Purpose Driven Life - Day 28 - It Takes Time
Just back from church after looking at our fourth purpose - that we are created to serve others - so seems strange to be sending out the notes for the last chapter on the previous purpose - being created to be more like Christ.
For those of you who may have missed it this morning to let you know that for the next two Sundays we'll be taking up an offering for Edward Buria and our friends in Kenya. Decide in your hearts what you want to give and then let's come for the next 2 weeks ready to be a blessing.
Also to remind you about The Marriage Course starting this Tuesday - it's not too late to sign up - and that you've got until Friday to get in applications to come to the HIV / AIDS conference at the reduced rate of £15.
Simon.
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There are no shortcuts to maturity!
“I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.” Philippians 1:6 (LB)
It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow. Today we’re obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness.
When Habakkuk became depressed because he didn’t think God was acting quickly enough, God had this to say: “These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)
A delay is not a denial from God. Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. God isn’t finished with you, so keep on moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!
For those of you who may have missed it this morning to let you know that for the next two Sundays we'll be taking up an offering for Edward Buria and our friends in Kenya. Decide in your hearts what you want to give and then let's come for the next 2 weeks ready to be a blessing.
Also to remind you about The Marriage Course starting this Tuesday - it's not too late to sign up - and that you've got until Friday to get in applications to come to the HIV / AIDS conference at the reduced rate of £15.
Simon.
---------------------------------------------------------------
There are no shortcuts to maturity!
“I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.” Philippians 1:6 (LB)
It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow. Today we’re obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness.
When Habakkuk became depressed because he didn’t think God was acting quickly enough, God had this to say: “These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)
A delay is not a denial from God. Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. God isn’t finished with you, so keep on moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!