One essence of life is growth. This is true in both the physical realm and the spiritual realm. Just as living seeds grow into mature plants and infants grow into mature adults, so new Christians grow into Christlikeness. When growth is hindered in the physical realm, either by malnutrition, disease, or birth defects, the results can be tragic. But it is an even greater tragedy when believers fail to grow and mature spiritually. After all, immature Christians cannot fully appreciate all the blessings and privileges that God has reserved for them, nor serve Him with the usefulness He desires. Like physical growth, spiritual growth ultimately depends on God’s power, but it also requires the element of human responsibility. Scripture calls to the believer to be obedient, James says, “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18). Our works are not a product of our faith, but a proof that we have faith. As we grow and mature, we assume responsibilities, and those responsibilities are an outgrowth of our maturity. Paul challenges the church at Corinth, by saying, “I could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as … READ MORE

The Bible does remind us that God is omnipotent, and as a result whenever we feel inadequate, we need to remember the words of Paul in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  Through the power of God we can accomplish all that He asks us to do and go through. This gives us hope for our future, Recognizing, what God has the ability to do reminds us that nothing is impossible for Him. This provides Comfort for us, when we catch ourselves worrying about something, we need to remember again, that there is nothing that God cannot handle. This means that the power for victory in life is not in us but in God. All these things and more, should direct us to Worship our God.  We need to meditate more on His power, than on our problems. … READ MORE

Where is your heart? We often struggle with what is valuable and what is not. Faith’s riches are not found in the material things we acquire. Yet we are so tempted to buy in the philosophy “he who has the most toys wins.” In Hebrews 11:26 we are reminded that Moses, “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” To often we live for the here and now over the long range and eternal. We want what brings us the immediate pleasure over what is designed to bring us the greatest long term gain. For example, most people are looking forward to retirement, but according to studies, the average American is not saving toward retirement. Reason: They are not willing to sacrifice the immediate pleasures, for the long term goals. Moses was willing not only to give up the temporal, but also to plan for the eternal. I read once, “You can not take anything with you, but you can send some things before you.” My friends, may you live with the goal of pleasing God now. Doing so is only possible if you remember not to sacrifice the long … READ MORE