Putting away childish things

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood [felt] as a child, I thought [reasoned] as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

1 Corinthians 13:11

Just as we grow physically, so should we be growing spiritually! Think of a toddler who is easily upset over candy being taken away compared to a young adult or even the matured elderly. The responses are quite different! So should we notice changes within us and the best part is others can see it too! 

Is there evidence of growth in your life and walk with the King of kings? Are we putting away childish things?

The trial of your faith

"You must not be living right.", is a common misconception when we have bad days. 

Truth is, sometimes things don't go "right" due to our choices but often when walking with the Lord He will allow trials and testing; in order that we see who we really are and our need for Him that much more!

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 1:7

Burning out imperfections and drawing is closer to Him is a result of keeping our eyes upon Christ rather than the circumstances. 

"That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever." Joshua 4:24

Such as life, things will go wrong. It's a heart test to see where our focus is: poor poor pitiful me or upon the hand and face of God, reverencing Him, His divine plan and will for our lives- receiving and accepting His love and desire towards us. 

Remember, the Lord rewards those who do "live right" in His sight, but these rewards may result in growth and that, at times, can be painful! After all, can we truly appreciate the good days fully without experiencing trials, tribulations and testing?

Reproof and Restoration or Rebellion?

Reproof is designed to bring repentance and repentance brings restoration.

"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." Proverbs 15:32

According to the Strong's Concordance, Reproof by definition means - properly, to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

The Word of God, through the Scriptures brings such corrections to our natural rebellion against the Almighty.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Timothy 3:16

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Proverbs 3:11-12

Those who embrace and heed are wise, and reap restoration to the Father, yet those who reject and remain in their rebellion refuse union or reunion with the Creator. Are you spending time in the Word of God? Are you allowing Him to deal with you? Do you embrace His chiding or do you think you know better than He?

I Will Be With Thee

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One..." Isaiah 43:2-3

As I read this chapter and reread this passage a few times today. I told the Lord, I don't want to be able to just quote these words but rather my life declare PROOF it's true. He gently whispered "It does because I am with you always."

Many times the enemy tries to plant seeds of doubt within us in attempts to detour our focus onto self or the waters, storms and fires. Whatever the doubt seeds may be, whether our love for the Lord, our walk with the King or our service unto Him. The Father by His Holy Spirit supernaturally redirects us by adding to our faith and redirecting us to His Word. 

When He says, "I am with you." Do you trust and believe Him?