Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 7/27/2009

Question
Hi, im michele and my dad is also a pastor.  i am asking you this because im kinda scared of telling my dad this.  Im going into 8th grade and im having problems in my spiritual life.. if thats what you want to call it.  i accepted jesus into my heart when i was 3... i really did mean it then.. and ive done a few things that i know have put me on a wrong path in life.. swearing, listening to bad music, being mean to people, and stuff like that.  ive tried praying.. and i know God answers all of your prayers.. but it just is really hard to get back on the right path.  basically my main question here is, how do i become a better christian and a follower of christ??  any help would be greatly appreciated.  thank you!!

Answer
Hi Michele,

Thank you for your great question.  Here is the simple answer, if you will with all of your heart acknowledge that you were sinning, ask for forgiveness with the intent to stop sinning and start to do right... God will meet you where you are... you do not have to travel all the way back to Him.

Zechariah 1:3
3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Here are three three things that you should do to establish a relationship with God again.

1.  Read the Bible every day.  Read consistently... work through a book at a time in a methodical way.

Psalm 119:9-11
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2.  Pray every day.  Confess your sins daily and seek the face of God on a personal basis.

Psalm 5:1-3


1 To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.
1  Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

3.  Get involved with your local church on an intense basis.  If your church doors are open, you should be there.  I know that you dad is pastor so I am sure you probably have to show up... but you should get deeply; involved in fellowship.  Develop deep friendships with the most godly folks in your church, they will help encourage you.

Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don