The Practices of Maturity

The Practices of Maturity

By Dr. Charles Stanley        

Hebrews 5:12-14    

Believers are on a continual growth track that ascends higher and higher. This side of heaven none of us ever "arrive," but we each have a responsibility to press on to maturity. Though many people think those who know a lot about the Bible are the spiritually mature ones, Hebrews 5:14 adds the element of practice to the growth equation. This word means a custom or habit. Christian growth requires the discipline of godly habits carried out daily.

The most important practice to cultivate is a personal devotional time. Since God is the source of all spiritual development, you can't neglect Him and expect to become mature. Transformation begins with time in His Word and prayer.

Obedience is another essential element for advancement. When our desire to obey the Lord is stronger than our attraction to sin, we'll know we are making progress in our spiritual life.

In terms of physical development, the goal is to become more independent and self-sufficient as we age. But in the spiritual realm, the opposite is true. Those who are mature in Christ recognize their own inadequacy and rely on the Holy Spirit within them. It's His job to transform our character and empower us to accomplish everything the Lord calls us to do.

Getting older doesn't mean maturity in God's eyes. By digging into Scripture and developing righteous habits, we can use our years to grow stronger in the Lord instead of wasting time with passivity. No one accidentally becomes mature. Spiritual growth requires a diligent pursuit of God.

Why Read the Bible

Why Read the Bible?    

By Greg Laurie    

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31 NKJV)

Some people like to work out, citing the endorphins that are released. But I dread working out. And I complain while I’m working out. But after I’m done, I’m glad that I did it.

That’s sometimes what it’s like to study the Bible. There are times we really want to read it and look forward to it. Then there are times when we get up in the morning and think, “I’ll just skip it today.” But then we do it anyway. That isn’t legalism; that’s discipline. And there’s a difference.

Discipline says, “I’m going to read the Bible because I need to do it. I know God wants me to do it. And when I’m done, I’ll be glad I did it.”

It’s an absolute that we determine to do before anything else, even if it means that we don’t have time to check our social media or e-mails or texts. It’s something we must discipline ourselves to do.

The Center for Bible Engagement recently did a study and came up with something I find very interesting: “The ‘power of 4’ is evident when we consider that for some of these behaviors (getting drunk and sex outside marriage) examined there is no statistical difference between Christians who read or listen to the Bible two to three days a week and those who do not engage [S]cripture at all or only once a week.”

In other words, if you’re not reading your Bible four or more times a week, then you won’t make significant choices or changes any differently than someone who doesn’t read the Bible.

Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31 NKJV). We need to see the value of God’s Word. We need to long for God’s Word.

Jehovah Rohi – God is Our Good Shepherd

Jehovah Rohi – God is Our Good Shepherd   
By Jennifer Kostick    

When I was a little girl, age ten, my grandfather passed away. The paternal side of my family was not active in church and to my knowledge knew nothing about the Jesus my next door neighbors introduced me to so intimately. I have a vivid memory of sitting in the living room at my grandparent’s home when the pastor, who would be conducting the funeral asked, “Is there a specific passage of scripture you would like mentioned at the service?” I was shocked as I heard my great uncle say, “Yes, Psalm 23.” A family who never spoke of the Word of God seemed to actually be familiar with something in the Bible. I remember that moment as if it happened yesterday.

Throughout adulthood, as I’ve thought back to that grief-filled living room and the faces inside it, I’m forever grateful to realize Psalm 23 is so much more than a familiarly recited passage read graveside. After all, the Bible is a book about giving life while abolishing death. It provides instruction for abundant living while actively giving spiritual CPR to the weary. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.- Psalm 23:1

When I read Psalm 23:1 I make it personal and speak, “My Jehovah is my Good Shepherd. He watches over, protecting me from all things. I want for nothing, because He is all I need.”

I’ll tell you why:

One of the names of God is Jehovah Rohi. It speaks of a Good Shepherd. When doing research into the occupation of shepherds, we learn that a shepherd’s position is one of authority and protection. It is a dangerous job requiring much sacrifice. King David himself in 1 Samuel 17 spoke of rescuing lambs from mouths of lions and bears.

King David authored Psalm 23, and because he began his life as a shepherd, he was obviously familiar with the role. A true shepherd puts his flock at ease by giving everything it needs. Psalm 23 is actually quite prophetic, especially now that we have a clear view of Jesus’ work on the cross.

In John 10:11, Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd, the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” In the New Living Translation, it uses the word sacrifices. “The good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep.” It is Jesus who sacrificed Himself to protect us. When we read this small section of scripture with this in mind, we can be confident that we will never want for anything. Our Jesus sacrificed His life for us, the work is done and we can find confidence and contentment in light of the cross.