Do you know someone who has back slidden in their faith? I do and it is very hard for me to watch. I saw the abandonment of their faith slowly begin because of what they viewed as unanswered prayers and a lack of true growth. No one explained to them that our Christian faith starts as a seed that must be watered through prayer, then it grows through knowledge and then it becomes fruitful through faithful pruning. Our spiritual life is a changing and growing relationship with God. It is no different than any friendship or relationship you have with a person now. It must be nourished, catered to and managed through time, attention and care. The Lord wants to be our friend and wants to be a part of our every day life. I have seen so many come to the Lord and say the prayer of salvation and they think that is it. They think they have done their part in accepting the Lord as their Savior and now it is easy street. Their naive mindset that the Lord simply answers all prayers regardless of His will, because they asked. And because of their lack of knowledge, they see the Lord's "no's" as denials, instead of a possible delay. This behavior is childlike because their faith never grew. He is no longer the "fun genie" that just gave them whatever it is they desired. He was not the bank machine they thought he would be. In order to grow in spirit and in maturity, we must keep Him first in our lives and never compromise our faith for anyone or anything. We must understand that Christianity is to be maintained through daily communication with Him, seeking His voice and obeying His Word. Loving others and giving of yourself for the sake of Christ. I don't think everyone knows nor understands that when they confess the Lord as their Savior, that it means a mind changing, spirit changing, action changing life. That a new life is born in Him as we die to our self. Please be mindful of new believers and encourage them to get into a solid scriptual based church. Hold them accountable when they begin to stray. I have not done enough for this person and I know I need to. The Lord takes us to conversations that will be uncomfortable for us and we must trust in Him to be the intercessor on our behalf. Therefore I pray today that He gives me the boldness to do this and if you are in my same position, I ask that he grant you the same. In Jesus name.
Romans 10: 9-11
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