Sunday, January 4, 2015

Growing in Grace

       " And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,
         are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing
         glory."                                                  --2 Corinthians 3:18


        Sometimes, we need to give ourselves permission to grow, 
even though the people we love are not ready to change. Much 
as we would like, we cannot bring everyone with on this journey
we are being dis-obedience by allowing ourselves not to follow.
changing ourselves, allowing ourselves to grow while others seek
their own path, is how we have the most beneficial impact on 
people we love. We're accountable for ourselves. They're accou-
ntable for themselves. We let them go, and let ourselves grow.
         The book of Ephesians describe the behavior that ought to
characterize Christian as they relate to one another. Our action 
ought to be permeated with kindness. Kindness is love expressed
in practical ways, it is putting the needs of others before our own.
It is intentionally considering ways to meet other people needs.
Do not be too hard on yourself. While one part of you was busy 
creating a fantasy-reality the other part went to work on accepting
the truth. Now, it is time to find courage. Face the truth. Let it sink
gently in. When we can do that, we will be moving forward. The
Lord gives us couragpe and strenght to see clearly.
        I was listening in a preacher how he delivered the word . It was 
good to hear that he is still growing in the Lord. I was touched 
with his closing salutation, "Grow in grace." It made me think: just
how have i grown in God's grace over this year? Is this somthing
can be measured? 
        Bishop J. C Ryle puts it this way: "when I speak of growth in
grace, I mean an increase in the degree, size, strenght, vigor, and 
power of the graces that Holy spirit plant in our heart. When I
speak of a person in grace, I mean simply this that his sense of sin 
is becoming deeper, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, his love 
more expensive, and his spiritual-mindedness more marked. He 
feels more of the power of godliness in his heart. He manifests 
more of it in his life. He goes on from strenght to strenght, from to 
faith, abd from grace to grace."

        Is your sense of sin deeper than it was last year is your 
        Hope brighter? Do you sense more of the power  of 
        godliness in your heart?
         We can be transformed into his likeness; something 
         Fundamentally different can happen in our lives from 
         year to year. Change is possible, and a new and 
        Improved you is within reach. This is how it happen:
        Behold the Lord 's glory and you will grow in grace.

        Lord Jesus, i behold You today in all of Your majesty 
        And splendor, Your excellent and purity. Transform me
        Into the person You want me to be as I grow in Your 
        grace today!
        
       



        




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