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How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/10/2008 8:18:43 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
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I was talking to my friend(mentor) tonight and she was asking me how my New years resolution was going(to grow in the Lord more) and when I didn't answer her right away she jokingly said "So I guess its not going so well and you're not growing in the Lord than".She thought I forgot my resolution cause I didn't answer her right away but I honestly don't know how to answer that question. I am trying to grow in the Lord,reading his word more,being in a bible study,meditating on what I'm reading and reading books which are helpful to me for Growing, but How Can I myself know I am growing? My friend says she says me growing but how will I know for myself that I am?
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/10/2008 8:53:40 PM
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my quivers full
Posts: 109
Joined: 4/22/2005
From: Canada
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Growth takes time. Jesus said if we obey His commandments, then we are truly his disciples. We just need to have a heart after God and allow Him to make whatever changes He wants to make in us. I remember when i was a child, I grew, physically, mentally but I did not see it because I was there throughout the growth process. Others saw it because they were not there during this process. They saw me one way, then the next time, I was a little taller.
If you look at a plant every day, it grows if it is being watered and fed, but you may not see it growing. You need the contrast to say, AHA, I see you growing. Do not be concerned if you are growing. God will look after that, just set your heart on knowing Him and He will grow you the way He wants to. He will mold and shape you into the vessel He wants you to be.
Watered and fed. you will grow, no worries.
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No trees were hurt in the making of this post, but a few electrons were terribly inconvienenced :)
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/10/2008 9:52:33 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3644
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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One of those fruit things...
patience.
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You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/10/2008 10:00:06 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
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Patience??
What's that lol?
Honestly being patient is my biggest struggle.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/10/2008 10:27:50 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1357
Joined: 1/27/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God
I was talking to my friend(mentor) tonight and she was asking me how my New years resolution was going(to grow in the Lord more) and when I didn't answer her right away she jokingly said "So I guess its not going so well and you're not growing in the Lord than".She thought I forgot my resolution cause I didn't answer her right away but I honestly don't know how to answer that question. I am trying to grow in the Lord,reading his word more,being in a bible study,meditating on what I'm reading and reading books which are helpful to me for Growing, but How Can I myself know I am growing? My friend says she says me growing but how will I know for myself that I am?
Hmmm... If you know it, you probably aren't. 
Ben Franklin once said that pride was the one thing he could not attain. Because the minute he thought he had attained it, he was prideful over the accomplishment. 
I would expect that in a person that was truly growing in Jesus Christ that others would see the change far more dramatically than the one changing.
But, I think that some of the signs that WE can see if we are growing is what we do NOT do that we once did. Do you get angry in traffic or are you more serene? Are you more content when things don't go your way? Do you have more joy in your life than you did? It is the Fruit of the Spirit that should manefest itself in your life giving you greater peace, joy and love for others.
RESTING in Jesus is as important as WORKING for Jesus and you seem to be on the right track in that.
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Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/11/2008 3:57:51 AM
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growingseed
Posts: 287
Joined: 5/24/2005
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I know there is alot of things going on in our lives, but first, patience- allowing whatever it is to be done on God's time, spiritual things that are in action do not parallel man's time of events, someone said something about plants, it will grow we just can't see it right of way. But i have been learning about me, and my relationship to the Lord and where or what areas i need to grow in, and ouch! But here are somethings that have been revealed to me, Eph 3:17 - And i pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. NLT Col 2:7 - Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. NLT Clearly we need to stay focus on Jesus, and our thought pattern which is changing will develope, Phil 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as i close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. NLT
As i start to practice these things i know i'm growing, cause it's not about me, but about the Lord using me.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/11/2008 7:43:29 AM
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timf
Posts: 727
Joined: 10/20/2006
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How do You know when you're growing in the Lord?
1. Less of self
2. Less provision for the flesh (greed, ambition, pride, desire for sensation, etc.)
3. Less expectations from worldly systems, work, government, school, etc.
4. More love for the brethren
5. More love for truth (even when inconvenient)
6. More eagerness for Christ's return
7. More sadness for the secularization of churches and Christianity.
8. Greater understanding of our utter worthlessness and total dependency on Christ.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/11/2008 10:41:30 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
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Thanks for all your help everyone.I was talking to my friend today and told her I didn't know how to answer her question as to if I'm growing.She told me to take inventory of my walk with God as if its a grocery list,such as did you witness today,read devotions today,etc,and than check what you did.That sounds like a great idea.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/12/2008 10:44:27 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 4591
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
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Growth indicator:
(2Pe 1:4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(2Pe 1:5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
(2Pe 1:6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
(2Pe 1:7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
(2Pe 1:8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2Pe 1:9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
(2Pe 1:10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:[/b]
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/14/2008 10:38:12 PM
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hebrews12-2
Posts: 70
Joined: 12/6/2007
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quote:
I was talking to my friend(mentor) tonight and she was asking me how my New years resolution was going(to grow in the Lord more) and when I didn't answer her right away she jokingly said "So I guess its not going so well and you're not growing in the Lord than".She thought I forgot my resolution cause I didn't answer her right away but I honestly don't know how to answer that question. I am trying to grow in the Lord,reading his word more,being in a bible study,meditating on what I'm reading and reading books which are helpful to me for Growing, but How Can I myself know I am growing? My friend says she says me growing but how will I know for myself that I am?
Hi Sunshine4God, nice screen name. A couple things come to mind, first, I think that your mentor's answer sounds a bit flippant and could have been more thoughtful especially the "you're not growing in the Lord" part, but that's just from the outside looking in. Second, your question actually demonstrates why we need mentors and accountability partners in our lives - so that we can encourage one another, spur each other to good works, challenge each other when we stray, etc. I think most of us don't realize when we are growing because we see ourselves by the minute, hour, day, week and maybe by the month, but seldom by the year unless we're intentionally examining ourselves. We can easily stay so focused on the last failure or time when we may have missed the mark. Another person doesn't necessarily see you like that which is probably why they are able to see the growth.
I think journaling helps with getting a better perspective. It's amazing what I will find in my journal from a year ago, I'll read something and think, wow, look how far I've come in my thinking, behavior or whatever. That's when I know I've grown. While praying and getting into God's word are things we should definitely do to experience growth, it is not the activity in itself that determines the growth. It's possible to treat devotional life as part of our checklist and not really be growing in the Lord. It could just mean we're consistent, but if it not meaningful and bringing us closer to God, it can turn into just another activity and may not be a good indicator of how much growth has taken place. With that said, I think we need to be doing that and getting better at it every year, it is part of "training yourself to be godly".
I hope this helps.
_____________________________
In Christ,
Jason
"Holiness is not some nebulous thing. It is a series of right choices. You will be holy when you choose not to sin."
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/14/2008 11:37:28 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
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quote:
Hi Sunshine4God, nice screen name. A couple things come to mind, first, I think that your mentor's answer sounds a bit flippant and could have been more thoughtful especially the "you're not growing in the Lord" part, but that's just from the outside looking in. Second, your question actually demonstrates why we need mentors and accountability partners in our lives - so that we can encourage one another, spur each other to good works, challenge each other when we stray, etc. I think most of us don't realize when we are growing because we see ourselves by the minute, hour, day, week and maybe by the month, but seldom by the year unless we're intentionally examining ourselves. We can easily stay so focused on the last failure or time when we may have missed the mark. Another person doesn't necessarily see you like that which is probably why they are able to see the growth.
I think journaling helps with getting a better perspective. It's amazing what I will find in my journal from a year ago, I'll read something and think, wow, look how far I've come in my thinking, behavior or whatever. That's when I know I've grown. While praying and getting into God's word are things we should definitely do to experience growth, it is not the activity in itself that determines the growth. It's possible to treat devotional life as part of our checklist and not really be growing in the Lord. It could just mean we're consistent, but if it not meaningful and bringing us closer to God, it can turn into just another activity and may not be a good indicator of how much growth has taken place. With that said, I think we need to be doing that and getting better at it every year, it is part of "training yourself to be godly".
I hope this helps.
Thanks for your help.I was surprised when my mentor said that also about me not growing in the Lord,but this friend of mine is always saying sarcastic things just joking around.She is very encouraging to me and I know she didn't mean it. Oh well. I'm not really into journaling but my friend told me to give myself a checklist such as Have I prayed today,read the bible today,etc.That sounds like a really good idea.
What really touched my heart was yesterdays sermon at church,when the pastor said we are to forget what is behind,(like wanting to be just how we were when we were first saved but looking to what Jesus is doing in us now).He also said something else that really spoke to me,That He had a word for someone that have been trying to base their growth on another believers,the pastors,etc.That hit me hard because I initially told my mentor I wanted to be as close to God as she seemed to be.She told me to tweak that to being as close to God as he wants me to be,which is the same thing the pastor said. God really touched my heart yesterday and I am believing in him to do great and awesome things in me.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 12:15:43 AM
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canadiantrip
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I know whenever I am starting to see things differently. Like how I manage my time, money, talent, etc.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 12:37:14 AM
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LCannon
Posts: 1310
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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...when we concentrate on the anticipation of obedience(His next one for you)rather then simply 'preventing' disobedience.
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"[Prayer power] hasn't never been taxed to[His]full capacity. His standing challenge, 'Call on
Me and I will answer with great and mighty things which thou can't imagine." Hudson Tayor
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 12:51:38 AM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LCannon
...when we concentrate on the anticipation of obedience(His next one for you)rather then simply 'preventing' disobedience.
his next one for me?? What do you mean?
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 1:57:08 AM
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stephengoswami
Posts: 31
Joined: 12/5/2007
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Progressing in Christ means propgress in repentance
She was a good-looking orphan girl, reared in an orphanage. Attaining maturity she was married off to a widower. But she was not satisfied with her married life. So she soon fell to the enticement of a younger lover. She departed with him taking the hard-earned cash of her husband, leaving her single child.
As it always happens; the lover deserted her when the cash was finished. So she started a life of begging and prostitution, living under a flyover. The antisocial elements preyed on her constantly.
Her husband heard of her plight in that distant city from someone. His heart was moved by pity. Usually they forget about such wives as they carry diseases and cause social boycott. But this husband was a courageous one. So, he setout to find her and bring back home.
When he saw her under the flyover among vagrants it was hard to recognize her. She was so thin, dirty, with matted hair and wild looks. When she responded to her name he was certain that it was she. But, she runaway in shame, guilt and fear. Next day he returned and found her again. His forgiving words and sincerity of invitation overcame her fear and she broke into repentant sobs. We only repent when we are touched by love.
So she returned with him. They never had sex relationship but more satisfying spiritual communion. The social ostracism gradually broke down seeing her humble repentant life and good works. She survived her husband to continue good works saving wayward girls and endangered families.
Such way Christ has also come to invite us back home. (Jihiscale16-10). But unless we are touched by his love we can’t repent to overcome fear barrier. Actually repentance is heaven as it is an antidote to pride, the devil and hell generator. So in repentance-heaven, pride the destroyer can’t enter.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 7:48:24 PM
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Hismaiden
Posts: 41
Joined: 1/14/2008
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This may sound strange, but my greatest christian growth has been over the past 5 years and has come as a result of my clinging to God during difficult times (the 'growing pains' of a new marriage, having my mom move in with us after one year of marriage because she was diagnosed with Alzhimers, going through 2 hurricanes etc)
During each time, I totally opened myself to trust God and His wisdom in the situation and He began to molded me more and more in His likeness. NOW... as He molds, it sometimes hurts more and you discover (the Holy Spirit showing you!!) things about yourself that need to be changed, things that you kept hidden for a long time. (even from yourself).
But He always makes a way for you to 'clean your closet' and each step draws you closer to Him and you GROW IN GRACE!
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At His Feet, Debs
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 8:06:19 PM
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propitiated4
Posts: 678
Joined: 10/1/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God
I was talking to my friend(mentor) tonight and she was asking me how my New years resolution was going(to grow in the Lord more) and when I didn't answer her right away she jokingly said "So I guess its not going so well and you're not growing in the Lord than".She thought I forgot my resolution cause I didn't answer her right away but I honestly don't know how to answer that question. I am trying to grow in the Lord,reading his word more,being in a bible study,meditating on what I'm reading and reading books which are helpful to me for Growing, but How Can I myself know I am growing? My friend says she says me growing but how will I know for myself that I am?
I just ask the people closest to me. We don't always see it in ourselves. We only see the striving to grow. Also when we are growing we are always growing toward the image of Christ. He is comforming us.
Romans 8:28-29
8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
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Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 11:24:23 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
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[quote:
NOW... as He molds, it sometimes hurts more and you discover (the Holy Spirit showing you!!) things about yourself that need to be changed, things that you kept hidden for a long time. (even from yourself).
I know thats true,Gods spirit touched me sunday and as blessed as I was,was also hurting inside for looking to others for my help instead of to The Lord!
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 1/15/2008 11:25:25 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 5188
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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Thanks so much for all your help everyone.God bless you all!
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 4/23/2008 2:40:56 AM
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stephengoswami
Posts: 31
Joined: 12/5/2007
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We are all devil’s brood (mt23-33) incapable of doing any good. Whatever we try do turn bad. But when in humility we confess our true position and cling to Christ, he works good, through us in spite of our evilness.
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RE: How do You know when you're growing in the Lord? - 4/23/2008 8:17:37 AM
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Everyone else is seeing growth that I am not seeing. The only thing that I can come up with is that I am trying too hard to see it because I want to see sooooo much change. (and I am really self-critical)
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