Have you ever noticed that children only lose one tooth at a time? Old teeth must go to make room for new arrivals; for there will be tougher things to chew in life, but if they lost them all at once there would be no eating.

Do you see why I take you a step at a time?

You still have to eat!

If I took you into the deep too quickly, you would lose the ability to function in the natural world and you wouldn’t yet have learned to swim.

Just as kids learn to chew a little at a time–I’ll take you deeper a tooth at a time.

And

Just as the child keeps ‘working’ that tooth, I want you to get to work on your process. Pay attention when the tooth begins to loosen–you’re about to get something bigger to chew on, but first, we must get that baby tooth out.

I’ll take you into the deep.

One tooth at a time…

I’ll teach you to swim.

“–for every one who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40

“And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?–“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-11

“The earth, O Lord, is full of thy steadfast love; teach me thy statutes! Thou has dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in thy commandments.”  “Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments. Those who fear thee shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in thy word.” Psalms 119:64-66, 73-74

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents.” Hebrews 13:7-9

“Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:13-14

“If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you be sated with it and vomit it.” Proverbs 26:16