A Look Ahead

You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again. Psalms 71:20

Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things.  Who is like you, God?  Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,  you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.  Psalm 71:19-21 NIV


       I feel like the verses above are my life story right now in action.  I am so excited and thankful to be in the 'revive me again' phase.  I am seeing and living in God's restoration of me in His timing.  He is definitely 'comforting me once more.'  In this process, I want it to be clearly known that Christ is doing all these good things in me, and it's not by my strength at all.
      Don't you think life is so much easier when your will and God's will are in alignment?  Oh, I definitely do!  When our thoughts and actions are only about self and not about 'love one another', then we build fences and don't grow as God intends.  May we always pray for God to lead us and show us His way for our lives.  "Show me your ways, that I may walk with you, show me your ways, I put my hope in you,  the cry of my heart is to love you more, to live with the touch of Your hand, stronger each day, show me your ways."   
     Sometimes when we have been under a cloud of trials, the sun shining in restoration seems all the brighter.  I have felt the small things in life be huge frustrations, but with God's restoration of strength become miraculous milestones.  For examples, being able to drink through a straw again, sit on the side of the bed without being held, going longer without my mask to talk and eat, being able to swallow again my favorite foods, and more.
      My will during my darkest of days was to finish my race of life, but it wasn't God's will.  When I realized God's will was actually my will too, it made my life easier to deal with as I improved.  I had prayed, Lord, if it's your will, let me be active again in this world and let Your light and power shine brightly through me.  This was the will of us both and I am forever grateful.
     "We’re often looking for God’s will—especially when we’re in a difficult situation. We wonder, What will happen to me here? Should I stay or does God want me somewhere else? The only way to know for sure is to do what He asks you to do right now—the duty of the present moment—and wait for God to reveal the next step." [odb.org]

    "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way."  Psalm 37:23

Where Do You Look?

       It is our natural tendency to look for answers to our questions, but where do we look?   "Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, but Faith looks up." by Ralph Waldo Emerson  It's sad but often true, that God is our last place to look to.  We find it easier to search in what we can see, than to trust in what we can't see yet.  God is always with us and waiting for us to seek Him in all things, circumstances, and in the questions of life.

       I found the quote above by accident, coincidence, or by God's leading.  However I found it, the quote describes my feelings as of late and put it into words for me.  As I have progressed over the past 3.5 months, I have realized there is a new me.  The new me struggles to get back physically, as much as possible, but I am forever changed in many other ways.  I have more empathy with those in chronic pain.  I have gained wisdom on the importance of knowing what you want or don't want on your last days.  I have gained strength in my faith, trust, and convictions with respect towards God and His sacrifice for me and the world.  I have increased my level of courage in what I am able to endure with God carrying me through various unwanted trials. 
       I have also lost some things along this trial too.  I have lost patience with negativity in my life, through words and actions of others.  This is highlighted by one of my doctor's perspective on me and his words of little hope for my wellness.  I have lost strength in my abilities and the little independence I had in a few matters.  I have lost a love for some worldly things and traded that in for a desperate longing for the Heaven that awaits me.  I have lost interest in politics and worldly matters, but I remain invested in my participation at the level I can be involved in.  I've read the end of the Bible and know that hard times are part of the end times, but God is sovereign and wins victoriously in the end.
      "Our world offers a multitude of ways to compromise on what we know is right, but if we’ll make up our minds ahead of time, we’ll be able to stand firm in our obedience to God. Although a world that does not believe may mock our values and lifestyle, their respect for us actually lessens when we waffle and give in to temptations. What’s worse, our witness for Christ is damaged.Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor. When the winds of opinion blow and the waves of temptation pound us, we can know with certainty the right way to respond. Don’t vacillate in your obedience to the Lord. Your unwavering stand for what’s right can powerfully influence others." [intouch.org]
       I have gained and lost all of these things, only by looking upward to God.  God gives and takes away, blessed be His name forever and ever.

      What a great quote on the valleys of life.  There would be no hilltops without the valleys and the view from the hilltops wouldn't be so magnificent without the valleys either.  The valley you are in may seem like the lowest point in your life but if you look up to God and ask Him to help you find His purpose in this trial then He will answer you according to His will.  Don't dwell in the valley, but climb out with purpose and as a better you.  Grow, mature and multiply the blessings you've gained and learned during this time God has been at work in you.
      "In retrospect, I can see that “wait” is the most precious answer God can give us. It makes us cling to him rather than cling to an outcome. God knows what I need. I do not. He sees the future. I cannot. His perspective is eternal. Mine is not. He will give me what is best for me. When it is best for me. As Paul Tripp says, “Waiting is not just about what I get at the end of the wait, but about who I become as I wait.” [DesiringGod]


When we know what God wants us to do,
But then we refuse to obey,
We’re ignoring the voice of the Lord,
And sinfully choosing our way. —Sper

Where Do You Live and Love?

"The humble soul endeavors more how to glorify God in afflictions than how to get out of them." -- Thomas Brooks

         It is said that the three basic needs of life are food, clothing and shelter.  Your shelter may be a room, an apartment, or a house.  How would you define your residence, a house or a home?  There is a difference.  Anyone can build a house but it takes more than physical strength to make a house into a home.  'Home' includes peace, love, security, emotional warmth, things you love, respect of others, and hospitality.  Unfortunately many families live in houses, not homes.  "“home” is a place we seek out, long to return to when away, and fiercely defend, whether against invaders or from the outsider who tells us that any place is better than the one in which we live." So what is missing?  God and his command to "love one another."
        "The Blessed will say 'We have never lived anywhere except Heaven.'  The Lost will say, 'We were always in Hell.'  And both will speak truly."  by C.S. Lewis
        One of the hardest places to live out the Gospel and be a true reflection of Christ is in the home.  We schedule our times with others and make sure it is a good day with a good attitude and are feeling our best.  In our homes, we see it all... the faults, the tempers, the need for personal space and just everyday reactions to life's unfairness.
        Proverbs 24:3-4  "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
        Proverbs 24:27  "[Put first things first.] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home."
        Proverbs 11:29  "Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
    and the fool will be servant to the wise."

        The next two quotes are from Our Daily Bread...... "C. S. Lewis wrote, “Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.” We can thank God for the “pleasant inns” in life, but let’s remember that our real home is in heaven where we “will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)."

        "A loving, spiritual atmosphere is the feature most desired in a home, and that can be found in a simple one-room house or in a spacious mansion.  Yes, I think we would all agree that love for our family and the fear of the Lord can turn any house into a dream home."         As Valentines Day approaches tomorrow, lets consider how much we show Christ's love to each other both inside and outside our homes.



Give me a house to call my own,
Family and friends to make it a home,
Love and kindness that never depart,
Enough to fill a thankful heart.

Thoughts and Mercy

        As a blog writer, I often try to make my blogs somewhat personal.  Today's blog is about our thoughts and you can't get much more personal than that.  Our actions are often seen and speak loudly, good or bad, but our thoughts can be hidden and yet find a way out too.  The Bible warns us in Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard our hearts, for everything you do flows from it" and that is so true with our thoughts.  Sin begins with a thought and progresses into active form when we justify our wrong thoughts as okay and acceptable.
       "The mind is the control tower of life. Your thoughts greatly influence not only your successes, failures, and choices but also your relationship with the Lord and others. Godliness comes from thinking the way God does.  Yet there are several problems that can negatively impact your thought life. One of the most persistent is the influence of your past. When you were saved, God gave you a new spirit and a new life. However, in letting you start over, He did not blot the past from your mind. The Father wants you to be able to draw from your good and bad experiences when ministering to others. He also wants you to appreciate His grace and knows it is important for you to remember what He rescued you from." [intouch.org]
        As for myself, the past few months after my fall, I have struggled with my thoughts.  I had so much time where I was alone and at rest with just my thoughts.  I was tempted by my medicine and circumstances into thoughts of anger, pity, depression, and anxiety.  That's when the rubber meets the road and my beliefs and convictions were tried and tested.  Philippians 4:7  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Psalm 119:87  "They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts."  I don't know where the following quote is from, but it is so true.  "God is working even while you are waiting. Think of this time of waiting as a process that will eventually culminate in a victory. In the meantime, remain faithful and know that God is there with you, preparing you for the battles, goals and victories to come. "   My waiting has been full of impatience, struggles and fear but it has led to trust, milestones, and witnessing the power and love of God for me.
       I want to praise God not only for the grace He has shown me, but also to be a reflection of His mercy to others.  Mercy is not my strong suit or spiritual gift so I want to share a list of ways to be merciful from my devotional by Rick Warren.  I need this list reminder myself and this is my best place to archive it. 

So, how will you be merciful?  [Rick Warren...Living in the Goodness of God]

• Be patient with people’s quirks. What person in your life has irritating quirks? How can you practice patience with that person this week?
• Help anyone around you who is hurting. See who around you is obviously hurting—and then look for a way you can help this week. If you can’t find anybody, then you’re not paying attention. Look closer!

• Give people a second chance. Who in your life needs a second chance? How can you show that person mercy and compassion this week?

• Do good to those who hurt you. Maybe you’re suffering from an old wound that you have not been able to let go of. Choose to forgive and then turn it around for good. Who is that person in your life? Will you make a phone call or a visit this week?

• Be kind to those who offend you. Who offends you? Maybe it’s a politician or a comedian that you can pray for. Maybe it’s a Facebook friend who has different views and says some pretty offensive things. How can you be intentional about showing kindness to that person this week?
• Build bridges of love to the unpopular. What person first comes to mind when you think of an outcast? Who spends their lunch breaks eating alone or doesn’t seem to have any friends at soccer games? What specific thing will you do this week to bridge the gap between you and that person with love?

     *  Value relationships over rules. 

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7 NLT)

Call On God, He Is For You

2 Chronicles 7:14-15  "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. "




         People often refer to God as 'the big guy in the sky' or as some far off deity.   That irreverent label comes not only from a lack of knowledge, but also from a lack of a personal relationship with God.
         We often fail to recognize and acknowledge how involved God is in our lives.  I am doing a bible study on 'The Verbs of God" by Margaret Feinberg.  She points out the many active ways God is working in and through us for His will and glory.  "God answers, blesses, cares, cleanses, delivers, disciplines, encourages, forgives, guides, heals, hears, increases, listens, loves, opens, pours, protects, rejoices, remembers, rescues, restores, satisfies, saves, strengthens, teaches, upholds, watches, works" and more on our behalf.  When you read over these verbs, are you not reminded of His goodness and faithfulness in your own life?
         Sometimes we feel so alone, that we doubt that God even cares, but He does!  God became flesh through Jesus Christ and felt all the sufferings of this world, just as we do.  In our troubles, we often focus on the problem instead of looking to God first.  "Oh God I need you. Every hour I need you.  My one defense, my righteousness.  Oh God, how I need you."  We often pour our energy and thoughts into getting out of our circumstance, rather than through it with His help.
       Psalm 34:4-7   "I sought the Lord, and he answered me;  he delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."
       God calls us to not only have a personal bond with Him, but also for us to be a reflection of Him to the world around us.  How can others want to know your God, if they don't see Him living in you?  "Jesus Master, I would be More and more made like to Thee."
      Psalm 40:17  " The Lord thinketh upon me. The Lord will take care of me."  Is that not enough for us in any trial we face?  Whenever we are hurt, anxious, fearful, or suffering...let this verse be your first thought.   Call on the name of Jesus.. what a beautiful, wonderful and powerful name it is!





       

Turn, Turn, Turn..Where Do I Turn?

Deuteronomy 31:8—“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Psalm 34:17-19—“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Psalm 40:1-3—“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”

Psalm 17:6-7 --"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.  Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes."

1 Peter 5:10--

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

         We all suffer at some points in our lives and are tempted in various ways.  Where do we turn?  Where we turn says a lot about us and our character.  "Think about it. What does it tell us about young kids whose trouble turns them toward gangs or guns or drugs? What do we learn about adults whose difficulties direct them toward alcohol or illicit relationships or the bizarre teachings of a cult?  What does it tell us about ourselves? Where do we turn when we have trouble with a relationship? Do we turn to the Bible for wisdom? Do we pray for direction? And where do we look for help when we are struggling with sin? To the Lord Jesus, the Master of forgiveness? To Scripture for foolproof help? "[odb.org]

         We often forget that Jesus is right beside us in every storm or struggle that we find ourselves in.  He isn't surprised by it, like we are, because He always goes before each of us.  He hears and delivers us from our troubles WHEN we turn to Him.  Where we turn is where we put our trust.

        "Whatever be the subject of our thoughts, we are met by the eternal promises of God, promises that exactly meet our need. And how many soever be the promises, we know that in our Lord Jesus Christ is the yea, and through Him is the amen." [A. Carmichael]

        From 'The Edges of His Ways'..... “My trust is in Thy mercy; and my heart is joyful in Thy salvation. I will sing of the Lord, because He has dealt so lovingly with me: yea, I will praise the name of the Lord Most Highest” (13:5–6, PBV). That is where we are meant to live, and where we can live we will live.

         We should turn our thoughts, griefs, desires, and needs to Jesus.  He provides the greatest rewards and fulfills His promises with guarantee.  Psalm 94:19:  “In the multitudes of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.”   His comforts include Scripture, which should be our first turning point, because it reminds us of His great love for us.  Psalm 117:2  "For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord."  Romans 5:8  "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

        If and when youre suffering,  Ask God to help you look beneath the surface of your circumstance, to His eternal purpose and His everlasting Kingdom (2 Corinthians 4:18).

What Matters Most?

     So we have started a new year, 2019.  For many reasons of 2018, I couldn't wait to begin a new year and hopefully, a new beginning.  Many people say "I wish you a Happy New Year."  Wishes are just empty hopes with a little luck involved.  How much more meaningful would it be to say, "I pray that this year brings you blessings that draw you nearer to our Father in Heaven."  I prefer someone's sustaining prayers over wishes any day.
      I am reading a devotional with excerpts of writings from Amy Carmichael.  One talks about, "The only thing that matters is to please God."  As we start the new year, I think this is an important thought to dwell on.  Before I decided to blog this year, my thoughts were on having fun and self-serving tasks.  I considered though that I enjoy blogging and that I learn as much or more than my readers.  So when I read this quote about what really matters, I knew my blogging pleases God and I made sure it was part of my year's agenda.
      2 Corinthians 5:9  "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. "
      From 'The Edges of His Ways"..... “All that pleases is but for a moment. All that grieves is but for a moment. Only the eternal is important.”  This quote struck a chord within me.  I'm still struggling with my new norm that my accident has beset upon me.  Many people want to trade in their old 2018 self for a new 2019 self through their new year resolutions.  I would trade my Jan 2019 self for my 2018 self in a heart beat now.  This quote encourages me to remember to not focus on my flesh but to try to make my soul more Christ-like everyday, as much as I can.
     2 Corinthians 5:4-5  "For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
      To become truly new, each person of their own accord must be reconciled with God by being born-again.  When one accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the change the grace of God in the soul makes old thoughts, old behavior,and old practices pass away.   M. Henry says, "Regenerating grace creates a new world in the soul; all things are new. The renewed man acts from new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company."
     2 Corinthians 5:17-19  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them."


What does a new you look like for 2019 and what matters most in your life?  Consider and dwell on it.

Miracles Happen

Psalm 62:5-8

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
Oh my people, trust Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.”

     Today is January 7, 2019 and it's been over 2 months since my last blog.  I've put off this blog for several reasons: strength, energy, ability, finding the right words and wondering if there are enough words to fully summarize my thoughts.

     If you read my blog, but don't know me personally..let me catch you up on my past 2 1/2 months.  On October

 21st I fell in the bathroom and hit my head on the concrete floor.  I knew it was bad but not bad enough to go to the hospital.  I saw my doctor on the following Thurs about my shoulder and knees. The xray showed nothing broken.  I took tramadol for pain.  I did activities over the weekend with help of pain medicine.  Tuesday morning I went to the hospital by ambulance.  My INR [blood thickness] was 13..way too thin.. supposed to be between 2 and 3 because I am on coumadin.  The cat scan showed a brain bleed in and on my brain.  I was transferred immediately to UAMS, a trauma hospital.  The doctors there wanted to do surgery and remove part of my skull or I could wait for them to try and reverse my blood's INR.  They pushed surgery because said they I would likely get sleepy and never wake again.  I chose against surgery.  My INR reversed quickly with the help of different meds they gave me.  I then spent a week in ICU.  I don't remember much of that week.  I came home, then after 2nd day at home I had 7 seizures then 2 days later 2 more.  During 2 of my worst seizures I quit breathing.  With the help of prayers and seizure meds, I didn't have any more seizures.  Within a few weeks, I got off of the seizure med, morphine and a fentanol patch. I'm still on percocet for pain,its combo of oxycodone and acetominophin, but it has no side effects like the others did.  This trial has been the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life and I still haven't completed my recovery...but God has given me great milestones this year to show His strength in me.

     I want to share a few thoughts on a few topics from my experience...

CONTROL

There is no doubt who was in control of my well being and situation--God!!  We saw His miracles in 3 ways...1]no broken bones in the fall, except my eye socket, 2] no internal bleeding from INR and fall, 3] breathing restarted during seizures.  There were so many times we had to just wait to see what God's will would be for my life.. called Home to heaven or continue His will thru me here on earth.  I am blessed to be here because it was God's will...not my strength or the doctors...it was His will to answer our prayers.

SALVATION

One thing that comforted me during this trial is knowing what I believe in--Jesus Christ!  When deciding for or against surgery, I didn't hesitate against it because I knew either way that I was taken care of.  Jesus took the sting of death away from me...not fearless but less fear for sure.  

While on the first set of pain medicines, the side effects were not nice....  Anxiety, cranky, less tolerant of sound and light, and frankness with what I said.  I knew I wasn't myself but it's how I felt.  I was comforted by knowing that I couldn't lose my salvation because of my behavior or circumstance.  I knew that if I was called Home that it probably wouldn't be on the 'nicest' day of my life.

PRAYERS

I definitely had a worldwide army of prayer warriors at work on my behalf.  God answers prayers that coincide with His will.  I am forever grateful to those of you who turned to God and spoke to Him so that I would get better through His grace and faithfulness.  Also thank you for the prayers for my parents and caregivers.  They needed prayer as much as I did.  

This blog wraps up my 6th 'and that's that' book.  I was unsure whether I would start blogging towards a 7th book or not.  My first trip back to church had a message that spoke to me on that very decision.  The sermon was on Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  So, since in the Bible 7 means 'complete', I will do my best to keep blogging with the strength God has and will provide.

What Does Being Holy Mean For Us?

1 Peter 1:13-16  " Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”


     I've started a bible study on 1 Peter and wanted to share thoughts I'm learning on 'What Does It Mean to Be Holy?'  I think it's a confusing, yet contradictory question.  I know for a fact that God is holy and I am a sinner, so how can I strive to be holy with my sinful nature still at work in me?  Let's explore the research I have found through Matthew Henry and various devotionals.
     Holy means to be set apart and to be separate from this world we live in.  Human nature makes it hard for us to live a life that is distinctive and different from this world.  As God's chosen, we are to be obedient and follow His ways in ALL we do.  Romans 12:2  "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  We are to live in a way as a reflection of who you are as God's children.  Our behavior flows from our identity, with God or with the world.

     Points from M. Henry on living holy lives.... 

1.  Christianity is a doctrine according to godliness, designed to make us not only wiser, but better.
2.  The main work of a Christian lies in the right management of his heart and mind.
3.  A Christian’s work is not over as soon as he has got into a state of grace; he must still hope and strive for more grace. When he has entered the strait gate, he must still walk in the narrow way.
4.  A strong and perfect trust in God’s grace is very consistent with our best endeavours in our duty
5. The children of God ought to prove themselves to be such by their obedience to God, by their present, constant, universal obedience.
6. Persons, when converted, differ exceedingly from what they were formerly. They are people of another fashion and manner from what they were before; their inward frame, behaviour, speech, and conversation, are much altered from what they were in times past. 
7. We must imitate God, though we can never equal him. He is perfectly, unchangeably, and eternally holy; and we should aspire after such a state. The consideration of the holiness of God should oblige as to the highest degree of holiness we can attain unto. 
8.  The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian’s life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way.    

      "A believer’s character, conduct, and conversation should be reflections of Jesus, who lives within. On our own, we might place too much emphasis on behavior and get caught up in following rules and rituals that look Christian without truly reflecting Christ. But God has given each believer His Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide. The Spirit works to transform our minds and hearts so that we are markedly different from our unsaved peers. When we allow the Spirit to control us, we speak and act in accordance with our true identity: God’s sons and daughters.  Our Father wants His children to be living examples of who He is. He doesn’t expect perfection—He knows we can’t be totally sinless in our human body. But He shows us how to think and act so we may “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which [we] have been called” [intouch.org]
      As we strive for holiness, we must consider Who we are trusting. 
      Here are 7 statements that can help you decide if your decisions are leaning on your faulty moral conscience or the trustworthy Holy Spirit: [intouch.org]

1. Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord.
2. The Bible is the basis for your conduct.
3. You have a strong desire to obey God.
4. You make decisions prayerfully.
5. Your conscience sounds the alarm when you consider a wrong direction.
6. You feel guilty when you disobey
7. You feel compelled to repent of your transgression.

There is no true happiness apart from holiness and no holiness apart from Christ. [odb.org]