Do I truly love the lord??? Sincerely, I don't Know!

[Bingo]

"I have learned spiritual maturity is acquired through perseverance, a day at a time.
Over two decades since this spiritual journey began, and each day is a learning day of
striving for spiritual discipline and harmony in this restless world...believe it!"

"One of the principal spiritual goals is attaining a kind of soul-balance. We put our lives into a kind of quiet rhythm where we alternated between working in the world and retiring back for quiet moments with God."

Spiritual discernment is the ability to recognize and use God’s truth and authority to guide our life.
God’s Inspiration and His Spirit is the “standard for truth” and help to identify error and deception.
- “They are spiritually discerned” means the things of God are spiritually discovered – something the natural man cannot do."

(I will learn soul-balance and poise
in a vacillating, changing world.
I will claim God’s power and use it ….
As long as I get back to God
and replenish my strength after each task,
no work can be touch.)

"This love of the Lord, being priceless."

https://christianchat.com/threads/i-saw-the-light.182858/post-3846298

https://christianchat.com/threads/i-saw-the-light.182858/post-3912695

(Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before taking action based on anything you find in this content.
Intended solely as informative and subjects of 'Reflections of Life'...'This side of the glass')
'Bingo'...Believe I need God, Ok)

 

[shittim]

Acquired? Or given as a reward following righteous living in relationship?
All good gifts are from God the Father

 

[Lynx]

Acquired? Or given as a reward following righteous living in relationship?
All good gifts are from God the Father

More like learned from experience. The truly important things can't be given. They must be taught.

 

[shittim]

That takes the Creator out of the equation, which we should never do.
He desires and requires first place in all we think, do and say.
Jesus only said what He heard the Father say, He only did what He saw the Father do.
He came to model how we are to live, hence He taught that those who were truly His would do greater works than He, and that most would not, they would only have an outward form of godliness.
#23 and #24 demonstrate these two

 

[Cameron143]

More like learned from experience. The truly important things can't be given. They must be taught.

To me it's just semantics. Things that are taught or merely revealed are both gifts given... just with different means. We should hardly expect an infinite God not to manifest Himself in an infinite number of ways.

 

[Jackieboy100]

In other words, it's not all about just locking ourselves up in a cloister somewhere where we only seek God continually. Again, our relationship with him ought to ultimately greatly impact our relationships with others as well.

I agree but the way I see it is that, if you have some nagging doubt about your relationship with God, you should do everything possible (even isolating yourself from others) and seek to determine why that is and how you can address it, with the help of the lord. For me, it is hard to focus on anything else in my life if I don't feel like I am closer to God or have the love that I should have for him. The way my life changed when I got saved is like nothing I have experienced before (knowing that no matter what, I would be alright), so I would have to be a 'bonafide idiot' to allow anything whatsoever to alter the bond between me and my father in Heaven.

God is interested in how we relate to others, and it's okay to have other relationships alongside our relationships with God...as long as they're not evil in his sight.

That too, I totally agree with but as you know, some of us are still trying to find our way in 'the path of righteousness' or 'the walk of salvation', so it is morethan likely that we will encounter things that we don't understand or foresaw because no one really tells you what to expect. Everyone's journey is somewhat unique, I suppose.
I guess with enough faith and sincere willingness to be a good Christian, one will certainly make it through.

 

[Jackieboy100]

"I have learned spiritual maturity is acquired through perseverance, a day at a time.
Over two decades since this spiritual journey began, and each day is a learning day of
striving for spiritual discipline and harmony in this restless world...believe it!"

"One of the principal spiritual goals is attaining a kind of soul-balance. We put our lives into a kind of quiet rhythm where we alternated between working in the world and retiring back for quiet moments with God."

Spiritual discernment is the ability to recognize and use God’s truth and authority to guide our life.
God’s Inspiration and His Spirit is the “standard for truth” and help to identify error and deception.
- “They are spiritually discerned” means the things of God are spiritually discovered – something the natural man cannot do."

(I will learn soul-balance and poise
in a vacillating, changing world.
I will claim God’s power and use it ….
As long as I get back to God
and replenish my strength after each task,
no work can be touch.)

"This love of the Lord, being priceless."

https://christianchat.com/threads/i-saw-the-light.182858/post-3846298

https://christianchat.com/threads/i-saw-the-light.182858/post-3912695

(Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before taking action based on anything you find in this content.
Intended solely as informative and subjects of 'Reflections of Life'...'This side of the glass')
'Bingo'...Believe I need God, Ok)

View attachment 242574

I couldn't agree more! It's just that every now and then that spirit of perfectionism will creep in and cause one to question how things could be better between us and God.

 

[Jackieboy100]

Spiritual discernment is the ability to recognize and use God’s truth and authority to guide our life.
God’s Inspiration and His Spirit is the “standard for truth” and help to identify error and deception.
- “They are spiritually discerned” means the things of God are spiritually discovered – something the natural man cannot do."

Great spiritual insight! Couldn't thank you enough. God bless you!

 

[shittim]

To me it's just semantics. Things that are taught or merely revealed are both gifts given... just with different means. We should hardly expect an infinite God not to manifest Himself in an infinite number of ways.

Thank you Cameron, this lines up with Job 33-14 ( I hope that's right) "God speaks first one way, then another, though you don't perceive it".

 

[shittim]

Great spiritual insight! Couldn't thank you enough. God bless you!

Bingo is pretty awesome and faithful

 

[followJesustoday]

What a greaat question...

Great answer CharliRenee!!! Immerse yourself in Him, study all he's done for you and you can't help but fall in love Him.


I think a relationship with Him is like other relationships, in the way it requires, as you said our time and energy invested. He abides in us and asks that we abide with Him. I am trying to improve my day to day habits of giving Him and us more, seeking with intention to devote time. I am so guilty of getting busy or lazy, and put Him on the shelf. I believe if we immerse ourselves in His word, in prayer, also in listening to worship music, really singing His praises helps me too. I find when I spend time praising Him, really honing in on His steadfast greatness, my love for Him grows. He gives and does so so much. Honestly, I think our capacity to love and love more, starts with Him. He is the very love we need, for Him and others.

Sorry, I am rambling...just a very thought provoking thread.

When it comes down to your very good question, do I love Him enough, I am grateful. It caused me to ask myself the same question. I would say for me, no!! We can always love Him more. Thank God though where my love falls short, His agape love never does.

Let's pray we will continue to grow in our love for Him and for others. Thank you for your thread, truly.

 

[followJesustoday]

Thank you! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. God bless you!

I often second guess my relationship with God, mainly because I sometimes question my love for him. I strongly believe that putting God first in my personal and professional lives is at the core of my spirituality but I don't know that it truly means that "I love the lord" as a Christian should.
Screaming out loud that you love the lord does not always mean that someone does love the lord. How do you know that you truly love the lord? Are there signs in one's everyday life that can convince one that they love the lord?

Help anyone, please!

Hi Jackieboy!--What you need to ask yourself is: Do I follow God's commandments? If you answered yes, then you must love God to be doing what He requires you to do. Just as your parents set rules because they love you so much, God wants US to be safe and do the right things out of great love for His children. Are you enthralled by the beauty of an intricate flower? Or been so in awe of the complexities of all the different kinds of sea life? Your love of all this beauty is proof of your love for the powerful man who made it all for our enjoyment. Your love will grow each time you slow down and notice all the things to appreciate in 'this world' made out of God's love for us, then return that love back to Him. I listen to Dr Charles Stanley and Dr David Jeremiah on YouTube and they both are excellent at explaining how we should return our love to God!!

Lord be with you!--Lynn

 

[shittim]

He desires communication with us, all the time, we are to keep our mind "stayed on Him" as the scripture states

 

[followJesustoday]

Not a rambling at all! You may not understand the inner turmoil I face sometimes, when I feel like I am doing more worldly things and not serving the lord the way I should, causing me so much frustration and confusion as to what my next move should be. Your insight is reassuring as it is insightful.
I went out the other day with a group of colleagues from work and while it was just an innocent hang out and the first time I'd gone out with them, I came back home and started questioning myself about misplaced priorities and feeling guilty. I don't really hang out, except when a few acquaintances invite me over and because they are not Christians, I don't get to have Bible discussion or fellowship with them. Since that outing, I have been concerned that the reason I went out instead of staying home and have my usual devotion and quality time with the lord is because I am not in love with him as much as I should be or maybe I have never truly learned how to love him.
I can't thank you enough for stopping by to help me figure this one out. It means a lot to me.

Everyone deserves to get out with friends and God wants to be with friends and enjoy life. No need to feel guilty about going out with them and not staying home to do your bible devotions. We doubt ourselves because we are in 'this world' of uncertainty. Satan is in 'this world' and tries to get that doubt in people's minds. Whenever you find yourself questioning whether or not you love Jesus, just say to yourself, BE GONE SATAN and replace with

Hi Jackieboy!--What you need to ask yourself is: Do I follow God's commandments? If you answered yes, then you must love God to be doing what He requires you to do. Just as your parents set rules because they love you so much, God wants US to be safe and do the right things out of great love for His children. Are you enthralled by the beauty of an intricate flower? Or been so in awe of the complexities of all the different kinds of sea life? Your love of all this beauty is proof of your love for the powerful man who made it all for our enjoyment. Your love will grow each time you slow down and notice all the things to appreciate in 'this world' made out of God's love for us, then return that love back to Him. I listen to Dr Charles Stanley and Dr David Jeremiah on YouTube and they both are excellent at explaining how we should return our love to God!!

Lord be with you!--Lynn

thoughts of God's goodness. This way you can keep your doubts about loving Jesus away!!!---Lynn

 

[followJesustoday]

Youe response touched me, thank you. Look how He works, I just was randomly scrolling stuff here and came across this...

Wow, He is sooo cool...

Who is this singing?---I usually don't like gospel music but I like this guy!--who is he?

 

[followJesustoday]

Who is this singing?---I usually don't like gospel music but I like this guy!--who is he?

OOPS---I saw who it is--lol

 

[CharliRenee]

Who is this singing?---I usually don't like gospel music but I like this guy!--who is he?

Yes, me too. I enjoy this song too. I was just introduced to him yesterday. The band is called Needtobreath. You don't like gospel music? Can I offer an unsolicited suggestion, lol. Take sometime in youtube making a library of worship songs. There are soooo many, of so many kinds. I use to only listen to country gospel, or old hymns (I am old, lol), but it has really helped me spending time trying to find music that moves my spirit. Now I am curious, what do you listen to? Music is sooo yummy!!

 

[CharliRenee]

OOPS---I saw who it is--lol

Oh sorry, didn't see that you saw, lol, until after I replied, lol

 

[followJesustoday]

Yes, me too. I enjoy this song too. I was just introduced to him yesterday. The band is called Needtobreath. You don't like gospel music? Can I offer an unsolicited suggestion, lol. Take sometime in youtube making a library of worship songs. There are soooo many, of so many kinds. I use to only listen to country gospel, or old hymns (I am old, lol), but it has really helped me spending time trying to find music that moves my spirit. Now I am curious, what do you listen to? Music is sooo yummy!!

I am old too--lol---Will be 70 in Dec. I like all kinds of music but old country and gospel. I think I just haven't been listening to the right people like this Needtobreathe band. I like Casting Crowns/ Third Day.

 

[Jackieboy100]

Hi Jackieboy!--What you need to ask yourself is: Do I follow God's commandments? If you answered yes, then you must love God to be doing what He requires you to do. Just as your parents set rules because they love you so much, God wants US to be safe and do the right things out of great love for His children. Are you enthralled by the beauty of an intricate flower? Or been so in awe of the complexities of all the different kinds of sea life? Your love of all this beauty is proof of your love for the powerful man who made it all for our enjoyment. Your love will grow each time you slow down and notice all the things to appreciate in 'this world' made out of God's love for us, then return that love back to Him. I listen to Dr Charles Stanley and Dr David Jeremiah on YouTube and they both are excellent at explaining how we should return our love to God!!

Lord be with you!--Lynn

Such a visual perception of how our love for the lord manifests in our day to day life, lends itself to our cognitive abilities through the appreciation of seemigly trivial things that we don't usuall give much thought, until it is so beautifully illustrated. Your comment here made me think of the time when I will just randomly start thanking and praising God without spelling out anything specific that he had done for me. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to see the obvious loving relationship I have with God.