As cosy as our home is, comfort will not cause us to grow. And the Great Commission will not be fulfilled while we are in our jammies. ‘Go’ is a vital part of the instruction. And truly, isolation leads to spiritual deconstruction: we’ve made the enemy’s efforts so much easier when we refuse to leave the house.
Tag: growth
Flourishing, truly growing up into the image of God, will take many seasons. Thank the Maker that He gives us time. Most of us have full decades to come to terms with the gospel and reckon our flesh with it’s uncomfortable truth. If it’s fast and easy, then we are weeds. If it’s frustratingly slow and strenuous, then we can trust that God is growing something enduring in us.
Spiritual maturity looks far different from physical maturity. It’s hands outstretched to receive prison guard or pauper attire. Feet set to follow a path to a place undesired. Spiritual maturity means saying ‘yes’ even when we are wholly unsure about the outcome or dreading the next temporary destination. The relationship with our God always trumps the unpleasantness of our circumstances. We trust our Father to take us Home and we will endure whatever might bring Him glory between here and there.
“As he was scattering seed…” (Mark 4:4 NIV) The seed is the word of God and the primary job of the believer is seed spreading. Most places we plant seed will not produce results. Plant anyway. Much will be stolen, withered and choked out. Plant…
Friend, there are no shortcuts to God’s best. If we take the quickest route, we will arrive at the final destination without the character required to sustain such an address.
We are accountable to what we know. This thought sends a shiver through my spine having grown up as an eager pastor’s kid and a voracious reader.
John the Baptist was sustained by the very things that frighten me.
As believers, we are called oaks of righteousness; a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Like the glorious live oaks of the coastal region, we are created to stand firm and provide a place of respite amidst our branches. Hurting people find hope, rest and manna within the well-watered limbs of a thriving, growing church.
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV) We’ve been talking about growth at church and it never ceases to amaze me how God chased us down with a…
The further I walk with Jesus, the more I’m convinced that an aptitude for chaos is a requirement for anyone truly willing to lay down their life for the sake of the gospel.