Stagnant growth

Yeah reading is essential although talking or texting people about God is a cool thing. You are going to get everyone's point of view . There are people in here that can give you a little perspective on this subject.

You could always listen to an audio. They pretty much have the entire bible broken up by books all over YouTube. Also i would advise staying in the new testament, there is no point in being dragged back into the law mindset-wise.

The thing about being a saint, is that you will make mistakes, but you don't need to find your identity in them because you are already defined as a saint and identified by what Christ did, not defined by what you did or do. When you or other people look back at the sins and mistakes that you make, you should be like "yeah i did that, but that doesn't define me", because you know the truth. If they continue to question or accuse ask them, "what is greater, my sin? or what Christ did on the cross?". If they respond with anything outside of, or added onto the understanding of that Christ is greater, end the conversation. Believe it or not some Christians will try to reason you out of grace, and back into the mindset of being a sinner.

I have disagreements with my father and he may get on my nerves but I love him very much. My mother and family in general are not religious, no clue what that has to do with it. I've always had panic attacks they've gotten worse. Also thanks for telling me my panic attacks are unnatural that really helps my anxiety and makes my panic so much better🙄.

Yes because every one with anxiety HAS PROBLEMS WITH there dad....🙄 this sounds very incorrect it's also the opposite of helpful

This thread was a bad idea....

I agree...
I was raised without my father , he died when I was eighteen , my mother died when I was 3/4...
When I was born again , I had no idea whatsoever the meaning of God being my Father , because I had never experienced a loving caring father , yet God is showing me these past months the meaning of being a daughter , and showing me what it is like to be loved of a Father most high...

Yes I am a women , but I am sure this goes for all of us who have never had a healthy relationship with our earthly father...
...xox...

Hey Koji,

Don't be too discouraged. Whenever you post something here, you'll always get posts that might be helpful, along with some other posts that, uh... might not be as helpful. Ask God to help you sift out what might be useful to your own situation.

I think God sometimes puts us in a place where we can't see our own spiritual growth, but that's part of faith. It wouldn't be faith if we could always see the results of consistent obedience. It might feel like we're not getting anywhere but God asks us to keep going anyway, and sometimes that's when we grow the most.

Have you ever seen the original 1980's version of the movie, The Karate Kid? The movie is about a teenage boy, Daniel, who trains with a karate master named Mr. Miyagi. Daniel arrives for his first lesson eager and excited, fully expecting to be taught "important karate moves", but instead, Mr. Miyagi hands him things like a paintbrush or a sponge, and instructs him to complete regular household chores for the entire day.

However, each chore, whether painting the fence or waxing a car, must be done in a very specific way, with very precise movements ("Wax On, Wax Off!!!") that Daniel doesn't understand, especially when he is instructed to do them for hours and days on end.

Finally, Daniel has had enough and confronts his master, angrily demanding, "WHEN am I going to learn KARATE? I didn't sign up to be your personal slave, you know!"

And Mr. Miyagi responds by throwing a punch.

However, as he does this, he simultaneously starts to shout commands at Daniel: "Wax On, Wax Off!!!" and Daniel repeats these precise movements, effectively blocking Mr. Miyagi's punch. Suddenly, Danie realizes that all those hours of waxing and painting had very practical applications.

I have found that my walk with God is a LOT like that. Unfortunately, many times we don't realize how much our faith is growing until suddenly, a punch comes right out of nowhere and you can hear God telling you, "Pray On, Praise Out!!!" and suddenly, you finally know what all that Bible reading and prayer was doing.

Of course, it's not always a trial or problem that shows us our spiritual growth, but it does seem to be rather common.

I don't know if you've ever owned a plant? I know one thing that's given me a physical picture of spiritual growth is to buy a simple houseplant (in my case, a pothos), take some cuttings, and put them in water. I love checking on the cuttings daily in order to watch the tiny new roots start to grow. Some days, I'm even rewarded by seeing a brand new leaf on the stem.

Even if I don't see a new bit of root or a new leaf, I know I have to keep doing what I know to do -- giving the plant adequate water, fresh air, and sunshine. All of this helps the plant to grow, even if I can't see it for myself (I know others mentioned this example in their posts but I was wondering if maybe getting your own plant as a reminder might help.)

Don't give up, and keep doing what you know to do for good spiritual growth.

Even if you don't see it yourself, it might come out in other ways, such as in how you help or interact with others.

God bless, and please keep us posted!

Thank you. I've had two panic attacks today and it's not even noon. I can get all the best advice in the world but my brain will fret over the not so good advice and for the most part ignore the good :/

Are you saying if your parents are wicked you should keep them in your life so that they can continue to wreck it?

Should they also have access to your children, so they can mess them up as well?

Why should anyone's happiness and peace depend on their parents when the parent is not interested in doing what's right?

Psalm 27:10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will take care of me.

No it was not a bad idea. Someone just said something that was not helpful.

Buy I want to ask you a question. Do you compare yourself to others? If so you need to avoid doing this.

Some will read their bibles 10 chapters a day, some will read 1 chapter. But that's OK. Its not a competition. Though some would like it to be so.

No one is perfect and that is why when Jesus said, he who is without sin cast the first stone, everyone had to but down their stone.

Jerimiah 1:5 says God knew you before you were born. You can just turn off the TV, the internet and stop what ever you are doing and just sit the whole day meditating upon that scripture until you believe it.

According to Psalms 139 God knows you and understands you.

He knows about all your issues, He knows why you behave the way you do. He knows and understands you more than even you do.

So don't get depressed, because if God knew you before you were born then surely He also knows the solution to your issues. Isn't that so?

So I want to encourage you to trust in God and put your faith in Him, that even though you are not perfect He still loves you. He is not angry with you because He knows that only He alone can fix the things in your life that needs fixing.

You can't fix yourself. But when you surrender and put your trust in God and depend on Him that's when He gives you the grace to start making changes in your life.

But that doesn't mean you'll be perfect. Only God alone is perfect. Always remember that.

Koji, you came here and shared your heart and mind transparently. You are willing to take a hard look at yourself. I find both these thing to exemplifies growth and bravery.

Anyone who doesn't understand something, never experienced it, and yet has the audacity to put a blanket of authority on your experience....well never you mind that....

Just keep looking up.

Minus the to exemplifies, just exemplifies...ugh and things not thing...more ughs @mistakes.

Oh well moving foreward. We can not get caught up in our mistakes or choices, right Koji? R u ok today? I hope so.

The devil is bringing these thoughts into your mind, he used to do that to me but over time hes trying new strategies because that way is not working anymore. The devil is really good at his job, he does it better than anyone else. I advise you to just keep a repentant heart and spirit, because God will always forgive you and help you in your struggle. As he does for me to this day. When you make all the right moves be confident in it.

Luke 13:24 says Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

The meaning of strait is used in reference to a situation characterized by a specified degree of trouble or difficulty.

Christianity is a journey that we have to live on a daily basis that is filled with trials and tribulations. The bible has told us that it is not an easy journey.
Some days it is easier than other days. Today you feel like praying, reading the bible e.t.c. and tomorrow you do not feel like it and you are overwhelmed with the burdens of the day.
However you feel you feel, you must keep pressing on!

You may feel like you are not growing, but this is the enemy, "satan" who is speaking lies to you.

The only time that you stop growing is when you stop!!

Therefore do not give up and keep reading the bible.
Pray to God to help you and ask God for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.