SOLO--- Christian Activities?
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N
i listen to street preaching to help grow ny hunger for the actual bible and convict me of sins
i listen to sermons veeery rarely to just see other mens views on scripture
and i listen to audio scripture when my hands arent free to read
i agree tv is no good
movies are garbage
games are typically wicked (the simpler the better)
to be honest with how much i work i dont have time for much else
i try to speak to the younger less stubborn members of my family about God when they will listen
lately ive been considering finding a "church" so i can get baptized and maybe get some weekly fellowship
i just havent looked hard enough to find a good one
and most of my fellowship is done online
i listen to sermons veeery rarely to just see other mens views on scripture
and i listen to audio scripture when my hands arent free to read
i agree tv is no good
movies are garbage
games are typically wicked (the simpler the better)
to be honest with how much i work i dont have time for much else
i try to speak to the younger less stubborn members of my family about God when they will listen
lately ive been considering finding a "church" so i can get baptized and maybe get some weekly fellowship
i just havent looked hard enough to find a good one
and most of my fellowship is done online
D
I don't know if SOLO is some program, or if you just want to know what you can do alone. I'm going to answer for the latter:
1. Hit the Prayer Request forum on here. Lots of people need prayers, and a few of them need support.
2. Support people -- emotionally, physically, or spiritually. (Even consider financially.)
3. Instead of reading the Bible, study it. Choose a book, and get some commentaries for that book as you read it. Or, do word studies or concept studies. (Word studies -- What does Nephilim mean, and how often is it used in the Bible. That's a short one. For a long one, What does God mean and how is it used in the Bible? Concept studies -- What does the word say about marriage? Or one you like recently, What does the Lord say about giving?)
4. Watch God in quiet action. Last year, hubby had the privilege of being stuck in bed for several months. Outside his window, spring unfolded. He was in that bed from the moment he saw a tiny bit of green mist first appear on the trees outside. (Green mist -- when the tree buds, but the leaves aren't quite leaves yet. Too far away to see the buds of leaves though. Big trees.) He got to watch the robins mating rituals. (That noisy robin is a male robin trying to convince a female robin he's mating material. lol) And he got to see flowering trees go from buds to leaves. He had the privilege to spend enough time just noticing God in action in one tiny spot in the world.
I watch God through a dwarf lilac bush out front. I examine the branches to see when it starts budding in early spring, and look every day to see how much the leaves have grown and then how much the flowers are growing. And I get to pick the flowers when they're are enough to still enjoy outside. And after it's done flowering, I see the leaf color change. Spring leaves are brighter then summer leaves. And then summer leaves give way to a duller color in fall. Last year, the leaves dropped like the leaves of the Whomping Willow in Harry Potter. They all fell off the same day. lol And then I enjoy the shape of the bare branches. Then snow on the bare branches, and then the first buds.
Take the time to pick out one thing and see the minute changes God makes every day while the rest of the world is busy thinking scurrying to work is the most important thing to do on earth. We get that privilege to notice, so why not notice?
And, if that one thing catches your imagination, realize there is more than one thing God does quietly every day.
1. Hit the Prayer Request forum on here. Lots of people need prayers, and a few of them need support.
2. Support people -- emotionally, physically, or spiritually. (Even consider financially.)
3. Instead of reading the Bible, study it. Choose a book, and get some commentaries for that book as you read it. Or, do word studies or concept studies. (Word studies -- What does Nephilim mean, and how often is it used in the Bible. That's a short one. For a long one, What does God mean and how is it used in the Bible? Concept studies -- What does the word say about marriage? Or one you like recently, What does the Lord say about giving?)
4. Watch God in quiet action. Last year, hubby had the privilege of being stuck in bed for several months. Outside his window, spring unfolded. He was in that bed from the moment he saw a tiny bit of green mist first appear on the trees outside. (Green mist -- when the tree buds, but the leaves aren't quite leaves yet. Too far away to see the buds of leaves though. Big trees.) He got to watch the robins mating rituals. (That noisy robin is a male robin trying to convince a female robin he's mating material. lol) And he got to see flowering trees go from buds to leaves. He had the privilege to spend enough time just noticing God in action in one tiny spot in the world.
I watch God through a dwarf lilac bush out front. I examine the branches to see when it starts budding in early spring, and look every day to see how much the leaves have grown and then how much the flowers are growing. And I get to pick the flowers when they're are enough to still enjoy outside. And after it's done flowering, I see the leaf color change. Spring leaves are brighter then summer leaves. And then summer leaves give way to a duller color in fall. Last year, the leaves dropped like the leaves of the Whomping Willow in Harry Potter. They all fell off the same day. lol And then I enjoy the shape of the bare branches. Then snow on the bare branches, and then the first buds.
Take the time to pick out one thing and see the minute changes God makes every day while the rest of the world is busy thinking scurrying to work is the most important thing to do on earth. We get that privilege to notice, so why not notice?
And, if that one thing catches your imagination, realize there is more than one thing God does quietly every day.
Woodworking
Gardening
Camping
Backpacking
Hunting
Fishing
Whittling
Bowling
Writing Poems, short stories, books
Write letters to Soldiers, Voice of the Martyrs, Nursing Home residents
Photography
Cooking/Baking
Blog your faith
Drawing
Painting
Volunteer at church, a gospel rescue mission, soup kitchen
Bicycling
Inductive Bible Study
Pray for the persecuted church
Gardening
Camping
Backpacking
Hunting
Fishing
Whittling
Bowling
Writing Poems, short stories, books
Write letters to Soldiers, Voice of the Martyrs, Nursing Home residents
Photography
Cooking/Baking
Blog your faith
Drawing
Painting
Volunteer at church, a gospel rescue mission, soup kitchen
Bicycling
Inductive Bible Study
Pray for the persecuted church
Most of those don't seem Christian. I'm talking about when I've got another hour or so. Not a whole morning. Just things that are varied and not all sitting down. Most things you listed are sitting if at home or take more than a day. I read various Bibles as study group and personal reading already.
Okay, let me think. I've always been single and am now retired. I have to fill a lot of time with solo activities. Well, they aren't all solo. I sing in my church choir. I spend several hours at the church each Monday doing maintenance work with another church member. I put on music programs at old folks' homes. (That's about my favorite thing to do - I sing and play guitar.) I enjoy my computer baseball game (APBA). (My brother prefers Strat-O-Matic baseball.)
I watch my fair share of TV. Sometimes I turn on Fox News to see what's going on. Sometimes I check CNN, though I usually can't watch CNN very long. I enjoy sports events on TV, including Sunday afternoon golf and NFL football (I enjoy other sports, also). I enjoy "48 Hours" reruns on A&E and "Forensic Files" on the Headlines News Channel. I enjoy some of the shows on HGTV. I enjoy the veterinarian shows on the Animal Planet Channel. The National Geographic Channel and PBS have some interesting documentaries. Charles Stanley preaches good sermons on his Sunday Morning "In Touch Ministries" TV show. Sometimes, especially on weekends, CSPAN, CSPAN 2, and CSPAN 3 have good shows. On weekends you get a lot of history. Brain Lamb does an excellent interview show called "Q&A" on Sundays.
I take a walk each Monday through Saturday to get exercise. I drive up to Eugene, Oregon, twice a year to visit my brother and his family. My brother and I email each other a lot - a lot of sports talk. I enjoy fiddling with my computer. Spreadsheets are fun, and go well with baseball statistics. I used to like to read classic fiction, history, and biography, though I haven't done much of that lately. I used to write novels, but I can't sell any of them and seem to have lost interest in that, though maybe I should try again.
I try to talk to the Lord a lot. He is an interesting, knowledgeable person who guides me through life.
I watch my fair share of TV. Sometimes I turn on Fox News to see what's going on. Sometimes I check CNN, though I usually can't watch CNN very long. I enjoy sports events on TV, including Sunday afternoon golf and NFL football (I enjoy other sports, also). I enjoy "48 Hours" reruns on A&E and "Forensic Files" on the Headlines News Channel. I enjoy some of the shows on HGTV. I enjoy the veterinarian shows on the Animal Planet Channel. The National Geographic Channel and PBS have some interesting documentaries. Charles Stanley preaches good sermons on his Sunday Morning "In Touch Ministries" TV show. Sometimes, especially on weekends, CSPAN, CSPAN 2, and CSPAN 3 have good shows. On weekends you get a lot of history. Brain Lamb does an excellent interview show called "Q&A" on Sundays.
I take a walk each Monday through Saturday to get exercise. I drive up to Eugene, Oregon, twice a year to visit my brother and his family. My brother and I email each other a lot - a lot of sports talk. I enjoy fiddling with my computer. Spreadsheets are fun, and go well with baseball statistics. I used to like to read classic fiction, history, and biography, though I haven't done much of that lately. I used to write novels, but I can't sell any of them and seem to have lost interest in that, though maybe I should try again.
I try to talk to the Lord a lot. He is an interesting, knowledgeable person who guides me through life.
Most hobbies that take away from God are undesirable if you want to be a better Christian/do the will of God. Carrying on as normal wasting hours & hours watching TV, playing console/pc games, watching negative movies. Doing negative hobbies, martial arts, boxing, very competitive sports.
Even doing hobbies that are creative such as whittling are not appropriate unless it's going to be used. Learning it is probably ok, if you plan to build different skills.
But all these things take time and money away from godly purposes. For all the time a person wastes per week (7days * 3hours a day = 21 hours a week or just over/under for most people) a godly hobby or activity could be done instead. Thinking about God and not e,g, baseball charts n stats etc. Serves little purpose unless it's a job. I used to spend alot of time away from God but felt it necessary to quit martial arts because of these reasons.
So I was looking for Christian hobbies. Not just hobbies. More than just Bible reading etc. And not too long like visiting old people that's probably not allowed legally in UK anyway (security).
Even doing hobbies that are creative such as whittling are not appropriate unless it's going to be used. Learning it is probably ok, if you plan to build different skills.
But all these things take time and money away from godly purposes. For all the time a person wastes per week (7days * 3hours a day = 21 hours a week or just over/under for most people) a godly hobby or activity could be done instead. Thinking about God and not e,g, baseball charts n stats etc. Serves little purpose unless it's a job. I used to spend alot of time away from God but felt it necessary to quit martial arts because of these reasons.
So I was looking for Christian hobbies. Not just hobbies. More than just Bible reading etc. And not too long like visiting old people that's probably not allowed legally in UK anyway (security).
D
So marveling at what God has given us isn't allowed? According to whom?
I'm kind of against martial arts, but only because I'm really against getting hurting on purpose.
Still, I marvel at the discipline of my nephews. How well they can move certain muscles all at once, or in rapid successive order, to land a slam on the other guy, while the other guy is just as determined not to get hurt as I am. It's not enough to know how many muscles are in the human body... which they may or may not know, but how to use them and when. Their kinetic awareness amazes me because I've got so little I can bump into a table that I'm looking at.
Does it glorify God? I don't know. I don't know where their mind goes, but I would think yours ought to. After all, you're using your God-given gift with that body enough to know what you're doing. Doesn't it amaze you that you can lift a leg completely sideways and not fall on your face?
What hath God wrought? THAT! Dagnabit, God gave you those gifts so you can appreciate doing just that. He gave us an entire universe to enjoy him in. He created the whole shebang, in part, for us to enjoy.
Why in the world do you think stuffing yourself into your tiny little world with your face all soured up gives God glory? Doesn't part of you relish what you're capable of doing? Doesn't part of you want others to enjoy it too? You can do martial arts for anyone to see. God created a universe for anyone to see. Why don't you think he relishes in us enjoying what he gave us to enjoy?
George Washington Carver was a believer. He wanted to know everything about everything, but knew God wasn't going to give him the time to learn it all. And so he picked up a peanut and asked God to teach him "peanut." Then he spent the rest of his life investigating peanuts.
Here's what he did with one small underground legume:
http://www.tuskegee.edu/about_us/legacy_of_fame/george_w_carver/carver_peanut_products.aspx
Did he waste his time because he didn't stick with being religious? Why do you think doing nothing glorifies God?
I'm kind of against martial arts, but only because I'm really against getting hurting on purpose.
Still, I marvel at the discipline of my nephews. How well they can move certain muscles all at once, or in rapid successive order, to land a slam on the other guy, while the other guy is just as determined not to get hurt as I am. It's not enough to know how many muscles are in the human body... which they may or may not know, but how to use them and when. Their kinetic awareness amazes me because I've got so little I can bump into a table that I'm looking at.
Does it glorify God? I don't know. I don't know where their mind goes, but I would think yours ought to. After all, you're using your God-given gift with that body enough to know what you're doing. Doesn't it amaze you that you can lift a leg completely sideways and not fall on your face?
What hath God wrought? THAT! Dagnabit, God gave you those gifts so you can appreciate doing just that. He gave us an entire universe to enjoy him in. He created the whole shebang, in part, for us to enjoy.
Why in the world do you think stuffing yourself into your tiny little world with your face all soured up gives God glory? Doesn't part of you relish what you're capable of doing? Doesn't part of you want others to enjoy it too? You can do martial arts for anyone to see. God created a universe for anyone to see. Why don't you think he relishes in us enjoying what he gave us to enjoy?
George Washington Carver was a believer. He wanted to know everything about everything, but knew God wasn't going to give him the time to learn it all. And so he picked up a peanut and asked God to teach him "peanut." Then he spent the rest of his life investigating peanuts.
Here's what he did with one small underground legume:
http://www.tuskegee.edu/about_us/legacy_of_fame/george_w_carver/carver_peanut_products.aspx
Did he waste his time because he didn't stick with being religious? Why do you think doing nothing glorifies God?
If you read your own quote again, it implies alot of self feeling and self enjoyment and not alot of obedience to Christ.
Resting and enjoying the surroundings or food. Or people's company. Enjoying the word through reading, hearing, studying etc, is mostly encouraged by Christ and the Bible. But thinking of combat techniques and training every week all of your life, spending money on it also, is the equivalent of going clubbing or watching horror movies every week. It's just a bit more acceptable in societies eyes. So many Christians think these things are fine, until conviction comes along and tells them otherwise.
Otherwise, I'd do the selfish thing and go back, not read the Bible and waste money that could go to better causes than just spend on myself.
All hobbies that are not Christian related, unless they are for a purpose (plumbing, building, tailoring etc) are separation from God by distraction.
It's hard to think godly when your trying to hit someone, or when being hit. Same for when winning or losing competitions etc. And more.
Resting and enjoying the surroundings or food. Or people's company. Enjoying the word through reading, hearing, studying etc, is mostly encouraged by Christ and the Bible. But thinking of combat techniques and training every week all of your life, spending money on it also, is the equivalent of going clubbing or watching horror movies every week. It's just a bit more acceptable in societies eyes. So many Christians think these things are fine, until conviction comes along and tells them otherwise.
Otherwise, I'd do the selfish thing and go back, not read the Bible and waste money that could go to better causes than just spend on myself.
All hobbies that are not Christian related, unless they are for a purpose (plumbing, building, tailoring etc) are separation from God by distraction.
It's hard to think godly when your trying to hit someone, or when being hit. Same for when winning or losing competitions etc. And more.
As someone who has had a lifelong interest in arts and crafts, I have to wholeheartedly argue for the case that God Himself blesses us with some of our interests, and very much wants us to pursue them. We honor Him when we use what He gives us.
Now of course, anything can be overdone and take us away from God, but I truly believe He wants us to find balance in our lives and explore the abilities He gave us. If you feel convicted by the martial arts, then by all means, walk away... But I'm sure there are many other things God might lead you to explore.
One of the most fascinating segments in the Bible to me is Exodus 31:1-11--(Here's just an excerpt):
The Lord spoke to Moses: "Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel... I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for setting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. I have also selected Oholiab... I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you."
NOT ONLY did God specifically NAME whom He wanted to make these things for the temple, He also stated that it was He HIMSELF who gave them the knowledge and skill. No doubt, they must have been the best of the best, and in order to get that way, they must have had to have A LOT of practice utilizing their skill.
I highly doubt these guys just opened their eyes suddenly and found themselves bursting with knowledge (like Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix".) Mostly likely, they'd spent their entire lives perfecting their craft, and I often wonder, HOW.
In order to become a master with precious metals and gems, I would guess that you would have to have a rather wealthy client roster (perhaps Christian and non-Christian) to support your work. After all, how many average citizens could afford works in silver, gold, and gemstones? Even if they somehow worked for free (which I would doubt), they would have to work for people who could at least supply the materials.
As with anything, a talent can be used for evil (making a golden calf) or for God's glory (furnishing the temple.)
We might not all be called to decorate a temple, but I know some people who have hobbies in which they make or grow incredible things, and use their talents to help others, even if it's just making someone smile with a garden-fresh bouquet of flowers.
I'm sure you have many God-given talents to explore, Dai.
Please don't let misguided religious restrictions stop you from exploring yours.
Best wishes to you.
Now of course, anything can be overdone and take us away from God, but I truly believe He wants us to find balance in our lives and explore the abilities He gave us. If you feel convicted by the martial arts, then by all means, walk away... But I'm sure there are many other things God might lead you to explore.
One of the most fascinating segments in the Bible to me is Exodus 31:1-11--(Here's just an excerpt):
The Lord spoke to Moses: "Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel... I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for setting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. I have also selected Oholiab... I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you."
NOT ONLY did God specifically NAME whom He wanted to make these things for the temple, He also stated that it was He HIMSELF who gave them the knowledge and skill. No doubt, they must have been the best of the best, and in order to get that way, they must have had to have A LOT of practice utilizing their skill.
I highly doubt these guys just opened their eyes suddenly and found themselves bursting with knowledge (like Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix".) Mostly likely, they'd spent their entire lives perfecting their craft, and I often wonder, HOW.
In order to become a master with precious metals and gems, I would guess that you would have to have a rather wealthy client roster (perhaps Christian and non-Christian) to support your work. After all, how many average citizens could afford works in silver, gold, and gemstones? Even if they somehow worked for free (which I would doubt), they would have to work for people who could at least supply the materials.
As with anything, a talent can be used for evil (making a golden calf) or for God's glory (furnishing the temple.)
We might not all be called to decorate a temple, but I know some people who have hobbies in which they make or grow incredible things, and use their talents to help others, even if it's just making someone smile with a garden-fresh bouquet of flowers.
I'm sure you have many God-given talents to explore, Dai.
Please don't let misguided religious restrictions stop you from exploring yours.
Best wishes to you.
Hi dai,
Singing and singing scripture. It is something u can do on free time, an hour or less, and remember or memorize Scripture when u need. Learning a simple instrument like harmonica or guitar could also be a blessing to u and others. I remember loving piano as a young person, and it happens that my parents also loved to listen and encourage, even when the playing wasnt 'professional' and actually lots of stumbles=). The harmonica stimulates deeper breathing, wc may strengthen one physically while blessing others with what u choose to play. You dont need an audience-- sometimes i hear a neighbor playing a violin and my mind rested as i followed the tune. Music can be therapeutic for the player as well as listener.
Singing and singing scripture. It is something u can do on free time, an hour or less, and remember or memorize Scripture when u need. Learning a simple instrument like harmonica or guitar could also be a blessing to u and others. I remember loving piano as a young person, and it happens that my parents also loved to listen and encourage, even when the playing wasnt 'professional' and actually lots of stumbles=). The harmonica stimulates deeper breathing, wc may strengthen one physically while blessing others with what u choose to play. You dont need an audience-- sometimes i hear a neighbor playing a violin and my mind rested as i followed the tune. Music can be therapeutic for the player as well as listener.
I think all those talents they had were work related. They developed those skills to get paid or do varied jobs. Not as a hobby. People got paid for everything back then, or they didn't do it. Singers, dancers, musicians, most likely all developed skills for food and family etc.
Today, we do as we like because food and family are mostly ok. So we give ourselves things to do, mostly self destructive. I'm probably too old and too broken to do what i want anyway. Suppose it doesn't matter, I don't really enjoy much anymore anyway. There's only so many years alone anyone can stay busy ignoring it before the emotions turn to sludge because of a lack of human interaction. Church on a Sunday and Bible study or work, just doesn't cut it.
Nevermind. I'll let God worry about it.
Today, we do as we like because food and family are mostly ok. So we give ourselves things to do, mostly self destructive. I'm probably too old and too broken to do what i want anyway. Suppose it doesn't matter, I don't really enjoy much anymore anyway. There's only so many years alone anyone can stay busy ignoring it before the emotions turn to sludge because of a lack of human interaction. Church on a Sunday and Bible study or work, just doesn't cut it.
Nevermind. I'll let God worry about it.
K
If I may recommend a book on this topic: Living life with a capitol L. It goes in depth and discovers what it means to live the abundant life. Embracing your humanity because God made you the way He wanted you. It discusses not separating spiritual from humanity but rather Interweaving our spirituality through every activity we engage in. Anyway, worth the read.