A Big Girl Bed

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving this past week.  We drove to Lansing (took 2.5 hours due to traffic) and stayed a few days with family.  On Sunday, we dove into the 6^th week of the “I Am” series by looking at John 14:6 where Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  I want to thank Corinne O’Heran for sharing her testimony about trusting God in a very difficult time. 

This past week, my youngest daughter Danielle graduated from her crib to “big girl” bed.  She will be turning 2 years old this next month and my wife would love for her to stay a baby just a little bit longer, but I’m looking forward to the day I don’t have to change any more diapers.  The reason we made the switch from a crib to a bed wasn’t because we were ready as parents, but because Danielle was ready… meaning she has learned how to climb out. 

I wonder how many times spiritually I have remained in the crib, instead of putting effort into climbing out and growing up.  In the crib I am safe.  I don’t have to worry about falling out and I don’t have to worry about something coming in.  But if I remain in the crib, I will never experience the rest of the house.  And if I remain in the house, I will never experience the world outside my front door. 

God has always intended you to climb out of the crib, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Open your Bible and read the following verses: Hebrews 5:11-6:3 & 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Part of maturing, involved our own effort.  Our bodies grow physically, but they are toned by our constant movements and use.  Likewise, as we exercise our minds, we learn and retain information and develop in our personalities.  Just like the mind and body, our spiritual life takes effort to develop.  We cannot sit back and just hope that in a moment we will become fully mature spiritually.  It takes effort and dedication as we put time and energy into participating with the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus.  But if we don’t put the effort in, we will never grow.

So the question this morning, what are you doing to grow in your spiritual maturity.  Are you putting time and effort into your sanctification?  I would like to end this Warehouse by having you read Romans 6:19-22.  As Christ-followers, God expects you to grow spiritually.  Like a plant receiving water to grow, what needs to happen for you to grow?

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Sunday, December 2, 7 pm – In-Home Prayer Meetings. There’s still time to sign-up.

Our hosts are:  Chris and Teresa Golland
                           Shirley Leversee
                        Bob and Carol Mallett
                          Michael and Corinne O’Heran
                         Steve and Kathy Welch

 

Saturday, December 8, 9 am — Men’s Breakfast. A relaxed morning of fellowship and time to discuss next year’s plans for Men’s Ministry. Please email Dan Crummie to rsvp at dcrummie@cascorp.com

 

“One Step” Commitment  Forms – Please complete and return as soon as possible.