Growth In Spirit

“The path of the righteous is like first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Have you ever been outside when the sun breaks through the early morning sky? There is a small ray of light that grows wider and more pronounced as you watch it. Then the colors of the sky lighten and the sun breaks through and fills the firmament with its light. All you can see is the brightness of the sunshine as the rays reach out for as far as you can see.

Solomon, the wisest man of all times, compares our path as receivers of God’s righteousness to the progression of the sun. Our heavenly Father rewards us as we learn and apply His teachings to our lives.

When we master one lesson He has for us, God presents us with more opportunities to serve Him and to continue to grow in our spirits. 

Growth In Righteousness

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply  

and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Paul speaks of God who supplies ALL we have. Besides providing the nourishment for our bodies, He also strengthens our hearts and souls in order for our spirits to grow to be more like Him.

Certain denominations observe Lent as preparation for Resurrection Sunday. Those who participate in fasting through the period go through a mini-metamorphosis- a time of change. People find themselves getting closer to God. We choose to go through the denial of something we like in order to better understand what Jesus gave up when He chose to go to the cross for us.

In my devotional reading, I am reading about the cross. Martyn Lloyd Jones writes of the cross telling his readers new thoughts about the importance of the cross in our lives.

A friend of mine has gone through a rough patch with someone she and her husband know. During this Lenten season, she also has grown closer to the Lord. My friend lives her life for the Lord. She seeks to see things through God’s eyes. She has followed God’s directive and is in the midst of trying to talk to this person as a devout Christian. I pray that my friend will be able to communicate God’s message to this other person.

Lord, Please help us as we learn more about You. Help us to grow more like You.

Growth In Faith

www.faith-methodist.org -

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so,

because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you have

for each other is increasing.”

2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Paul writes to the Thessalonians about their growth in their faith. He realizes he and his ministry group should thank God for the growth of faith in the church at Thessaloniki  Because Paul could see their faith as it grew, their love for one another deepened.

One of our local pastors has said the best way to get to know other people is to work on a project with them. I decided several years ago that a friendship grows deeper when people pray with one another. I felt closer to a certain lady after we prayed and cried at the altar.

When we read the writings of Paul, we have several thoughts come to us.

               He learned to love the Lord.

               He spent time spreading God’s word.

               He encouraged the believers in the churches he established.

               He came to realize the Christ was the most important person in His life.

We, as God’s children, would do well if we applied these goals to our hearts. Please help us, Lord, to live for You.