Hello Church Family,
I was having a conversation the other day about how differently I treat my kids. Some of that is due to their different personalities. Part of that is also because my perspective on parenting has changed from the first kid to the fourth kid. With the first kid, we were very strict about his schedule and worried if he was getting enough food; our entire life changed to accommodate his schedule. We also tracked his growth and made sure that he hit all of the appropriate markers on his growth chart. Somewhere between the first and the fourth kid, we realized that as long as we are taking steps forward, our son will be ok. If he naps in the car or at the ballpark or soccer field, he will be ok. My wife and I learned that we did not have to obsess over how he was growing as long as we gave him the things he needed to grow.
The same can be said about our relationship with Jesus Christ. When we first become followers of Jesus, we tend to obsess over every little detail and get almost militant about quiet time and reading the Bible, to the point that it becomes a constant chore and we feel like we are going to mess up and that God will not forgive us. I have been a follower of Jesus for over 40 years, and I continue to grow in my faith and learn about God every day. One of the important things I have learned is how loving, patient, kind, and forgiving our God is to his children. God is not trying to trip me up or wanting me to fail. God wants me to be in relationship with him and to continue to grow.
This past Sunday, I talked about the five areas of growth that are important to the life of the believer. As you review these areas, remember that life is a journey that we are all on. We continue to take steps forward toward God every day as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.
- Prayer
Matthew 6:5–8; James 5:13–16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 - Community
Hebrews 10:23–25; Philippians 2:1–7 - Bible Reading/Understanding
Psalm 119:105–106; Hebrews 4:11–12; John 1:1–5; Luke 4:16–19 - Times of Solitude
Luke 5:14–16; Mark 1:35–38; Matthew 14:22–23 - Sanctification
2 Corinthians 3:17–18; Luke 9:23–24; 1 John 2:4–6
I want to encourage you that, no matter where you are in your journey of faith, there is always an opportunity for growth. We should continue to grow as long as we have breath in our bodies.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
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