their rules because it is what THEY do and not what GOD has said...well that puts burdens on people that shouldnt be!
Blessings!
Fluffy
Hun, I never intended the Earthen Vessels thread to be one of condemnation. And it grieves me that it has made anyone feel that way. Its only for those that God convicts of smoking. If He hasnt told you to quit, then by all means, dont feel guilty about it!
If God has told someone to quit and they are struggling with it, I wanted to have a place where they can get encouragement.
When we are saved, there is a lot of "cleaning" up that needs to be done. But its not always done instantaneously. For most people (like me!) its a process that takes time. And one thing at a time! For me, I had to learn to be honest, even when its scary. Then to pay attention to people and not be in my own little world all the time. But while I was learning to be honest, I was still in my own little world and He didnt say anything about it. Or about anything else that needed to be changed. Only later, like about 2 years, did God ask me to quit smoking. Please note: He ASKED!
The wonderful thing about God is, you really dont have to stress out over stuff. If He wants to change something in you, then rest in Him and let Him do all the work! Just be open to His leading and be willing to be obedient, even when its hard or a little scary. Because He wants the best for you and would never lead you down the wrong path.
I have found that the problem with alot of religious organizations is legalism. You have to conform to what their ideal is in order to be accepted. But like Bondman has repeatedly said "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"! We are accepted just the way we are, warts and all!
There may be some things that we WANT to do, to please God, not man. But to be forced to conform to their rules because it is what THEY do and not what GOD has said...well that puts burdens on people that shouldnt be!
Blessings!
Fluffy
