To: yard_man who wrote (2570 ) 10/4/2000 11:05:23 PM From: gregor Respond to of 14396 Dear Barry : God commands us to grow. Two types of babies in Christ. No one expects much of an infant. The type of babe used by Paul to the Ephesians was not complimentary, however. Have you ever noticed that nothing gets by God. He will not pass someone to second grade if they haven't passed 1st grade. Not like public schools that graduate seniors that cannot read yet. I mean God can wait forever, can't he. Some people will make the same mistake over and over and over. You know if nothing you do changes this year over last year, then my brother I would say that God will not change anything in your life. Same routine, same amount you write on a check that you give to God each week, same amount of bible study, same amount of effort you give to church activities, same amount of prayer time, same amount of leisure time, exercise time , eat the same,drink the same. God is a God of increase and prosperity. These are some areas He wants you to increase in . Relationships starting with Him, finances, contacts, new friends, increase and prosperity on the job, soul prosperity, fruits of the spirit, you know, joy, peace etc., increase in responsibility, increase in ministry. What is increase in ministry all about , I think """""birth""""" you plant seeds of ministry and you birth, other ministries, new Christians, new salvation, new hope, new wealth, new , new new. Constantly strive , my brother to increase in your areas of ministry. This year for example I gave my first sermon, I taught 400 + in our congregation on finances , successfully served on our elder board and moved into our new facility. We have gone over 650 members and regularly have 425 in our Sunday morning service, up a hundred since this summer. Now we are working on Wed. night Bible study. For some reason it fell behind and we are at around 162 now .. we have to get that back up over 250. Highest it has ever been is 195. The choir needs to get back up, I think 75 is realistic. And we have a three year goal 1500 members . Whats the point. I know you are . But Barry. The time and effort you devote to ministry will come back to you and back and back. Other areas of your life will open up and blossom up like beautiful flowers. Keep at it brother. I encourage you. When you pray with a well filled ministry schedule to back you up, with the fresh anointing God will place on you , Your prayers will leap to heaven as curls of sweet incense, God will instantly answer you. I believe that what I just talked about "births miracles" in the eyes of the world. What else is a miracle in the eyes of the world but an instant answer to prayer, an instant answer to a believer...God Bless...gregor