First of many..

I thought I would center my theme around the confines of growth. I figure you are either on the bus or left behind for the most part. Growth is so subjective it's crazy! Some people may define growth as making progress in a once dormant area of your life. Some may consider making it from one year to the next. Well, the bible outlines that spiritual growth is very important. This may not be associated with living years on end or even progressing away from said instances in your life that may have caused you to falter. But growth is given through God's spirit, His wisdom, and your ability to allow the potter to make, break, mold, and take control of your life.

Throughout the bible we see many examples of how God did NOT deliver people and move things out of their way. What?! YES! Wouldn't one want to grow past all the negativity and toss up two fingers and say, "thats 5 years ago me, not today me. I'm over it and I don't have time to deal with that." Sounds mature right? But when I search the scriptures, I look at many times God allowed his people to stay in the face of adversity; not to torment, or play some cruel joke. But for his glory to be made manifest not only for them but for others. You see his word also states thay the overcame by the blood of the lamb and the words of thy testimony. You are living someones deliverance because like or not, you are being seen and read of all men! Since when did this thing become about us anyway, as so much as it is about winning people for Christ? I look at the three Hebrews boys and how God was WITH them in the fire. I look at Paul and how he was being buffeted thrice by the enemy, and God said His grace is sufficiant. I even look at His promises he has fulfilled. To give us a comforter (the Holy Ghost). Think about it, why would we need a comforter to comfort us, if we didnt have to go through some things? That right there should let every beleiver know we are gonna endure hardness as a good soldier!

I resolve that growth again is not an age requirement, or what we have overcome, but learning to deal with the issues of life as they come, letting God's spirit comfort us, leading us to his truth, and giving us the grace to go through it so men can see our good works (cause we should have some) and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Just a thought for today. Don't be afraid to tell people to "grow up!"It could be the best advice you could ever give.

Be Blessed...