{"id":11178,"date":"2025-03-28T21:43:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T02:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/?page_id=11178"},"modified":"2025-03-28T22:43:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T03:43:48","slug":"2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3-ia-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3-ia-2\/","title":{"rendered":"\u9748\u6027\u6210\u9577 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"11178\" class=\"elementor elementor-11178\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5a241abd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5a241abd\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-72076a6\" data-id=\"72076a6\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b822b88 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"5b822b88\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div class=\"trp_language_switcher_shortcode\">\n<div class=\"trp-language-switcher trp-language-switcher-container\" data-no-translation >\n    <div class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-current-language\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-disabled-language trp-ls-disabled-language\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/zh_TW.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_TW\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\t\t<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-language\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-disabled-language trp-ls-disabled-language\"  title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/zh_TW.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_TW\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\t\t<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11178#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"English\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/en_US.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"en_US\" title=\"English\"> English        <\/a>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11178#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/zh_CN.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_CN\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587        <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <script type=\"application\/javascript\">\n        \/\/ need to have the same with set from JS on both divs. Otherwise it can push stuff around in HTML\n        var trp_ls_shortcodes = document.querySelectorAll('.trp_language_switcher_shortcode .trp-language-switcher');\n        if ( trp_ls_shortcodes.length > 0) {\n            \/\/ get the last language switcher added\n            var trp_el = trp_ls_shortcodes[trp_ls_shortcodes.length - 1];\n\n            var trp_shortcode_language_item = trp_el.querySelector( '.trp-ls-shortcode-language' )\n            \/\/ set width\n            var trp_ls_shortcode_width                                               = trp_shortcode_language_item.offsetWidth + 16;\n            trp_shortcode_language_item.style.width                                  = trp_ls_shortcode_width + 'px';\n            trp_el.querySelector( '.trp-ls-shortcode-current-language' ).style.width = trp_ls_shortcode_width + 'px';\n\n            \/\/ We're putting this on display: none after we have its width.\n            trp_shortcode_language_item.style.display = 'none';\n        }\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br><br><br><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2932ee93 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2932ee93\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3c95c5c1\" data-id=\"3c95c5c1\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7486950b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7486950b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2025S_SpiritualGrowth_3_IA_2_EN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><\/p><p><strong>Spiritual Growth Through Prayer<\/strong><\/p><p>In today\u2019s fast-paced world, our lives are filled with responsibilities\u2014work, family, and many other daily demands. In the midst of it all, it can be easy to treat prayer as something optional. Yet, prayer is not secondary. It is essential for spiritual growth and for maintaining a close relationship with God.<\/p><p>Even during His busy ministry on earth, the Lord Jesus never neglected prayer. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray, even when crowds followed Him and needs surrounded Him. His example challenges us to reflect: if Jesus, the Son of God, prioritized prayer, how much more should we?<\/p><p>Prayer is the way God reveals His path for our lives. Through it, we receive joy, peace, and guidance. As the psalmist wrote:<\/p><p><em>\u201cYou will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(Psalm 16:11)<\/p><p>In prayer, our eyes are opened to spiritual truths. God&#8217;s Word becomes alive and meaningful when we seek Him with a humble heart.<\/p><p><em>\u201cOpen my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(Psalm 119:18)<\/p><p>When we lack wisdom or direction, we can turn to God with confidence, knowing that He listens and responds:<\/p><p><em>\u201cIf any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(James 1:5)<\/p><p>Sometimes we miss out on God&#8217;s blessings simply because we haven\u2019t asked. We carry anxiety and burdens we were never meant to bear alone.<\/p><p><em>\u201cYou do not have because you do not ask.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(James 4:2)<\/p><p><em>\u201cBe anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(Philippians 4:6)<\/p><p><em>\u201cCome to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(Matthew 11:28)<\/p><p>When prayer is neglected, our faith can begin to waver. That\u2019s why it&#8217;s important to make time for God, even in the busiest seasons of life. When we put Him first, everything else begins to fall into place.<\/p><p>And prayer isn\u2019t just for our personal needs. It\u2019s also spiritual warfare. In Colossians, Paul describes Epaphras as one who \u201clabored fervently in prayer\u201d for others:<\/p><p><em>\u201cEpaphras\u2026 always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.\u201d<\/em><br \/>(Colossians 4:12)<\/p><p>The original Greek word used here suggests striving\u2014wrestling in prayer. It\u2019s a reminder that prayer is powerful, active, and vital in helping ourselves and others grow spiritually.<\/p><p>These are just a few reasons why prayer is foundational to a life of faith.<\/p><p>So let us return to prayer\u2014not as a ritual, but as a relationship. Let us make time to bow our heads and open our hearts, trusting that our prayers rise before God like sweet incense. Through prayer, our spirits are refreshed, our faith is strengthened, and our hearts are drawn closer to Him.<\/p><p><strong>You\u2019re Invited<\/strong><\/p><p>We warmly welcome you and your family to join us for the <strong>Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC)<\/strong>. Come and experience God\u2019s presence, grow in your faith, and learn what it means to walk more closely with Him.<\/p><p>Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-1\/\">spiritual growth<\/a> and bear fruits for God.\u00a0 <strong>We look forward to seeing you!<\/strong><\/p><p>Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM<br \/>Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM<br \/>Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM<\/p><p>Please find our church location below:<\/p><p><strong>True Jesus Church<br \/>4N550 Church Road<br \/>Bensenville,\u00a0IL\u00a060106<br \/><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/True+Jesus+Church+Chicago\/@41.945266,-87.9536702,18.39z\/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x880fb39f5fbd433d:0x72d82c41e185bf3e!2s4+S+Church+Rd,+Bensenville,+IL+60106!3b1!8m2!3d41.9448745!4d-87.9534209!3m5!1s0x880fb3a1e4e2dd49:0xd44299b704de1192!8m2!3d41.9453743!4d-87.9533863!16s%2Fg%2F1tdn02z1?hl=en\"><strong>Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday)\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/service\/live-sabbath-service\/\">services online<\/a>\u00a0or in-person.<\/p><p>Friday Evening Service:\u00a0 7:50PM \u2013 9:00PM<\/p><p>Saturday Morning Service:\u00a0 10:50AM \u2013 12:00Noon<\/p><p>Saturday Afternoon Service:\u00a0 1:30PM \u2013 2:40PM<\/p><p>Email us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org\">ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7b092522 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7b092522\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-178be54e\" data-id=\"178be54e\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-475bc280 elementor-button-success elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"475bc280\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Back to Landing Page<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spiritual Growth Through Prayer In today\u2019s fast-paced world, our lives are filled with responsibilities\u2014work, family, and many other daily demands. In the midst of it all, it can be easy to treat prayer as something optional. Yet, prayer is not secondary. It is essential for spiritual growth and for maintaining a close relationship with God. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11178","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-06 09:41:26","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11178"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11178"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11218,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11178\/revisions\/11218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}