October 22, 2019 (Tuesday)
I recently published a blog entitled “Grow in Grace and Knowledge,” and I suggested “Six Simple Steps to Christian Growth.” (See below). The sixth of these steps was, “Be Aware of Your Daily Life.”
Rick Warren, famous pastor in California, has written a number of best-seller books, among which is “The Purpose Driven Life,” in which he suggests that one of the purposes for us is that we become like Jesus in the ways we think and live. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is at work in our lives, causing us to become more like Jesus.
Would it not be wonderful if we had some guidelines and suggestions to follow as we fulfill this marvelous purpose God has for each of us? Good news: we have that in what the Bible calls, “The fruit of the Spirit,” nine virtues or principles by which we can live, and become more like Jesus.
You have the privilege of living the way you choose as a human being, but you have guidance in how you are to live day by day as a Christian. All of us should be very aware of how we are living our lives, seeking to apply these nine principles: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. These words describe the life of Jesus; do they describe your life?
Read a recent blog showing how the Fruit of the Spirit characterized Jesus’ life and ministry.
LIVING FOR JESUS
Words – Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)
Music – C. Harold Lowden (1915)CHORUS
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to you,
for you in your atonement
did give yourself for me.
I own no other master
my heart shall be your throne:
my life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for you alone.VERSES
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
striving to please him in all that I do,
yielding allegiance glad hearted and free
this is the pathway of blessing for me.Living for Jesus, who died in my place,
bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace:
such love constrains me to answer his call,
follow his leading, and give him my all.Living for Jesus wherever I am,
doing each duty in his holy name,
seeking the lost ones he died to redeem,
bringing the weary to find rest in him.
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Grow in Grace and Knowledge
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 NIV).
I am suggesting some steps for the new Christian to experience growth. These steps can also be good for seasoned Christians who desire a renewal of faith and a fresh start in living for Jesus. The six steps are: 1. Go to Church 2. Read the Bible 3. Pray 4. Talk about Jesus 5. Read Devotional Writings 6. Be aware of your daily life.
At the close of each Tuesday blog I will write about the presidents, in the order of their service.