TIME TO EXPERIENCE OUR IMPROVEMENT

In his book… Folk Psalms of Faith, Ray Stedman tells a story of a woman who had been a school teacher for 25 years. When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she applied for the position. However, someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead. She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded, "I'm sorry, but you haven't had 25 years of experience as you claim; you've had only one year's experience 25 times." During that whole time the teacher had not improved.

This is truly a tragic story and one that I am sure we as Christians do not want said about us.

How can we improve so that our experience is constantly improving? Here are some principles that I believe will help us…

1. Develop a lifestyle of PRAYER.

By looking to God in Dependence and acknowledging how much we need Him. Let us express our dependence to Him. Heb 4:16 So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.(TLB)

2. Develop a lifestyle of STUDY.

By looking in God's Word for Direction, finding counsel and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Ps 119:105 Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling. (TLB) Let us make it a priority of knowing God through the Word. 2 Tim 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV)

3. Develop a lifestyle of FAITH.

By looking at our world with God's Perspective and believing God is at work in our lives. Responding to His truth through obedience. Heb 11:1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. (TLB) Heb 11:6 You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.(TLB)

4. Develop a lifestyle of EVANGELISM.

By looking around for God-given Opportunities, sharing God's grace with those He brings into our lives and opportunities, by being examples in our walk of faith. 2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)
2 Pet 3:9 He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent. (TLB)

This exhortation is to improve in our experience so let us strive to improve in these principles, knowing God gives us the grace and knowledge of Jesus to do so. Improve!

God Bless you and yours.