5 replies to this topic

[Thinker]

The Christian's life is likened to a walk. This journey began at conversion and continues until we get "home." It would make no sense to walk in place or to take just a few steps. You would get nowhere or not very far. It is a tragedy, if this is the way that we walk in the light of God's Word. We need to assess if we are making progress. How far have you come? Are you studying and understanding your Bible more than last year? Do you love the Lord more than you did a year ago? Is your prayer life more meaningful than around this time last year? Have you studied more books on the Bible and on the Christian life in 2015, than in 2014? Have you increased your witnessing in the last twelve months? Are you more involved in and joyful in worship in your private life and in your local fellowship? Have you become more engaged in missions? These questions are not designed to discourage you but to challenge you to develop a plan to grow. We need to be determined to become disciplined in our walk with God. If you decided to walk from your home to a distant area, you would probably set a goal of a certain amount of progress each day on your trip. This is a wise decision in your Spiritual walk. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul testified: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7). If we are going to be able to say the same, we need to be serious about our Christian life! It's not a game; it's a conflict! You and I will meet powerful and clever resistance. We need to press on with courage, dedication and determination. We must settle for nothing less than progress! Horatio R. Palmer shares timely thoughts in his hymn, "Yield Not to Temptation." In the third stanza, he wrote: "To Him that o'ercometh God giveth a crown, through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down; He Who is our Savior, our strength will renew, look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you. He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through." Selah! A good soldier will carefully heed his commanding officer's directions, counsel and orders. A good soldier of Jesus Christ's will do the same! This is the key to progress. Thinker (Ron)

[radar]

I know that this past year was a growing experience for me, suffering sepsis in the spring, mental illness during the summer, and open heart surgery this fall. I learned obedience through my suffering and came into a closer realtionship with My Father God. I can say along with David, it was good that I was afflicted. In my prayer time this morning, I related to the Lord how every day is a new year, Christmas and Easter, and truly His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness!

[robo328]

A few musings over the last year...

A year ago, I was still "numb" after my wife lost her year-long battle with cancer,in October. I remember this time a year ago thinking to myself, "what will I do with the time I have left?" and an almost audible voice spoke "Order my steps in your word, and don't let iniquity have dominion". Well, I knew it was from Psalm 119, but I had to go look up where at(v. 133), The Lord spoke His simple direction through His Word. 

 

The Westminster Confession's 1st question, has also stuck with me over the last year, after hearing Alistair Begg mention it: "What is the chief end of man?  A: "The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy Him, forever".

I have been saved over 20 years, and felt, as if I were "glorifying God" thru my living, but, was I enjoying His presence? Or, was I like the Prodigal's brother, serving, but gritting his teeth, just 'doing his duty', waiting for the inheritance? It has made me question my motivations for the things I do, and learn to be more like Mary, and simply sit at His feet to learn, and enjoy His presence.  

 

Proverbs 3:5,6 is another. Do I really "trust in The Lord, with all my heart" or do I secretly still "lean on my own understanding" with a 'backup plan'? Yes, I am to do what I can with the time talent He gives, but do I really, really trust, that all things, work together for good? 

 

These are just a few of the things, The Lord, has put before me over the last year, and I pray that I am progressing as He wants. 

[Candice]

There's a line in the movie, The Horse Whisperer, that I like.  A cowboy, horse trainer is divorced and, after being asked by someone about his former wife, he responds to a particular question, "I didn't love her because it was right, I just loved her".  So it is with the Lord.  Do we "DO IT" and all works because it's right or because we love Him?  We must live by faith until we are in eternity. We won't need faith then.  I am challenged just to live by faith and not try to knock out items on my list or compete with the standards of men.  I am a list-maker, restless person; a real Martha by nature.

 

I work 40 hours a week for a nearby hospice agency and am my husband's helper for whatever, keep house.  Ending my career as a fulltime mother.  I read, " listen" to the word on my phone in the form of sermons, etc. more than read as I'm always on the move, even praying in the car on the 30 minute drive to work.  My prayer closet has been taken over by my son so he can study 24/7 in private.  Seeking HIs presence when I'm at work all day long.

 

Is this more than last year? Love Him more or deeper? Have a deeper prayer life than last year?  How does one measure these standards?  I believe the Lord knows.  He has to be the driver of me.  Abiding means resting and standing before you can walk per the Book of Ephesians.  I'd say how well you walk depends upon how well you rest.  I'm not a really restful person, so this is my faith journey.   I read Ephesians about five times in one month this Fall.  Does that count as steps?  How many steps forward will the Lord require of me?  I have no idea.

 

Happy New Year

[Meema]

As it was for so many others, 2015 was a trying year for us but nevertheless a learning growing year as well. ‘That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is not just a funny saying. As I age and lose ground physically I also note that my spiritual life is gaining strength. My prayer life has changed this year. I find I am praying more with gratitude, less for specifics and generally for strength to endure whatever comes and, especially, for deliverance from evil. 

 

I cannot help but see that the world is spinning out of control but I know it is in the middle of the storm where we find our peace because that’s the promise of living by faith. No matter what we can hide in Christ and He will direct our ways. 

 

In time of trouble there are certain Scriptures I depend on for comfort. This is one:

 

Psalm 116 (116:1) I love the Lord, because he heareth My voice and my supplications.  (116:2) Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, Therefore will I call [upon him] as long as I live.  (116:3) The cords of death compassed me, And the pains of Sheol gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.  (116:4) Then called I upon the name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.  

 

Do you have a Scripture that sees you through the dark hours?

 

For Him,

Meema

[Phil]

As it was for so many others, 2015 was a trying year for us but nevertheless a learning growing year as well. ‘That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is not just a funny saying. As I age and lose ground physically I also note that my spiritual life is gaining strength. My prayer life has changed this year. I find I am praying more with gratitude, less for specifics and generally for strength to endure whatever comes and, especially, for deliverance from evil. 

 

I cannot help but see that the world is spinning out of control but I know it is in the middle of the storm where we find our peace because that’s the promise of living by faith. No matter what we can hide in Christ and He will direct our ways. 

 

In time of trouble there are certain Scriptures I depend on for comfort. This is one:

 

Psalm 116 (116:1) I love the Lord, because he heareth My voice and my supplications.  (116:2) Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, Therefore will I call [upon him] as long as I live.  (116:3) The cords of death compassed me, And the pains of Sheol gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.  (116:4) Then called I upon the name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.  

 

Do you have a Scripture that sees you through the dark hours?

 

For Him,

Meema

 

Yes I do Meema. My Bible has a section in the back with notes on where to find help regarding life's problems, and it lists scriptures that answers them. I've found it very beneficial over the years for myself and sharing with others!

 

Philippians 4:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.