Spiritual Maturity is measured by our actions, not by our words. And spiritual maturity is not only a goal, but is actually what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Have you spent the last few months thinking about your 401k and other retirement accounts? Are you weekly (or daily) reviewing your investment portfolio, trying to discern whether to go more conservatively for a while?

And when God says, “I am with you always”, it is more than just words of comfort: It is words of change. Whoever we attempt to disciple and teach, Jesus is the one who changes them. Jesus is the one who convicts them. Our part is to try. Our part is to be faithful.

Are you facing spiritual dryness? Perhaps your community could be your greatest source of connection and discipleship. Let your soul be poured into by those around you.

To be a fruit-bearer and a disciple of Jesus is to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led in all you do. It’s waking up every day and choosing God over and over again. Today, I want you to take a moment to be the fruit inspector of your own life. Determine if there’s an area you’d like to grow in, then step into spaces that challenge you spiritually.

You ever taken something perfectly good… and ripped it up?... torn it down?... broke it into pieces?... in order to make something more beautiful? God did! On Easter, God took something perfectly good - and broke it - to make something beautiful in you and in me.

Regardless of what we are up against and the trials we face, if we remain humble and alert, resisting the devil and standing firm in our faith, we will experience victory.

Jesus says “follow me.” Follow me, because I want to walk with you. When the burden is heavy, take my yoke because my burden is light. Life is hard, and if you stop trying to manage it on your own, I’m here ready to lead you and guide you! Isn’t that freeing?

Talking to God can sometimes feel daunting to figure out what to say, or even where to start. But rather than trying to be someone else, try just being you. That’s where God meets you - and the relationship comes alive!

Are you trying to work your way back to God? Real discipleship looks like a relationship. From our freedom found in union with him, we live a life of obedience.