Newness Of Life In Growing.

   "I don't wanna grow up..." was made famous by the old toy store commercial.  But truly, it would not work very well if growth never occurred.  Parents acknowledge that one of the hardest jobs and realities they know is that they are preparing their kids to go out on their own into a great big world. We also see that, in nature, certain things come together to ensure growth.  Back home in Alabama, a lot of rain this summer has brought about some tremendous blooms and limbs heavy laden with fruit and more trips out to cut the grass before it gets an upper hand.  The rain helps the growth, along with ample sunshine, and many times pruning is necessary too for optimum growth.
  As with growth in nature, we are also looking to grow.  We need light from the Son, Living Water, and yes, pruning is inevitable too.
  
2 Peter 3:18 says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."

  Walking in newness of life requires us to examine our lives for any darkness where sin may dwell and stunt our growth.  God lets us know that we need to confess our sins to Him so that we can know His powerful forgiveness and cleansing.  Walk in His light, and let Him grow grace and wisdom in you.
  Some of the evidence of growth are:
*Living wisely (Romans 16:19)
*Walking by faith and abounding in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7 & 8:7)
*Teaching others the truths of God (Matthew 28:20)
*Serving others in love (Galatians 5:13)
*Encouraging others daily (Hebrews 3:13)
*Giving cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
*Being merciful (James 2:13)
  He is the Living Water.  We need not wait for summer rains.  He replenishes and refreshes every thirsty soul that calls to Him.  As we spend time going back to the Bible, time and again, our growth is assured.
  "When believers want to find and know the truth the way some people look for national treasures, when believers crave the Word as passionately as an infant craves milk, they will grow and mature and become like Jesus Christ." - John MacArthur
  Pruning can be painful, but vital for us too, to mature and bear fruit in our daily lives.  Read John, chapter 15 for more about pruning, but also about abiding in Christ, which is something we really need to get, really want to understand.
  A prayer:
  Dear Father, help me realize how important these few years on earth are and to concentrate on growing in grace and knowledge and the things of eternal value. In Jesus'name, Amen.