August 20, 2023
A physical growth spurt is the result of a combination of genetics and nutrition.
A spiritual growth spurt is the result of a combination of God and you.
Philippians 2:12-13(ESV) … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Justifcation: The moment you are free from the penalty of sin.
Sanctification: The process of being freed from the power of sin.
If you want God to energize a spiritual growth spurt, you will need to put in some energy!
Growth Spurt Factor #1:
Growth Spurt Factor #2:
Growth Spurt Factor #3:
Growth Spurt Factor #4:
Growth Spurt Factor #5:
When you are missing one or more of these, you are stunting your growth.
THE PAUSE: 10 MINUTES WITH GOD
MONDAY | A HEALTHY HEART
PASSAGE: Luke 8:15
PAUSE: The parable of the four soils describes four types of hearts. The path represents a hard heart, the rocky soil represents a shallow heart, the thorny heart represents a busy heart, but the good soil represents a good heart. Review the parable and ask God for a healthy heart that multiplies growth.
PRAYER: Father, cultivate my heart! Help me to grow spiritually and relationally. Create in me a clean heart that is healthy and strong.
TUESDAY | GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE
PASSAGE: 2 Peter 3:18
PAUSE: The last words of Peter encouraged the early Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Grace and knowledge are two fundamental essentials that help us grow. The more we grow, the more we know!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to know You better. Reveal to me something about your grace and mercy today. Speak loudly and clearly.
WEDNESDAY | GOD IS AT WORK
PASSAGE: Philippians 2:12-13
PAUSE: Spiritual growth is God’s pleasure and purpose for us. Spiritual growth is just as much internal as external. The growth God expects occurs when no one is watching; it is what we do behind closed doors that matters.
PRAYER: Father, thank you that You care about my spiritual growth. I beg You to continue working in my life in ways I never dreamed possible.
THURSDAY | SUPERNATURAL
PASSAGE: Colossians 1:28-29
PAUSE: Paul understood that to grow into maturity, we needed the supernatural power of God at work in our lives. Paul linked being in Christ as the only source of our energy that enables our full potential in Christ. This verse has helped many Christians rely not on themselves, but on Christ!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus Christ! What a blessing it is to know that the supernatural power of God is at work in our lives. Thank you!
FRIDAY | MAKE THE EFFORT
PASSAGE: 2 Peter 1:5
PAUSE: Since we have been blessed with the divine power of the Holy Spirit, we need to make an effort to add to our faith. Peter understood that spiritual growth and maturity are not automatic, it requires discipline and effort. Are you willing to put forth the effort as we journey together on our growth spurts?
PRAYER: Father, thank you for giving me everything I need to grow. Empower me to put forth the effort to be effective and fruitful in my life.