Growing Up In Christ

Growing up in Christ is not easy;
but it is essential.

"We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love." Eph 4:14-16

To truly grow up it takes a lifetime. Society, today, gives us about eighteen years to help our children grow up and then we turn them loose on the society.  As Christians, we do our best to teach our children who Jesus is and what he has done for us and why. We pray that they will follow him. But, the devil prowls and not everyone would have our children go in The Way that they should go for their own and for societies benefit. With the help of God, we do what we can and then continue to pray for them until the day we die.

It would be most helpful for our children and for society if we could all work together to help all of our children grow up into him is the head, even as we continue to grow in Christ. May God help us to follow in "His Way."

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Keep Alert!

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour." 
1 Peter 5:6-8

We don't have any of the lions like the ones found in Africa or Asia in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. But, we do have mountain lions, wolves, coyotes and other such predators of animals who are too small and weak to defend themselves. It is necessary, not only for smaller animals in the forest to keep alert; but, people need to be a bit aware as well when they're out and about, alone.

It is not just in the forest that we need to be alert. When we are out in the public and even home alone we need to mindful of what is going on around us. Yes, our Father in heaven is with us. But, we don't need to be testing His power by getting ourselves (wittingly or unwittingly) into situations that are dangerous to us or others. We ought to discipline ourselves in such a way that we are not stepping into hornets nests or walking into a lion's den. It may be that we will get stung or bit so that we will be more aware and watch where we walk better in the future.

Discipline yourselves. Keep alert. Walk in the way of the Lord so that your adversary, the devil, has no opportunity to devour you.

God's Peace - Pr. J