|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 11:45:30 AM
|
|
|
Focusing
Posts: 5972
Status: offline
|
Christ, be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives
This is a song we sing at church. I love it!  It's so important to keep Him the center of our lives. I woke one morning singing this song and thinking about my boyfriend concurrently. I thought how wonderful it was that God gave me that experience, and I shared it with him and expressed how important it was that Christ be there between us and surrounding us.
In dating, there are all kinds of fun things we can do ... that's been discussed ... and even cheap dates , making it all fun - it's wonderful!
As your relationship continues developing, getting to know each other on a deeper level, what do you do to keep Christ at the center?
One of the things we do is play Bible trivia games. It's a lot of fun, keeps the focus on Christ, teaches us more about the Word, causes us to discuss how the Word applies to our lives, and that leads to a variety of tangents ... all while allowing us to continue learning more and more about one another. It has been a wonderful strengthener in our relationship.
What kinds of things do you do to keep your relationship (current, past, or plans for a future one) focused on Christ?
_____________________________
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 11:58:33 AM
|
|
|
shemaromans
Posts: 3882
Joined: 3/30/2007
Status: offline
|
There are a lot of things that we can do. It starts first, though, with our personal relationship with God.
Making sure that we read our Bibles daily
Making sure that we pray daily
Making sure that we're in touch with the Spirit throughout the day
Making sure that we're trusting in God
Making sure...
(I'll stop. We all know what a personal relationship entails.  )
I can sum up my point in one sentence: Staying focused on God individually will help us to keep the relationship focused on God as a couple.
_____________________________
"But as for me, it is good to be near God." Psalm 73:28
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 12:53:36 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 5058
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
quote:
What kinds of things do you do to keep your relationship (current, past, or plans for a future one) focused on Christ? Since I am not in a romantic relationship I don't have any examples to give of what my SO and I do together. I will leave that to you two.
What I can share is what I do to make sure Christ is the center of all my relationships.......which is.....to make him the center of my life........to be in constant communication with him......to think of him more then I think of the person with whom I am in relationship.
Distance doesn't really play a role in how much or little God is involved in my relationships........
True I am not going to go to church with a friend, who is long distant, but he/she will still be a part of the church service as I share what God showed me during the service.
They may not be physically near me but through out the day as God brings them to my mind I pray for them....and sometimes when I feel God is showing me something which will speak to them I will call them just to say I care and I want to encourage you with this verse God gave me.
This is a hard question for me to answer.........I can't really imagine having any type of relationship where Christ is not the center.(goodness he is even a part of my relationship with my dog) ....even with my non christian friends Christ is always in every aspect of our relationship.........he is always the center because he is the very breath I breathe......he is the core of who I am........and I can't remove him even if I wanted too......to do so would remove a part of who I am.
I know I am not answering your question the way you want Sam......and maybe it is because I am not in a romantic relationship but it just seems to me no matter what I do, what games I play, what we talk about, whether we are in bible study or walking in the woods........God is the center.
God is not more a part of what I am doing when I am with my bible study girls praying then he is when I am out to dinner with my non christian friends............Either case I am still seeking to see and hear him.......I am still talking to him and listening to him.........I am still focusing on him......
_____________________________
Transformation happens NOT when we get through scripture BUT when scripture gets through Us
My Smiles
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 1:03:18 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 5058
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
quote:
I know I am not answering your question the way you want Sam......and maybe it is because I am not in a romantic relationship but it just seems to me no matter what I do, what games I play, what we talk about, whether we are in bible study or walking in the woods........God is the center.
I just thought of one......it is not an action we would do together but one I must be intentional in doing myself.......
If I want to keep God as the center of any relationship I must keep my eyes on Him(God) and off me.
_____________________________
Transformation happens NOT when we get through scripture BUT when scripture gets through Us
My Smiles
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 1:09:11 PM
|
|
|
shemaromans
Posts: 3882
Joined: 3/30/2007
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: joy2give2u
quote:
I know I am not answering your question the way you want Sam......and maybe it is because I am not in a romantic relationship but it just seems to me no matter what I do, what games I play, what we talk about, whether we are in bible study or walking in the woods........God is the center.
I just thought of one......it is not an action we would do together but one I must be intentional in doing myself.......
If I want to keep God as the center of any relationship I must keep my eyes on Him(God) and off me.
That's a good one--and one that you can do together if you give it a little twist. Keep your eyes on God and that will help to keep your eyes of each other. Make sense?
Here's another way of asking the question that fits what you mentioned in your previous post: What types of activities do you envision that you'll do together that shows that your focus is on God?
(If our actions display a focus on God, then those actions also help us to remain focused on God, despite how integrated, primary, and immediate that focus has become in our lives.)
_____________________________
"But as for me, it is good to be near God." Psalm 73:28
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 2:31:59 PM
|
|
|
Mrs.Above_All
Posts: 12161
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: man's rib
Status: offline
|
Great topic Sam! 
Generally speaking, I think it all depends on each couple. Any activity, whether bible study, praying together, etc... will always help. Putting Christ in the center of your life is very much the same as putting Him in your life individually. I think the actual experiences you go through as a couple give you opportunity to grow in Him. When decisions need to be made, when situations occur, etc, what matter is how you both deal with them. You can have your weekly bible study together, but the true test is when we have to apply our faith together. We put Him in the center when we collectively decide to stop and pray...when we collectively stop to read the bible for specific answers.
As we grow through in our relationships though, the things we do together bridge the gap, so-to-speak and helps us practice putting Christ first. But again, how we apply ourselves is what really matters.
Personally speaking, I came from a LDR. Most of our time when my FH was still away from me, we would pray together. But much of the time was spent just getting to know each other. Just talking about our life experiences and how G-d carried us through helped us in getting to know one another. But honestly, until you are at a very mature stage in your relationship, you really don't do too much in terms of doing things together. It's limited anyway since you are not physically together. You own prayers for the relationship is how you keep Him centered really. The rest was mostly just conversation about life in general and how G-d was and is a part of it. Each step of the way though, we would talk about how we felt in our spirit about where we were and used that as a foundation of our prayers.
I would like to add that sharing with each our personal experiences with G-d also helps. We learn from each other that way.
< Message edited by Above_All -- 6/27/2008 2:48:59 PM >
_____________________________
Celebrating Christ's birth...during Hannukah! BLOG
JOHN SAID I COOK BETTER THAN HIS MOM!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 2:32:02 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 5058
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
quote:
(If our actions display a focus on God, then those actions also help us to remain focused on God, despite how integrated, primary, and immediate that focus has become in our lives.)
The only problem I have with this statement is that just because someone knows all about the Lord and the bible does not mean God is the Lord of their life.
You mentioned memorizing scripture together, which on the surface seems like a good idea, but just because someone can memorize scripture doesn't mean God is the center of their lives.
I can't memorize scripture.. I have tried putting a scripture on a two by four card and reading it over and over again until I have it memorized.....never works for me. Memorizing scripture, for me does not make God the center of my life......it just means I know some words by heart.
What does make God the center of my life is when I can feel his heart beat......when I can read a chapter in the bible and all through out the day meditate of what God is saying through those words........
For example I have not memorized a single verse in Haggai yet the things God is teaching me by reading and meditating on it each day is transforming my life.......and I will never forget the things God is saying to me through the book of Haggai even though I may never be able to quote a single scripture from it.
Like wise with bible trivia.........I know people who know the bible backward and forward ...who know all about God, Jesus and the bible who do not "know" the Lord.
As for me.......I admit I don't know scripture well..... I would be horrible at bible trivia and would not be focused on God playing it....(unless of course God was telling me the answers but for some reason I don't see him doing that )....yet God always seems to lead me to scripture which, even if I had read it before I do not remember, which speaks directly to what God is speaking to me.
I understand the concept here.......I think I understand what you are asking Sam......I just think no matter what a person does if God is not the center of who he/she is....if he is not sitting on the thrown of their heart.......he will not be on the thrown of the relationship.......
Doing Christian things such as mentioned are not going to make God the center of the relationship......Just as reading the bible, praying and going to church doesn't make him the center of our lives........either he is Lord of our lives or he is not.......
Now please note......reading the bible, praying, going to church, playing bible trivia and memorizing scriptures are things which will probably be done but both people who have made God Lord of their lives and those who have allowed him to be part of their lives..........The question I have is how can anything I do make God Lord of another's life unless he is already Lord of their life? And if it can't how can anything I do in a relationship make Jesus Lord of their live if he is not already Lord of their life?
Make sense?
_____________________________
Transformation happens NOT when we get through scripture BUT when scripture gets through Us
My Smiles
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 3:13:46 PM
|
|
|
shemaromans
Posts: 3882
Joined: 3/30/2007
Status: offline
|
quote:
(If our actions display a focus on God, then those actions also help us to remain focused on God, despite how integrated, primary, and immediate that focus has become in our lives.)
quote:
The only problem I have with this statement is that just because someone knows all about the Lord and the bible does not mean God is the Lord of their life.
I approached my statement from the assumption that God is the Lord of each member of the couple's life. It's because of Him being the Lord of their lives that their actions result.
Our actions are based on our thoughts. If God reigns in our lives, then our actions should logically represent God being central in our lives because he would be central in our thoughts (excepting the times that we sin--which we all do).
quote:
You mentioned memorizing scripture together, which on the surface seems like a good idea, but just because someone can memorize scripture doesn't mean God is the center of their lives.
That's true. But memorizing scripture is one way in which to keep God in the center of our lives.
quote:
I can't memorize scripture.. I have tried putting a scripture on a two by four card and reading it over and over again until I have it memorized.....never works for me. Memorizing scripture, for me does not make God the center of my life......it just means I know some words by heart.
My dad was that way. He sincerely wanted to able to memorize scripture, but he struggled with it.
Memorizing scripture has deepened my relationship with God. I don't look at it that I know some words by heart. I know some of GOD'S words by heart. As I go through my day, those words enter my head, and often in a very timely manner. Hearing those words helps me to stay focused on God and grants me the strength and ability to live according to His will.
I could say that I'm always focused on God, but I would be lying. I'm a sinful person. That doesn't necessitate, though, that God isn't the center in my life.
quote:
What does make God the center of my life is when I can feel his heart beat......when I can read a chapter in the bible and all through out the day meditate of what God is saying through those words........
That's beautiful, Joy.
quote:
The question I have is how can anything I do make God Lord of another's life unless he is already Lord of their life? And if it can't how can anything I do in a relationship make Jesus Lord of their live if he is not already Lord of their life?
The answer, as I see it, is that you can't. That's God's job. He can work through us to work in another's life, but only He can cause that change.
_____________________________
"But as for me, it is good to be near God." Psalm 73:28
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 3:59:29 PM
|
|
|
Mrs.Above_All
Posts: 12161
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: man's rib
Status: offline
|
Memorizing Scripture is not the same as meditating on it. When we start to meditate on it, that is when we remember it. Like David, he hid G-d's Word in his heart.
::
Adding...understanding the sanctity of marriage and what it represents also places Christ in the center. If you both always remember that marriage comes from G-d, reflects our own relationship with Him, etc...you place Him as the center. I am sure that many times we forget, even as Christians.
It's amazing sometimes. There are many couples who have been together for years who actually do not have an intimate relationship with G-d, yet their marriage reflects so. It shows me that G-d can do anything in people's life, no matter what. Has anyone known anyone like that, where the fruits of their marriage reflect Christ, even though they don't openly worship Him?
_____________________________
Celebrating Christ's birth...during Hannukah! BLOG
JOHN SAID I COOK BETTER THAN HIS MOM!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 4:08:35 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 5058
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
quote:
It shows me that G-d can do anything in people's life, no matter what. Has anyone known anyone like that, where the fruits of their marriage reflect Christ, even though they don't openly worship Him? Yes I even know many non christian people who have wonderful marriages.........
I believe God's principals work whether we are Christian or not.......Love, Hope and Faith......those are the foundation of our relationship with the Lord and the principals behind a marriage which functions as God intended.....
When a couple love with a unconditional, serving love....
when they have hope in their future together........
And when they have faith in each other.......
The marriage will work no matter if they are christians or not.....
There are just as many divorces among Christians as non........that is because God's principals for marriage work........and if they are not part of the marriage......it will not work even if the people are Christians.
_____________________________
Transformation happens NOT when we get through scripture BUT when scripture gets through Us
My Smiles
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/27/2008 4:10:53 PM
|
|
|
mutinywxgirl
Posts: 12873
Joined: 4/29/2005
From: west coast of FL
Status: offline
|
quote:
Has anyone known anyone like that, where the fruits of their marriage reflect Christ, even though they don't openly worship Him?
My parents - together over 61 years now. They are not saved. They are religious, but not saved.
_____________________________
When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christ, be the center of our lives ... - 6/29/2008 1:29:30 PM
|
|
|
joy2give2u
Posts: 5058
Joined: 9/19/2006
From: Indiana
Status: offline
|
Sam I have to say something.........I am sorry this is off topic but it has bothering me all weekend and I know it will not leave my thoughts until I post what I feel heavy on my heart.
quote:
I'm a sinful person. You are not Shema.........You are not a sinful person..........We all use to have a sinful nature but when we received Christ as our savior we took on a new nature........we no longer have a sinful nature........Jesus's blood washed away our sin........and gave us a new nature......we are new creations...........with a new nature......
Yes we all still sin but we are not sinful people..........We are holy, righteous people made in the imagine of a Holy God who sometimes sin............that is totally different then being a sinful person.
To bring this on topic......What I do in a relationship, to make sure it stays focused on the Lord being the center, is speak truth into the person as to their identity in Christ.
Way to many Christians still view themselves as though they still have sinful natures...........and because of this they often struggle to see the Glory of God upon them.........
In all my relationships, and even none relationships, I believe in encouraging others to see themselves through God's eyes. I encourage them to see God's glory upon them........to see His hand upon their lives........to help them redefine how they see themselves by revealing to them, sharing with them, how I see them......how God sees them.....and by encouraging them to begin to see themselves not as sinners but as saints who on occasion sin..........huge difference.
_____________________________
Transformation happens NOT when we get through scripture BUT when scripture gets through Us
My Smiles
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
): 
