May 20, 2025 | Be God's Family
Moving From Elementary To Maturity
Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-3(NIV)
1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
Devotional
Baby Faith
Jesus Loves ME! This little light of mine, let it shine! I feel Your warm love holding ME. The BIBLE, yes that’s the book for ME! I don’t read your Word, but I wait for others to tell me Your stories. I drink of Your scriptures, but bore easily. I spit out anything I can’t chew dropping God’s nuggets of wisdom on the ground when I don’t like them. I have trouble talking, but I’m learning to pray. My prayers are cute, although self-focused. Why do you care for ME so intimately? I need your reassurance every hour. Hold me! I crave security because I am afraid. I make numerous messes and throw Christian tantrums when I don’t get my way. SORRRRY! I’m also sorry for being distracting in church. I’m not interested yet in listening, but I really want to be seen all finely dressed and adorable. Please, guide and hold my hand as I learn to walk with You? Amen.
Adolescent Faith
Yo! Jesus, Sup? I am eagerly taking it all in. You belong with me! Yes Lord, I walk in Your truth and trust You with my heart, soul, mind and strength because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Me and my Christian friends wait eagerly for You; Your name is renown in all the world! Thanks for the blood poured out for us on the cross. I know You’re glad I come to church. My agenda has You penciled in, but “not gonna lie,” I haven’t made You a priority. I’m excited about missions and I’m making a difference in the world. I hope You notice and bless me. Question: Why drag me down by all Your rules? I want to be free to discover ME! Personally, there are certain scriptures I don’t follow, “not my style, just sayin!” About the tithe thingy, maybe “tmr.” BTW, are You noticing how strong I am? I’m learning to understand You as I search for my life purpose. Well, nice talking at You, when I need you.
Mature Faith (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Lord God Almighty, Holy is Your name. Speak as I wait, rest and listen to You. May Your will be our will. Build up the Body of Christ for works of service until “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Help us to no longer be infants tossed back and forth by selfish waves and blown around by deceitful schemes. Instead, may we speak truth in love and in all things grow in Your Holy Fire. Amen.
What is your next step toward Christian maturity?
Poem
Give It Up!
Psalm 119:33-40
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
Psalm 119:37-38
Give it up!
These petty arguments
This stubborn streak
This need for legalism
These meaningless tantrums
Have you not heard?
Have you not seen?
Have you not tasted?
Do you not know
The goodness of God?
Rid the road
Of stumbling blocks
Of tradition’s ruts
Of heretical traps
Of egotistical barriers
Make straight the path
Level your pride
Lift up your drooping moods
Gird your arms
Armor your life
God is faithful
God’s promises are sure
Fear God alone
You must decrease
Grow up!
