Advice.....

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A friend asked me yesterday what advice I would give to someone who was 20 years younger. After I was insulted to think that anyone would be 20 years younger I really liked the question.

What are the important things that I would tell someone?

The following are the first things that came to mind. Some have a spiritual reference and others well, they are lessons that I learned along the way.

• Follow hard after God. Make Him first. "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." John 12:26
• Develop your prayer life. Learn to Abide in Christ. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.'"John 15:5
• Pray without ceasing. Pray for and with others.
• Do what God tells you to do the first time! "My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words." Proverbs 4:20
• Ask God for Directions. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. " Psalm 32:8
• Enjoy your health. Take good care of your body. I Corinthians 6:19
• Develop your gifts. If you don't know what they are, find out and ask God if you can begin to use them. I Corinthians 12
• Passionately serve in the church and in the community.
• Remember that ministry is a lifestyle. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11
• Say you are sorry. Make the decision to not do it again. "Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again." Job 34:32
• Go on Mission trips. Romans 10:14-15
• Find a mentor. Someone who will listen and challenge you.
• Be a mentor. Pass on the the things God has taught you.
• Commit to a small group. Hebrews 10:24
• Enjoy your parents. Have fun together. I Timothy 5:4
• Go to school- Don't wait.
• Don't worry about the small stuff. Give it to God and move on. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. "Psalm 139:23
• Learn to read and apply God's word daily. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2Timothy 3:16
• Watch older Christian couples. How they relate to each other, parent their children and serve.. You can learn alot!
• Say thank you. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

These challenge me even today. I wonder what I would be like if had started all of these twenty years ago? Still, I praise God that he has taught me the importance of this list and more.

What would be on your list?

Father,

I am humbled by your reminders of trusting you each day. thank you for always teaching, always guiding, always loving. Forgive me for being such a slow learner. I pray that the next 20 years will be spent serving and abiding in you. Help me to reflect you today.

Jann