Seven Ways to Grow Stronger in the Lord
Updated: Oct 20, 2022
Welcome, friends, to another week. First, I apologize for not getting a blog out last week. The week before last, many church members from the United States and some from other countries met to fellowship and spiritually recharge. What a wonderful experience to see believers from all over the world come together. For most people, local bodies of believers come to mind when they think of a church body. However, the body of Christ is not limited to only local communities or large churches, storefronts, house churches, neighborhood churches, or any combination thereof. It includes many believers (true) worldwide. One of the benefits of conferences is to make us think about our spiritual lives. Therefore, after attending the conference, I thought about ways I could grow stronger in the Lord. I want to share my thoughts.
1. Seeking Godly wisdom by worshiping through sermons, songs, psalms, and hymns. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
2. Encouraging brothers and sisters in the faith. Therefore, as true believers continue fighting for biblical truth, we need refreshing and continuous meetings to encourage each other as a body. Paul tells us this: Hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering (For he is faithful that promised;) Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works and finally meet together frequently as the Bible commands. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. Comforting others. Everyone grows weary, especially when working in the church. Just as other professions gather for encouragement, so should church members. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
4. Building relationships with other Christians. Therefore, we should meet to pray for one another and build each other up. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16).
5. Sharpening each other like iron by encouraging, building relationships, helping others, receiving advice and instruction in righteousness. Many attendees were those who labor in churches- pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, musicians, and others. However, many more attendees were those without specific jobs. Therefore, just as medical personnel and other front line personnel require refreshing, so do pastors and anyone working or belonging to the body. Therefore, Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)
6. Trusting God in every aspect of life, which means every decision, including money. As I thought about this list, the hardest one on it is trusting God with our lives. In our society, some worship money due to all its benefits. I have since learned to trust him with every aspect of my life, including money. I can tell you God has not failed me in this area since I have leaned on him. Finance is an area all of us will struggle in from time to time. However, in the end, he is still true to his word and will not fail us. I know this to be true. God comes through when we give everything to him. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
7. Obeying God even when it seems uncomfortable. This one is a challenge for many. God speaks through pastors. This one is hard since pastors are human. However, it is not the pastor directing us, it is God. Therefore, I learn when I obey the Father; he works everything out for my good. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17
Before this blog ends, I have two more points- salvation. Many do not know or understand salvation. Salvation is being saved from the wrath to come upon the earth. It is believing from the heart Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) It is also confessing with our mouths Jesus is Lord and believing God raised him from the dead. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10 It's that simple. The second point is no one is perfect. All of us mess up. However, we are assured God is still on the throne and gives us grace daily.
I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ. His love is unmatched and will always continue. He offers salvation- no questions asked. I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.comI hope you have a great week. Please do not forget to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for stopping by.
