For those of us who were blessed with children or those who are blessed to be an aunt or uncle, you know the feelings of watching kids grow, both physically and mentally.  It's amazing for me to just sit and watch my two grandkids when they're either interacting with each other, or they're concentrating on something they're doing.  And the best part is to continually see how they grow maturely and emotionally.  


The same is true with spiritual, or Christian growth.  I've recently been watching someone in my life that has gone through some difficult trials and he is now on the other side of those trials.  His level of spiritual growth has matured visibly within the last few weeks.  It's quite amazing when we look back on our own lives and see how much we have grown as a Christian (at least I hope you can say that about yourself).


But, we didn't all get there overnight.  We may have been met with difficulties, heartaches, and even tragedies.  But, if we had not had our faith in God or the holy spirit inside us, we would have not come out so unscathed.  Walking in the holy spirit is allowing God to fill you, control you and guide you through each day.


Sit back and watch someone grow in Christ. It is truly an amazing event.  Or, better yet, start watching and paying attention to your own growth in Christ.  You will be blessed!


Hebrews 6:1 - "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,"

Grief is a natural, healthy process that enables us to recover from terrible emotional wounds.  Grief is a necessary part of God's pathway to healing.  


With some people, it could take years, even decades to grieve, while others take less time.  Usually holidays will trigger some intense grief, especially the first year.  But grief is a necessary part in growing.  If we're not able to grieve, it could lead to serious depression, anxieties, alcohol or drug abuse, or other serious problems.


After all, Jesus is the best role model for combining faith and grief.  Jesus has already experienced all of our pain.


With Jesus in your life, you can combine grief with hope.  He doesn't want us to go around sad and grieved all the time.  He wants us to look to Him for comfort. 


He does heal the brokenhearted.  He will comfort you today if you're grieving.


Don't miss out on His miraculous peace He can give you during this time.


Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Faith is abandoning all reliance on my own efforts and putting my full confidence in Christ, His Word and His promises.  


Every time I feel fear, I pray to God, confidently knowing that He will give me a solution to my problem.  Trust is the key. I can know that God is with me, but trusting that whatever way this situation turns out (God's Will), that it will be the best for me.


Fear and faith cannot occupy the same space and prayer is definitely the key.  


We don't have to walk around in fear.  God will always equip us with the skills and strength to do what He has called us to do.


Don't sweat the small stuff.  When you feel fearful, replace it with 'the peace that surpasses all understanding.'


Replace that fear with faith!


Psalm 11:7 - "For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face."

I'm currently in a Genesis Bible study and the story of Abraham and Isaac is so powerful. For those of you who haven't read it, read it now.  The story basically takes you through Abraham's life, showing time and time again how God wanted to show Abraham his own faith.  God knew Abraham had the faith, he just needed to confirm it for himself.


Have you ever had those days when you're trusting God with your plans, your life, and nothing is happening?  But then there are times when your faith is tested and you fully trust God to take control.  You know in your heart that you, yourself do not have the power to change this situation or control the other person.  Then, something miraculous happens!  God does what He says He will do!  


This happens time and time again in scripture, and it begins as early as Genesis.  You see, if you read the scripture below where Abraham trusts God so much that he was willing to kill/offer his son, knowing that God had already promised Abraham's seed to multiply the nations.


This is the faith we all need today.  Trust God with the little things.  Trust God with the hard things.  God never fails.  His promises are forever.


It's the same story told throughout the Bible, and it always points to Jesus and his life, death and resurrection.


Genesis 22:2 - "Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, whom you love - Isaac - and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you."

We all have disappointments in life.  We get disappointed with ourselves, disappointed with other people, disappointed in what life is throwing at us.  But, we can overcome these feelings of disappointment.  But, only if we let Christ into our daily lives, leaning on His guiding and trusting His plans for our life.
 
While we can't all avoid disappointment, we can effectively deal with it.  Jesus even tells us in John 16:33 that 'in this world you will have trouble.'  So, even though we find it hard to deal with disappointments, we are told in the Bible to trust God in His promises to us.  The hardest part is trusting Him when His plans don't make sense to us.

The alternative is to be miserable and to give into worry and depression. 

When we can recognize God's goodness, even in our disappointment, we begin to really know God.

It all comes down to a choice.  Trust God or worry and be in misery.

Disappointment will come.  Don't let misery take over.

Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

None of us like to be corrected when we make a mistake or fail to do something we needed to do.  But being corrected doesn't mean you are a failure.  And, don't let pride cause you to reject any discipline given.  Being humble within the situation will help you avoid extremes.  


If we don't learn to take correction, advice or discipline from another then how can we learn or grow as a mature person?


How we respond to the criticism will be an indicator of our wisdom and maturity.  Resist being defensive about receiving criticism.  


We don't have to like criticism or discipline to accept it.


Hebrews 12:11 - "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

God is with us all day, every moment of every day.  What about when we're faced with an assault, either on ourselves or our family?  Do we stand up for Christ and have the courage to be ridiculed or even tortured for Christ?  


God will give us what we need, when we need it. The Holy Spirit will use things to help us be ready when the hour of testing comes.  But, we must be ready ahead of time.  Set your mind on heavenly things.  Don't live your life stressed out, worrying about what could happen or depressed about the future.  


We shouldn't be surprised at the trials we face in life.  God talks about it in the bible.  Read it for yourself.  


Are you denying Christ in your life?  This could be as simple as not giving God credit for something He's done in your life. 


Pray daily.  Pray that you aren't arrogant enough to think you can get through life on your own.  Pray that God helps you depend on Him ONLY.


If we deny Him, then He will deny us before God. Think about it.


Matthew 10:33 - "But whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven."

Are you a Christian in name only?  Are you constantly repenting from your sins?  You can express your faith not only in word, but also in deed.  Faith is not authentic unless it responds to life in certain ways.  You must have a changed life that demonstrates a willingness to obey God in all things.  


We should be striving to please God continually, not just when it's convenient for us.  We should be taking the time to understand others before jumping to conclusions.  This is what usually gets us into trouble.  Listen carefully before speaking your mind.


Have self-control when you are being attacked.  Being a good listener is a Godly skill.  Understand what's being said to you and if it is an attack, try and let God's Holy Spirit fill you with an overwhelming peace.  Then answer with humility.


It does no one any good to lash out at someone that is attacking you.  You'll be surprised at how your lack of anger may calm them at the same time.  


Listen, slowly speak in love.


Ephesians 4:26 - "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger."