To my fellow believers, what do you do when you go through seasons

[Teknoe]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

[Eve]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

 

I don't really have this emphasis within my faith as there is no boundary between what I see to be my life and what is my faith.. both are the same.

 

I would say that mostly it is down to not getting into a routine and living without any sense of dread. That does it for me. Practically this means I do live life to the full and accept God as my centre, right next to my core. Then again, due to having to be creative everyday I suppose I am always close to God. Previously, when I had lower satisfaction from work I felt more disconnected.

 

H'mmm.. thinking about this further having charitable interests has been a MASSIVE flame of motivation. I remember praying in Church for what I have now.

 

So saying, I do think that we have to be careful of turning faith into purely sociable aims. This can make us feel very disconnected. For me, faith is there because God is the future... and it is about tapping into that. It is not really about me.

 

I also listen to Joyce Meyer a lot. LOVE that woman!!!! She is so inspirational.. always gives me new things to think on. So, it may be that you need to adjust where you are getting your inspiration from.

 

Take care,

Eve x

[stillafool]

So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion?

 

I pray to God to increase my faith. After prayer I read my bible. I try to read at least 1 to 2 chapters a day. Also I pray every morning at the same time in secret and at night before I go to sleep. If something is happening that I'm too busy to do this a few days I find myself slipping. I was feeling a bit like you but something happened in my life recently that brought me closer to God. I'm thankful now that something happened to bring me back.

[Eve]

I love her too. This is the last year was one of the first times that I wasn't able to go to one of her conferences in years. I plan to change that this year.

 

I would love to go even just one of her conferences. She is so truthful about the challenges we face! No gloss at all..

 

Love when she talks about her days with a religious mindset and her attempts at changing her Husband.

 

She is HILARIOUS!

 

Her observations of Scripture have really strenghtened me over the years.

 

Hope a way comes for you to go to Conference, even if you get to travel somewhere different, or something.

 

Take care,

Eve x

[quankanne]

got to see her with a girlfriend of mine that I caught up with long after we graduated high school together. I'm spiritual, but I don't care for that kind of stuff, but the way she described Joyce's communication style (and the fact that she really, really was interested in going), I said yes. And was blown away at how down to earth Meyer is ... she speaks our language, as my girlfriend said. No BS, no coddling, just practical spirituality, which is a breath of fresh air ...

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

 

that's just it: You cannot definite your spiritual path by someone else's standards. That relationship between you and God/Christ/Spirit is incredibly unique, and you have to figure out that special way of nurturing that helps. Some people swear that reading the Bible is the way, others feel it's about praise and worship sessions, others pray, while yet others believe it's about putting faith into action. So keep trying out different ways that help you feel closer to him, and go with it. And understand that it's not set in stone ~ some periods, you feel closer to him through prayer and meditation, while at other times, serving his people brings you closer to him. That "fire" you're seeking needs other kinds of fuel at different times in your life!

[Fugu]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

 

You don't need Jesus.

[quankanne]

maybe he *does* when Christ is what makes sense to him spiritually. Because what works for him may not work for you or someone else, and you need to respect that.

 

live and let live, dude. Live and let live.

[TaraMaiden]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

 

If, (as a Buddhist with no Christian or theistic affiliation of any kind) I may pipe in for an instant, this type of situation probably arises for anybody who had a religious/spiritual vocation or calling of any kind.

I also know precisely what it's like to go 'lukewarm' in my practice.

Sometimes it all just seems pointless, too much effort and a little aimless but it's at this time that really, your own practice and devotion is put to the test...

Everything's great, when 'everything is great' -and we're happy, we feel content, we feel fulfilled - and actually, at that moment, there's no effort required, because there IS a point, and we HAVE an aim.

so we relax, we feel confident, and we feel comfortable.

That's complacency.

Real Effort - real devotion, real work and real dedication - come to the fore when we feel dull and flat.

Because it's important to understand - but REALLY understand, that it's not the faith itself which is going lukewarm... it's our concentration.

it's not "God".

It's us.

Nothing about our faith, our calling, our chosen path has changed, one iota.

 

What has changed - is within our mind-set.

And we have to be the ones to get it back.

That's when the work sets in.

That's when we have to put our shoulder to the boulder and start pushing.

It's when our world turns black - or a wet November-Sunday-afternoon shade of grey - that we have to find the motivation deep within ourselves, to kick-start our practice, and get back on track.

We've got to find that spark, and and light that lamp again.

 

We are like stained-glass windows.

We shine better when the light from within, is brightest.

[KathyM]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

You're not always going to feel that firey passion at all times--sometimes you will settle into a state of peaceful acceptance/contentment and lessons that are spoken that you've heard several times before become familiar, and like a warm blanket to give you peace. I've actually heard a sermon this past month also about trusting in God and that God will provide, and although it is a message I've heard many times before, it brings a sense of peace, which I can draw upon when I'm feeling apprehensive about finances, etc. To cultivate your passion for Christ, you get involved in doing His work--through volunteering, through evangelism, through serving the church and God's people. It's not enough to just listen to the message--you also need to act on it and put those messages into action. That is how you stay on fire for the Lord.

[Lostinlife4now]

If, (as a Buddhist with no Christian or theistic affiliation of any kind) I may pipe in for an instant, this type of situation probably arises for anybody who had a religious/spiritual vocation or calling of any kind.

I also know precisely what it's like to go 'lukewarm' in my practice.

Sometimes it all just seems pointless, too much effort and a little aimless but it's at this time that really, your own practice and devotion is put to the test...

Everything's great, when 'everything is great' -and we're happy, we feel content, we feel fulfilled - and actually, at that moment, there's no effort required, because there IS a point, and we HAVE an aim.

so we relax, we feel confident, and we feel comfortable.

That's complacency.

Real Effort - real devotion, real work and real dedication - come to the fore when we feel dull and flat.

Because it's important to understand - but REALLY understand, that it's not the faith itself which is going lukewarm... it's our concentration.

it's not "God".

It's us.

Nothing about our faith, our calling, our chosen path has changed, one iota.

 

What has changed - is within our mind-set.

And we have to be the ones to get it back.

That's when the work sets in.

That's when we have to put our shoulder to the boulder and start pushing.

It's when our world turns black - or a wet November-Sunday-afternoon shade of grey - that we have to find the motivation deep within ourselves, to kick-start our practice, and get back on track.

We've got to find that spark, and and light that lamp again.

 

We are like stained-glass windows.

We shine better when the light from within, is brightest.

 

Very well stated Tara Maiden! Very well! Thank you!

 

We ALL need a kick in the arse sometimes! Would someone kick mine????

[Lobouspo]

What you are experiencing is not uncommon. St. John of the Cross and Mother Teresa wrote extensively about the spiritual valleys they experrienced. Think of spiritual life as a muscle. Work it out every day. Commit to reading scripture and prayer every day, and when possible, fellowship with other believers. This will keep your roots strong. Just like working out, you will have bad workout days, and days where you just dont wanna do it, but commit to nourishing your soul every day, and you will see God work wonders in your life.

[Teknoe]

Thanks everyone. I think I'm finding my groove again. God is good!

 

Earlier today I called a brother and we agreed to start a mentor-mentee relationship. He knew about it in advance, and we were both praying about it. I received confirmation earlier today listening to an MP3 sermon. The pastor said "Don't wait for your feelings to catch up with your faith." At that point I knew, God wants me to say yes and start this mentor-mentee relationship with Rob. He'll help pray for me, give me insights, encourage me and basically help push me toward God.

 

Taking faith steps, even when my emotions don't like it, draws me closer to God.

 

We are like stained-glass windows.

We shine better when the light from within, is brightest.

 

Great quote! I'll have to remember this one, thanks

[TaraMaiden]

 

....Earlier today I called a brother and we agreed to start a mentor-mentee relationship. ...

 

I hate to make light of the moment, but I read this too quickly and could have sworn you wrote 'brothel'....!

 

Very glad to know you're making good progress and feel better about things.

 

Companionship and fellowship is important on our personal journeys.

Nice alone, but nicer with fellow-minded buddies.

 

Go get some!!

[BetheButterfly]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

When that happens to me, I go talk to someone who is on fire for the Lord. Usually I have found people who are ex-druggies and ex-drunks who are passionate about Jesus being the cure for their years of recovery to be very inspiring. Do you personally know anybody who has been radically and positively changed through knowing Jesus?

 

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

Are these people actively helping others or are just thankful for God's provision for themselves (there is nothing wrong to be thankful for God providing, but it does tend to rev up the emotional engine when one hangs out with people who are actively helping others) and brings one closer to God (I firmly believe) by actively helping others too. Jesus in Matthew 25 emphasized the importance of helping others.

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

 

Nope, you're not alone. Most people go through times like that. I have too. How I re_cultivate is by getting to know people who are radically and positively changed through Jesus, and getting actively involved in helping those in need.

[pureinheart]

where you're simply not on fire for the Lord?

 

Recently I have found myself disturbingly too lukewarm for my liking. Like the other week I was listening to members of my small group talk about how God provides and etc. I still believe in all that, but I found my inner critical voice going "I've heard this Christian-ese a hundred times before."

 

I still believe with all my heart in Jesus, but feel like I've strayed a bit from the narrow path in the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone. So, what do you do to re-cultivate that passion? I find myself being a little lazy these days and not on fire as I've been in the past.

 

 

I pray that God will move in me like never before and give me a burning desire for Him...((((((((hugs))))))))

[TaraMaiden]

I pray that God will move in me like never before and give me a burning desire for Him...((((((((hugs))))))))

 

This sounds so wrong, on so many levels....!!