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is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 12:25:14 AM
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IamLibertarian
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For the past week, God has been providing me with everything I need, and more. In fact, today, He provided my family and I with what could possibly be considered a miracle (though on a lesser scale of what some might consider a miracle 
I know in the past I would start to fall away from God when things were going smooth, and it would take a very rude awakening to wake me up to God again. I feel like I only draw near to God when I am struggling and need Him and He "pulls through for me". That is a horrible relationship to have and I am sick of it.
So my question is, what do you guys do to have a consistently healthy and close relationship with Him? Are there any specific Books in the Bible that you like to read when things are going great? What do you do to show your appreciation?
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 1:35:58 AM
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NINEA
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Hmmm, definitely would not be my problem, though I look forward to that particular struggle...haven't had it yet. :)
_____________________________
Not I; not ever again.
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 1:50:14 AM
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IamLibertarian
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lol 
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 1:53:56 AM
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GodisKind
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I first go to church to light candles and personally say Thank You Lord and optionally, offer a mass for Thanksgiving. I try to continue my prayers if not for myself but for others who are in need. Whenever I am reminded of God's graces in my life, I say three HailMary's (prayer) to sustain those graces. There have been few days in my life that I was so contended that I had nothing more to ask from God and I just said ThankYou Lord for all you have done for me. They were the best days of my life and hope to see it again and not trouble God with my requests always.
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 10:00:50 AM
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NINEA
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I can see that would be a problem. We are urged to remain alert. If for long periods of time nothing of concern happens, the tendency would be to become lax...which reminds me of the TSA agents at LAX. They still frisk 89 year old ladies and make us take off our shoes, which I am told, not even Israel does...well, good for them!
Let us all do the equivalent of frisking old ladies and inspecting shoes. Better that than to come under attack and fall :)
_____________________________
Not I; not ever again.
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 10:33:33 AM
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DeliveredDarling
Posts: 1781
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Well, I read my bible and spend time with Him everyday. It's about my priorities--He is my priority!
I used to be the way you described! He's since changed all that in me!
I don't desire to be complacent-I desire to be obedient.
Ask Him to increase your faith! Seek Him earnestly in the good times and the bad.
Praise Him in the good times-praise Him in the bad!
Talk to Him about everything--big and little things.
Work on your relationship with Him by focusing on Him rather than the things of this world.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 12:05:45 PM
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drussell52
Posts: 153
Joined: 4/24/2008
From: Michigan
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deliveredarling
Well, I read my bible and spend time with Him everyday. It's about my priorities--He is my priority!
I used to be the way you described! He's since changed all that in me!
I don't desire to be complacent-I desire to be obedient.
Ask Him to increase your faith! Seek Him earnestly in the good times and the bad.
Praise Him in the good times-praise Him in the bad!
Talk to Him about everything--big and little things.
Work on your relationship with Him by focusing on Him rather than the things of this world.
I certainly hope and pray that is not the case for myself and anyone who chooses to follow the Savior. I read a rather startling challenge yesterday elsewhere that basically said if Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah then live like it as you are commanded to. If not then don't waste your time and His but get on with it. Part of the problem is measuring 21st century life by 1st century life which was far more rural, far more agricultural, far more family or community oriented, etc etc. We excuse ourselves by saying principles have changed because we are now under grace.. Two teenagers are in my house, one is in band, other in high school football. Both have competitions respectively on Friday nights and Saturdays during the fall. Yes, we attend Sunday church, but that occurs after all this other man made scheduled stuff occurs.. Hence I return to my beginning sentence, I certainly hope that is not the case for any who follow the Savior.
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/11/2009 12:09:01 PM
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DeliveredDarling
Posts: 1781
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quote:
I certainly hope and pray that is not the case for myself and anyone who chooses to follow the Savior.
You quoted me and I don't understand why. What does the above sentence reference and what does it have to do with what I said?
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/12/2009 1:22:47 PM
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Myztro
Posts: 11
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quote:
I know in the past I would start to fall away from God when things were going smooth, and it would take a very rude awakening to wake me up to God again. I feel like I only draw near to God when I am struggling and need Him and He "pulls through for me". That is a horrible relationship to have and I am sick of it.
I had been living this way for many years. It started quietly, almost imperceptibly but soon became a way of life. Recently I realized that it's only when I'm nearly hitting rock bottom again that the guilt becomes enough for me to push upward to the point of repentance again where I want to live a Godly life. That said, I warn you of the routine this can become.
Here's the simple revelation that I received regarding this waste of Gods blessing... Be active in following his will for your life.
When you are content living as a Sunday Christian or even a basically "good" life, your gifts are not being used and your spirit becomes complacent. God has called us to be active in his ministry, using the talents and gifts he's given us. Think about where he is placing opportunity in your life to share his good news. Is it at work? With a family member? Do you have a driving need to seek higher education and move into full time ministry. Don't be afraid of the goals that burn deep inside you. You can really attain them by leaning on Jesus.
quote:
We excuse ourselves by saying principles have changed because we are now under grace
The fact that we excuse ourselves does nothing to change the fact that his Grace is real and effective. Example. I know that my sin will be forgiven. I now have the choice to praise him for his acceptance of me regardless of that fact and repent, or I can make the excuse that I can continue to sin because of his Grace. If I truly have a biblical understanding of Grace, what benefit is there for me to continue to sin? God's principals have not changed... Only his willingness to accept us as washed by the blood through is new covenant has positioned us differently.
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RE: is Complacency hindering your walk? - 8/12/2009 4:58:56 PM
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Redjasper
Posts: 344
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Complacency is certainly not something I'm striving for either. Interestingly, I'm the other way round. When things are going more "smoothly", I feel the presence of the Lord, and when the going gets tough I sometimes feel abandoned by Him. Obviously these are just my own feelings because I know that He is there all the time no matter what.
I don't see any problem with crying out to God in any circumstances, that's what He wants us to do and He knows our nature very well, we are the prodigal sons who are always welcomed back in any circumstances. God, in fact, uses the tough times to get us draw near Him, so tough times are under His control as well. EVerything and anything in existence is God's invention. We are not surprise to Him. Don't feel bad about crying out in trouble even if you previously neglected your relationship with Him, He wants you to return.
On the other hand, the greatest antidote to neglecting God in good times is daily Bible reading and prayer. When you do these, you keep God in the forefront of your mind and He will keep you on track. If you have trouble making your "date" with God frequently, set up a "meeting" with Him at a certain time of the day, like morning before setting out for the day, or in the evening. You can even set a nice alarm on your watch or something to remind you at the time, or set Outlook or other software to send reminders to your computer screen. You get the picture. Or read a Psalm or Proverb at lunchtime. See what approach works best for you, as long as you make spending time with God a priority.
So the formula is:
Bible + Prayer = Seeking God.
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