Recording What God Teaches Me

In Hebrews 2:1 I read, “It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off.” (The Message)

As I grow to spiritual maturity, I’ll need to cooperate with God in the process. One way to do that is to believe God is working in my life, even when I don’t feel it.

Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time. Expect gradual improvement, not giant leaps.

The Bible says, “Everything on earth has its own time and its own season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 CEV). My spiritual life has seasons too. Sometimes I will have a short, intense burst of growth (spring) followed by a period of stabilizing and testing (fall and winter).

What about those problems, habits, and hurts I would like miraculously removed? It’s fine to pray for a miracle, but don’t be disappointed if the answer comes gradually. Over time, a slow, steady stream of water will erode the hardest rock and turn giant boulders into pebbles. Even a little sprout, given enough time, can turn into a giant redwood tree towering 350 tall.

To help me recognize my own spiritual growth, it would be wise to keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned. This is not a diary of events, but a record of what I’m learning. Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches me about him, myself, life, relationships, and everything else. These recorded lessons will become a sort of a spiritual growth chart. Record these lessons so I can review and remember them and pass them on to the next generation (see Psalm 102:18 and 2 Timothy 3:14).

When I forget a lesson, I have to relearn them. Reviewing my spiritual journal regularly can help me remember what I’ve learned, sparing me a lot of unnecessary pain and heartache. The Bible says, “It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off” (Hebrews 2:1 The Message).

In summary, I need to keep a firm grip on what I’ve heard so that I don’t drift off. As I grow, I’ll need to cooperate with God in the process. One way to do that is to believe God is working in my life, even when I don’t feel it. Spiritual growth is often tedious work, one small step at a time. So expect gradual improvement, not giant leaps. My spiritual life has seasons too. Sometimes I will experience short, intense bursts of growth, followed by a period of stabilizing and testing. What about those problems, habits, and hurts I would like miraculously removed? It’s fine to pray for a miracle, but don’t be disappointed if the answer comes gradually. Over time, a slow, steady stream of water will erode the hardest rock and turn giant boulders into pebbles. To help me recognize my own spiritual growth, it would be wise to keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned. This is not a diary of events, but a record of what I’m learning. Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches me about him, myself, life, relationships, and everything else. Record these lessons so I can review and remember them and pass them on to the next generation. When I forget a lesson, I have to relearn them. So reviewing my spiritual journal regularly can help me remember what I’ve learned

I am called to pay attention to the truth I've heard so that I don't drift away into false teachings. Paying careful attention is hard work. It involves focusing my mind, body, and senses. Listening to Christ means not merely hearing but also obeying. So I need to listen carefully and be ready to carry out his instructions. I may hear the words of the gospel, but they don't always sink in. A mental assent to Christ's leadership is insufficient to be Christ's disciple. I should not assume people who comply and confirm are truly committed to Christ. Get to know each person who is part of my group and challenge each of them with the truth and implications of commitment to Christ. Don't surrender anyone to casual belief. 

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in my new job.  I pray all these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.