What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

visionary

Your God is my God... Ruth said, so say I.
Supporter
Mar 25, 2004
56,918
8,033
✟572,541.44
Faith
Messianic
Thank you very much for this, sir. I always was under the assumption that God would have some major plan for every believer...but I guess maybe it is not like that. I suppose God has different missions for all of us, some greater than others. The issue I have is that I wonder as to whether it is possible to devote yourself fully to your career and God at the same time (a career that is not related to God). But it confuses me because I would think that God would use us for his misssion, and I fail to see how a regular career could achieve that. Perhaps I am thinking too much about this.
I remember my biology instructor in college. It was a Christian college, so my instructor always brought God into the picture and all the marvels that can be seen there. I believe God can reveal Himself to you through your classes even if it is a secular college, if you have an ear to hear Him. Rejoice when the teacher's spouts off something off key with God, because you know God is fine tuning you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: -Luca
Upvote 0

-Luca

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2017
943
811
24
United Kingdom
✟28,661.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
In Relationship
I remember my biology instructor in college. It was a Christian college, so my instructor always brought God into the picture and all the marvels that can be seen there. I believe God can reveal Himself to you through your classes even if it is a secular college, if you have an ear to hear Him. Rejoice when the teacher's spouts off something off key with God, because you know God is fine tuning you.

Unfortunately, the majority of all universities here are secular, with the far majority engaging in activities that won't help me grow closer to God. If I do go to university (which I hope I do), I also hope that he may reveal Himself to me in my classes and studies. Do you have any advice for University?
 
Upvote 0

Tom 1

Optimistic sceptic
Supporter
Nov 13, 2017
12,212
12,526
Tarnaveni
✟818,769.00
Country
Romania
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Thank you very much for this, sir. I always was under the assumption that God would have some major plan for every believer...but I guess maybe it is not like that. I suppose God has different missions for all of us, some greater than others. The issue I have is that I wonder as to whether it is possible to devote yourself fully to your career and God at the same time (a career that is not related to God). But it confuses me because I would think that God would use us for his misssion, and I fail to see how a regular career could achieve that. Perhaps I am thinking too much about this.

Everything in your life is about your faith -

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

There’s no need to compartmentalise your ‘Christian life’, it’s part of who you are whatever you do.
God expects us to be responsible stewards of our own lives:

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now
 
Upvote 0

Tom 1

Optimistic sceptic
Supporter
Nov 13, 2017
12,212
12,526
Tarnaveni
✟818,769.00
Country
Romania
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
God would use us for his misssion, and I fail to see how a regular career could achieve that. Perhaps I am thinking too much about this.

Those called to preach and teach the gospel are a tiny minority. If you don’t think you are part of that minority, you can share your faith whatever you do. Getting a good education isn’t going to get in the way of that, and it will give you more confidence in your abilities, and if people see that you take your own life seriously they will be more likely to listen to you also.
 
  • Like
Reactions: -Luca
Upvote 0

SkyWriting

The Librarian
Supporter
Jan 10, 2010
37,279
8,499
Milwaukee
✟410,918.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I hope to study marine biology at university. Admittedly, this is my own pesonal goal. The thought of not going to university irritates me, not because I am "missing out" on anything but rather I hope to feel a sense of accomplishment in an area that I enjoy and because the opportunity is their to further my education. I realise this is very selfish. I have a feeling at the back of my mind that this may not be God's will for me. Time is ticking and I don't know what he has planned, yet I have faith.

Why do you not recommend university?
If you are passionate about marine biology, then school is a good option. A Masters or PhD is needed for most jobs.
 
Upvote 0

aiki

Regular Member
Feb 16, 2007
10,874
4,348
Winnipeg
✟236,528.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
Do you have any advice for a young Christian such as myself?

"Only one life,
'twill soon be past.
Only what's done for Christ will last."

"Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My warrant is the word of God,
Nought else is worth believing."

Are there any regrets that you have from your younger days?

Yes, some. Perhaps the greatest regret I have was being in a rush at the gym one day and hurting myself. I ruptured a disc in my lower back. That injury has adversely affected my life in ways I could not have imagined. The pain and restrictions to my living resulting from that one injury have been enormous. And all because I was in a rush at the gym. Stupid.

One other thing I would urge you never to forget: Your happiness is not God's primary concern. He's much more interested in you being holy, and wise, and loving. In fact, God will act to dissolve your happiness if it will help keep you dependent upon Him and create in you a holy, Christ-centered, and wise heart.
 
Upvote 0

Redwingfan9

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2019
2,629
1,532
Midwest
✟70,636.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Married
Thank you for your response. How did you first get into theology? Where would you say is a good place to start?
I would start with the Westminster Confession and then for a good basic introduction to a number of theological issues I would look up Brian Schwertley. His writings are available free online and contain citations to other works for deeper study.
 
  • Like
Reactions: -Luca
Upvote 0

Uriah S

Stand ready in prayer
Supporter
Oct 9, 2019
527
481
Scotland
✟261,980.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Divorced
I know I'm late to the thread, but can't help but chip in.

Best advice? "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27)
Someone had to say it :)

My only regret is not taking that advice on board sooner.
 
  • Like
Reactions: -Luca
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Mathetes66

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Feb 24, 2019
1,031
867
Pacifc Northwest
✟90,217.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
What is the best piece of advise I can give a young Christian?

As a young Christian, I was told by other older Christians who discipled me that, FIRST I need to daily know Christ & walk in fellowship & obedience to Him as His disciple/follower the rest of my life--& then what He has revealed to you in His Word & your walk toward maturity in Him, make Him known to others.

'Know God, know peace; no God no peace.'

DEVELOP the DAILY HABIT of a devotional time with the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking His face, to know Him and then to make Him known to others.



John 8:31,32,34,35 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him, “If you continue to remain (abide) in My word, THEN you are truly My disciples & THEN you will KNOW THE TRUTH & THEN the TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE...Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Isaiah 50:4,5 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me MORNING BY MORNING, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear & I was not disobedient nor did I turn back.

Proverbs 8:33-35 Listen to instruction & be wise; do not ignore it. "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For whoever finds me finds life & obtains the favor of the LORD.

Psalm 84:10 For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Psalm 27:4 I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD & seeking (inquiring of) Him in His temple.

John 6:67-69 So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed AND have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."

Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And apart from You there is nothing upon the earth that I desire. My flesh & my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart & my portion (inheritance) forever.

Luke 10:38-42 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations & she came up to Him & said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered & said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried & bothered about so many things; but ONLY ONE THING IS NECESSARY & Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Phil 3:7-15 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless (as a loss) because of what Christ has done. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ & be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection & participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death & so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brethren, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind & straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.




I regret not spending more time with Jesus & in His Word, than pursuits in this life. They will all pass away & most of my university education is forgotten, but the 'good portion' I have not lost.

Psalm 119:9-16 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.

10With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

11Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.

12Blessed are You, O LORD;
Teach me Your statutes.

13With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances of Your mouth.

14I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.

15I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.

16I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.
 
Upvote 0

grampster

Active Member
Aug 18, 2019
57
58
75
Comstock Park
✟34,540.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Read the bible and pray that the Holy Spirit will give you some understanding. You may spend your entire life only having parts of the bible become crystal clear to you. That's because the Lord gives you that understanding exactly when you need it...even though you might not know in the moment that you needed it.

Find a copy of Mere Christianity written by CS Lewis. He has other books discussing various subjects of faith such as God in the Dock, Christian Reflections, The Problem of Pain, The Weight of Glory. C.S Lewis had a wonderful ability to discuss Christian faith in an understandable way in his writings. You will find his commentary very valuable.
 
Upvote 0

ByTheSpirit

Come Lord Jesus
May 17, 2011
11,422
4,650
Manhattan, KS
✟186,612.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Do you have any advice for a young Christian such as myself?

Are there any regrets that you have from your younger days?

Dont beat yourself up over mistakes, ask God for help and forgiveness, don't eat rotten fish
 
  • Like
Reactions: -Luca
Upvote 0

2PhiloVoid

Yes, you're right! I'm not Gandalf!
Supporter
Oct 28, 2006
21,125
9,946
The Void!
✟1,126,163.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Do you have any advice for a young Christian such as myself?

Are there any regrets that you have from your younger days?

Yes, the best advice I ever received was from a very wise man who lived long ago, and while his advise may not apply to you, it has proven helpful to me in my life and has stuck with me, and that bit of advice is: "Repent!"

Unfortunately, as the account of that old wise man goes, his audience killed Him for it. So, I'm kind of leery about passing that bit of advice on, especially in this day and age. ;)

But seriously, on a practical scale, and as I tell my own son, you can't go wrong by doing yourself the favor of avoiding all of the moral garbage this world will hold out for you to consume. So, do your best to side-step it and stay away from it.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

rockytopva

Love to pray! :)
Supporter
Mar 6, 2011
20,039
7,664
.
Visit site
✟1,056,438.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Single
My old pastor....

1. Very disciplined guy - Up at 6AM every morning
2. Rejoiced in what he called being a Pentecostal Holiness country preacher
3. Revivals - At least one every two months - All with unique and good evangelists
4. Would let the Holy Spirit have his way in service
5. Take time to pray for the sick at church and in the hospitals. Carried a bottle of anointing oil with him
6. Was a friendly guy and would come visit you
7. Loved God and very Christlike.
8. A great, loving, and supportive family man as well
9. Sometimes after Sunday night service we would all go out and eat at the local Pizza Inn. Everyone got along great and there were no visible generational barriers between the people.

286527_a0fa6a8b201b16fd1dc2919807b6c1b6.jpg


I was very much aware that these times were coming to an end and the thought bothered me.

I was listening to two sisters talk in an Assembly of God church and they said they heard that in the last days the people were going to have to, "Cut their own paths.”

“Cut your own paths.” This was the best advice I have ever received and wish I would have followed it earlier. I would have gotten a degree in electrical technology and done a lot better career wise.
 
Upvote 0

mindlight

See in the dark
Supporter
Dec 20, 2003
13,596
2,659
London, UK
✟816,990.00
Country
Germany
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Sorry, what does this mean?

Whatever I face , however unfair and however much it seems that God has abandoned me I will still trust in God believing in his goodness and trusting in his love for me. It is a quote from Job that has got me through everything. In the end God comes good.
 
  • Useful
Reactions: -Luca
Upvote 0

-Luca

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2017
943
811
24
United Kingdom
✟28,661.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
In Relationship
Everything in your life is about your faith -

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

There’s no need to compartmentalise your ‘Christian life’, it’s part of who you are whatever you do.
God expects us to be responsible stewards of our own lives:

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. | New International Version (NIV) | Download The Bible App Now

But if God wants us to be responsible for our own lives doesn’t that suggest that we aren’t leaning on Him in all ways? Truth is, I have no clue where I will be in 10 years, I don’t know what God has planned. It does not mean I am not working hard in school to set out where I want to be, but that might change if God does not will it.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

visionary

Your God is my God... Ruth said, so say I.
Supporter
Mar 25, 2004
56,918
8,033
✟572,541.44
Faith
Messianic
Sometimes it is a proper understanding that puts things into perspective.. In Hebrew to "believe" means there is a follow through into action as in obedience to the commandments of God. The western/greek mindset thinks and has been taught that it is just a mental head knowledge.
 
Upvote 0