Christian Walk

By Cliff Tompkins

7/3/26

In my Christian walk there is so much to learn about believing in the word of God. I’ve never really believed in anything until I asked God to show me. Do you know what that means? Most often when my heart is seeking the truth and wanting to believe in the truth, I am confronted with silence and I am not the most patient person when I am forced to take a closer look at myself. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve finally admitted to myself (for the first time) that I ran from myself and the con’s of that is aiding distractions. And now that I am professing and confessing my faith to others, I am leaning more on the Lord, through Jesus Christ.

I can testify that when the Lord says that he detests something, he is sincere and that is putting it mildly. When I consciously ignore the Holy Spirit, I put myself into a predicament and I could’ve avoided the unnecessary aggravation, had I listened to the Holy Spirit. And yes, listening to the Holy Spirit requires a sincere commitment and working in faith, and in turn strength, through the truth. That also means, studying the word of God through scripture.

I know that I am on to something, for example, I’m writing this paper and feel the anger swell within my head and that is something that I work through, knowing that by confessing the truth comes strength. And with strength comes a new understanding, and I feel my old nature dying and I’m thankful. Many things that were once important to me are now not worth the thought and if I am tempted to please my flesh that stands against God, the Holy Spirit is gentle, he is not forceful.

I know that God makes away to escape, a new foundation to stand on and that requires faith and work. It is worth the trial!

Running from temptation is a test and knowing that the consequences are very real when standing outside of the word of God, and misery is more abundant to the trial of standing alone. I know God’s voice and I must wait on him. I will wait on him!

I also am very concerned about my reward in Heaven and if I don’t exercise my faith through my works, my reward will be minimal. I’m sure that is another lesson all on its own, because the greatest reward is never being separated from God, thank you, Jesus Christ. So believer, there’s more work.

In everything I do, I will ask; Am I doing this for me or am I doing this for the Lord?!

God weighs the intentions of the heart and he will not be mocked!

Amen.

Temptation v. Friendship/s

By Cliff Tompkins

7/5/26

I know that some friends are valuable and that good friends are hard to find. In today’s world many friendships operate with technical cynicism and technology sets the precedence and that too is hard for me to accept. I remember the day when technology was in a tv show and that’s it! I remember when honesty was part of unity, unlike what we are witnessing today. So, excuses, excuses, excuses. I’ve come to learn that if I continue to make an excuse, I’m going to never let anyone in and will return to the vices that leave me in a lonely place. I’m not a patient person in many ways and that is where my study is, and it takes courage for me to say that! Today, I have given my thought process over to the Lord Jesus Christ and I am waiting on his instruction. My test is in the wait and strength of mind is worth it! Here is where I’m at, when I am tempted to listen to my flesh, I call on scripture and the memory of scripture and that is why it is necessary to study scripture, it fights off the fiery darts of the devil! The Bible makes it clear that we are to use our armor and when I’m tempted, to not remove part of my armor. Here’s an example: I like smoking cannabis because it allows me to escape from myself for a little time, but coming down from it is far worse than trying to escape reality. Why? The devil loves to set the imagination, including the lies, he’s good at it! There’s no growth! I am stunting my growth. The word of God makes it clear that we are to be watching with a clear mind, and substance does the opposite. I have to tell you that I’ve met moderate cannabis users and the music is delightful when moderation comes to play, unlike the user that only uses. I’ve abused cannabis for so many years and once Covid struck, there’s no stimulation from cannabis anymore. I just plain and simply don’t get “high” anymore. I’ve been forced into retreat and this is why that is a good thing, it brought me closer and it is bringing me closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. I must fight and that is why God gives us strength and the truth, the full truth! There has been so much wasted time because of poor lonely me syndrome. When I sacrifice for the Lord, he shows me things and he gives me the strength in my faith. God is the most patient God and his requirements is for my own good, just as he promises salvation for all who follow him. Faith and works, works and faith, this pleases God. When I feel anxious, I talk to him. If I have people around, I still talk to him in my head. My God has promised that every thought that I have, every word that I’ve spoken will be brought before his judgment seat. Now, what has become more and more real to me, is knowing that Jesus Christ (God himself) has paid the price for my wrong doing, aka: SIN.

When we walk with Christ, the walk is by faith and the sight comes from God. For example, I will let my mind wander in temptation and knowing that the light within me flickers when I allow temptation to set a stage in my mind. How many times until I learn and how many times will I go running back to the Lord and ask him to forgive me and never leave me. That’s what happens when the devil gets a foothold in my mind and repentance also means picking up my cross and carrying it.

Stay tuned, it’s time for me to turn in for the night! Peace! May Jesus Christ enlighten you! Amen.