(CS4U) Maturity

I will be saving this one, as a reminder to myself....nothing is permanent on this earth. Sue   RISE AND SHINE CHRISTIAN SERVICES March 14, 2011 Discover yourself to reclaim your destiny Meditations for your quiet moments                                                   Maturity is a Process Every day Jesus wants you to become a little more like him: "You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you." Colossians 3:10a Today we're obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, or the on-the-spot solution. We want to instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains. But we are learning, as we prepare for our Decade of Destiny, that real growth and lasting change come when we stay focused on our goals day-in and day-out. Real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual, but as we stay with it, we are "becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." 2 Corinthians 3:18b Surrender Ever notice how much energy it takes to keep a tight grip on something? Come on, you know what you're holding on to, don't you? You're in turmoil because you can't control the people or circumstances in your life. Hey, release your grip. Go ahead: surrender it to God. You'll be amazed at how much more energy you'll have, and how much easier life will be. Once you make the choice to surrender it to God, your hardest days become your easiest. AW Tozer wrote: 'Father... My coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from [You] my terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that [You may] enter and dwell there without a rival.' You say, 'Surrender what?' 1.    Your position! Place it all before your God. Find your security, your identity and your contentment in Him. 2.    Your plans! Plan wisely, but be ready for God to rearrange things and take you along paths that may be uncomfortable for you. Nothing this side of Heaven is permanent, including relationships. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones, but avoid the temptation to cling. 3.    Your anxiety! If your emotions are wrapped around some issue involving a possession, a job, a particular expectation or a relationship, you aren't fully relying on God. No, you're still clinging to lesser things. Stop. Let it go! You're delaying the surprise God has waiting for you. Share this with a friend Send us your Prayer Requests Feel free to unsubscribe risetoshine@hotmail.co.uk

Art of Paula Vaughn Used with Permission.