Future Vs. Present.

A simple nugget. Something that has been nagging at me constantly.

You will not be a month from now what you are not becoming now.

So, you will not suddenly be Christ-like, Spirit-filled, God-serving whenever a deadline comes. Perhaps graduation, a new item like a Bible, finally getting your own room, whatever might be your "If I had that, I could actually grow close to God."

And that statement brings up something else, but read the entry above this for that. (I thought I already posted about it, but I guess I didn't.)

Back to subject, obtaining something won't give us more ability to grow than what we already have.

If you are not becoming today what you want to be a week or a month from now, then you will not achieve that desire. Growth is not a spontaneous thing. It takes time, effort(As far as making sure we are attached to the vine), and willpower(beyond mere desire).

It's a quite simple thought. You don't wake up one morning a murderer, you become one over time. Thoughts creep in, hatred brews, plans formulate, etc.

Being Christ-like is not an overnight ordeal. It starts with a decision of resistance to Satan. Then another, then another. Then submission to God, resisting Satan's distractions. Continues with submitting to God your prayer time, Bible reading time, etc. If you are not spending time with God, you are not growing. Simple(and tragic) as that.

Perhaps we all should pause at this point and think about this. It's not my truth; it's God's. John 15 says to abide in Christ. If we don't abide, we won't bear fruit and grow. 1 Peter testifies to the fact that the Bible is a key to growth. ...Selah...Think on this. Really. I mean it. Stop right now and think. If you're saved, I can probably bet you desire to be close to God. To live victoriously.

But. It will not happen if you don't start right now. Don't overload yourself by reading 100 verses every hour, praying 30 minutes straight, etc. Don't lolly gag, but still don't speed through it. Begin with the speed and amount that will enable you to get truths of God, think about it, apply it, and manifest it into your life.

Read a chapter in the Bible or less. Find a truth that will change your life. And then apply it. Then pray. Prayer--talking to God. Just seek his face, and turn from your (wicked) ways.