Growing in Christ!

Read:

2 Timothy 2:19-21 (AMP): “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.” Now in a large house there are not only vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to:

Remember that from the moment we accept Christ, we start on a journey of sanctification, becoming more like Him. Although we won’t achieve this goal completely until we meet Jesus face-to-face in Heaven, we can learn to be more like Him here on earth. This can be achieved by spending time reading the Bible, committing ourselves to prayer, being active in the body of Christ, and learning from the challenges we face. As we grow in our intimacy with God, may we be intentional in how we live our lives, so that our growth can impact the lives of those around us and advance the Kingdom of our Lord.

Realise that our perceived shame keeps us from growing closer to our Lord and becoming all He created us to be. Let us intentionally turn to Jesus, knowing that His compassion and forgiveness have the power to shatter the chains of shame and unworthiness that bind us. Let us remember that with Jesus, our sins are completely forgiven and wiped clean. Our salvation is secured in Him. Even during challenging times, we can find rest, peace and purpose in Jesus. His yoke is easy, His burden is light, and He promises to give rest to our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).

Long for our faith in Jesus Christ to point others to a personal relationship with Him. As we follow Christ’s leadership, He places people in our path for us to love on His behalf. May we reflect through our actions and words that Jesus can be relied upon as the anchor of truth, even during a rapidly changing world. May our lives radiate the message of Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

In all things, may we always be growing in our relationship with Jesus! As Colossians 1:10 (NLT) reminds us, “Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.”       

Pray:

Lord, we say this day that we want to take Your yoke, which is easy. And we want to absorb your gentleness and mercy in whatever shape or form. We just want to reflect Your gentleness. And we say that this day we turn from whatever’s going on in our lives and we turn towards You.

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to become still with one another, sit in Your presence, and receive the honour You have cloaked us with. The honour of becoming Your children, Lord. The honour of standing as joined heirs with Christ. Father, I pray that where we may still struggle with the presence of shame in our lives, Father, by Your blood, You may wash that away. Father, that You may redeem our souls and our minds. Allow us to stand firm in who we are in You and who You called us to be. We pray this in the most beautiful name we know, in the name of Jesus.

Dear heavenly Father, as we come before You today, we lift our heartfelt prayer as the keepers of our brothers and sisters in this world. Help us to fulfil this sacred duty with love, compassion and humility. Guide our words, actions and thoughts so that they may reflect Your divine will. Teach us patience and grant us a forgiving heart in our interactions with one another. Help us bear one another’s shortcomings, offering grace and understanding. May we strive for reconciliation and nurture relationships, built on forgiveness and love. May we enable others to draw from our faith when they have none and tap into our hope when theirs is depleted. In Jesus’ name.

Father God, I thank You for the invitation You’re giving each one of us, Lord, not just to know You, but to really believe, not just to know who You are, but to really believe in who You are, Father God. Lord, I thank You for the deliverance, breakthrough, and healing You have for each one of us, Lord. I pray that You will continue to reveal Yourself to us in new ways, Father God, so that we can experience You the way You desire us to do. In the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, we thank You and praise You, that You love us exactly where we are in our lives, but that You also love us enough not to leave us in that state. May we be faithful to study Your Word, spend time in prayer, be an active part of a body of believers, and learn Your lessons from the challenges in our lives. Lord, may we become more like You with every passing day. Please, Lord, grant that to us. May we show evidence in our hearts and lives that we are growing in You. May others want what we have! Give us the boldness to share that You are the way, the truth and the life and that You are the only way to the Father. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

(This WRAP is with great appreciation towards Mary Lynn, Rianca, Robin, Ingrid and Edlyne)

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