Growing in Grace

Photo Credit Being close to God isn't something syrupy or sentimental. It is life itself. It's the reason for drawing breath each day.  - From "A Spectacle of Glory" by Joni Eareckson Tada

Photo Credit Many who assumed they were on the path to heaven will find out that heaven is not their destination. Ask yourself some important questions from what Jesus teaches in Matthew 7: #1 Does your life reflect what you say you believe? -Biblical belief is more than something we confess with our mouths; it's something we confess with our lives. -A fan may say "Lord, Lord," but a fan doesn't live "Lord, Lord."  Fans confuse their feelings for faith. But your feelings aren't faith until they are expressed. There is a tendency to define yourself as a follower based on how you feel about Jesus, but following requires there to be more than a feeling. Following requires movement. Photo Credit A belief, no matter how sincere, if not reflected in reality isn't a belief; it's a delusion. #2 Do you think you're on the right road because of what you've done? -Just as dangerous as assuming that...

God greatly blessed both King Solomon and Daniel. They both were well known and able to influence the lives of many people. Not only were they wise, but they also enjoyed fame, fortune, and great success during their lifetimes. King Solomon is the author of our wisdom book - the book of Proverbs. God used him to teach us the difference between the wisdom of God and the perceived wisdom of the world. King David was King Solomon's father. He taught Solomon the value of trusting in God and having the wisdom of God above all else. Through Solomon's story, we see the value of having the fear of God as our first priority. From King David, Solomon learned the importance of being faithful, righteous and upright in heart. Solomon viewed himself as a servant. When asked by God what he would like, Solomon asked for a discerning heart to grow God's people and to be able to distinguish between right and wrong. He did not ask for long life, wealth or the death of his enemies. God gav...

A Proverb is a short sentence expressing in a few words a well-known truth. The main purposes for studying the Proverbs are: *to know God *to know the Word of God *to Know God's principles *to learn how to apply God's wisdom *to give purpose to life We can understand the Proverbs by recognizing we have a need, listening, praying and studying. Usually and older person does have knowledge and wisdom because of their life experiences. They have already dealt with many of the same problems we are facing. But just because a person is old does not mean that he or she is truly wise. True wisdom comes only from God. Foolish people tend to judge others by whether they are rich or poor, athletic or musical, smart or slow to learn, well dressed or poorly dressed, outgoing or shy or friendly or lonely. Maturity teaches us to view others as God views them. God judges us by whether we are wise or foolish. A fool rejects the one true God. In Psalm 14:1-3, King David described the...

According to Proverbs 3:13-15, silver, gold, rubies and anything you desire cannot compare to the value or importance of wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2:4-8 says there are two kinds of wisdom: the wisdom of this age and the wisdom of God. Proverbs 21:30 tells us that nothing can succeed without the Lord's wisdom. Anything that denies or belittles God is not wisdom. Without God, there can be no true wisdom. Isaiah 55:8 says that God's thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways. Therefore, atheism or godlessness in any form is not wisdom. God alone makes us wise. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and ideas. Wisdom is knowing how to apply facts and ideas so that important choices can be made rightly. 1 Corinthians 1:19-21 shows us that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise. The world cannot use the wisdom of God to know God. God used the foolishness of what was preached to bring people to a saving knowledge of Him. 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 tells us that the world sees God's...

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

You cannot be a follower unless you are filled with the Holy Spirit. When you become a Christian you receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit. That's His promise to all who put their faith in Him. So it's not a question of whether or not you have access to this power of the Holy Spirit; the question is, have you accessed it? Fans may have received the gift of the Holy Spirit but they aren't being filled with the Holy Spirit. Fans may have received the gift of the Holy Spirit but they aren't being filled with the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the power of the Spirit begins with an honest acknowledgement of our own weakness. The only way to be filled with the Spirit is to empty myself of me.  Fans foolishly think that with enough hard work they can follow Jesus. Followers of Jesus understand that it's a journey they were never meant to make alone. Followers keep in step with the Spirit and He supernaturally gives us the strength and...