Is God with us every step of the way?

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:48 am

Well, in an effort to better myself and the persons around me, I created a website. And personally, I like to persuade souls via the internet. It seems that, well, now and days everyone has the internet, but not only that, it seems much easier to have people visit my website than any other way. Of course, most of the time I only get people who already are saved, but once in a blue moon I get the occasional first timer who is transformed. I love running the site, as it is non-profit at the moment, I just wish more people would visit it and check out how awesome God really is, and how he IS with us every step of the way. If you're interested, you may visit at www.ebenediction.org , and if you're not... simply disregard this post.

Thanks,

Scott.

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:58 am

With us every step of they way? How? How can that be possible in a world rife with violence, greed, cruelty, starvation, murder, rape, genocide. No, wait. The question really isn't how is that possible...it's more like what's the point?

I'm not buying a just and merciful god who loves all of his children whom he created and then leaves to suffer like he does. The free choice idea isn't cutting it, either since the bible told of miracles where he directly involves himself in the affairs of men.

There are too many holes in all of this for my tastes. But thank you anyway.

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:07 am

Well, that's certainly understandable. But yet, why are you blaming those things on God when they're all works of Satan? I don't believe he leaves us to suffer, there are eight billion people in the world... that's quite a lot of watching he has to do. I can barely keep my eye on three children at once. I think he does a pretty darn good job.

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:38 am

Well done, Scott.

You certainly showed more graciousness in your post than I did.

I don't blame God. In fact, I'm not really certain that I blame at all. Finger-pointing is so unproductive.

For me, the focus is not on something unseen. It's much more about acting on what we do see, relieving what we can, changing ourselves for the better, and letting the rest fall where it may.

I have absolutely no comprehension of your perspective. I don't mean that in an insulting way.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:56 am

This is a good title for a topic.

There are many occasions where it is difficult to imagine that there is a loving force overseeing the course of events.

I am glad that you have found way to reach people that is fulfilling to you. Outside of your website promo, I hope people use this topic area to try to make sense of some of the suffering in the world. Please expand the use of "God" to any understanding of a source power, otherwise, similar threads should go under the Christianity header.

I have often tried to make sense of why a loving Source would cause illness and suffering in children, our innocents. This is a test of faith in me. The only sense I can make of it is that their higher selves choose to learn from the experience. But I have trouble seeing how this is "good" and what do they "learn"?

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:57 am

Certainly, I in no way meant to point fingers myself. I certainly hope you're not being sarcastic with the graciousness comment, I get sarcasm alot - if you're not, thank you very much.

As far as you being a person who has to see to believe, that's a pretty good view... I, myself, must see alot of things to believe them as well. We're actually studying this in philosophy right now somewhat, I don't really pay attention, haha, but I do agree that changing ourselves for the better definitely is a great choice to make. Sometimes having something to believe in, (or someone) is a great encouragement as well. I'm not saying hey, believe in God or else *shakes fist*, I'm just saying he'll always be there if you need a helping hand.

Scott

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 12:04 pm

The problem is that everyone sees God as doing the bad, instead of Satan. Satan's headquarters, contrary to popular opinion, is earth, not hell... this is why we have so many problems (as the aforementioned by a karenina) or the suffering you speak of. I believe that life in itself is a short span of time... and what you make of it determines your eternal life afterwards. If you suffer thoroughly, certainly that's no good... but take God into your heart this entire time and you'll have big plans after you're gone from this material world. Click

here , and as soon as the new window pops up, right click on the mpeg file and 'save target as' to save it to your hard drive. It may explain things more clearly.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 12:30 pm

The idea of posting in the Garden is to discuss things in the Garden. If you have something to say, you should say it in your own words and use other sites to punctuate your ideas not to express your ideas for you.

You have mentioned your website. If people wish to visit, they will.

PS: visit the thread Do you Believe in Satan?

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 2:44 pm

I did say it in my own words, thank you. I posted the link to further push my point. As I said, "it may explain things further," as in further extending the point that I was already making. As I mentioned before, if you're not interested, please take demeaning attitudes else where.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:01 pm

I do believe that God is with us all the way. He has been my companion on my path for some 61 years.

I don't recall anywhere in the Bible that God said we would have an easy go of it. He even went so far as to address Satan as being in control of the world for now.

When I pray I do sometimes ask that this cup be taken from me but nevertheless thy will be done. I then ask God for the courage, stamina, skills and understanding to face whatever must come my way. I have relied on God for my Carreer path. He has never once led me in a wrong direction and when the going gets rough He is there to help me along. If you haven't read "Footsteps" a wonderful poem I would suggest that you find a copy.

Lest you think I am stringing a line I will outline my past year and a half: June 03, five way bypass, severe depression followed, a dreadful cough that lasted 12 weeks causeing coughing sometimes 24 hrs a day on top a a mangled chest, a close aunt died in Nov, her brother my father passed away on Jan 6, his brother was killed four days later in a car accident, I suffered an aneurism in my right leg that in addition to nearly costing my leg almost took my life. In addition to that I have a rare eye disease that is slowly taking my eyesight. But I'm a stubborn bugger and God has made me that way and He has been there for me all the way.

By the way this is not bragging nor do I want sympathy. These are the most resent facts of my life as they are. Also broke my neck in two places about 6 years ago. But that is another story.

I still remain a humble servant of the Risen Lord.

Shalom

Ted :-6 :-6 :-6

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:49 pm

That's awesome news, Ted! I'm glad to hear it. Did you enjoy the website? I certainly hope that it was of some help to you - any of the sections really. I'm really glad to hear from you, the positive attitude is working wonders! It really encourages and inspires me! Keep up the great work, and I hope to hear from you again!

Scott.

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:38 pm

Scott Hetkowski wrote: Certainly, I in no way meant to point fingers myself. I certainly hope you're not being sarcastic with the graciousness comment, I get sarcasm alot - if you're not, thank you very much.

As far as you being a person who has to see to believe, that's a pretty good view... I, myself, must see alot of things to believe them as well. We're actually studying this in philosophy right now somewhat, I don't really pay attention, haha, but I do agree that changing ourselves for the better definitely is a great choice to make. Sometimes having something to believe in, (or someone) is a great encouragement as well. I'm not saying hey, believe in God or else *shakes fist*, I'm just saying he'll always be there if you need a helping hand.

Scott
I was not being sarcastic at all, and you're very welcome

I didn't express myself very well. I believe in many things I can't see, and I greatly appreciate things I do see that are beyond my limited understanding (such as nature).

What I tried to say is that people can argue the existence or non-existence of god endlessly. We can all have different interpretations, and we can argue about those as well...and as we use our time and energy on these ideas, we ignore things we can see all around us. Examples would be neighbors in need, kids in trouble, countries which are devastated by famines, wars, etc.

Still not sure I'm putting it well, but I'm glad to see you've met up with some of our members. Ted's story is inspiring. Welcome to the Garden.

MiwSher · Post by **MiwSher** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:19 pm

I would like to believe He is. I think I did believe it somewhere along the road. But it hasn't seemed so in a long, long time. In a very big way, yes I would have to say He's been with me always. But in another more important way (to me, at least) it seems I've been put on hold.

MiwSher

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 12:07 am

A Karenina wrote: I was not being sarcastic at all, and you're very welcome

I didn't express myself very well. I believe in many things I can't see, and I greatly appreciate things I do see that are beyond my limited understanding (such as nature).

What I tried to say is that people can argue the existence or non-existence of god endlessly. We can all have different interpretations, and we can argue about those as well...and as we use our time and energy on these ideas, we ignore things we can see all around us. Examples would be neighbors in need, kids in trouble, countries which are devastated by famines, wars, etc.

Still not sure I'm putting it well, but I'm glad to see you've met up with some of our members. Ted's story is inspiring. Welcome to the Garden.

I agree with you, there are a lot of things around us that need a lot of attention instead of just saying, "oh God will take care of it." Thank you for the nice comments and for welcoming me to the garden, I'm enjoying my stay. I think that it's very easy to say that you don't believe in God because you can't see him (I'm not saying this is the case, but for example) but then it's easy to say that I don't believe your name is John or Mary or such because I don't see any proof, but basically that I'm depending on your word to be true. We trust that, so why do we not trust God's word? If you first meet someone, and they say, "Hi, I'm David." You believe him because you've got no reason not to... God has never done us wrong though, what is our reason for not trusting him?

A Karenina · Post by **A Karenina** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:48 am

Scott Hetkowski wrote: ... God has never done us wrong though, what is our reason for not trusting him?
I've never thought of it quite that way. Let me roll it about in my head for a few days.

koan · Post by **koan** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:38 am

Scott Hetkowski wrote: I agree with you, there are a lot of things around us that need a lot of attention instead of just saying, "oh God will take care of it." Thank you for the nice comments and for welcoming me to the garden, I'm enjoying my stay. I think that it's very easy to say that you don't believe in God because you can't see him (I'm not saying this is the case, but for example) but then it's easy to say that I don't believe your name is John or Mary or such because I don't see any proof, but basically that I'm depending on your word to be true. We trust that, so why do we not trust God's word? If you first meet someone, and they say, "Hi, I'm David." You believe him because you've got no reason not to... God has never done us wrong though, what is our reason for not trusting him?

I am glad you chose names as your example. I think one of the problems in this world is that "God" has given many different names to different people. Perhaps this is the cause of some feeling that "God " is a liar. There is much misunderstanding when people don't understand that "God" could have many different names that all represent an aspect of the same entity.

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 12:04 pm

That's true... terrorists gave religion a very bad name, but that is not God's purpose, but they were not lead on by God. People tend to think of God and Satan as one being, and that is not true at all. Satan used to live in heaven actually, but he was kicked out because he, like many people, think they are better than God and do not need him. The reason for all these diseases and such are sin. I believe in the bible it says something like this, "Man had sinned and for that, death is the price to pay. And now man cannot be stopped from committing sin, and nor can death be stopped either - for it is the penalty of our sins," something along those lines I believe. I can understand people not believing, but when we have physical proof, it's hard to deny's God's existence!

koan · Post by **koan** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:53 pm

Scott Hetkowski wrote: That's true... terrorists gave religion a very bad name, but that is not God's purpose, but they were not lead on by God. People tend to think of God and Satan as one being, and that is not true at all. Satan used to live in heaven actually, but he was kicked out because he, like many people, think they are better than God and do not need him. The reason for all these diseases and such are sin. I believe in the bible it says something like this, "Man had sinned and for that, death is the price to pay. And now man cannot be stopped from committing sin, and nor can death be stopped either - for it is the penalty of our sins," something along those lines I believe. I can understand people not believing, but when we have physical proof, it's hard to deny's God's existence!

The idea that Satan was a little guy living in a house somewhere up in the clouds.

The idea that God has a foot that can wear a boot to kick Satan's behind with.

These are literal interpretations that I do not prescribe to. I am unsure of what you mean by "physical proof". I have all the proof I need that there is a Source and I do not require physical proof as I believe all matter, including the rocks land and sea, to be "sinful" and that it can not truly represent God in any form excepting an extremely debased and illusory one. If God is "with us" every step of the way, I don't expect him to be plodding along in his hiking boots.

But, out of interest, what is this proof you refer to?

(aside) If all God did to Satan was kick his behind, what are people so afraid of? There must be a greater motive to religion than fear of hell.

telaquapacky · Post by **telaquapacky** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:50 pm

You would think from my testimony (Telaquapacky's Bizarre Testimony in koan's What Has Changed Your Life thread), that God talks to me all the time through visions and dreams and voices I hear. No, all that sort of ground to a halt after the end of my story. He started talking to me more extensively through His word, the Bible, and through impressions, but less and less verbally and visually. Sometimes I miss it, but...

Recently I came to the realization that sometimes when we ask God "What do I do now?" He replies, "What are you going to do?" I'm getting this from Him more and more. Our relationship with Him is very much a Father-Child relationship. If He told us everything, gave us all the answers, we would be like kids who never learned to ride the bike without the training wheels- never grow up spiritually. It's a funny thing- you spend years learning to surrender to His will, and the more willing you are to do this, the more He leaves you to figure out His will on your own.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:59 pm

koan :-6

Some good thoughts and some good questions. We anthropomorphize God and Satan because that is the only language that we have to define the infinite. We have to use metaphor because we have nothing else.

Shalom

Ted :-6

telaquapacky · Post by **telaquapacky** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 10:59 am

Ted wrote: We anthropomorphize God and Satan because that is the only language that we have to define the infinite. Yup. We act as if God were like us. "Lucky universe!" He is very different from us in thoughts and ways.

Conversely, don't you think we deify man? :-2

Satan doesn't need antrhopomorphization. We are naturally so much like him anyway.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:35 pm

telapaquakay :-6

An interesting point. I believe that "Satan" is the personification of all that is evil. I also accept that there is a very strong presence of evil in the world.

I do not accept the premise that we are much like him "Satan". Just as I do not accept the doctrine of original sin. I will admit that all folks at times commit "sin", whatever that means. I certainly do not think that its entire definition hinges on the idea of wrong doing. I suspect that is only a snall part of "sin". Sin in fact refers to that which separates us from God.

There are many things which separate us from God that are not "wrong doing".

Shalom

Ted :-6

koan · Post by **koan** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:05 pm

I like to not think of Satan for the reason given in "Nightmare on Elm Street".

The demon in this flick lost his power when the heroine turned her back to him and said "I do not believe in you". What power does Satan have unless we continue to promote "his" existence?

I believe there MUST be evil since there is good. I also think evil serves a valuable purpose. Unless we are tempted how can we revel in denying temptation. "Look Father I did....nothing. I learned....nothing. Aren't you proud?"

I do not believe in Satan. He is just as much an illusion as I am.

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 12:43 am

I don't believe that fear is the motive that pushes people to believe in God. It can be thought of in an easy manner, do you love your parents and what is your reasoning?

Yes, I love my parents because, well, they gave birth to me. They've raised me to be the person I am now for the most part. They've always been there.

That in mind, God has done the exact same. Why should I not love him?

Suresh Gupta · Post by **Suresh Gupta** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 3:32 am

Scott Hetkowski wrote: Well, in an effort to better myself and the persons around me, I created a website. And personally, I like to persuade souls via the internet. It seems that, well, now and days everyone has the internet, but not only that, it seems much easier to have people visit my website than any other way. Of course, most of the time I only get people who already are saved, but once in a blue moon I get the occasional first timer who is transformed. I love running the site, as it is non-profit at the moment, I just wish more people would visit it and check out how awesome God really is, and how he IS with us every step of the way. If you're interested, you may visit at www.ebenediction.org , and if you're not... simply disregard this post.

Thanks,

Scott.

I have visited the website.

You want to better yourself and people around you. Is Christianity the only way or you feel there nay be other ways also?

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 7:56 am

Scott,

Again, personal experience tells you that you should love your parents. I also have lovable parents, but I know many who do not. There are alcoholic and drug addicted parents who mental, emotional and physically abandon or abuse their children. There are parents who kill their own children. This is not a universal experience that one's parents are deserving of love. What do you say to the less fortunate?

For some people, they are given a life that makes it easier to love. You must learn to reach those who have experience different from your own to accomplish your stated goal.

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:47 am

This is very true, and while those parents do wrong to their children... God never does, he is always there for you. But thank you, I shall think about adding something to my website to help abuse victims, that is a great idea.

And I do feel there are other ways, the website is not a christian website persay. It's a self help website - notice only one category focuses on God (the weekly scoops). The articles section uses God as a support beam, but does not focus on Him. The others are simply to help people better themselves in various ways.

koan · Post by **koan** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 11:25 pm

Glad you found something uselful. I'm sure it will help many abuse victims. Even if it only helps one it is good.

God never does, he is always there for you.

You seem to speak in 'platitudes'. Do you find this is helpful? I find a lot of people roll their eyes when I use general statements. It's, sadly, almost cliche. (Even though the words actually have deep meaning)

Scott Hetkowski · Post by **Scott Hetkowski** » Sun Nov 21, 2004 12:53 am

I'm not sure what platitudes are, but as per your request, I've added a small abuse section to the website (which I hope will grow).

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 2:34 am

Songseeker wrote: Hello Scott,

I don't think my religious beliefs and yours are even a distant match. LOL! I believe in a largely impersonal god that does not concern herself in the affairs of humans, so no, I don't believe in a god that is constantly monitoring what goes on here on Earth. All the same, I wish you much success with your website. If you are so inclined, please feel free to come and post your link on my forum. Perhaps someone there would be interested in visiting. And I hope the host of this forum does not consider that invitation spamming. If so, please let me know, and I will refrain from extending further invitations.

Hi,

I'm moderator in the religion forums.

In response: It is no more spamming than the original thread posting (which resulted in legitimate conversation making it not spam) and, in fact, was more of a direct response. No worries.

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:04 am

Is God with us every step of the way? in a simple sentence what is this about?

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:44 am

Paula :-6

He's getting closer. LOL

Shalom

Ted :-6

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:50 am

oh really, haven't seen him yet, what should i be looking for a bird, a plane, superman! Who is doing this to U? :-3

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:45 pm

Paula :-6

Actually you might be surprised where you find him. Try looking for those who display unconditional love and grace. Those who support the needy and the downtrodden with no thought of reward or recompense beyond meeting some very human needs.

Try looking for him in those who devote their lives to making the world a better place to live through justice and consideraion of other once again with no though of personal gain beyond the knowledge they have helped make the world a better place to live.

Look at the innocent child whose basic needs of food, shelter, safety and a loving mother are being met

There are volunteers at food banks, recycling organizations, hospitals, the variety club, you might even find some in church, soup kitchens, shelters for the needy.

If you miss him perhaps it is attitude that needs to be adjusted.

Now of course all this does depent on attitude. If one wants to find fault with anything one will be highly successful. If one wants to see the good in things they too will be successful. It depends on whether your glass is half empty or half full.

You would indeed be surprised where you can find Jesus.

May the peace of Christ be with you.

Shalom

Ted :-6

koan · Post by **koan** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:07 pm

It depends on whether your glass is half empty or half full.

I like it when my glass is all the way full. :-6

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:12 pm

Ted wrote: Paula :-6

Actually you might be surprised where you find him. Try looking for those who display unconditional love and grace. Those who support the needy and the downtrodden with no thought of reward or recompense beyond meeting some very human needs.

Try looking for him in those who devote their lives to making the world a better place to live through justice and consideraion of other once again with no though of personal gain beyond the knowledge they have helped make the world a better place to live.

Look at the innocent child whose basic needs of food, shelter, safety and a loving mother are being met

There are volunteers at food banks, recycling organizations, hospitals, the variety club, you might even find some in church, soup kitchens, shelters for the needy.

If you miss him perhaps it is attitude that needs to be adjusted.

Now of course all this does depent on attitude. If one wants to find fault with anything one will be highly successful. If one wants to see the good in things they too will be successful. It depends on whether your glass is half empty or half full.

You would indeed be surprised where you can find Jesus.

May the peace of Christ be with you.

Shalom

Ted :-6
I'm not a chuch-goer, and my beliefs are often muddled, but this is just a great post and deserves to be repeated.

:yh_clap Excellent, Ted!

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 5:55 pm

Ted, i understand and that is extremely kind of you to write those reminders. Yes you have a point there and it is very nice. i am a person of many as you stated, its a way to look at it & if thats how you feel, lets leave it that way.

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 3:09 pm

Baby Rider :-6

Thanks

Shalom

Ted :-6

Ted · Post by **Ted** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 3:12 pm

Paula :-6

Thanks. It is in my nature in spite of many problems to be as positive as possible. As a servant of Jesus Christ that is my calling. But that is my take on it.

Shalom

Ted :-6