Suggested Readings

[Fryson]

Hey, everyone. I've been having some trouble lately trying to decide what direction to take my life in. I'm a sophmore in college right now and I've started to have some confusion as to what I should or want to do with my life. Growing up I always wanted to go to vet school but things seem to have changed a lot since then and even in just the past year or so.

I don't want to get too personal but I will say I was raised going to church, my family has always been very religious. But now I only go to church when I go home to visit, which isn't all that often. I used to always talk to God as well, even though I always felt it was a one sided conversation, I still would 'talk' to him pretty much everyday. Basically just shooting the breeze, not necessarily praying. That has pretty much come to a halt to, which to me was more important than going to church. It was comfortable for me to talk to him when I was growing up. But things have changed, and I don't think it's just that I'm in college now, but I don't know. Anyways, I don't know what else to do, so I was wondering if any had any suggestions of stuff to read that might help me out, specifically verses/chapters in the Bible.

Thank you. Sorry this was so long. And also sorry if this wasn't the right place to post this.

 

[Macx]

Meditations - Marcus Aurelius

Hagakure - Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Book of Five Rings - Miyamoto Musashi

Sometimes the best books on getting closer to God are written about the issues rather than flowery religion books. At least I know it has been easier for me to "come in from outside" using these books & thinking seriously about what the implications of them are on my faith.

 

[miss-a]

I think first and foremost, the Gospels, because they will get you back in touch with Jesus.

Here are some scriptures specifically recommended by James Robison for destiny and purpose: Exodus 9:13-16
Psalm 33:11
Psalm 57:2
Psalm 138:7,8
Eph 8-10
Colossians 1:0-12, 2:2-3
Jeremaiah 29:11-14
Ester 4:13-14
Philipians 3:12-15
Psalm 13913-16
Proverbs 19:21, 20:5
Isaiah 14:27
Acts 5:38-39, 13:36
Romans 8:28
2Corinthians 5:5
2Thess 1:11-12
2Tim 1:11,12

Blessings, and just start talking to Him again, just like you used to. It blesses Him way more than pious platitudes. And also know, it's never one-sided when you talk to Him. He talks back, we just have a tough time hearing Him because this world is a noisy place. But remember, His word is alive and active. It is His way of talking to you. It's not His only way, but it is a way to always hear from Him.

A

 

[GaryP]

Hi,
Every Kid whats to be a vet when they are young and have pets.
I did. When I put my first dog down during work experience. I changed my mind.

Regarding the Father in Heaven. Go to Mark 15:38. There you will see the Temple.
Peer inside. What do you see? The answer you seek is inside.

 

[JM]

The Saints Everlasting Rest by Baxter

The Existence and Attributes of God by Charnock

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Lloyd-Jones

Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan

Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky trans. Pevear / Volokhonsky

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

Knowing God by JI Packer

 

[seashale76]

I highly recommend this book- I count it among those that made the biggest impact on me:
The Way of a Pilgrim
Amazon.com: The Way of a Pilgrim and the Pilgrim Continues His Way (9780060630171): Anonymous, R. M. French: Books

Here is a website that has tons of helpful links to articles on Christian faith, life, and prayer: Page Title

 

[ChildOfGod97]

Hey, everyone. I've been having some trouble lately trying to decide what direction to take my life in. I'm a sophmore in college right now and I've started to have some confusion as to what I should or want to do with my life. Growing up I always wanted to go to vet school but things seem to have changed a lot since then and even in just the past year or so.

I don't want to get too personal but I will say I was raised going to church, my family has always been very religious. But now I only go to church when I go home to visit, which isn't all that often. I used to always talk to God as well, even though I always felt it was a one sided conversation, I still would 'talk' to him pretty much everyday. Basically just shooting the breeze, not necessarily praying. That has pretty much come to a halt to, which to me was more important than going to church. It was comfortable for me to talk to him when I was growing up. But things have changed, and I don't think it's just that I'm in college now, but I don't know. Anyways, I don't know what else to do, so I was wondering if any had any suggestions of stuff to read that might help me out, specifically verses/chapters in the Bible.

Thank you. Sorry this was so long. And also sorry if this wasn't the right place to post this.

We should seek God, then prayer comes naturally, and that means it is not one sided... but we are seeking to listen from God.


I normally simply pray in my heart. That is the closet. That involves simply reminding myself God always hears the thoughts of my heart. That simple belief connects the thoughts of the heart with God.

All happiness and answers come from God, so we have good reason to seek Him.

 

[alatir]

Do you understand the basic message of the Gospel and have you really embraced Jesus as your Saviour? If not I'd have you listen to this sermon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0X47KeoA8U

Growing up in a religious family and going to church is not a guarantee that you're saved. A true child of God can't do without praying because he misses the Father so much and has the Spirit of the Son.

 

[heron]

I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It (9780440505006): Barbara Sher, Barbara Smith
While I don't agree with her on some other subjects, she sets forth a sensible approach to career planning.

Instead of diving headlong into one Perfect Goal, map out your life in stages, where you accomplish the simplest one first, then shift to the more consuming one, then consider another part of your retirement or refreshment plan.

Work in a video store while getting a med tech certificate, be a med technician while finishing a forensics degree, phase out of forensics by touring the country selling clay pumpkins, then become a seniors golf pro.



On the spiritual side, we can get into a lot of fear wondering if we're going to do it wrong. Displeasing God, missing the mark, whatever. But think of how many millions of believers did not get into the Bible for God giving them a plan. They made decisions, and succeeded or failed. They lived out life, and God intervened when they asked or needed it.

De 10:12 Read Chapter

"Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.


Mic 6:8 Read Chapter

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?


I Kings 3

Solomon answered..."Now, O LORD my God... give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be."


1Ki 5:12 Read Chapter

The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.


1Ki 10

When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, she said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.


Unless God has told you something very specific, it is your heart and your character that He is concerned about. If we obsess over career choices, then will we also obsess over smaller choices and disable ourselves?

 

[wonderwaleye]

Hey, everyone. I've been having some trouble lately trying to decide what direction to take my life in. I'm a sophmore in college right now and I've started to have some confusion as to what I should or want to do with my life. Growing up I always wanted to go to vet school but things seem to have changed a lot since then and even in just the past year or so.

I don't want to get too personal but I will say I was raised going to church, my family has always been very religious. But now I only go to church when I go home to visit, which isn't all that often. I used to always talk to God as well, even though I always felt it was a one sided conversation, I still would 'talk' to him pretty much everyday. Basically just shooting the breeze, not necessarily praying. That has pretty much come to a halt to, which to me was more important than going to church. It was comfortable for me to talk to him when I was growing up. But things have changed, and I don't think it's just that I'm in college now, but I don't know. Anyways, I don't know what else to do, so I was wondering if any had any suggestions of stuff to read that might help me out, specifically verses/chapters in the Bible.

Thank you. Sorry this was so long. And also sorry if this wasn't the right place to post this.

GOD'S WORD says:

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN RIGHT WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG, THEY WILL VEER, BUT THEY SHALL RETURN TO THEIR TEACHING

You must find a reason for your return. You shall find it when you experence the world.

steven

 

[raekae]

I can totally relate to you friend. I went through a period of time (when I was your age actually) where God was God, and He was supposed to be my everything, but I didn't feel it anymore. Sometimes, I still go through days like that. Heck, for the last week or so I haven't touched my Bible or prayer journal.

When we get like this, its so easy to give up and just not spend time with the Lord. But, we need to. Daily. If you're looking for a book to read, Crazy Love by Francis Chan is good. But also don't neglect your Bible. I usually try and read a chapter a night, sometimes half a chapter if its a longer one. Try the smaller new testament books to start with. James, 1/2/3 John, ect... Those are easy reads and will get ya back into good habits.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Be very carefull where you seek GOD'S TRUTH:


2 Timothy 4:

3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."




FABLES DEFINITION

A fictitious narrative or statement: as a: a legendary story of supernatural happenings b: a narration intended to enforce a useful truth.

steven

 

[hlaltimus]

Sounds like you still have a capacity for God, (and that is good,) and have filled that capacity with what you now call "prayer", but that this particular level of prayer is still something below Communion with God.

I wouldn't take this too hard either, as progressive accomplishment is an inevitable part of life in general for everyone that was ever born. Even the mightiest oaks themselves once had to start out as lowly saplings. Growth simply takes time, and spiritual growth is no exception. Cultivate and protect this need or capacity for God at all expenses what-so-ever, as the outcome of it could not be more important both in time and in eternity.

Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" is a must read. Most of these older writers though can make a number of tough or hard statements that modern writers tend to avoid. When this happens, simply ask yourself one question: "Is what he saying in the Bible or not?" and then track down the issue. This is why I personally prefer to read older authors as they, (like the Holy Bible,) sometimes have to hurt you a little, in order to help you. "Reprove, rebuke, exhort" is a biblical balance: Positive and negative truth used together for your benefit, as is very plain from Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

An important caution here: Whatever you choose to read, when something that is said seems to make sense, and doesn't contradict anything plainly taught in the Bible, commit yourself to that truth. In one sense, everything that will ever take place in your search for God will depend upon a single, solitary element in that experience....FAITH, and faith is a fruitful plant which grows well under obedience to illumination granted, but tends to quickly wither and die under disobedience to light given us by God. Commit yourself to the truth, and you will thereby encourage God to grant you further and further illumination, until you are one of those mighty oaks able to stand against the very worst of tempests.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Never forget GOD'S WORD says:

YOU SHALL NOT ADD OR TAKE AWAY FROM GOD'S WORD


So it appears GOD'S WORD (BIBLE) must be your source.


steven