I recall that when I was “born again” over half a century ago now, that I considered whether to continue to be … a part of this worlds problem, or a part of the answer. I saw this as a clear and basic issue, the choice of which I had to make, and which would greatly determine my future – and then I decided on the latter - in all of my choices, as far as humanly possible !
Along the way, since then, a few realisations have happened …
that if the blind lead the blind. the result is that both end up in the ditch
so the first objective is to get sight – spiritual sight
to see this world as it really is -- through Gods eyes
that in Him we live and move and have our being
that of Him, and through Him and to Him are all things
that we are “strangers” here, -- pilgrims, travellers, just a passing through, that this world is not our final home
that if we are to spend eternity with God, then we better get acquainted with Him down here and now
that one of the enemies greatest tricks is to keep people occupied in trivia - in small stuff (and as someone said - it's all small stuff) which includes the intense pursuit of …. business / professional sport / films / the arts / TV and now the internet / social media / mobile phone usage …. lest they become addictions that moderation in all things, and “balance” is still the key to living easily
that we are made by God and for God w o w
that our greatest asset is SOUL THIRST for God and for Him alone
that the “natural” profits nothing that only Gods Spirit can create & sustain 'life”
that we are totally dependent on Gods Spirit to motivate, satisfy and sustain us
that life is indeed precious, but simple
to get and maintain the peace of God, that this world can neither give, nor can take away
that to be at peace with God, ourselves and others is so awesome and satisfying for when He makes peace, who can make trouble ?
so why do so many comedians (and musicians) suffer from depression ? my thought is that while they make others laugh, which seemingly is an ultimate joy, underneath and within is the reality that laughter is only for a moment and that it doesn't really satisfy the soul - and so this deep realisation eventually surfaces and leads to depression !
that to disclose Christendom's best kept secret … (rarely mentioned) that our future sins are included in Gods forgiveness - true - so we can cease from our continual grubbing and introspection, (so long as liberty doesn't lead to license )
that the Kingdom of God is within us and not elsewhere
as countless men and women of God down through the ages have found to be true
that there are 2 equally great blessings … as someone observed one is to achieve your dreams the other is to NOT achieve your dreams
that to meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same; IF by Rudyard Kipling
that waiting on God and meditation, Scripture memorisation are largely lost arts, but are indeed the key to maintaining ones mental health
that JOY is spelt J O Y Jesus first, Yourself last and Others in between
that acute selfishness is not beneficial
that the best way to ensure mental health is simply by maintaining an attitude of thankfulness, gratitude and praise
that we live one day at a time
that we live by GRACE, under Grace, and through Grace continually
( Gods Grace = His unmerited favour )
that (to repeat) …. in Him we live and move and have our being
that H E alone satisfies rather than in aught found elsewhere
OH to TASTE & SEE that God is good
References ...
Matthew 15:14 Acts 17:28 Romans 11:36 Hebrews 11:13 1 Corinthians 9:25
Philippians 4:7 Colossians 2:13 Psalm 119:11 Luke 17:21 Romans 14:17
Psalm 42:1 Psalm 34:8
ohh for G R A C E !
some of the 200 occasions of the word in Scripture !
the GOD of ALL GRACE 1 Peter 5:10
Father full of GRACE John 1:14
the throne of HIS GRACE Hebrews 4:16
GRACE and truth come by Jesus John 1:17
the SPIRIT of GRACE Hebrews 10:20 Zechariah 12:10
the Gospel of the GRACE of GOD Acts 20: 20
justified by HIS GRACE Titus 3:7 Romans 3:24
by election of GRACE Romans 11:5
the exceeding riches of HIS GRACE Ephesians 1:7 2:7
HIS GRACE is sufficient 2 Corinthians 5:10
the abundance of (His) GRACE Romans 5:17
A M A Z I N G G R A C E ! John Newton 