Looking at life

It is my belief that people look at life in one of
two ways; they believe, or want to believe it
has meaning, or they believe it does not. If
you believe it does not, I feel sorry for you. Life can be difficult and if you have nothing to hope for or believe in, it is even tougher.

Psalm 84:10

10 A single day in your courts is better
than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
I believe that life has great meaning, that God
has a plan for us, and that plan is for our good
not for our destruction.

I believe that living for God means you will
exhibit:

Kindness
Compassion
Forgiveness
Grace
A desire for justice
Actions to help others
Faith
Hope
Charity
A genuine love for others
A desire to obey Him
A drive to serve Him
A goal to become selfless for Him

That’s a good start. How do we know if we are making progress in our spiritual growth?

Hoe many of these things are happening in your life?

Are you increasingly aware of your sinfulness and weaknesses?

Do you respond quickly to sin in your life and is it followed by genuine repentance?

Do you see trials as opportunities for growth?

Do you view serving Him as an opportunity
rather than a burden?

Do you view everything as coming from God?
If He is sovereign? Then He either sends it or allows it.

Do you desire to spend more time in prayer
and worship?

Are you eager to share with others what Christ is doing in your life?

Do find your awareness of Him is spreading to all times and places in your life? Not just in church.

Do you desire to spend more time in fellowship with Him?

Lord, I seek your face and your presence in all that I do. Search my heart and show me any impediments to my relationship with You.

the pilgrim

*Photo note: All D700, 24-70 and 70-300
All HDR, last two with Topaz digital filters.

Special Thanks to my dear brother Charles Stanley for the insight from his book, Pathways to His Presence.