Growing in Christ

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BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#1
What are your favorite ways to grow in Christ? Personally mine is praise and worship. I know reading the Bible is an excellent way to do so, however I can’t sit and read for long periods. My reading comprehension has always been a struggle. Any ideas to combat that?
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
3,720
4,081
113
62
#2
I have a book of Scriptures I love to colour in with my gel pens , pencils and I also use a journal to write what the Lord is showing me...
I usually put a sermon on to listen as I colour...
I take pictures from Pinterest , use it on my journal , and decorate my page with Washi tape...
It relaxes me greatly , and helps me to keep my mind on Christ...
...xox...
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,178
113
#3
listen to audio bible?
I prefer silent reading myself though cos I can fully concentrate and relax I cant sit and listen, if I listen I have to be doing something else like a repetitive task.

When I read, I make sure I'm comfortable, so its mostly reading lying stretched out on my bed or on the floor with a cushion. Not sitting upright in a chair!

Maybe you could try a hammock.
 

Ruby123

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2019
11,916
8,235
113
#4
I like to watch sermons on you tube. I have been feeling quite discouraged and distressed because of some decisions I need to make in the next few weeks and I just dont know what to do. This morning when I woke up and was having breakfast I turned on the TV and there was this preacher speaking about what I needed to know. This was his sermon. I found it encouraging.

 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,991
8,206
113
#5
What are your favorite ways to grow in Christ? Personally mine is praise and worship. I know reading the Bible is an excellent way to do so, however I can’t sit and read for long periods. My reading comprehension has always been a struggle. Any ideas to combat that?
(In the voice of Yoda)
Ah yes, growing in Christ. Uncomfortable it always is, sometimes much so. Easy it never is. Pleasant it never is.


Well, I should not have thought it strange
That growing causes growing pains
'Cause the more we learn the more we know
We don't know anything
But still it seems a tragic fate
Living with this quiet ache
The constant strain for what remains
Just out of reach

- Carolyn Arends
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,991
8,206
113
#6
In which way do you want to grow? That's the first thing to decide.
 
J

JAPOV

Guest
#7
I like to study the history of a place and people that the Bible is speaking of... Tends to shed more light upon what is written, and the way it's written. :)
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#8
listen to audio bible?
I prefer silent reading myself though cos I can fully concentrate and relax I cant sit and listen, if I listen I have to be doing something else like a repetitive task.

When I read, I make sure I'm comfortable, so its mostly reading lying stretched out on my bed or on the floor with a cushion. Not sitting upright in a chair!

Maybe you could try a hammock.
I should give audio Bible a try. I’m much more interested in small devotionals. I need to do some research on some great devotionals I can do with my fiancée.
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#9
I like to watch sermons on you tube. I have been feeling quite discouraged and distressed because of some decisions I need to make in the next few weeks and I just dont know what to do. This morning when I woke up and was having breakfast I turned on the TV and there was this preacher speaking about what I needed to know. This was his sermon. I found it encouraging.

So awesome that God revealed those sermons to you to help with what you’re going through. Keep praying for discernment and wisdom in your upcoming decisions.
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#10
(In the voice of Yoda)
Ah yes, growing in Christ. Uncomfortable it always is, sometimes much so. Easy it never is. Pleasant it never is.


Well, I should not have thought it strange
That growing causes growing pains
'Cause the more we learn the more we know
We don't know anything
But still it seems a tragic fate
Living with this quiet ache
The constant strain for what remains
Just out of reach

- Carolyn Arends
I remember Carolyn, need to listen to her cds again it’s been about 25 years? Lol

Yes our knowledge is so small to a huge God. I’m just trying to figure out what I need to do to be closer to Him. More to come…
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#11
In which way do you want to grow? That's the first thing to decide.
I’ve been meditating on this for a while now. I want to take action but figuring out what I need to do for God to say well done faithful servant. I have a lot more to say this is just a basic reply. I’m at work and haven’t had much time but when I do I’ll get back to this :)

Which way I want to grow? Closer… to feel His presence as much as possible.
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#12
I like to study the history of a place and people that the Bible is speaking of... Tends to shed more light upon what is written, and the way it's written. :)
Great idea.. will explore this
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,178
113
#14
I didnt know you were engaged Brother Mike
I dont know anything about couples devotionals. But there are probably some out there. There are all kinds. You can get them emailed to you every day if you check your emails daily, especially at work.
 
J

JAPOV

Guest
#15
Just talk to your fiancé. Discuss the importance of prayer and agree upon something to pray about together. :)
 

2Cor41718

New member
Mar 18, 2022
21
7
3
#16
Three things that have transformed my spiritual life in the last four years would be the following.
Time set aside for the following each morning. 1. Worship with music 2. Meditating on the Word/Promises of God (out loud) 3. Prayer time talking to God and being thankful and great full for all He is doing in my life. 4. Developing an attitude of expecting God to do great things in my life. (This is a process and will take time to cultivate) Spiritual growth doesn’t come fast or easy although it will come if you stick with it and don’t give up. Trust the process.😁
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
56,209
26,267
113
#17
I can’t sit and read for long periods. My reading comprehension has always been a struggle. Any ideas to combat that?
It can be challenging to read alone; perhaps securing a reading partner would help :)
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
1,617
1,671
113
#18
Standing by for elaboration on the basic reply.
Been in reflection.... I'll get to this eventually :). I definitely want to share my raw honest thoughts and have some questions along the way. I'm very much at peace with what I believe in, but I also have a yearn to grow.
 

Gojira

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2021
5,760
2,321
113
Mesa, AZ
#19
What are your favorite ways to grow in Christ? Personally mine is praise and worship. I know reading the Bible is an excellent way to do so, however I can’t sit and read for long periods. My reading comprehension has always been a struggle. Any ideas to combat that?
So, sit and read in short bursts, several times a day. Perhaps combine this with an audio Bible.

As for growing in Christ, I have experienced what I believe is growth by God changing me. He's done this through pain, and it seems also through slow, gradual change in the background, as it were. At least once He did it with what I have to call a supernatural event (tho Mitaze of evolution fame might call that a mythological experience :D).

Just keep your devotional time diligent. Every day, unless maybe you have bad flu or something, pray and get His word into you. Remember to thank Him for the good things He's done, pray for His will, pray for people / situations, repent, pray for spiritual change and growth, and make your requests. At least this is how I've been doing it for some time now.
 

Gojira

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2021
5,760
2,321
113
Mesa, AZ
#20
I’ve been meditating on this for a while now. I want to take action but figuring out what I need to do for God to say well done faithful servant. I have a lot more to say this is just a basic reply. I’m at work and haven’t had much time but when I do I’ll get back to this :)

Which way I want to grow? Closer… to feel His presence as much as possible.
I want that. I also need to become holier, to have a God-centered mindset. I have too much pride, envy, idolatry, etc, etc.