Spiritual growth requires more than good intentions. It requires training. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/19/train-yourself-for-godliness-the-discipline-of-a-life-devoted-to-christ/ In 1 Timothy 4:7–8, Paul tells Timothy: “Instead, train yourself for godliness.” Just as physical strength is developed through consistency, spiritual maturity grows as we intentionally spend time in God’s Word, pray, worship, serve, repent, and obey. The question isn’t simply, “Do I want to grow closer to God?” The deeper question is: What am I doing consistently that is training me to become more like Jesus? Our newest blog looks at Paul’s challenge to reject distractions, develop spiritual discipline, and invest our lives in something that has value not only for today—but for eternity. 📖 Read: “Train Yourself for Godliness: The Discipline of a Life Devoted to Christ” Don’t underestimate ordinary obedience practiced consistently. Read the Word. Pray. Worship. Serve. Repent. Reflect. Obey. Keep showing up. #TrainYourselfForGodliness #1Timothy4 #SpiritualDiscipline #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #BibleStudy #Prayer #FollowingJesus #GrowingInChrist #Faithfulness #ChristianEncouragement

Gideon defeated an overwhelming enemy, experienced an incredible victory, and became one of Israel’s most celebrated leaders. But his greatest danger may have come after the battle was over. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/16/when-success-becomes-a-snare-learning-from-the-final-years-of-gideon/ In Judges 8, Gideon tells the people, “The LORD will rule over you!” Yet what follows reveals a troubling spiritual decline. He accumulated wealth, began living much like the king he said he would never become, and created an ephod that eventually became an object of false worship. His story gives us a warning we still need today: Winning yesterday’s battle does not guarantee tomorrow’s faithfulness. Success can test our hearts just as much as suffering. Recognition can become a trap. Influence can become identity. Even something connected to our faith can become an idol when it takes the place that belongs to God alone. The question is not simply, “Am I succeeding?” We also need to ask: Am I becoming more faithful?
 Am I still teachable?
 Am I pointing people toward Jesus or toward myself?
 What kind of spiritual legacy am I leaving behind? Read the new blog: “When Success Becomes a Snare: Learning From the Final Years of Gideon.” #Gideon #Judges8 #ChristianLiving #BiblicalLeadership #FinishingWell #Faithfulness #GuardYourHeart #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #BibleStudy #FollowingJesus

✨ We weren't created to walk through life alone. God designed us for community, a place where faith grows, friendships flourish, and lives are transformed. 📍 Join us this Sunday as we worship together, grow in God's Word, and build an authentic community. 🌐 Visit our website: https://www.valleychurchwinnemucca.com/ #ValleyChurch #LifeIsBetterTogether #CommunityGroups #ChurchFamily #GrowInFaith #BiblicalCommunity #YouBelongHere #FaithJourney #Winnemucca #FollowingJesus

📖 Exciting news! The digital download of Following Jesus (Without Feeling Lost) is now available on my website! If you’re looking for a simple, Scripture-centered Bible study to help you grow in your walk with Christ, I’d love for you to check it out. 🌐 https://kathrinshaffer.com Prefer a printed copy? The paperback is also available on Amazon under my name, Kathrin Shaffer. May the Lord bless you as you spend time in His Word. ❤️ #FollowingJesus #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #GrowInFaith #FaithJourney #BibleStudyCommunity #ChristianAuthor #ChristianBooks #BibleReading #Discipleship #Scripture #WalkWithChrist #JesusChrist #Faith #DailyFaith #BiblicalTruth #KJV #KingJamesBible #ChristianEncouragement #BibleStudyWorkbook #WomenOfFaith #GrowCloserToGod #UnpolishedButCalled #KathrinShaffer #Lordsbook #ChristianCommunity #AmazonAuthor #ChristianResources

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Cb6TKKLou/ #CommitmentMatters #followingJesus #prophetsandus #anointing

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Cb6TKKLou/ #CommitmentMatters #followingJesus #anointing #prophetsandus

Prayer - expression of love to God Prayer is many things and comes in different forms, but when it is in private, why not make it an expression of love to God? Do you wish you could hug God and give Him a kiss on the forehead or cheek, or give Him a tight squeeze? Tell Him that. Do you want to be so close to Him you could guess pretty accurately how He may feel about a situation, the way you would with a clise friend and family member? Tell Him aabout that. Do you worry about your part in your relationship with Him? Tell Him. Are you overwhelmed with awe and worship? Do you want to praise Him so muc you don't know enough words or ones with deep enough meaning? Has someone's blasphemy mafe you feel hurt and angry for Him? Do you wish to be a little kid again and experience the best intimacy you had, ot experience what you did not have, just instead do everything with Him now? Tell Him all about it. As The Journey discipleship workbook says, Christianity is a religion of relationship, not rules. And Jesus said tha thebone who does what He says is His brother, sister, mother, friend. #prayer #love #God #Christianity #Jesus #HolyTrinity #Father #HeavenlyFather #HolySpirit #followingJesus #discipleship #relationshipwithJesus