A higher calling, my walk with Jesus

[Stringfellow_Hawke]

Two passages I found today that spoke to me. (all verses from the KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11

 

[mukk_in]

Spiritual perfection will come in time. Many saints are obsessed with their own personal holiness and miss the essence of Christianity, i.e., "looking unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith.. " (Hebrews 11:2). Saints led by the Holy Spirit are unaware of their own imperfections, because they're focused on the Perfect One. As long as Peter had his gaze riveted on his Master, he was able to walk on water. It's when he glanced at the waves, that he began to sink. Peace in Christ.

 

[discipler7]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger.

It is quite normal for fallen Man to sometimes have involuntary anger. hate, lust, greed, selfishness, jealousy, pride, fears/worries, doubts, etc in their hearts/minds. That's their inborn or inherited Adam's Original Sin = bound for hell when they die. That is why they needed to be saved from hell by the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the Cross.(ROMANS.5:12)

Anger is not the work of the flesh. Only voluntarily committing murder or assault or outbursts(= cursing/insults) as a result of anger or hate is the work of the flesh.
....... Anger is just an involuntary evil/sinful/satanic thought of the flesh.
.
MATTHEW.7:15-25 =
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
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.
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GALATIANS.5:22-23 & 19-21 = 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. &

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
.
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1CORINTHIANS.6:9-10 = Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

If you planted corn in your back yard, you could not make it grow.

If you ate the corn, you could not "make it" be useful to your body by anything you do, per se.

Growth and fruit both are given by Yahweh (God), sheer grace.

There are serious life and death examples in Scripture of those who study Scripture (in the original language) and profit not at all - they remained opposed to Jesus Messiah Savior King of the Jews !

Jesus says look to Yahweh, get alone with Yahweh in prayer frequently ,
and gradually your focus will change to Him from yourself . Then DO what Yahweh Says to DO, and speak what Yahweh says to speak. Any possible results are up to Him, in His Hands, as He Pleases.
He said this in Scripture to His disciples, and it is still truth.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Ghandi read from the New Testament daily, and often cited verses while doing his work.
When asked why he never converted, he replied, "If I ever meet a real Christian, I would."

Real Christians are so rare.

 

[Stringfellow_Hawke]

Spiritual perfection will come in time. Many saints are obsessed with their own personal holiness and miss the essence of Christianity, i.e., "looking unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith.. " (Hebrews 11:2). Saints led by the Holy Spirit are unaware of their own imperfections, because they're focused on the Perfect One. As long as Peter had his gaze riveted on his Master, he was able to walk on water. It's when he glanced at the waves, that he began to sink. Peace in Christ.

One of the best things I've ever heard.

 

[Swan7]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

Reading this through I can see your desire to follow God with all of your heart, soul and mind. There is no "good" Christian except that God alone makes us so. It's not us that makes us perfect, but Him! Where we are weak, He is strong! Keep your head up and your eyes fixed on God. Talk to Him about these things (I'm sure you have already, but keep at it!) as He has explained to keep asking in this parable: Luke 18:1-8

 

[dqhall]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

I read the Gospels over and over and noticed Jesus was able to quote scriptures and used them in his teachings. I read the letters of Paul and found he had some knowledge of the scriptures too, thus study is important. You might pray to try to find out what God needs you to study and do.

I remember reading about Jesus healing a mentally ill man in the region of the Gerasenes or Gadarenes. In Israel there is a partly restored Byzantine church commemorating the event at Kursi near the shore of the Sea of Galilee, near the border of Hippos, a city of the Decapolis. In the story some men were herding swine. Jews do not keep swine. The Decapolis was a Hellenized area inhabited by Gentiles. The healed man wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus did not allow him to follow. Jesus instructed the man to go and tell his people the good God had done for him (Mark 5:1-20).

Study leads to knowledge and knowledge leads to wisdom.

I had to edit this, as at first I put Kursi was near the border of Gadara. Actually it was near the border of Hippos, a horse shaped hill above En Gev. Gadara was a little further to the south, but a much larger city with a theater.

Some manuscripts say he was a Gerasene (Jerash?) demoniac and others Gadarene.

 

[Mountainmike]

You are in good company.

Romans 7:19-25

Apostle Paul felt the same way.

We fall over. Dust ourselves down, get up and try again.

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

 

[ladodgers6]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

I understand what you are going through. I was trying to find peace, love, desire and assurance in my works with God. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't feel any comfort. Something was missing, or I wasn't trying hard enough. But the more I tried the more empty I felt. Until I heard the Gospel of Christ that Paul preached. I learned Classical Covenant Theology, which is the soil of the Reformation. As I also learned the distinction between Law and Gospel in relation to justification by Faith Alone. I knew right then how much God loves me. What he did for me in Christ! What he had to suffer in my place and die the death meant for me. Knowing that Christ signed his death warrant for me, while I was still an hostile enemy, bought me to tears. Christ is my life, my how, my joy, my peace, my assurance, my justification, my sanctification, and my redemption. He reconciled my to the father. For me this gives me the greatest joy. I hope you will find this joy in the good news!

Paul said to not give up, and take advantage of every opportunity to do good. And if you do not give up, you will yield a harvest of good works.

Hope this helps???

God bless!

 

[Kersh]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

Remember that growth is always incremental. I think about this in terms of my children. Each day when my youngest wakes up, he doesn't appear any taller or stronger than he was the day before. However, it is quite obvious that he is much taller and stronger than he was a year ago. This growth did happen each day, but it was so incremental that it is not noticeable except over longer periods of time. Christian growth happens the same way. Sometimes, we do have "growth spurts" in which it seems that a lot of growth happens over a relatively short period of time. And, we have more stagnant times, where it seems that we are not growing at all. But, if you are connected into the vine that is Jesus Christ, growth is happening whether you can sense it or not.

Be careful not to try to make yourself grow. Just like my children cannot will themselves taller and cannot directly make themselves grow, neither can we will ourselves into spiritual maturity. We can, however, engage in disciplines that tend to facilitate spiritual growth. The most important ones that I know of are Bible intake (both reading and listening), Bible meditation, prayer, and church attendance (both corporate worship and small groups/Sunday School). You might also consider fasting, solitude, and Bible memorization. But, know that the spiritual disciplines are not going to miraculously make you a more "spiritual" person. Instead, they are like the fertilizer that you put in the soil to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in you.

 

[Daniel Martinovich]

Basically, I am creating this thread because I can't figure out where I am going wrong. I feel like the fruit of the spirit is not as evident as it should be in my life, like more fruit is not being produced, and this is something that should serve as evidence for where a person is with God and whether they are in Christ or not. I must confess also that I sometimes have outbursts of anger. I'm not sure if I need more deliverance, it's something I could get with my pastor on. I know it's not enough to study the scriptures daily, to go to church Sundays and Wednesdays, to tithe, to do all these things that Christians do. I may not be fit to teach, I may not be fit to do a lot of the things that weigh a Christian down with responsibility. I don't know.

I can study all day long but what's the point if I don't write them in my heart and apply them in the daily? I don't feel much different from when I didn't study religiously or have zeal for these things. It's simply more knowledge, and that's it. Of what benefit is that? I'd rather be ignorant of the scriptures and bearing the fruit thereof than being knowledgeable of the scriptures and have little to show for it. It's a searing reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 when I recognize this about myself.

But then I wonder, are these just feelings? And then I say, well what are the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Hmm. Love - My relationship with my wife isn't where I want it to be, I seem to care more about others' salvation than I care about the person. I'm not very joyful, I'm actually quite negative and the only thing that get's me fired up is deeper fellowship or leading someone to Christ - just seeing God move. I'm very patient. I feel like I'm a nice person overall. Idk about goodness really. I am faithful as far as belief in Christ and the bible is concerned, and in my marriage. I'm not the most gentle creature, a little rough around the edges at times... And self control... Hmm I need to think about that one for a bit.

I can't say I have really matured in any of these things since attempting to rededicate myself to the Christian lifestyle. I guess what I'm wondering is how do we experience God on a day to day basis? I mean I believe I do, especially I did at church Wednesday night during praise and worship after choir practice. I don't know, I just feel like I'm missing something.

Last night I imagined what it would be like to live in the times that Jesus walked upon this earth. I imagined myself crossing paths with Jesus. I would think He would allow me to cross paths because I love Him and would want to see Him and He loves me. I imagined whether I would follow Him or not, and I would! I would drop my job and my mortgage to follow Him! But He would probably tell me to go home because I am a married man and need to take care of my wife. And I would be sad because I wouldn't be able to stay with Him and be a part of His ministry.

Maybe this is just a rant, I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks I guess for reading, I just want to bear those fruits. I want to be a person that people can say, "Now there's a GOOD Christian."

We can do all the right things, the scriptural things, even be led by the Holy Spirit. The problem is we can do all that with the same motive that we have always had. The motive we chose with our wills when we were babies because we didn't know any better. That has to change and if it doesn't one will never be satisfied with the fruit in their lives. That is by design by the way. The good news is we can change that, just need the knowledge or what you are choosing and refusing first. Here is the second audio of a set on that subject. Geared to give a person that knowledge.

http://wordservice.org/Audio/Downloads/What is Love 10-25-2013 part 2.mp3

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

After being on the path for about 40 years now I realize we got to have patience with ourselves and our slow process.

 

[royal priest]

You're right. I'm just really sensitive. I've been that way since I was a child. I know at heart I do not wish to keep any of the glory that belongs to God. Maybe I don't give Him credit enough of the time. I tend to put the cart before the horse.

I am going to try what you said - acknowledge Him in all my ways. I already see the peace that gives.

It is vital as Christians that we be sensitive to our sin. A heart hardened in sin will bring a man to eternal demise. Be hard on yourself for when we are weak, then we will be strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

[Tigger45]

A higher calling, my walk with Jesus

@Valetic I see the answer to your query in your thread title.

Your drive for a higher calling only comes from the Holy Spirit and your walk with Jesus comes one step at a time.

 

[eternity75]

I don't know if this will help, but I was recently in the same situation. I am baptised, and yet I found myself thinking "I have rotten fruit". I was angry and impatient, I was judgemental of others, I felt anything but loving of others, etc. I couldn't understand why God didn't seem to be working in my life. I kept asking Him to transform me and yet feeling nothing in that regard, and couldn't quite understand why. But recently I began praying for God to guide me to make the changes he wanted me to make, and show me what I needed to change and where I was going wrong. And I think I have realized now where I was going wrong and what was preventing God from changing me, and since then the changes have been coming regularly and I can genuinely feel God working in me and transforming me into a better person and someone who is starting to produce good fruit.

I think what I realized is that God won't change us if the desire on our part isn't 100% there. Like, we have to WANT to please God, and in wanting to please God we have to WANT to make an effort to change. I think I felt that God would just magically transform me like a genie in a bottle granting wishes, and that it would be virtually effortless on my part as long as I dutifully prayed and studied the scriptures. But the more I began praying and establishing a real close relationship with God, one that was real, and not just out of duty, the more He began to show me what I needed to work on changing. And so as I began to make the effort to change the things he was showing me, the more I believe I was showing Him "I really want this, and I'm willing to work at it". And so it wasn't until then, that He finally began transforming me from the inside out. It is a daily effort on my part, and yet once I have put forth the effort, he then somehow takes over and makes it almost effortless. That doesn't mean I can stop trying, because there are always more things I need to change and become better at.

So God will not just magically make you start being loving towards your wife, or caring about others. He will wait for you to first ask, and then make an effort on your own to genuinely change these things yourself, and when he sees you are willing to work for it, that you have a genuine desire to change and to make an effort yourself for Him, he will begin to really help you. It's a 2-way street. He's not a genie in a bottle. He's not a master magician. He desires a relationship with us, and wants to see us put forth the effort that he is also willing to put forth for us. And then the change comes.

Hope this helps.

 

[Blade]

I understand how you meant it..but were not here to please man but the Father..of our lord Jesus Christ. You used the word "feeling" more then once. SO hard to get around that but.. we walk by faith. How our heart is when we go in to things.. prayer, studying etc all matter. Its FAITH.. He IS a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him.

He does not judge you nor condemn you. We worry about so many things that really matter not. You are right now in right standing with the Father aka RIGHTEOUSNESS. You did NOTHING To get it.. but simply believe on His son. So lol ...He is WITH YOU.. duh IN YOU.. He is HAPPY

Seek Him 1st.. all our heart mind soul.. love each other..RELAX. For me its BELIEVE HIS WORD! Read it KNOWING He can NEVER EVER LIE. Those verses that seem to POP OUT are for YOU.

Your being to hard on your self.. enemy is trying to steal your joy.. the Fathers JOY is your strength. There are times in this walk where.. it would look like feel like sound like..GOD LEFT US! I mean.. we feel NOTHING of Him. We are growing up. He never left.. FAITH is the ONLY way to PLEASE Him. And in those moments where we REALLY cry out.. almost giving up.. we dont see He never let go.. not once. Your Father IS Happy with you.. man just ask..if there is anything your doing wrong.. or believing wrong.. ask Him to show you and you will get it right. Any sin you dont remember.. ask Him to not charge it to your account.

Ask.. and when you ask KNOW HE HEARS YOU. Know HE WILL ANSWER.. HE CAN NOT LIE. Ask Him how He sees you.. ask to see this world people through HIS eyes. And if you keep your mind on Him He will keep you in perfect peace. Isa 41:10 was written for you..all that love HIm..

I love the old song.. your desire is the confirmation that destination is there..God wouldn't put it in your spirit if was not going somewhere. So set your sights on the promises and dont you be scared.. for your desire is the confirmation the destination is there.

 

[drjean]

Sorry if I missed it but what is your testimony , again? We must build upon a Firm Foundation and that is our salvation experience when we met Jesus and accepted His gift of Love: salvation. How is it that you now call yourself a Christian (I'm not saying you aren't but asking to affirm upon what you are trying to build. )

 

[Valetic]

Sorry if I missed it but what is your testimony , again? We must build upon a Firm Foundation and that is our salvation experience when we met Jesus and accepted His gift of Love: salvation. How is it that you now call yourself a Christian (I'm not saying you aren't but asking to affirm upon what you are trying to build. )

I didn't share mine. Besides, it's a profound experience. Christians get touchy when they read the whole thing. This isn't the thread for that.

All you need to know is that I believe in Jesus, He is my Lord and savior.

I don't really get where you are going with that post considering the OP.

 

[JojoM]

I understand what you are going through. I was trying to find peace, love, desire and assurance in my works with God. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't feel any comfort. Something was missing, or I wasn't trying hard enough. But the more I tried the more empty I felt. Until I heard the Gospel of Christ that Paul preached. I learned Classical Covenant Theology, which is the soil of the Reformation. As I also learned the distinction between Law and Gospel in relation to justification by Faith Alone. I knew right then how much God loves me. What he did for me in Christ! What he had to suffer in my place and die the death meant for me. Knowing that Christ signed his death warrant for me, while I was still an hostile enemy, bought me to tears. Christ is my life, my how, my joy, my peace, my assurance, my justification, my sanctification, and my redemption. He reconciled my to the father. For me this gives me the greatest joy. I hope you will find this joy in the good news!

Paul said to not give up, and take advantage of every opportunity to do good. And if you do not give up, you will yield a harvest of good works.

Hope this helps???

God bless!

Hi there. As I read your comment here, I can’t help but to write about my joy as well when I understood the Gospel.

I tried so hard to follow the law thinking that it is the evidence of me being saved. But no, the longer I tried the wearier I became. I just felt more and more of a hypocrite trying to teach others to do this and that and there I was not even able to do them myself. One night, My conscience was really causing my heart so much trouble like it’s telling me that I am so sinful, I do not deserve anything good from God. I only deserve His wrath and judgment. I cried my heart out to God telling Him how wretched I am and I do not know what to do. That I can’t help but failing to do what is right and that I am not worthy of asking anything from Him. But even so, I still asked Him for mercy. I asked Him to have mercy on me and show me the way so my troubled heart can rest. The following night, in a Bible study, we read Hebrews 9 and suddenly my eyes were opened. I’ve read Hebrews 9 over and over in the past but only then that I realised that Jesus shed His holy blood in order to obtain eternal redemption for me. That He took all my sins even when I didn’t know Him. At that moment, I was freed from the law that kept torturing my conscience. It was like being able to finally breath air after drowning. Like a blind person that is finally able to see.