_{“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 (NIV)}

_{When you think about your walk with Jesus, some days you may wonder, “Why is this so hard? I’m still struggling with so many problems. When will I finally get it right?”}

_{In my journey as a teacher, I’ve learned that spiritual growth is often like the growth we see in nature – the best fruit ripens slowly. In John 12:24, Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (NIV).}

_{The problem is we tend to get impatient, so we dig up the seed to check the progress of its growth, and that slows down our growth! If you’re not seeing as much fruit as you’d like, don’t despair. Growth takes time.}

_{In the meantime, try these steps for spiritual growth:}

• _{Nurture growth with God’s Word. I know you’re already doing this, but when you read the promises of God, again and again, it helps you remember that he is at work, even when you can’t see him at work: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).}

• _{Cooperate with God as he prunes. Praise God for the work he’s doing in your life, remembering “he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2 NLT).}

• _{Pray through the “fruit list.” Pray through the “fruit list” (the fruit of the Spirit) from Galatians 5:22-23. The NIV Bible lists the fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Ask God to help you grow this fruit in your life.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS MEMBERS from Me to You (H) God_bless You!!}

God bless you Thomas this Advent tide, I love your post, food for thought at this special time of year.

much love from across the pond

Sue xx

Hello Brother Thomas,

Thank you for this inspiring message. Please if you don't mind, I would like to add just a little to your message.

If you are having trouble understanding why things are just so tough in your life or you don't think that life is fair or what in the world am I doing wrong, I have a great book that has shown me my purpose for being where I am in my life. Rick Warren is an awesome Christian author, inspired by God and he has totally answered the question of why we are, who we are and how to make our lives much happier and fuller. He outlines a 40 day inspirational quest to finding our God given purpose. Every section of this book includes thought provoking questions and motivational and inspirational Bible verses. This book is truly for everyone to read. He also has a journal you can purchase to write your thoughts and daily events as you learn to walk the path that the Lord has given you.

Please let me introduce Rick Warren's,

The Purpose Drive Life

May God Bless All Who Hears, Reads and Follows Their Purpose Driven Life!!