" SPIRITUAL GROWTH "

Well here we are again another week is upon us and I'm so pleased to be with you again. This weeks message we will be sharing about the Father's take regarding our Spiritual Growth. Let's be very clear about the path that we will travel this week.
Spiritual maturity is not about how much we do in the church, nor is it about how much scripture one can memorize. Hopefully we all can and will grow from our time together this week.

I'm blown away by how scripture compares our spiritual life to trees. The tree's trunk is the channel of strength from God; and the branches are the people who serve in the vineyard. Now if we're not where we should be in Christ we are dead wood. Dead wood is only good for starting fires in our fireplaces and campsites. Tree branches sometimes waver and blow in the wind. When something drys up from rot it dies, as we also will die if we don't renew our minds daily in the Word of God. What kind of branch are you? If you are deteriorating in your spiritual growth, it's time that you wake up and do what ever it takes to come alive. We are told " above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".

The road to spiritual growth means that we must totally trust God and His word. His word must speak to us all on a personal level, and then we must be willing to obey. You know living the Christian life demands all of our endurance, and it's truly worthwhile. I've been a warrior for Christ for many years and I know that the Christian life is a constant battle. We must always be on guard and our conduct must be consistent with our Savior. We should use our God-given abilities to equip believers for service in the army of God. As we develop in our spiritual growth we become aware that troubles are not always caused by sin or a lack of faith. Testings may be part of God's plan for believers. Remember that life's trials, whether allowed by God or sent by God, can be the means for development and refinement. I once read that when we're facing trials, ask, " WHAT CAN I LEARN AND HOW CAN I GROW?" Rather than " WHO DID THIS TO ME AND HOW CAN I GET OUT OF IT?"

Truth untested by life's experiences may become inert and motionlessness. Suffering can bring an energetic quality to life. Suffering can drive us beyond superficial acceptance of truth to dependence on God for hope and life. Jesus is the vine, and God is the gardener. People who won't bear fruit for God or who try to block
the efforts of God's followers will be cut off from his life-giving power. It's time that we start acting like mature Christians and start attracting people to Christ. In our spiritual growth we will experience difficulties that help us to truly become the servants that God needs us to be. God will use life's difficulties and Satan's attacks to build our character. Listen if you're like the rest of us, you probably find your patience tested in some way every day. Thank the Lord for opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength. We must bend and stretch, but most importantly we must aspire to reach Heaven. Now endeavor to persevere.

Until Next Time...

Jim