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Post by mrknowitall on Jul 1, 2008 8:25:48 GMT -5
After having an encouraging conversation with a friend this morning, I'm curious as to how you "spiritual reenergize" yourself.
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Post by jay0heavenly on Jul 1, 2008 9:10:39 GMT -5
Great question my brother, but, there's no such thing really, because more energy or more emotion won't change the relationship. Take an example from marriage. If you've been away from your wife for a while, haven't called, written etc, you don't need more energy, you need more communication. The vibrant relationship would take months to accumulate. I say this only so that you won't be disappointed in your pursuit of God. But in everything, know that its not you thats seeking God, but its actually the opposite. God is seeking you and your finally able to hear Him calling. For starters, I recommend praying. Not a long deep prayer with a bunch of fancy words; rather a simple prayer from your heart to God telling God whatever is on your heart. Also, maybe reading the daily bread or some other daily devotional is a good way to start bible reading: www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtmlMore importantly, know that nothing good comes overnight. (Nothing that will remain at least). A lot of times, we are in the mood for a good spiritual awakening, and if God doesn't do it immediately, we lose heart and say "forget it, it must not be for me". I would STRONGLY suggest reading a good book on something like this. There's an awesome, and relatively short (about 120 pages of easy reading) book called: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. You can find it on Amazon and/or I actually have a couple of these books at my house that I'll send you for free, just pm me a mailing address. Lastly, and most importantly, and please don't take this the wrong way at all, as I am not insinuating anything. I have never had a conversation with you and I don't know where you stand, nor am I assuming where you stand. But, you, or anybody else cannot be spiritually "re"juvenated until we have first been born again. We cannot wake up if we are not alive. Hence, a rejuvenation implies that all you need is just to be restarted, but many times, the hard truth is, you need to be saved. Holla at me in the pm's if you want to talk about it my brother. Grace and Peace. |
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Post by LejaOMG on Jul 1, 2008 9:12:08 GMT -5
What a great question! I was just telling a friend of mine that I feel particularly "connected" this morning.
Personally, when I meditate on the promises that God has already fulfilled it gives me so much confidence and hope in the promises which are still to come. Not just read, but really study, meditate and extract the "deep things of God."
Lately, I've been focusing on God's promise to give us a portion of Holy Spirit when we ask for it to help us through various trials. It really is a very loving provision and thinking deeply on that, and in appreciative prayer, I feel protected all the time.
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Post by mrknowitall on Jul 1, 2008 9:22:19 GMT -5
Great question my brother, but, there's no such thing really, because more energy or more emotion won't change the relationship. Take an example from marriage. If you've been away from your wife for a while, haven't called, written etc, you don't need more energy, you need more communication. The vibrant relationship would take months to accumulate. I say this only so that you won't be disappointed in your pursuit of God. But in everything, know that its not you thats seeking God, but its actually the opposite. God is seeking you and your finally able to hear Him calling. For starters, I recommend praying. Not a long deep prayer with a bunch of fancy words; rather a simple prayer from your heart to God telling God whatever is on your heart. Also, maybe reading the daily bread or some other daily devotional is a good way to start bible reading: www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtmlMore importantly, know that nothing good comes overnight. (Nothing that will remain at least). A lot of times, we are in the mood for a good spiritual awakening, and if God doesn't do it immediately, we lose heart and say "forget it, it must not be for me". I would STRONGLY suggest reading a good book on something like this. There's an awesome, and relatively short (about 120 pages of easy reading) book called: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. You can find it on Amazon and/or I actually have a couple of these books at my house that I'll send you for free, just pm me a mailing address. Lastly, and most importantly, and please don't take this the wrong way at all, as I am not insinuating anything. I have never had a conversation with you and I don't know where you stand, nor am I assuming where you stand. But, you, or anybody else cannot be spiritually "re"juvenated until we have first been born again. We cannot wake up if we are not alive. Hence, a rejuvenation implies that all you need is just to be restarted, but many times, the hard truth is, you need to be saved. Holla at me in the pm's if you want to talk about it my brother. Grace and Peace. First and foremost, I have been saved since December 14, 1996 (will never forget that day). I agree with some portions of your responses, however as with any relationship you have to work at it. When I was dipped in the water, I didn't just automatically have a relationship with my Lord and Savior. I had to pray, read my word, mediate, fellowship, etc. The more time you spend with Jesus, I believe the stronger your relationship will be. In this crazy world we live in there are always many distractions that deter us from keeping the main thing the main thing. It's natural to say that and feel that way at sometimes. We you truly have a relationship with God you can tell when you feel far away from Him, although he is not far from you ("Lo, I am with you always!) However with life's many toils, traps and snares, it is easy to lose heart. Some may call it doubt, others may call it discouragement but we all experience moments of wonder in our lives. When I was speaking to my friend this moment that's when I told her that that's when faith should kick in. That's when it is essential to look into your "praise on reserve" and praise God for the many things He's already done and look at as anticipation for GREAT THINGS in the future. |
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Post by jay0heavenly on Jul 1, 2008 9:37:33 GMT -5
AMEN to that my brother...like I said, we've never dialogued on here so I didn't want to assume one way or the other...but this does clarify an awful lot!
Since your saved, and you want a good kick in the pants, I still suggest that book The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. I read it a couple times a year and it always gives me a jumpstart.
Other than that, I say make sure that the church you're attending is feeding you spiritually. Maybe its time to look for a new church.
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Post by BrnSuga on Jul 1, 2008 10:18:26 GMT -5
This is such a good topic. I could use a little kick in the pants myself. MrKnowItAll, thanks for creating this thread and Jay, thanks for the book suggestion.
<===on Amazon right now looking for it.
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Post by jay0heavenly on Jul 1, 2008 11:24:00 GMT -5
there's a million different covers for it, but its all the same book. I read it, and it lit me on fire...then I bought some copies and gave it to my brothers and they couldn't put it down.
Lemme know how u like it after you read it!
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Post by BrnSuga on Jul 1, 2008 11:29:13 GMT -5
I sure will.
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Post by Highly Favored on Jul 1, 2008 11:41:23 GMT -5
Good topic. Great responses.
I am making a note to purchase the suggested book as well.
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Post by mrknowitall on Jul 1, 2008 11:57:51 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I know I am not the only person who struggles with such thoughts.
We talk about a million and one things on this board, use it as entertainment and social outlets but I wonder how many people come here looking to be uplift, ministered to or encouraged?
I remember my pastor saying one day about true ministry doesn't need a license. When we all get to heaven, how many people will be there because of you? Did our actions, our words or life portray the life that we were called to live? Did we really stop to take the moment to use our tongues to edify instead of tear down?
I'm rambling.....just some thoughts in my head today.
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Post by Highly Favored on Jul 1, 2008 13:09:09 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I know I am not the only person who struggles with such thoughts. We talk about a million and one things on this board, use it as entertainment and social outlets but I wonder how many people come here looking to be uplift, ministered to or encouraged? I remember my pastor saying one day about true ministry doesn't need a license. When we all get to heaven, how many people will be there because of you? Did our actions, our words or life portray the life that we were called to live? Did we really stop to take the moment to use our tongues to edify instead of tear down? I'm rambling.....just some thoughts in my head today. Thanks for sharing. This is indeed food for thought and I can truly say I am encouraged because of it. The fact of the matter is no matter how close we think we are to God or how intimate our relationship with him, we all need to revived from time to time and we can all stand to draw a little closer to him. As we draw closer to Him, He can effectively minister through us. Whether we know it or not, somebody is depending on us to help show them the way. |
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Post by GorgeousNgreen on Jul 2, 2008 21:15:27 GMT -5
prayer.
fasting.
reading.
worship.
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Post by frozenmenace on Jul 3, 2008 0:17:01 GMT -5
Gin & Juice....White Russian...Frozen Margarita...
Oh wait, you were talking about a different kind of spirit, weren't you?!
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Post by jay0heavenly on Jul 3, 2008 9:11:04 GMT -5
lol.... I've always wondered why they called it "Wine and Spirits"...must be some ancient druid thing or something.
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Post by frozenmenace on Jul 3, 2008 10:04:35 GMT -5
Maybe because they raise your spirits and put you in a good mood?
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Post by jay0heavenly on Jul 3, 2008 10:30:17 GMT -5
naw doc...lol...alcohol is a depressant...its like drinking salt-water when your thirsty. Sure it will quench your thirst for a sec, but later it'll be worse than before.
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Post by CrimsonENDvy on Jul 3, 2008 10:59:47 GMT -5
Reading the bible always reenergizes me... And also when good things happen to me, it reminds me of God's favor in my life. That in itself shows me that God is watching out for me, and reinvigorates my faith  |
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Post by frozenmenace on Jul 3, 2008 11:06:28 GMT -5
naw doc...lol...alcohol is a depressant...its like drinking salt-water when your thirsty. Sure it will quench your thirst for a sec, but later it'll be worse than before. I know it's a depressant, but most people I know seem to be having the greatest time when they are drinking. LOL! |
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Post by jay0heavenly on Jul 3, 2008 12:42:09 GMT -5
LOL...sad but true.
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