Growin' Up Gregory

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13 Many people turn to this verse when tough things happen and they need something to give them a push to get through it.  While it's definitely a good verse to turn to in times of failure, it can also be an inspiring verse when greatness is within reach. I can do ALL things.  Paul doesn't say that he can some things, or most things, but that he can do ALL things. Through Christ.  If we could just add these two words to our thoughts and actions we would be much stronger, more successful, and experience failure less often.  Try to do all things through Christ and you should be making pretty good choices. Who strengthens me.  It's important to remember where our source of power comes from.  It doesn't come from your job title, your friends, your family, or anything else; it comes from Christ.  If you've accepted him as your lord and savior he's given you a power equal to Dav

"For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Luke 12:34 This verse comes at the end of a passage titled in my bible as "Do Not Worry".  Verses 22 up thru 34 tell us not to worry about the clothes we will wear or what we will eat.  They also tell of how he provides for the ravens and lilies though they don't sow and reap, or labor and spin.  How much of our daily and weekly focus do we put on amassing treasure here on earth instead of in heaven?  How much time do you spend making money instead of making disciples?  I'm not saying not to work and provide for your family...that goes back to last week's verse somewhat.  But what if our daily focus was to win someone's soul instead of closing a deal?  This one is tough on many levels because I know that with my job at the bank I spend more time each day thinking about money than about Jesus.  We can only serve one master...who are you serving today, God or the dollar? My dad has alw

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." - Colossians 3:23 If there is one verse that could make me a better person, this one is it.  Think about it.  Whatever you do...that means any and everything you do.  Work, play, social media, relationships with significant others and friends, everything! Do it heartily, as to the Lord.  How much better would our work, our workout, our Facebook status, and relationships be if we were walking the walk and not just giving lip service to God on Sunday mornings?  Christians should be the epitome of  a hard worker and model employee.  Our work is part of our ministry as well as how we treat others.  Try going the extra mile in your work and relationships this week and just see how good God is.

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13 It seems more and more every day that Christianity is coming under attack here in the USA.  It may not be a violence and gun attack like other parts of the world but Christian beliefs are attacked relentlessly by society and media.  We must "be on guard" because there are some very smart individuals out there who can trick you or persuade you into doubting your own beliefs.  That's why we must "stand firm in the faith" and not back down for what we believe in.  In order to be sure of what we believe we must study the Bible and know God's word. Then He gives us words of encouragement which we can always use no matter what circumstance we are facing.  If your faith is being questioned, if things are piling up against you, or if friends are turning on you, don't give up..."be courageous, be strong".