I've worn myself out in vain pursuits...

[Mustaphile]

I spend far too much time in the GA forum. I need some deeper fellowship.

I read an interesting little tidbit this morning in my search for a better focus.

SHUN the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.
Many a time I wish that I had held my peace and had not associated with men. Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience? We do so because we seek comfort from one another's conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts. Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much or of things we dislike intensely. But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and divine consolation.
Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly.
When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.
Bad habits and indifference to spiritual progress do much to remove the guard from the tongue. Devout conversation on spiritual matters, on the contrary, is a great aid to spiritual progress, especially when persons of the same mind and spirit associate together in God.

From, Imitation of Christ.

Note the bolded section. Have I come to the right place?

 

[Evee]

I do the same and I plan on very soon to make a clean break.
As soon as I can break the habit.
This is the truth I have know for some time I should leave at least for a while.
I am just here and seldom ever put out any information worth reading and I know this.

 

[Mustaphile]

I do the same and I plan on very soon to make a clean break.
As soon as I can break the habit.
This is the truth I have know for some time I should leave at least for a while.
I am just here and seldom ever put out any information worth reading and I know this.

I quite joyous over finding you here too, Evee. (A familiar face, when I feel like a stranger in a strange land )

I'm off to have a chat on the phone with someone and check back in here later to take in the spirit of the place.

 

[Mustaphile]

Some quiet Bible reading is on my mind as well. A bit of prayer while I am doing so...and some being still to listen to God.

 

[Evee]

Some quiet Bible reading is on my mind as well. A bit of prayer while I am doing so...and some being still to listen to God.

That is exactly what I mean and need too.
This has been on my mind for a while.
I believe I need a few weeks or months of this.

 

[Evee]

I quite joyous over finding you here too, Evee. (A familiar face, when I feel like a stranger in a strange land )



Yes me too I sometimes feel like I fit in no where... but the funny thing it don't make me sad.
Well sometimes I do feel sad!

 

[angelwind]

This is a good post Mustaphile....I have worn myself out with "vain imaginations"...trying to live life too much with my own thoughts and ways...instead of letting His word and He Himself be honored and exalted.
This is a good nudge in the right direction...to fine our comfort in His Word and then share that word with others.

 

[KleinerApfel]

Hello everyone.

It's true we can weary ourselves for no purpose sometimes.
I think we need to learn to concentrate our efforts in the direction the Lord shows, and sometimes just walk on by when people are baiting us as entertainment rather than being open to truth.

My attention was recently drawn to this:

Psalm 127
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat-
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD ,
children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

The first half reminds us to watch for God's work then join in as He asks. Work in His strength not ours.
(I still get exhausted; I'm a slow learner here! )

The second half speaks of the children God wants for the future, and how they in turn will speak up for Him.
We can have a small part in raising these new Christians, which is joyful work, but we really do need to do only what He asks, or it will simply not happen as we hope.

Still trying to get to grips with this myself, but thought I'd share this psalm, which seems to me to speak directly about the issue of witnessing and spreading the Gospel.

Enjoy the break over here, God bless, Susana

 

[Mustaphile]

This is a good nudge in the right direction...to fine our comfort in His Word and then share that word with others.

I like this one, angelwind. Thanks for sharing.

Enjoy the break over here, God bless, Susana

I will! I'm thinking of starting a journal actually, now that this section of the forum has come to my attention. I sitting comtemplating the rest of your post and meditating on it right now.