Growth

September 7th – Isaiah 43:19

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Isaiah 43:19

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Of the many tools of the Enemy, one is his ability to constantly remind us of our past mistakes. And he does so with the goal of keeping us from the forgiveness and grace offered through Jesus. That’s why it’s vital that as Christian’s, we know the difference between healthy remorse that leads to positive change and unproductive regret. And more importantly to remember the promises of God. Including making a, “way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This means that no matter what we face, God has the power to provide a path forward. And we can trust in His ability to lead us through life’s wilderness moments and to quench our spiritual thirst in times of drought. The Lord invites us to let go of past regrets and be open to new beginnings. And He calls us to remain hopeful, knowing that He is continually working for our good, even when we can’t see it. This in turn inspires us to face life’s challenges with faith. Fully believing that God can transform even the most barren situations into opportunities for growth, purpose, and renewal.

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August 23rd – Colossians 4:5

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Colossians 4:5

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”

Many agree that we are indeed living in the last days. And at anytime we could hear the call of Jesus. Time is running out. And as believers, we are called to be vigilant and wise stewards of the time we have left. Each second God gives us on this earth is to be used to advance His kingdom and for His glory. To live out our God given purpose. And to spread far and wide the saving message of Jesus Christ. Every moment is a gift, and we are entrusted with the responsibility to use it wisely. That means demonstrating love, compassion, and grace to all we meet. Being salt and light to a desperate world, striving for personal spiritual growth, and a closer relationship with the Lord. The impending return of Jesus calls us to prioritize eternal values over worldly pursuits. And to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. So let us grab hold of the remaining time to live faithfully, serve wholeheartedly, and shine brightly as we await the glorious return of our Savior.

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August 21st – Colossians 2:7

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Colossians 2:7

“rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

One of my favorite trees is the mighty oak. Beautiful and strong, it outlasts almost every living thing on the earth. And no matter the strength of the storm, because it’s roots grow wide and deep, it’s branches can withstand the blowing winds. When we have roots that run wide and deep in Christ, we too can withstand anything Satan and his evil world can throw at us. To be rooted in Christ means to anchor our lives in His teachings, character, and love. It involves cultivating a strong and enduring relationship with Him by spending time in His presence, through prayer, and by studying  His Word. Just as a healthy tree bears fruit, being rooted in Christ leads to spiritual growth and transformation. And as we draw from His wisdom and grace, we become more resilient against the challenges of life and more fruitful in our actions and relationships. Our great encourager, Paul urges us to strive for a faith that is not superficial, but deeply grounded in the truths of Christ. Thereby allowing us to stand firm, and to flourish amidst the changing tides of the world.

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June 19th – Ephesians 4:32

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Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Throughout the Bible we are commanded to forgive one another. But what does true forgiveness look like? Forgiving others requires introspection and self-reflection. It means extending our forgiveness unconditionally, without holding onto grudges or seeking retribution. True forgiveness involves releasing the offender from our judgments and choosing to treat them with grace and compassion. And a great measure of that is if we genuinely desire their well-being and growth. Even if they have not sought our forgiveness or changed their behavior. Moreover, true forgiveness is letting go of resentment and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable again, opening the door to reconciliation and restoration. It involves offering the gift of forgiveness freely, without requiring the offender to earn it. When we forgive as God forgives, we emulate His boundless love, mercy, and willingness to reconcile with us despite our own shortcomings.

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May 14th – Colossians 3:10

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Colossians 3:10

Author Robin Lee Hatcher said, “Following Christ is a lifelong journey. Christians are foot soldiers, so to speak. Always learning. Always growing stronger.” When we first receive Jesus as our Savior, we are born again babes in Christ feeding on milk. But we aren’t to be content in staying that way. Like children who grow and move on to solid food, we too need to move to the meat of God’s Word and truth. The Lord calls us to continually grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. This involves moving beyond the basic teachings of the faith. And purposefully growing a deeper understanding of who God is, His word, and His will for our lives. For such growth leads to transformation. A transformation of becoming less like us and more like Jesus. One that involves a change in our character, attitudes, and behavior, as we become more loving, kind, and compassionate, like our Creator.

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May 5th – Philippians 3:13

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Philippians 3:13

We can be our own worst enemies. Always replaying past mistakes in our head, never forgiving ourselves, and feeling too worthless for God. No wonder many believers seem to get stuck in the mud. Always spinning their wheels and unable to move forward. But Jesus made it clear that having a relationship with Him involves growth, change, and action. And the action needed is letting go of our past mistakes and instead focusing on our future. The glorious future planned for us as followers of Christ. We all sin daily, and need God’s forgiveness. And He’ll give it freely and generously when we come to Him in true repentance and sorrow. More than that when we confess, God promises to wipe our slates clean. He’ll remember our sins no more and remove them as far as the east us from the west. (1 John 1:9) So if God can forget our past, who are to remember? All we need to do is learn from our mistakes, and move forward with renewed focus and determination.

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April 8th – 2 Corinthians 3:18

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2 Corinthians 3:18

One of my heroes in the Bible has always been Paul. He’s the perfect example of how no one is beyond God’s reach. Previously known as Saul of Tarsus, a great persecutor of Christians, through the transformation of the Holy Spirit, he became Paul, a great disciple of the Lord. Our God is so loving that He never wants to leave us as He found us. He wants to transform us into all we are meant to be. But that transformation won’t come easy. Because the Christian walk is a lifelong journey of growth and change. There will be times when that change will be hard, frustrating, and painful. But if we keep seeking God, allow the Holy Spirit to work both in and through us, change will come. Until then keep trusting God, keep moving forward, and remember this quote by Joyce Meyer which says, “I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be!”

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August 18th – 2 Corinthians 3:18

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2 Corinthians 3:18

Because of His great love, God shows His kindness by refusing to leave us as He found us. Which is why at the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells our hearts. Immediately He gets to work transforming us into the likeness of Christ, from glory to glory. One step at a time. Not an easy transformation. Because the Christian walk isn’t a weekend getaway, it’s a lifelong journey of growth and change. And there will be times when that change is hard, frustrating, and painful. Days when it’s two steps forward and three steps back. But if we keep seeking God, and allow the Holy Spirit to work both in and through us, change will come. We are all God’s glorious works in progress. And one day we will be perfect reflections of His image and glory. But until then, keep trusting the Lord and moving forward. And praise God that although we may not be where we want to be, we’re not where we used to be!

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March 28th – Luke 21:19

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Luke 21:19

When we set out to make godly changes, unfortunately there will be those who fight us in that change. Those who want us to remain where they are, living for the flesh instead of for the Lord. But no matter the wickedness used against us, we can fight off all attacks through the strength of Christ. For to those who endure to the end, who never give up, who stand in strong in their faith, God promises a great reward, everlasting life. And no matter what we face in this world, we know the glory we will receive on that glorious day when Jesus welcome us home!

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