Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, who normally writes the daily devotions is out of the country right now leading a Biblical Study tour in the Middle East. While he is out he has asked Pete Imlah on the LCC staff to cover for him. Pete is Director of Mission and Outreach at LCC.

Played: 85 | Download | Duration: 00:03:20

The Journey

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:18

As you travel along this spiritual journey you are on remember this: When it comes to your faith, God doesn’t intend for you to stand still. He desires you to keep moving and growing. In fact, God’s plan for you includes a lifetime of prayer, worship, and spiritual growth.

When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study God’s Word, if we obey His teachings, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be “stagnant” believers; we will, instead, be developing Disciples of Jesus Christ.

Many of life’s most important lessons are painful to learn. During times of heartbreak and hardship, we must be courageous and we must be patient, knowing that in His own time, God will heal us if we trust Him. Do you truly trust God with everything?

Spiritual growth need not take place only in times of adversity. We must desire to grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord every day that we live. In those quiet moments when we open our hearts to God, the One who made us keeps remaking us. He gives us direction, perspective, wisdom and courage.

Are you as mature as you’re ever going to be? Hopefully not! When it comes to your faith, God doesn’t intend for you to become “fully grown,” at least not in this lifetime. In fact, God still has important lessons that He intends to teach you. So ask yourself this: What lesson is God trying to teach me today? And then go about the business of learning it.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You for the love and wisdom you have blessed me with. May Your Holy Spirit guide and lead me every day and help me to learn from the painful mistakes that I make when I stray from You. Empower me to live according to Your Word and grow in my faith every day that I live. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen