Well, I’m back! I hope my period of dormancy has not caused you to lose interest in my blogs. Or, worse yet, it implies that I have lost interest in writing. On the contrary, I consistently have thoughts of topics to write about. Since none seemed highly motivating, I would dismiss it and wait for that special one. And then there are always moments when I wonder if the Lord has given all there is for me to write about.

So as I live out each day and see the horrible things happening in this world, I recognize that I need more time reading and hearing The Good News. That is for each and every day. You know… “First Things First”. Therefore, I have been focusing more on  God’s promises of what is to come through His Prophetic Word and the hope for our futures.

There have been moments when I have sat quietly, (have I mentioned that doesn’t come to me naturally?) to just soak in the beauty of my surroundings. Our Creator God could burst forth through the sky to Rapture us at any moment! Surely the Day is approaching! This reminder consoles and soothes my soul and relieves my anxious thoughts. Much like the Scripture says in Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 And I humbly admit this Spring was a time when my husband and I tackled some major house and property projects. Somehow, I forgot, once again, that I’m not twenty, or even sixty years old! Lol! Are you familiar with overdoers’ syndrome? It’s when you typically discover you have done too much, after the fact. My body started reminding me of my age and syndrome a little late. So I have been doing damage control through physical therapy, pool therapy, and being more mindful of what constitutes healthy eating. Realistically, it is revisiting many lessons I have learned about taking care of my body and life in general.

So that statement brought me right to the topic I want to write about. I bet there for a moment you thought I was going down the path of many excuses for not writing!  Me too!

Finally, moving on (no pun intended) to the topic:

MOVING ON TO MATURITY

 I recently had a dream. Not that having a dream is anything unusual, but this one apparently had a message for me that I eagerly share with you.

In this dream, my cousin’s wife, Miranda, was showing me her High School diploma. She was holding it up so that I could view it as she read. It was in the most eloquent penmanship I had ever seen. Comparable to a fine piece of art. It was definitely like no other diploma presented. I realized that her diploma read as though it was a story of someone’s life. I assumed it was telling of Miranda’s life since it was presented to her. I said to her, “Why aren’t we all given a diploma like this?” Then I woke from the dream!

As I lay there revisiting the dream in a wakened state, I knew that a message from the Lord was the purpose of this dream.  It was too incredible to think otherwise.

As I walked through my memories of the dream, the meaning began to unfold. The Lord was using a human experience to reveal a spiritual lesson.

Let me explain my revelation in this…

In my country, our educational system is typically based on a 13-year program, with variations and personalization to individual needs. We start with Kindergarten and work our way through Elementary classes, to Middle or Jr. High, and then High School. If all the requirements are met through the 12^th grade, we often have a graduation ceremony and are presented with a diploma to prove this accomplishment.

As we learn through this system, some subjects are more difficult for us while others are easier. Sometimes we have to study harder and get extra help that others don’t seem to need. As knowledge is gained for each given topic, we are tested to see if we are ready for the next grade level. We must “pass the test” before moving up. (Maybe some of you are already getting the message in this dream.) If we don’t pass the test, we go through the test again. We are held back from the next grade level until we have proven we have the knowledge needed to move up. We are not required to complete all of these grade levels but, whether we do or not has a life-long effect on all of us. We also have the freedom to further our education/training in any field of study we choose. Only if we can afford it, though.

That’s a different topic, so I won’t go there. But let me interject this statement. Although we have one of the best educational systems in the world, it is in drastic need of improvement. We truly do need to pray more for our children, teachers, and all of our governmental systems. As my Pastor would say, “Can I get an amen?” This reminds me of my poem “Happy Birthday Teacher” and the accompanying narrative in my book, Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds. I hope you will read it and see if you agree.

Now that I have explained our system of education, I would like to share the spiritual connection.

Once we become believers, we are to grow in the Word and spend time with our teacher.

Many verses in the Bible describe Jesus as a teacher, Rabbi. While He was here on earth with us, He was certainly the Master Teacher. Since His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father, the Holy Spirit is our teacher. Jesus said in John 14:25-26 NKJV These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Jesus is also the Word.  John 1:1-2 NKJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

Doesn’t it make sense that we would study the “Word” as we sit under the guidance of our Holy Spirit Teacher? This is the way, much like our man-made system, to move up to the next level. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Much like our man-devised educational system, as we study under the guidance of our teacher, the Holy Spirit, and learn what is written in our Holy Bible, the Word of God, we move up to the next level. Of course, this reminds me of a couple of poems the Lord has given me. Two are in my first book Inspire Me, “Fat Babies” and “Body Builder Food”. One of the scripture references I used in “Fat Babies” is Hebrews 5:12-14. It addresses Spiritual Immaturity. And The Peril of Not Progressing in Hebrews 6:1. There are plenty more for our exploration. I purposely did not write these scriptures out for you, believing you will be drawn into your Bible. If you do not have one, please message me on my connect page. We need to rectify this ASAP!

As we are learning and growing, we go through tests to see if we are ready for the next level of spiritual maturity. If we don’t pass the test, IN God’s spiritual growth system, we get to do it over again. Unlike man’s system, we are never failures in God’s eyes and He never holds us back! We hold ourselves back by not spending time studying the Word and letting our Teacher lead and guide us. How we grow and move on to maturity in Christ depends on our dedication and desire to grow and progress. I must add that staying a baby Christian does not keep you from Heaven. But it certainly has a lifelong effect on you and those around you. Some of us never get past the elementary things mentioned in Hebrews 6:1. It is by our choice, certainly not because God doesn’t desire a closer relationship with us. And remember the scriptures warn us of the perils of spiritual immaturity. Not to mention missing the abundant living the Lord has for us in this life. Do you know also that the more we grow in spiritual maturity, the more we look like Jesus? It’s true! There’s another great topic for our exploration of the Word.

Now, I believe it’s a good place to mention the incredible penmanship in which the diploma was written. Do you know that God Himself wrote our story? I’m sure His penmanship is like none other our eyes have beheld! Just like in my dream. And this also explains why Miranda’s diploma was written like a story of her life.  It was a beautiful story! Of course, it was, God wrote it! Do you believe He wrote a beautiful story for you? I know He did: Romans 8:28… and if we love Him (read the scriptures and it makes sense) John 14:15-18; John 14:21; and 1 John 2:4-6.

Through this dream and His Holy Word, God has revealed many encouraging thoughts toward how we move and grow in maturity. He always brings us to a higher level with Him, but He does not force Himself on us. Isaiah 48:17 NKJV “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go”. God Himself (through the Trinity) teaches you to profit. He is the One who leads us to a higher level. He leads us. He never drags us! And if He is leading us, we must follow or we hold ourselves back! He’s ready to take us to a higher level right now! Are you ready to apply what He has already provided through His Word and the Holy Spirit?

I hope by the Lord giving me this dream, the poems, narratives, blogs, and most importantly the scriptures, and me sharing with you, you are encouraged and inspired to continue growing in spiritual maturity. As Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Emphasis mine.

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Growing together in Christ,

Reba