Keep on Growing!

As I attended church with my mom, which was mandatory, I learned that the way older Christians expected me to grow was to attend church, read my bible, and pray everyday. Over time I also learned the do's and don'ts of Christian life. I worked hard to accomplish this.
I am realizing now that growth in Christ is way more deeper than that. Yes, reading the Bible, praying and attending church does help in our growth, but my reason for doing these things will cause me to grow indeed, or not.
In 2 Timothy 3 : 16 & 17, it says,
16: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17: God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Mein! I memorized this verse, but it was just that-memory. Head knowledge. It was explained to me, but I remember thinking that this was a good scripture to prove to an unbeliever that the Bible is true.
I never really dug into it, and allow Christ to mold me into that truth, or how to live that truth. I was never told that I needed to. It was just a quiet expectation that I would find out and do it. Like, how does the word correct me, and equip me? I was never taught this. Attending church weekly did so partially. I needed it in my life completely, and I found myself crying out to God to meet me in this when I thought I had it covered. Wishing that I knew all this when I was younger. So my journey with God took a sharp turn and I began to see that what I read in the bible happens in my life. Yes, my life. I no longer think to the back of my head- umm, I guess that's only in the bible days. I see it now. Hallelujah!
Join me as I share what He teaches me.

Are you Growing?

If you have been born again in Christ, are you growing? 
Your new birth is your beginning in Christ, not a one stop encounter with Christ. To remain in Him, to enjoy the abundant life He promised, you must grow.
How do you grow? Well, going to church faithfully every Sunday and any other day WILL NOT DO IT. Your church attendance needs to be more than checking in, warming a bench or chair, and checking out. It needs to be more than surviving the week until Sunday again when you feel close to God.
It must be a deliberate, spiritual choice to follow Christ for all eternity. Your focus must be on Christ. Any other focus will find you far from His way. 
Your growth focus must not be you getting bigger and more popular and well known. It is not how many good things you have done. It is also not the size of your ministry or church.  Then He (Jesus) said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways (deny yourself), take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9 :23
You cannot follow Christ and ........ (this blank list is long). You must follow Christ alone.
I know! I know! The question pops up: "I no think God mi mean.....?"
Or
"I have needs, and rights!"
It popped up in my head too.
But, these are His requirements.
Are you willing and ready to trust Christ that all that you need will be added to you (Matthew 6:33) and follow Him? Always choosing to be obedient to Him? Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you in everything?
If you are not ready, you will not experience His abundant, peaceful and restful life. You will always struggle to make it.
Let Father God lead you and take care of you, and mold you and use you to get more people into His kingdom.
You ready? Let's go!