Thank you for riding along with me this past month as the Grow Up Blog was launched and I try to be your guide to a more mature Christian life. I know the writing has been beneficial to me and I pray that some of my words have challenged and inspired you. Don't forget that you... Continue Reading →
My Journey: Encounter Outside A Jail
Many years ago, I was in a coffee shop with some people from work when a rough looking man comes over to our table and asks to talk to me. I didn't recognize this man, and was unsure what I was about to get myself into. The rush of thoughts and fears started to dart... Continue Reading →
You May Be Thinking About Your Faith All Wrong
In 2009, 9 out of 10 Pastors, in a Barna poll, said that spiritual maturity is one of the most serious problems facing their churches. I doubt that this poll would be much different today. I suggest that the reason for this problem is because there is no emphasis on spiritual maturity in the church.... Continue Reading →
Try Listening
One tactic that has made a big difference in my spiritual life of late is increased listening. So much is written and spoken about prayer but little is spoken about the listening aspect of prayer. Why ask God for assistance if you are not willing to listen for his answer and guidance? What have you... Continue Reading →
Tactics Can Be Dead Ends
I have been hesitant in this space to offer recipes and tactics for spiritual growth. You can find those in previous versions of the blog. Tactics and exercises without an understanding of the goal and the purpose behind them easily become instruments for pride and moralism. Through reading this blog, I hope you have had... Continue Reading →
We Don’t Grow Anything
I have talked about the need for you to do the work of growing up in the faith. How does that work mesh with what God is already doing? Gordon T. Smith says, "...the genius of human action is that it is an act of response to and participation in the actions of God." We... Continue Reading →
My Journey: The Need For Trusted Guides
I talk a little about a breakdown/breakthrough experience I had 15 years ago in the About section of this blog. This is when I learned that trying to live life under my own power was a recipe for disaster. Instead, to place Christ at the center of my life was the only way to achieve... Continue Reading →
Why We Coast Through Our Spiritual Life
We all have a tendency to coast and to get by on whatever skill or talent we may be strong in. But that is not growth, even if you are actively feeding and cultivating your pet talent, you are missing an opportunity to advance your capacities in a more well-rounded way. Tim Elmore, a noted... Continue Reading →
The Start Is The Start
So you want to Grow Up in your faith? You are done with a mundane and lifeless spiritual existence? You know that Christ lives in you but you wonder if his resurrection power was used on someone else. What can you do? Can a plan be developed that will ignite a mature life with Christ?... Continue Reading →
My Journey: The Blessing and Curse Of Long Time Church Attendance
"I grew up in the church." Countless testimonials begin with this declaration. I am one of those GUITC people. Over time, and through observation, I have viewed this part of my life as a tremendous blessing. I learned scripture, had tremendous friendships, had a lot of fun, and learned to look at the world with... Continue Reading →