This week is brought to you by the letter B, and the word BUILDING. Currently, we're not technically in full-on construction, but we are creating a space for my daughter and son-in-law to live in our basement. Sidenote: they are very responsible adults taking a few months to evaluate where they want to live, strategize some work options, and save some money. The great thing is we like each other and... we have the space. It just needs some work! 

There are many things we build other than houses and spaces. We form friendships, and we refine relationships. We construct furniture (or try — thanks, IKEA), and create dinner parties. We develop timeframes, and we strengthen teams. Plenty of building is going on in every single area of our lives.

So... how's the formation in your own walk with Jesus? I ask this not only to you, but to myself all the time. It's an ongoing assessment and adjustment as we grow in our relationship with the Lord. 

Ancient Jewish boys began memorizing the first five books of the Bible as early as age 5. As they matured, they would learn in the synagogue and eventually apprentice with a Rabbi. The work of BUILDING a strong knowledge of Scripture and a deep love of God was unending. It took purpose, planning, and work.

[For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
2 Peter 1v5-8

• effort noun: a vigorous or determined attempt 

Sounds like BUILDING to me, but with benefits. When we create and construct (or reconstruct), there may be materials necessary, managed schedules, and massive grace to begin, continue, and complete a project. Our relationship with Jesus is no different. 

It is an ongoing holy and purpose-filled project until we see Him face to face. Let us make every effort to frequently and fervently build with boldness and intention.