Motivation tips please.

[TheNarrowPath]

As I write, it comes to mind that you may be using the Bible as a religion, instead of seeking God's will through Jesus every moment. You're substituting Reading The Bible (and this is all maybe, I maybe totally wrong) for being under God's tutelage directly? Or you're substituting reading the Bible for being forgiven of sins through Christ?
Like God gonna love you more if you read, every day?

No I dont see the Bible as a religion, I dont see Christianity as a religion either, For me its a personal relationship. I already know He has forgiven my sins and that He loves me. I knew this despite letting Him go, I came back and He is still here.
Im not perfect in how I go about trying to be closer to Him. But Im open to correction (Ive just been reading about this in Proverbs) whereas the old me would have been very unkind in my reply. Im not here to use the Bible as a religion, I barely know religion. All I know is that He saved me (several times) and while Im here on earth I need to learn to live like Christ. Im learning so much for everyone already

 

[TheNarrowPath]

Tomorrow is always a new day, a new opportunity, God will open doors and shut doors for our blessings.

Thank you for your reply. Thats beautiful to read and think about

 

[Willow]

I would reverse that order......Psalms trumps Proverbs. No comparison really.

Psalms has got to be one of this most staggering books in all of the Bible. King David's struggles....and victory..... in his walk with The Almighty resonates with every Christian there ever was or will be.

I prefer proverbs to psalms but for starting out loved psalms.

 

[RichGladden]

You see until I came across CC I had no idea people read the Bible like that. I thought everyone was reading in books not just chapters. Keeping it consistent is a challenge for me as I get distracted by worldly things but knowing that others are focused on 1 or a few chapters is more realistic for me.

I see the Bible as a book, like any book. You would not get, let's say war and Peace, and jump to chapter 23. You read it cover to cover. but you can always go back and find a chapter for research or inspiration.

 

[ChristianTonyB]

On reading the bible on a daily. Its a real struggle and Im trying to declutter the house and the mind to have clear space for Him.

Hi TNP. Welcome to Christian Chat.

I've found God to be gracious towards me over the years, in that He has given me an understanding of His ways as and when it bore relevance to a situation in my life, as well as other times. That understanding may not have specifically been related to something happening to me personally, but may be about something someone I know has had trouble dealing with. For sure, He also imparts an understanding of His ways to us to prepare us for the future.

Every person whose spirit is alive to things of God, ie that has been born again, has been given the Holy Spirit to indwell them, and it is He that will teach and counsel the believer in God's ways. The Holy Spirit certainly refers me to scripture when He is teaching me, and some of that is recorded in the Books of the Old Testament as well as the New. I've read the old and new testaments over and over many times, because I took to heart the fact that it is the inspired word of God.

For a new Christian, or one that is struggling with how to bring God's ways into their own lives, I personally recommend they read the NASB 1995 version of the Bible (Bible Gateway has this available to be read online), and read from John's gospel through to the end of Jude's letter, and don't worry about reading the Book of Revelations for now. Go back over, repeating the read from John's gospel through to end of Jude's letter again. There's enough in those books to reveal Jesus and all His ways to you. It doesn't matter how much you read in one 'sitting', take your time, don't rush. Give yourself time to 'hear' what you are reading. You will get understanding from the Holy Spirit as you read, but He will also bring thoughts to you at other opportune times throughout your days.

By all means, eventually do your best to read the whole Bible from cover to cover, you will find that all scripture is beneficial to your spiritual development and Christian lifestyle. Also, find people that appear to have a deep knowledge of God's ways that you chat to. In your case, a mature thinking Christian lady you can trust would be ideal, and ask their opinion on the meaning of scriptures if you are having difficulty understanding them. Such a person won't be argumentative, or combative, but measured and peaceful in their communication style.

Don't be anxious, and rest in the fact that if we earnestly seek after God and His ways, He will not leave us ignorant. That's His promise.

I don't say I have a full knowledge of God and His ways, that would be arrogant and foolish of me. But I have been put through many 'mills' over the years, so if you have any questions that you can't find help for elsewhere, feel free to PM me. If appropriate I will refer you over to a sister to answer your question. Shalom, Tony 🙂

 

[TheNarrowPath]

Thank you for your reply ChristianTony!
I really appreciate you taking the time to write me a message of faith and hope in Our Lord Jesus Christ. I love how God has inspired you to do his works and your faith in Him is honorable. Also your recommendation I gladly take note, it is my desire to know Heavenly Father for I have been blessed in so many ways already. I will happily take up your offer if I have any questions, its so reassuring to know a brother/sister are only a keystroke away. Shalom and stay well

 

[Oriel36]

The Bible is a collection of different traditions with some traditions closer to you than others. Some traditions make you frown while others elevate your spirit as they are inspiring. Many Christians suffer from trying to reconcile different traditions into a single narrative and that includes the writings of the Christian writers.

 

[TheNarrowPath]

The Bible is a collection of different traditions with some traditions closer to you than others. Some traditions make you frown while others elevate your spirit as they are inspiring. Many Christians suffer from trying to reconcile different traditions into a single narrative and that includes the writings of the Christian writers.

Thank you for your reply. Thats a take Ive not heard before but I think you are correct. My parents were from a country that had and still has a very strong Christian influence. However, immigrating to NZ meant a different way of living and while my parents remained steadfast, it was a different story for my siblings and I. We grew up in a country where what we learned at home and Sunday school was very different to our neigbours. Now here I am with my own family trying to explain how the Bibles traditions are as relevant today as it was when it came to be.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Thank you for your reply. I really needed to read that, I am halfway through Proverbs atm but will get to John in time Very insightful about reading the Bible a lot but spend little time considering and applying it to our lives. I was really surprised that I was doing a few minutes a day and still was happy to read more but Im now aware theres a bit more than just reading

proverbs is a wonderful source of wisdom for the mind of men God bless you in your pursuit of his word and may you be blessed abundantly as you press on toward the goal see you in eternity the lord willing !!

 

[TheNarrowPath]

proverbs is a wonderful source of wisdom for the mind of men God bless you in your pursuit of his word and may you be blessed abundantly as you press on toward the goal see you in eternity the lord willing !!

Aww thank you for your reply. It is 100% my goal to be with Him in eternity, how amazing does that sound!? And I wish that for you also. God bless you for encouraging others to seek the Lord.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Aww thank you for your reply. It is 100% my goal to be with Him in eternity, how amazing does that sound!? And I wish that for you also. God bless you for encouraging others to seek the Lord.

what Glories await with him just beyond our physical sight

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What a world ahead he’s prepared for the faithful

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-5‬ ‭

This world lacks a lot and has so much sorrow and corruption but it seems creation is going to be what he originally intended before corruption and death no sorrow , no tears , no funerals or sad goodbyes , life , love and eternity with our God who loves us and has an eternity of plans for his children hallelujah !!!

somewhere in eternity it’s all gonna make sense

 

[TheNarrowPath]

what Glories await with him just beyond our physical sight

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What a world ahead he’s prepared for the faithful

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-5‬ ‭

This world lacks a lot and has so much sorrow and corruption but it seems creation is going to be what he originally intended before corruption and death no sorrow , no tears , no funerals or sad goodbyes , life , love and eternity with our God who loves us and has an eternity of plans for his children hallelujah !!!

somewhere in eternity it’s all gonna make sense

Hallelujah is the perfect word to describe our future with God!! You are correct about this world, It is disheartening at the very least what is happening day in day out. Reading of His promise that one day we will be with Him always gets me emotional.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Hallelujah is the perfect word to describe our future with God!! You are correct about this world, It is disheartening at the very least what is happening day in day out. Reading of His promise that one day we will be with Him always gets me emotional.

amen me too !!! As I’ve gotten older I think about it so much more than when I was young

there’s a comfort as I approach departing this life because somehow Gods word has made my heart and mind do this and look to the promises I’ve never seen but he said was there

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

as we get old of we start really looking into Christs promises it is able to take away the fear of death and replace it with a hope and certain joy that we are slowly moving towards sort of look at death now like a graduation haha

eternal Life in a perfect world dwelling with God almighty who loves us …..there is no better promise to someone approaching the end of earthly life than what Jesus offers on the gospel

no billions can buy it no man can create it and nothing in all of creation can compare to the e promises of Jesus Christ our lord and redeemer

 

[TheNarrowPath]

amen me too !!! As I’ve gotten older I think about it so much more than when I was young

there’s a comfort as I approach departing this life because somehow Gods word has made my heart and mind do this and look to the promises I’ve never seen but he said was there

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

as we get old of we start really looking into Christs promises it is able to take away the fear of death and replace it with a hope and certain joy that we are slowly moving towards sort of look at death now like a graduation haha

eternal Life in a perfect world dwelling with God almighty who loves us …..there is no better promise to someone approaching the end of earthly life than what Jesus offers on the gospel

no billions can buy it no man can create it and nothing in all of creation can compare to the e promises of Jesus Christ our lord and redeemer

Wow thank you for reaffirming our true purpose here, the Colossians verse you quoted Ive never read that before and it is a challenge being surrounded by worldly distractions but He is worth it. Makes me think of that Eye of the Sparrow song.
And YES! I no longer fear death because I believe in Christ and want to follow Him. What a gift He has given us, God bless you.

 

[Oriel36]

Thank you for your reply. Thats a take Ive not heard before but I think you are correct. My parents were from a country that had and still has a very strong Christian influence. However, immigrating to NZ meant a different way of living and while my parents remained steadfast, it was a different story for my siblings and I. We grew up in a country where what we learned at home and Sunday school was very different to our neigbours. Now here I am with my own family trying to explain how the Bibles traditions are as relevant today as it was when it came to be.

The traditions find you rather than the other way around, at least from my experience with one tradition-

" But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God." Johannine community

It becomes an adventure in finding the Eternal in your own nature, what is part of you but does not belong to you so many of the other traditions do not really play a role in that discovery and often make it harder to be spiritual/inspired.

 

[TheNarrowPath]

The traditions find you rather than the other way around, at least from my experience with one tradition-

" But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God." Johannine community

It becomes an adventure in finding the Eternal in your own nature, what is part of you but does not belong to you so many of the other traditions do not really play a role in that discovery and often make it harder to be spiritual/inspired.

Hmm thats very insightful, Im going to have to think on that for a minute and get back to you

 

[TheNarrowPath]

Hmm thats very insightful, Im going to have to think on that for a minute and get back to you

Hi again, I was running out the door when I read your comment and thought you were quoting from the Bible and so I thought you meant something else. Now that I am home again and having read it a few times I realise that I dont quite understand what you are trying to say. Can you clarify please?

 

[Oriel36]

Hmm thats very insightful, Im going to have to think on that for a minute and get back to you

Please do and let me know what you think. Jesus himself made the distinction in traditions so you can freely experience the inspiration that makes you a Christian without being dragged down by the perspectives which weigh on your spirit/inspiration-

“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word," Jesus

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17

 

[TheNarrowPath]

Please do and let me know what you think. Jesus himself made the distinction in traditions so you can freely experience the inspiration that makes you a Christian without being dragged down by the perspectives which weigh on your spirit/inspiration-

“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word," Jesus

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17

Are you meaning the distinction between worldly and Godly? Letting the holy spirit manifest in you and not being distracted by your or the worlds thoughts and feelings getting in the way? Im probably not wording it right here...

 

[Grandpa]

Thank you for your reply. I have tried to enjoy it but its hard to do that when I dont understand parts of it. There are times when I am like Eureka! I get it and other times I am very much the opposite and give up and dont touch my Bible for months.

Don't worry about not understanding it. Just keep reading. Like stacking bricks. One at a time. Pretty soon you will have a whole big stack.

After you get through it the first time you will start to understand things the 2nd time that you didn't before. The more you read the bible the more you will understand. Its like your mind will dwell on some of the things you don't understand and through prayer you will be given insight.