Growing In Faith

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to."

(2 Timothy 3:16-17, New Living Translation)

One of my goals is to grow in my faith and strengthen my ability to live God's teachings and enhance my connection between my faith and daily living. Through scripture is a good way he is communicating to us. We can take that and apply it to our lives. Instead of going through the motions of our daily living if we place an emphasis on our faith it has an influence in our choices, and the power over our decision making processes. It's easy to turn to God in despair, depression, pain, tears, and heartache but what about thanking him and for guidance on our journeys. Maybe it's a daily devotion or a simple prayer before bed. It centers me to know that I have lifted up my prayers and concerns to The Lord because some things are just out of our hands and he listens without judgement and interruptions. I keep the bible on my nightstand and sometimes just pick it up and open to any spot and see where I land...something new to learn every time. 

As a mother of three boys I seem to be praying a lot more for them than for myself. As they have gotten older I find myself turning to God asking him to help them make the right decisions in their lives and walk beside them. As they get older my presence is no longer and they need some guidance when mom isn't there, I would hope by them seeing me living and learning in my faith it will rub off on them. Once can hope...but it's up to them to find God. I just give them the tools. 

You can view the bible as a hedge. A hedge on your spiritual road. You can jump that hedge but you may be on your own. Sometimes that hedge is very distinct as in the Ten Commandments and sometimes you have to discern where that is sparse. Moral confusion should not be an excuse to jump that hedge and as Christians we have moral principles that exist with doing what is right and breaking those principles is wrong. Scripture can give us a safe arena in which to face those confusions are are unavoidable in our daily lives. Scripture can also be hard as it does make us realize what is wrong in our lives and what we need to do in order to change and change is hard. It can wake us up and slap us in the face...When we move to understanding of the scripture as God's way of communicating with us to our benefit we are more open to connect it to our daily lives than just the ones that are convenient. Respect for God is the beginning of wisdom.