God Conversations
I have a book that I use to write my ‘God conversations’ in. The vast majority of conversations occur through insight from my morning quiet time with God. I start each day with prayers and a bible reading. Over the last 5 years I have used the ‘1 Year Bible.’ By following the daily readings, it is possible to read the bible in 1 year. This plan works for me. I need to saturate my mind, soul and body with God’s word. Previously I lived a life of sexual brokenness; pornography, sexual infidelity, same sex relationships, heavy alcohol use, greed and extreme mood swings. I know that the bible is God’s blueprint for my life. In it God shows us His love. His unconditional love and forgiveness of our sins. The bible clearly states what behaviours, thoughts and actions lead to a life of meaning, value and the ability to walk with God. Conversely the bible also states what behaviours lead to further sin and ultimately eternal separation from God.
Today (16th of Feb 2023) I reread some early notes. I would like to share a verse and the reason why it ‘jumped out’ at me. When verses ‘jump out’ at me I experience this feeling of love and ‘hear’ an internal voice saying ‘this is for you.’ Here’s the message for you from this verse.
32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” Matthew 15:32
To me this showed that there is both a spiritual and practical aspect to life. Jesus preached or taught to and healed those who were present. This is the spiritual aspect of God. Jesus then met the physical needs of those there by providing food that feed thousands through a miracle.
The God conversation from this verse that I wrote down was ‘There are ministries that provide a spiritual outreach (healing, prayer) followed by a practical outreach (food, budgeting advice, friendship, support.) One year later I realise why ‘No Longer Broken’ is effective as a ministry. Our model recognises that God exists and that we need God in our lives as our Lord and Saviour. That healing is provided by God and we can walk in knowledge that we are spiritually saved, set free from our past and forgiven. The practical side of ‘No Longer Broken’ is about friendship, support, companionship and providing advice that is given in concern for our well-being.
God provides the initial healing and forgiveness. It is up to us to walk from then on in integrity. In this day and age, it is impossible not to stumble and make mistakes. We can’t turn on TV or watch a movie without seeing nudity or sexual activity. For someone like myself I need to be incredibly careful not to view it and become sexually motivated. I need to go to God and confess the lust and ask for forgiveness. I still use the support provided in this ministry by talking to my mentor and sharing my struggles, mistakes and burdens.
I encourage you to read your bible daily, to ask for ‘God conversations’ to hear a message specific to you (I don’t hear God conversations daily, perhaps weekly or fortnightly?) If possible, buy a ‘1 year bible’ and soak in the goodness of God. I also recommend that you talk to those in this ministry about your situation. That when you do fall back into previous sinful behaviours that you talk to the team here and pray together. I have stuffed up many times. I’m sure my mentor shakes his head when I ring and say ‘I need to talk to you…..’ Thankfully he has always shown unconditional support and he has always listened to my story and then prayed with me.
Jesus didn’t want the crowd who he preached to leave hungry. Jesus knew they would need to have a meal to support them in their walk. We are here to provide that physical help and support.
By Anon… Jesus follower because He saved me.
