The last few months have been a real mix for me, and at times I've been privileged enough to teach and disciple young Christians at camp. To equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to love and serve The Lord. However, at other times life's pace and problems, mixed with the attractions of the world sap the energy and drive to be or do anything for God. If anyone has the solution to a more consistent, closer walk with The Lord, then please comment below. I'm sure many others feel the same way as me, taking 2 steps forward and 3 back. Vowing to serve Jesus completely but giving in after the first discouragement.
I do find this blog a real encouragement to write, and share and if no one commented it'd still be beneficial for me. But it is nice when you know that there are people out there who feel the same, or have helpful suggestions. Your comments and shares (retweets) show me that at least it's hit a positive note with someone out there in internet land.
I plan to get back to writing more (I know I've said that before), and to use it for my own walk. To grow closer to The Lord so that the highest highs and lowest lows are dealt with in the same way and to generate the same levels of trust. I've learnt that it doesn't happen passively, and it takes work, time and most of all a desire to keep coming back when you deviate.
To be less lukewarm and more burnt out for God!
Now is the time to take the advice of Hebrews 12 v 1-2.... "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Yours in Him
Dan
The best way to stay focused on the Lord, I've found, is to consistently read my Bible every day.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to pray more as well. Having a list of people to pray for helps keep me on track. It is always encouraging to know that others are praying for you.
Keep up the good work here on your blog!
"Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Hebrews 6:17-20
Lately, I have been burdened with similar thoughts. Why have many of the youth left the churches? Why is there so much lack of zeal for God in our hearts? Perhaps, it is because we have learned how to behave or act in assemblies of believers, at bible camps, or outreaches? Perhaps we have failed to encourage each other, to value the importance of holy living in the work place, in the monotony of every day life. Perhaps, we have failed to see the truth in what is black and white, good and bad, truth and lies, deceit and sincerity, evil and righteousness? Have we been so persuaded by a washed out Christianity that mentions the name of Christ, calls themselves Christians, yet fail to live like Him?
ReplyDeleteIf we stepped back in time where there were those who were martyred for their faith in Jesus. Where Believers were persecuted, scorned and ridiculed; would we be ashamed at our own faith? I believe our faith is being tested right now. Tested by the pressures of the world, by the cares of this world that threaten to choke us so we become unfruitful for God. Let us encourage each other to make a stand. To live in the world but not be of this world! Let us be motivated to pour into our minds that which is pure, holy, true, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things! Our minds must be fed by the word of God, nurtured by faith in God, and practiced in our lives for God.
Has it come to a time in history where many "Have a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof"(2 Timothy 3:5). Let us have faith in our God, and not deny the power that He has given to us by the indwelling of His Spirit to overcome. He is a limitless God but we must have faith, even if it is the grain of a mustard seed!! Faith is where David succeeded and loved God with his WHOLE HEART. Faith is what made David run towards Goliath knowing with God he already had won the victory of the battle! Faith is the key that turns hearts towards God! Faith in God's love and power is what turned the tide in the hearts and lives of men and woman.
As the saying goes: "Doubt knocked at the door, faith answered and there was no one there."