Almost a year ago the good Lord came and got me out of the mess I was in. To make a long story short, he saved my life. I ended up quitting my job to become a full time artist. Truly, I am not the man I was a year ago and my journey is far from over. For anyone out there who is just beginning their journey with the Lord I would just say this, don't give up. You don't have to be perfect or have rock solid faith, you only need to be willing. God will take you one step at a time. He has a way of taking you out of your comfort zone in order for you to grow and build your faith. He will give you what you need. If there is anyone out there who is further along the narrow path that has any sage advice to give or has been in a similar situation, please leave a comment. Any wisdom would be appreciated. Seek wisdom.
Seeking (and giving) advice
- Thread starter Artguy
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It seems the hardest pill to swallow is how easy it is it be free.
P
passion84god
Guest
I am further along the narrow path, but I don't have any sage advice to give. In fact, I am starving for some.
As a child I always loved the art projects and loved to draw. When I became an adult and went off to college I had to get a "real major" because that's what the world tells you. Occasionally I would take an art class and get an A without really trying - and then go back to my job and never develop my talent. Only now do I realize that if God gives you a gift, he wants you to use it. I would advise any young person in the situation I was in when I was young to follow their spirit and not to worry about careers or "marketability". Go where God is leading you. I have no regrets, I'm just glad that I finally picked up the paintbrush. I've only been painting for a couple of months and have been working on developing my skills. I've been doing mostly landscapes using water-soluble oils. I did several based on photos from a recent trip to Yosemite I'm a fan of Bierstadt.
Hi Artguy glad you are joining us, welcome to CC! Have fun browsing the Forums, God bless you and your endeavors
'Thank God, over twenty-five years ago, God became an important part of my life.
I have shared many things within this community, and each shall make their own commitment.
I have learned a daily "God awareness" is important to maintain in any hope of striving
for spiritual discipline.
'For those that say it is easy, surely is a sign that they have not truly committed to honestly
striving for spiritual discipline. And when the spiritual aspect is neglected, so will be God...neglected.
Luke 15:7
New International Version
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Romans 10:9
New International Version
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Psalm 103:12
New International Version
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Matthew 22:37-40
New International Version
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Colossians 3:13
New International Version
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
James 1:12
New International Version
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 21:1-4
New International Version
21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
New International Version
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Romans 10:9
New International Version
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Psalm 103:12
New International Version
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Matthew 22:37-40
New International Version
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Colossians 3:13
New International Version
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
James 1:12
New International Version
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 21:1-4
New International Version
21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
One of the things that really helps me a lot , is when I c and recognise God at work , either in my life or in the lives of others . It blows my mind when I c something that has obviously come straight from Him . I've had a few experiences like that in my life and they r very precious memories that when I think on them , they really bring me back to Him and His Truth very quickly . I believe I've posted one or two of them on here but don't remember where , I'm sorry . I can very briefly recap ; 13 years ago I had breast cancer and had a left mastectomy . My scar was very neat and I wanted to thank my surgeon but never got the chance . A few months after surgery I had to go to a shop to quickly return an item and get a refund , I expected this to take five minutes . As it happened it took about half an hour because , the manager of the shop was very unexpectedly and unnecessarily rude to me and uncooperative . The entire shop fell silent as everyone watched this person basically have a meltdown on me for no apparent reason . Everyone was shocked ! Including me ! I was a bit upset as I'd just had my first chemotherapy a few days before and I was feeling a bit fragile . Eventually I got my money back but I was a bit shaken as I left the shop , stunned by what I had had to endure . I turned a corner and.......there was my surgeon walking towards me !
. If it had only taken me five minutes to get my refund , as it should have , I would have left the shop much earlier and would not have literally walked right into my surgeon ! So , I got to say thank you to him after all 
. To Mr , this was definitely divine intervention , a beautiful present from my Heavenly Father , I'm totally convinced of it . I've never been a person that believes in coincidence , even less so since I knew the Truth . I often ask God in my prayers , to give me eyes to see and ears to hear Him , at work in this world , bestowing His wonderful lovingkindnesses . When something wonderful happens , to u or others , a big or small thing , u can b sure it is a blessing from God . It really helps me to c these things going on around me , to know that He is always at work , being kind and generous to lots of people and even animals , all day every day . Look for His love in action , I will find it easy enough and , it will really strengthen u and cheer u and increase your faith . May God b praised for His wonderful lovingkindness to all of His creation every day . He is very very kind and generous , every day
One of the things that really helps me a lot , is when I c and recognise God at work , either in my life or in the lives of others . It blows my mind when I c something that has obviously come straight from Him . I've had a few experiences like that in my life and they r very precious memories that when I think on them , they really bring me back to Him and His Truth very quickly . I believe I've posted one or two of them on here but don't remember where , I'm sorry . I can very briefly recap ; 13 years ago I had breast cancer and had a left mastectomy . My scar was very neat and I wanted to thank my surgeon but never got the chance . A few months after surgery I had to go to a shop to quickly return an item and get a refund , I expected this to take five minutes . As it happened it took about half an hour because , the manager of the shop was very unexpectedly and unnecessarily rude to me and uncooperative . The entire shop fell silent as everyone watched this person basically have a meltdown on me for no apparent reason . Everyone was shocked ! Including me ! I was a bit upset as I'd just had my first chemotherapy a few days before and I was feeling a bit fragile . Eventually I got my money back but I was a bit shaken as I left the shop , stunned by what I had had to endure . I turned a corner and.......there was my surgeon walking towards me !
. If it had only taken me five minutes to get my refund , as it should have , I would have left the shop much earlier and would not have literally walked right into my surgeon ! So , I got to say thank you to him after all . To me , this was definitely divine intervention , a beautiful present from my Heavenly Father , I'm totally convinced of it . I've never been a person that believes in coincidence , even less so since I knew the Truth . I often ask God in my prayers , to give me eyes to see and ears to hear Him , at work in this world , bestowing His wonderful lovingkindnesses . When something wonderful happens , to u or others , a big or small thing , u can b sure it is a blessing from God . It really helps me to c these things going on around me , to know that He is always at work , being kind and generous to lots of people and even animals , all day every day . Look for His love in action , u will find it easy enough and , it will really strengthen u and cheer u and increase your faith . May God b praised for His wonderful lovingkindness to all of His creation every day . He is very very kind and generous , every day
Y
YouOnlyLiveTwice
Guest
Maybe I should’ve majored in left-handed puppetry…just kidding, welcome to Christian Chat.
It seems to me that you are on the right spiritual track. Glad to have you onboard with us. Welcome to CC.
You wrote a great inspiring testimony.One of the things that really helps me a lot , is when I c and recognise God at work , either in my life or in the lives of others . It blows my mind when I c something that has obviously come straight from Him . I've had a few experiences like that in my life and they r very precious memories that when I think on them , they really bring me back to Him and His Truth very quickly . I believe I've posted one or two of them on here but don't remember where , I'm sorry . I can very briefly recap ; 13 years ago I had breast cancer and had a left mastectomy . My scar was very neat and I wanted to thank my surgeon but never got the chance . A few months after surgery I had to go to a shop to quickly return an item and get a refund , I expected this to take five minutes . As it happened it took about half an hour because , the manager of the shop was very unexpectedly and unnecessarily rude to me and uncooperative . The entire shop fell silent as everyone watched this person basically have a meltdown on me for no apparent reason . Everyone was shocked ! Including me ! I was a bit upset as I'd just had my first chemotherapy a few days before and I was feeling a bit fragile . Eventually I got my money back but I was a bit shaken as I left the shop , stunned by what I had had to endure . I turned a corner and.......there was my surgeon walking towards me !