The New Year is upon us and we are excited about our theme for 2012 "Growing in Grace." What a thought to start off the New Year with! I know that I have been challenged to grow in several areas of my life and trust that the Lord will show you areas that you can grow in as you seek His face. A church that is a growing church will be a fruitful church. As we produce the fruit of the Spirit in our life it will give our church the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Let me remind you about what we need to do in order to grow. To Grow in Grace in 2012 you need to: Be grounded - in the Word of God - I Peter 2:2 Get - the power of the Holy Spirit - Ephesians 5:18 Go - do something for the Lord - II Corinthians 9:2 Give - yourself to God - Romans 12:1 Guard - against associations that will stop, stunt, or slow your growth - Romans 16:17 Guide - your family toward growth - Ephesians 6:4 Set Goals - have something to live for - Philippians 3:!4 Glory - in God for what He has done - I Corinthians 10:31
Some Principles for Growth Look at Christ not at other Christians - Hebrew 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:12 Learn to say no to Temptation - I Peter 5:8-9a; I Corinthians 10:13 Live by Principle not by Emotion - Hebrews 11:24-26 Learn Self Denial - Luke 9:23 Learn the Difference between Service and Relationship - I Corinthians 4:15-18
When we implement these principles and priorities into our lives - there will be nothing left for us to do except grow in grace! May the Lord allow each and every one of us to grow, mature, increase in our walk with the Lord this year.
