"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:11-16).__

Life in Christ is a wonderful yet challenging journey through this difficult world as we eagerly anticipate the eternal life to come. The trials and temptations of this life take on meaning and purpose when we view them through the lens of God's Word. According to the Bible, this life is preparing us for eternal life. There are lessons to be learned in the confusion and chaos of here and now that will make perfect sense in eternity. The Biblical truth is that while we tarry here, we are to grow up into Christ more and more every day.

Our spiritual growth requires nourishment. The Spirit teaches this truth with the words, "Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 8:3). It is the truth that is found in God's Word that nourishes, encourages, and heals our spirit, and empowers our spiritual growth in Christ.

Joseph lived a remarkable life. He experienced trials and challenges that would make most men faint. He enjoyed power and prestige that would corrupt most men. Yet through this marvelous story recorded by Moses, the Spirit of Truth unveils a very encouraging story of spiritual growth. Here we see God move Joseph from believing life was all about self to understanding the power of a life that's all about God. In the end, we discover and are blessed by the truth that "For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

As a fellow disciple of Jesus Christ, I am blessed to share this journey of growth in Christ with you. As a pastor, I pray that as I share some of the truth God has revealed to me as I've feasted on His Word, you will be built up and equipped as part of His body, the Church. And as a schoolmaster, I pray that the truth shared here will help you come to know and become more like Jesus Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).