Maturity

Article: Taste Tests

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/zasvedogov Psalm 34:8 (KJV) - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. There are times when we are offered sample foods or want to try (or taste) what someone else has. When we try (or taste) the particular item, we make a determination on whether we want more for ourselves. The same occurrence happens for those in the Lord. Taste and See When a person is first introduced to the Lord, they enter into a ‘trial period.’ They may wonder what Christianity is about and desire to learn mor...

Article: The Candy Lady

Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/jconejo Growing up, most of us can remember a Candy Lady being in our neighborhood. In the heat of the summer months and after school, we would look forward to homemade snacks, Chili Fritos, fruity ice cups, Jolly Ranchers, Now-a-Laters (as we called them), and Grab Bags. Somehow as adults, many of us desire some of the same 'sweets' within our homes, workplaces, and ministry. We want the best of sweetest of what life has to offer without any of the bad. We want to be told that we're the best, great things are on their way, and we can have it all.

Article: The Discipline of Self

Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/paulcarlson 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV) - Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Many of us do not overcome in certain...

Article: The Elder's Responsibility

Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Nota 1 Peter 5:1-3 (KJV) - The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. Elders have a very important responsibility within the body of Christ. They are often the direct conduit for administering God's...

Article: The Ratchet

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/vierdrie Many people are talking about reaching new levels or being elevated in the Lord. They're waiting for their season of blessing, joy, peace, overflow, and abundance. Little thought goes into their current season - besides wanting out of it. However, the Lord uses seasons of trials and tribulations to mold us into mature disciples that resemble His Son (Romans 8:29). Many people will find that when they complete one 'test' of life, another is right around the corner. Then, when they finish that one, another one awaits (but maybe not right away). Our lives are filled with various situations...

Article: Walk it O-F-F

Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/mattgruber Psalm 37:8 (KJV) - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. There comes a time when you're so mad that the the scripture above doesn't come to mind. In fact, the only thing that comes to mind when you're mad is revenge; giving into temptation/sin; and going O-F-F on someone! Peace, love, calmness are no where near your mind. Anger is a dangerous emotion. Anger desires a response. It does not consider the consequences. It only considers itself - at all costs. It is a highway to other emotions and...