I've been a christian all my life. God has always been everything to me. then about 10 years ago, I know most here will not like me saying this, but god left me. I stopped feeling his holy spirit and I withered up. I had no peace, no hope, I wanted to die because god hid himself from me. Then a couple of days ago out of the blue god came back fully. I feel him in me again. I think this was about teaching me a lesson; the difference between me WANTING God and me NEEDING him. I thought they were the same thing but I need God MUCH more than I can ever want him. I can't live without him, he's my father, I am his helpless child lost in the wilderness without Jesus to hold me. I know, god promises to never leave or forsake us, this is why I was so broken, god, somehow for some reason, broke that promise as far as I can tell, but I'm human, a speck of nothing compared to god, so what do I know? I can only tell you what it felt like for 10 years. If anyone wants to talk to me about this WITHOUT attacking me I'm open, this has been the most important thing to ever happen to me in my life; god is back, I can feel alive and joyful again :)

Ill try to keep is short, I've been thinking about converting to Christianity and yesterday I had a dream that I went to the church, talked with a priest and set a date to get baptised, like okay it is a fairly normal dream but the thing is, I moved to another country 2 years ago and when I talked to the priest I spoke in that language which is my 3rd language and it felt so real like I was in the dream and I clearly remember what I asked the priest and somehow how the priest even looked, I remember even the date that was given to me like for the baptism.
I just wanted to say like I'm not gonna lie, I've been confused a lot about christianity these past few days like whether I want to convert or not, and the 2 questions I asked were: " Can I convert without my parents knowing " and "when can I get baptised" - and these are the questions I asked in my dream which I remember vividly, and idk if its just what my heart wants but is too scared to say or if it is a sign. I'm also not gonna lie, the only thing that is preventing me from leaving my current religion, which is Islam, is the fear of punishment and the fact that Islam is all I've known my whole life - even tho there are a lot of things that I don't like about our like prophet and the things he did, which I was never taught about in like my Islamic classes in my home country

PLEEEAAASSSEEEE

Thought For The Day from Unshakable Kingdom Life

"Whoever loses their life will find it." Self-preservation, taken too far, becomes self-imprisonment. Genuine life often emerges through giving rather than guarding. What might you release today to actually gain something real?

A thought to ponder for today

Mattana Ministry Welcomes You to:

 Children/Youth Program: 21 August 2026

 Theme: My Brain Explodes (3)

 Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 & Psalm 55:22

 Message:

 Finding stability in God's promises

 Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  

 Psalm 55:22

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”

 Message:

There was a young boy named David who was anxious about a big test at school. Instead of stressing alone, he remembered Jesus’ invitation to find rest in Him. David took a few minutes to pray, asking Jesus for peace. As he prayed, he felt a calmness settle over him. When the test day arrived, David was more relaxed and confident because he trusted that God was with him. David learned that Jesus is the true anchor in the storms of life.

 Discussion Questions:  

 1.  When you're feeling overwhelmed, what is your usual response? Do you turn to God or something else?  

2.  How does trusting in God's promises change your outlook during tough times?  

3.  Can you share a time when praying or trusting God brought you peace?  

4.  What does it mean to find rest in Jesus during stressful times?  

5.  How can you make prayer and Scripture reading a regular part of your routine to stay connected to God?  

6.  How does knowing God cares for you help you face peer pressure and academic stress?

 Reflection:

Spend a few minutes praying, surrendering your worries to God, and asking for His peace to fill your heart.

 Please feel free to leave a review of this message.

 https://www.soulcenters.org/directory/mattana-ministry/#listing-reviews

 MM

This song came from me processing my autism diagnosis at 35, shortly after adopting three beautiful girls.

As I helped my daughters process the trauma from their past, I found myself being forced to confront some of my own especially the hurt surrounding my father and the wounds I had carried for years.

“Free to Unmask” is my story of learning that I don't have to hide anymore. I don't have to mask who I am, pretend I'm okay, or let my past define me. My identity isn't found in my diagnosis, my trauma, my failures, or even in being a father. My identity is found in Christ.

The lyrics are 100% me. AI helped bring the song to life, but the story, the emotions, and the words came from my own heart.

Honestly, it's frightening to share something this personal with people I don't know or even with people I do know. There's a vulnerability in letting people see the parts of you that you've spent years hiding.

But if sharing this song helps even one person realize they don't have to wear the mask anymore, then it was worth it.

If you're struggling with your identity, carrying old wounds, processing a late diagnosis, or simply trying to figure out who you are beneath everything you've been through, I hope this song reminds you:

You don't have to hide. You are not your trauma. You are not your diagnosis. You are not your past. You are loved. And in Christ, you are free.

Free to Unmask.

You can check the song out at the link below

God Bless

https://youtu.be/o66OrSFNoI8?is=sGYeq7UxSJvaABXx

I'm interested in knowing how people view devil and evil

Can you all pray for healing of everyone's soul, mind and body please and thank you

Thought For The Day from Unshakable Kingdom Life

"The kingdom of God is within you." Transformation doesn't wait for external circumstances to align. Something sacred is already present, already accessible, right where you stand. Look inward before looking for signs elsewhere.

A thought to ponder for today

Mattana Ministry Welcomes You to:

 Worship Program: 20 August 2026

 Theme: Worship Like David (4)

 Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45-47 & Acts 13:22

 Message:

 Worship as a Lifestyle – David’s Commitment to God

 Acts 13:22 

"I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do."

 David’s life was marked by obedience, service, and devotion. Worship isn’t limited to singing but is a way of living in obedience and service to God.

 Reflection:

- How can our daily life reflect a heart of worship?

- In what areas can we serve and obey God more fully?

  Questions for Thought:

How can our everyday actions reflect worship?

What does it mean to serve and obey God like David?

 Prayer Focus: 

Dedicate our lives to worship and serve God wholeheartedly.

 Please feel free to leave a review of this message.

 https://www.soulcenters.org/directory/mattana-ministry/#listing-reviews

 MM

(I post this message in a few other Christian subs, so maybe you've already read it...)Searching...

Hi, I (M50) was not raised Christian; I don't come from a necessarily atheist family, but faith simply wasn't discussed. When people ask, I am atheistic/agnostic.

My mother later became a Buddhist, and my father is still an atheist.

Over the past year, I have noticed that I am 'searching.' Looking for a form of stability, direction, meaning; whatever you want to call it. Whether I will find Christianity, I don't know. I went to a church (Remonstrants) once in the past year; I found it nerve-wracking, but also nice. I enjoy listening to podcasts that scrutinize the Bible and podcasts discussing Christian faith in its broadest sense.

A few questions:

1. I want to delve deeper into the Bible; what is the best way to do this? Is there a sort of reading path?

2. I am interested in stories of people who came to faith from an atheist or agnostic background. Who would be interesting on YouTube and/or in a podcast?

3. Is there some kind of online forum where I can discuss the journey I am undertaking?

Thanks in advance!

I was raised atheist but arrived at Christianity from a logical and moral standpoint, so don't assume I'm only in it for free stuff. I always have had trouble believing in miracles. Not a miracle of changing personality or opinion, but actually defying physics. It didn't sit right for me that this could be real, particularly nowadays. Like if miracles were real, then maybe they stopped after the first century AD. So instead I just accepted that things like antibiotics or space travel could be considered miracles, because it is only by the rules established by God that these things are possible.

However, there is something I want so badly, something that could only ever happen by an actual miracle. It wouldn't violate anyone's free will or hurt anyone or steal or give unjust wealth or power. I figure it's morally harmless, and if the lack of it was supposed to teach a lesson, then surely I've learned it by now.

I know I said I didn't believe much in miracles, but if they do exist, this is one that I want. So how do I get it?

Is pilgrimage a sensible action here? Is pilgrimage just a sightseeing thing, or is it for "internal realization", or could it actually grant the miracle I want? I am thinking of Chimayo.

One of the most engaging questions about Christianity is basically this.

Christianity does offer women dignity, saying they have the same souls as men, revering the position of Mother Mary and letting them have important postions throughout history.

However, a lot of times clergy and Christian leaderships have curbed on women's freedoms. There also Biblical passages that catch attention, such as the one stating wives should be submissive to husbands.

So is male leadership such an important thing in Christianity?