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How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 11:42:44 AM
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butterfly123
Posts: 57
Joined: 3/24/2008
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I could use some advice. I renewed my Christian faith back in October 2007 and have been moving more or less in the right direction since (thanks only to God's kind direction).
What I sometimes struggle with is the daily direction. Choose a instead of b, choose right instead of wrong, confess instead of run away.
Some many times a day to pick the right over the wrong.
I know that we make these choices with the strength of the Holy Spirit, and as we mature (I presume) it becomes more of a second nature.
Still it is so frustrating for me now to have this clash of me versus the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. I just wish it was easier. I resolve to do right, but my "I" gets in the way.
I do not want under any circumstances to go back from whence I came, and when I do start to drift away, again thanks only to God, he nudges me back.
My question would be;
How can I get used to the feeling of being directed in ways I sometimes don't wish to go?
I do attend a good Church weekly, have devotions everyday, and pray everyday.
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 12:11:22 PM
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CarlaJames
Posts: 40
Joined: 5/30/2005
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WOW that is so strange you post this. This is exactly what our sermon was about yesterday. Go here ....
http://faithpromise.org/listen?series_id=16
and listen. Once there click on the sermon called "Gas Wars"
I know, the name is strange, but once you listen it'll make sense. Please go listen to it. It's only about 30 mins long. My pastor can explain it way better than I can even begin.
Let me know what you think!
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 12:39:32 PM
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terryjohn
Posts: 463
Joined: 3/23/2007
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He will give you the literally the desires of your heart. I do not see the need for following rules and regulations for such does not make you a child of God. However, being a child of God does necessarily give you a whole new set of desires. Now I suppose the world does offer us many tempting things that we find temporal satisfaction in but the fact that despite men having free access to such things and freely abusing such does not in any way satisfy them. All adictions in this world are thus considered unhealthy as they limit us. Here we get some of the message of the gospel when we see our need to be set free of all that would limit and oppress us.
I guess when we can get to a point where we can say I don't want to do the things we are ashmed to speak of, half the battle is won. If I then do not want to do the things that I do, is it I that do it? Now Christ would have no one see themselves as a servant when they should see themselves as children. It is when we begin to get a clear idea of what we can be in Christ that we really begin to desire different things for different reasons. While the flesh may rightly desire the things of this world and war against the spirit, our spirit most certianly should desire that battle to rage, least we be held hostage to that which perishes. The battle is not to do or not to do, but rather to be or not to be free. The necessity of faith and grace in the purposes of God is our salvation and not our goodness. The eternal satisfaction in being Chirst does outweigh the temporal satisfactions of submitting to the temptations of this world. Free not to be bond to do that which I do not want to do. The flesh proposes evil but my spirit willingly goes to battle against it for once set free it does not again seek bondage by that which once held it.
Do we have to do what we do? Some men will starve themselves to death or even set themselves on fire for political reasons, how much more will we then not live free from all that would oppress and destroy us for the love of God and others?
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 12:46:08 PM
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WildByNature
Posts: 430
Joined: 3/17/2006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: butterfly123
My question would be;
How can I get used to the feeling of being directed in ways I sometimes don't wish to go?
I believe its through surrender and trust -- though I don't think one ever gets "used to" it. It's not easy and, though spiritual maturity helps, we can never get rid of our human nature while we are in this body. Being a Christian is a daily struggle with our two natures. We must die to ourselves daily in order to allow the Spirit to lead us daily.
Wow. Thank you for posting this. In answering your question, I'm forced to examine what I'm feeling right now, also. Its amazing how simple truths can answer hard questions.
I am now being called to do something that goes against my human nature -- I don't want to do it. Yet, through continual prayer seeking His strength and encouragement, I was reluctantly getting ready to take the first step. Though nervous, I am surrendering myself to Him and trusting Him. Thank you.
My prayers are with you and I ask your prayers to be with me in this endeavor He has placed on my heart.
CarlaJames, thanks for posting that link. I'm gonna check out that sermon as well.
_____________________________
"Stop being afraid! Just keep on believing." (Mark 5:36 ISV)
<><
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 12:57:27 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1254
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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We all(Christians redeemed to His Cross) should realize an hour or two on Sunday and another hour on Wednesday is but a shadow of your week and most of us put our best face forward in that forum. The real struggle(as your OP rightly said)is in our personal selves where decisions are made and victories won. The press of circumstance in whatever arena we find ourselves can be daunting and constant. Paul had this same quandary, Romans 7:18-"I can’t even realize the depth of my wretchedness in my flesh for the willingness of it is always present in me 19 even when I seek my own advantage I don’t accomplish it because I practice the very evil of my disadvantage. 20 But if I’m doing the very thing I don’t want, I can’t even accomplish that since sin still dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Can anyone set me free to obey righteousness?"
His response even in the midst his anguish? 7:25-"Yes! Thanks be to God through Christ Jesus our Lord! So then, on the one hand my mind is serving the law of God but on the other with my flesh, the law of sin. 8:1 [for] now there’s no condemnation in Christ Jesus. 2 The law of sacrifice in Him has set you free from the judgment of law of death 3 for the Law was weak and could only condemn through the flesh. God did send His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh for justice demands He be condemned in His flesh 4 that the requirement of the Law be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
How do you get used to obeying?(Oh yeah I like that!) Set your(our)sight on Jesus and His Obedience before a situation that has potential for failure. A lot of times we're so concerned with failure(disappointment or disobedience)that we can't see the surety for obedience. The new life in Christ is(among other things)the ability to anticipate His obedience for your life experience.
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 1:10:40 PM
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butterfly123
Posts: 57
Joined: 3/24/2008
Status: offline
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Thank you for the replies. I realize that what I wrote and you wrote back is what is normal.
I just get disheartened sometimes over so much direction and so much of having to change my regular desired course.
Now, don't get me wrong, I realize that it would be much worse not to have the direction, and to not have the desire to follow. It is just that crunch and that oh-oh! feeling that what I first have desired to do and what God would have me do are miles apart.
I realize that if God has not given up, well then I should not either. I just wanted some words of wisdom from those who have been on the path longer than I.
I will listen to the sermon tonight when I have more time.
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 1:11:55 PM
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butterfly123
Posts: 57
Joined: 3/24/2008
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Wild by nature, I will pray that you have strength to do the things that you don't want to do.
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 4:06:35 PM
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frankman
Posts: 215
Joined: 4/12/2005
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The war we`re fighting between our desires like the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life to that of being obedient to the will of God in our lives is indeed a life long war. In fact the more you desire to live for Christ and the closer your relationship with God becomes, the greater this intensity will become. However don`t let me discourage you from loving God even more. For with God`s help we can defeat the wiles of our enemy.
May I encourage you to put on the full armor of Christ in accordance to Eph.6:10-20. Continue to desire to know the truth, to practice righteousness, seek peace, believe in God and the promises of Scripture (faith), remain confident in your mind about the assurance of your salvation, and above all, learn to use God`s Word in defence against Satan`s temptations.
This passage then concludes in admonishing us to pray, pray and pray. Eph.6:18 states "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
 Together, with God`s help, we can win.
_____________________________
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8 Greetings- Frankman
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 8:22:15 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1843
Status: offline
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quote:
I believe its through surrender and trust -- though I don't think one ever gets "used to" it. It's not easy and, though spiritual maturity helps, we can never get rid of our human nature while we are in this body. Being a Christian is a daily struggle with our two natures. We must die to ourselves daily in order to allow the Spirit to lead us daily.
Very true---we are wild by nature as your handle/tag says and I guess we could add 'forever'. BTW, I have a wild by nature T-shirt (has a bouquet of wildflowers on it as well) that I love to wear as it can be a great discussion starter.
It's a daily dying to our desires and saying 'yes' to His. As long as we are in the flesh, we will have some measure of struggle. If not then I'd say you're living in denial.
That's why we have to continually turn and fix our eyes on Jesus. If we look at ourselves, how we're doing, we can become quite discouraged---at least that's my story. But then I say, "Oh, thank You, Jesus!" And I remind myself of all that He is and will do to accomplish His will for me. It's not up to me. Thank God!
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/11/2008 9:55:06 PM
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drussell52
Posts: 201
Joined: 4/24/2008
From: Michigan
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
quote:
I believe its through surrender and trust -- though I don't think one ever gets "used to" it. It's not easy and, though spiritual maturity helps, we can never get rid of our human nature while we are in this body. Being a Christian is a daily struggle with our two natures. We must die to ourselves daily in order to allow the Spirit to lead us daily.
Very true---we are wild by nature as your handle/tag says and I guess we could add 'forever'. BTW, I have a wild by nature T-shirt (has a bouquet of wildflowers on it as well) that I love to wear as it can be a great discussion starter.
It's a daily dying to our desires and saying 'yes' to His. As long as we are in the flesh, we will have some measure of struggle. If not then I'd say you're living in denial.
That's why we have to continually turn and fix our eyes on Jesus. If we look at ourselves, how we're doing, we can become quite discouraged---at least that's my story. But then I say, "Oh, thank You, Jesus!" And I remind myself of all that He is and will do to accomplish His will for me. It's not up to me. Thank God!
I like your question, can I get used to obeying God. Evidently Jesus thought so when you look at Matthew 11:28-30, as he likens himself and His word, as the older, experienced, teaching us, the younger and less experienced what we need to know and do to have meaningful lives.. What is concerning is when you look at passages like Deuteronomy chapters 3 through 7, and as Moses reviews the leaving Egypt and the wilderness journey, he forecasts the time when the children of Israel will have to go in to exile for "turning" away from God. As someone-s have said here, daily daily daily, is key, to turn our lives and wills over to God's care. A once week shot don't do it.. Another thing to consider is that the enemy wants to kill our joy and when dismal days appear the tendency of we humans is to succumb to the pressure. We probably would like to "get used to obeying God" but as long as we are here we best get used to turning to him daily.. Love this topic and wanted to respond sooner!
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 8:00:02 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3430
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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Obediance only comes from one thing...
loving God.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 9:56:34 AM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 6974
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
Obediance only comes from one thing...
loving God.
Amen,I have found the more in love with God I have grown the more I want to obey him.Breaking Gods heart and the conviction that comes from it is so sad,and makes me cry.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 10:54:02 AM
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armydude
Posts: 16899
Joined: 2/12/2006
From: NC
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
Obediance only comes from one thing...
loving God.
I agree with you, but I'm going to change one thing. Obedience comes from loving God, but getting used to obedience comes from obeying God. There is no shortcut to obedience.
_____________________________
You can choose to be pitiful. Or you can choose to be powerful. But you cannot choose to be both.
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 3:04:22 PM
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URForgiven
Posts: 1085
Joined: 3/22/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: butterfly123
I could use some advice. I renewed my Christian faith back in October 2007 and have been moving more or less in the right direction since (thanks only to God's kind direction).
What I sometimes struggle with is the daily direction. Choose a instead of b, choose right instead of wrong, confess instead of run away.
Some many times a day to pick the right over the wrong.
I know that we make these choices with the strength of the Holy Spirit, and as we mature (I presume) it becomes more of a second nature.
Still it is so frustrating for me now to have this clash of me versus the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. I just wish it was easier. I resolve to do right, but my "I" gets in the way.
I do not want under any circumstances to go back from whence I came, and when I do start to drift away, again thanks only to God, he nudges me back.
My question would be;
How can I get used to the feeling of being directed in ways I sometimes don't wish to go?
I do attend a good Church weekly, have devotions everyday, and pray everyday.
The Christian life is not about choosing between option a and option b, it is about choosing to trust and depend upon Jesus or not. That is not just a day to day choice, it is a moment by moment choice as we are confronted by each new situation.
When we are choosing dependence upon Jesus, we are in Gods will and everything we do is spiritual. There is no one activity that is more spiritual than another when we are in the will of God. For it is all of God, and it is all of God because we are depending upon Him.
What is impossible for us, is nothing for God. Christianity is Christ...and only He can live it. Abide in Him, trust in Him, depend on Him. This is what we learn as we grow in Christ...that He is able and that He is worthy of our trust. The result of our learning to abide in Him is that we will be walking in love. And walking in love is obedience to Christ. Bless you.
Peace
_____________________________
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit,
are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 3:46:01 PM
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e.barrett
Posts: 43
Joined: 6/9/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: armydude
I agree with you, but I'm going to change one thing. Obedience comes from loving God, but getting used to obedience comes from obeying God. There is no shortcut to obedience.
Very well said, and totally true. And completely difficult to do. 
_____________________________
R3 - a blog devoted to understanding how to live out a life of faith
Visit it at www.r3blog.net
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 4:26:08 PM
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SomeFineDay
Posts: 90
Joined: 5/2/2008
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I listened to the linked sermon in the beginning of the thread. Very nice, well worth the thirty mins.
I do agree that probably it is something that comes with the will to do right/ looking to God for guidance/ and spiritual maturity.
I will say that I have been resisting God on some things, and when I forswore those things recently, things became easier between God and I, obedience wise.
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/12/2008 7:08:04 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3430
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
Status: offline
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quote:
Obedience comes from loving God, but getting used to obedience comes from obeying God. There is no shortcut to obedience.
No doubt. Faith is a muscle that needs excersize. Resistance builds charactor.
In some sence, disobediance also draws us closer to obediance. Nuttin like a mess up, conviction and change to mature you in the Lord.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: How do you get used to obeying God? - 8/14/2008 10:41:49 PM
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ColoradoLady36
Posts: 160
Joined: 8/11/2008
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I don't know if this will help you out or not, but I figured I would give it a shot. Since I am a newbie Christian again, God asks me to obey him in small ways. Mostly in the way of being a good Samaritan, if you will. FOr instance, I was doing my laundry at the laundromat one day, as I was leaving God impressed on me to give this woman some laundry soap. I asked him 'are you sure'? Of course the whole gamut of doubts filled my head, what if they laugh, or get mad or whatever? But in faith, I did it anyways. The effect was nothing short of a miracle. This woman had been having financial problems, and God used me to help her out and further show her HIS love. This is personal, I am not bragging here. God does not like a braggart. I just wanted to show you how I got used to obeying God. Eventually, he will step up the stakes, but for now this is how he is using me. I hope this helps in some way hon. Stacey
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The point is that you are going to have to continue to do what you infer you are doing - pray - a lot (what was it Paul said ... pray without ceasing), and consistently return to the Word of God to review the whole of scripture on topics to see what God has to say about them. 
