Chapt. 24 - Transformed by Truth

Well, I am going to start with the end of this chapter because I feel like we really should be getting it by now. I am talking to myself here (and whoever is reading this too). The question to consider on pg. 192 is this ... "WHAT HAS GOD ALREADY TOLD ME (YOU) IN HIS WORD THAT I HAVEN'T STARTED DOING YET?"

If we are really searching and asking, I know that God is showing us. I know this, believe this, and have seen it time and time again. The truth does transform us! It sets us free from ourselves. One of my favorite quotes from this chapter is this one on pg. 185 "Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth."

Be encouraged in the journey and let His truth transform you and your future in Christ! Read John 8: 31-32 this week

Chapter 23- How We Grow

All you have to do to get started is decide to follow Jesus. But in order to grow spiritually, there has to be some change. Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort, while you work on developing new habits and changing the way you think, the Holy Spirit is right there beside you with the watering can.

Focusing on others and on giving will help develop your mentality for spiritual maturity. "Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior." (PDL p.183)

Happy Valentines Day ...we love you!

Chapt 22 - Created to Become Like Christ

WOW ... I am trying to grasp that thought. In my own strength this would truly be impossible! The scripture at the beginning of this chapter gives us some great advice.

"Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth." Col. 2:7

Page 175 in the PDL highlights it the best as Paul explains it in Eph. 4:22-24. Becoming like Christ is an active pursuit. 1. We must choose to let go of our old ways of acting. 2. We must change the way we think. 3. We must "put on" the character of Christ by developing new, godly habits. It is a great privilege to be created to become like Christ. Thank you Jesus for loving us so!

Chapter 21- Protecting Your Church

We're not talking about the using armed guards here. Rather, it's about keeping peace and unity within your church family. Any time you put a group of diverse individuals together, there will inevitably be differences. How we deal with those differences is key to supporting and promoting a healthy church. There are a number of things we can do to ensure that we, as individuals, support God's call for His "household" (or church) to function in peaceful harmony.

Focusing on what we have in common, not the differences is essential to maintaining a warm, welcoming experience for all who visit God's house. Personal differences must never be allowed to divide God's family. God himself chose to give each of us our own personality, background, race, and specific preferences- we must choose to embrace and welcome the variety infused within our church families.

Be realistic in your expectations of your church. We must passionately love and support our church despite imperfections. Understand that humans will disappoint you and let you down, because all humans are imperfect! Every effort should be made to work through whatever issues arise, it will inevitably make the church family stronger and facilitate spiritual growth.

We must choose to encourage rather than criticize! This is so easy to say, yet it can be really hard to practice. Sometimes we don't even realize we are criticizing our brothers and sisters. It seems to take more effort to encourage others than it does to pass judgement. We'll leave it at that...

Refuse to listen to gossip. Sounds easy...yet often we refrain from telling a gossiper that we don't want to hear it. Why is that? I'm going to blame it on imperfection and Satan's persuasion- either way, gossip causes great tension in God's household and deep wounds to the subject. Prayer will help resist the temptation to participate.

Practice God's method for conflict resolution. Go directly to the person involved as soon as possible. If that doesn't resolve the issue, take one or two others to help confirm the problem and help reconcile the relationship (mediate). If that doesn't work, take it to the church leaders.

Support your pastor and leaders. They are only human. Their responsibility and challenges are numerous. It's imperative that we do all that is in our power to show our loyal support for all their efforts.