Hello,

I'm asking for your prayers. My problem is that I have a weak character. Most people think I am a "nice guy" since I am always polite, pleasant and soft spoken. The truth is that I lack the courage to tell the truth if I feel the truth will either offend someone or get me in trouble. This has been going on for so long that we an unpleasant situation confronts me, almost without thinking I blurt out a lie.

Also to avoid confrontation and unpleasantness, I will unthinkingly agree to take on any task - but then I will fail to follow through on my word. And then I'll lie to cover it up.

I've seen therapists and psychologists, but nothing seems to help.

I need to stop lying; I need to speak with those to whom I have lied and ask forgiveness. I need to make restitution where my actions have caused others harm.

But if I do this I will lose my job, possibly lose my license (I work in a regulated profession where I need a licence) and if anyone sues me for damages, I'll lose any insurance coverage for having admitted my fault, I may even face criminal prosecution as I have even forged documents to cover my tracks.

I've started praying to God for help. I need courage and wisdom, but the words of James 1: 5-7 haunt me, as I am a doubter. After a lifetime in the church, I began to read and study the bible in depth about 10 years ago, hoping to deepen my Christian experience. But the more I studied, the more I became convinced that Christianity was not true. By the time I finished with Revelation I had lost all faith. I still cannot bring myself to believe even though I desperately want to be a Christian again.

Please pray that I may overcome my unbelief; that I may gain the moral courage to face up to my past faults and accept the consequences, however serious they may be; and that I may have the wisdom to sin no more.

Just a few thoughts, Henry, and I will pray for you too.

It seems to me that before you start worrying about your behaviour you need to really meet and come to know Jesus. As you get to know (not 'know of' Him) the important things will follow. You could start rereading the Gospels - slowly, picturing each scene, trying to imagine how it was to be there, how you would have reacted in the same situation. Mark is a good one to start with.

You cannot in yourself have the wisdom and power to sin no more. Remember that those words were preceded by "Neither do I condemn thee". In His strength each of us needs to have a daily walk with Him. For me the ultimate promise is in 1 John 3:2 (quoting from memory) For when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is".

Thank you sincerely for your prayers and counsel.

Oh, Nan, you left out the best part where Jesus says, "go and sin no more." I don't take that as a command as much as His enabling us to do as He asks.

Henry, I'll be praying for you, as I know what it is to always want to please and not having enough "intestinal fortitude" to give an honest opinion all the time.

Henry, we will be praying for you. Recognizing the problem is a good start and you did it. It maybe a slow process but don't give up. You're halfway there!

I agree with you Dottie, I was just completing the quote Henry had made.

"All His biddings are enablings"

Henry, I am praying for you! I don't know who you are but God does and he wants you in heaven even worse than you want to be there.

I would recommend you read the book by Max Lucado called "In the Grip of Grace". I think it will bring hope to your heart and help you understand the incredible value you have, regardless of your past.

Adding you to our pray list! Just remember that God loves you.

pkrause

Loving Father, we thank You for Your long-suffering towards Your learning-disabled children that we are. We are so blind! Tonight we thank You for calling Henry back into Your fold and opening his eyes to the sins that keep him from You. As he confesses those sins, we trust that You have forgiven him completely. We ask now that You will give him strength to go forward and grow in Your grace. Call him daily to a prayerful study of Your word so that he may know You. Reveal to him Your love and mercy. Fill him with the measure of faith that will compel him to do Your will. Father I say this prayer with Henry, but it is also for me and countless others who long to come home. Until that day, we ask that we will bring You honor in that which we do and ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

hi, Henry, I will pray for you. I am Jane from far away-China. i don't think you've read the right book to understand revelation. are you a SDA ? Whatever ahead of you,remember that a SDA in China praying for you!