Growing This Summer?
Growing is not normally something we give alot of thought to....most of the time. But growth, just like anything else, needs our focus from time to time. Let me explain. When seasons change we are immediately award to it. When autumn comes, we easily recognize the changes, cooler nights, falling leaves, and that silent preparation for the coming winter months. When old man winter arrives the days shorten, the trees are barren, and the skys are often grey. When Spring comes we immediately see the new growth, flowers bloom, and the days slowly get extended. When summer arrives we welcome the longer, hot days of joyful summer. But summer as it arrives this year, we need to be reminded of one other steady feature of summer, and that is that everything is constantly growing! The trees, our shrubbery, grass, and yes, weeds!
Let me remind us as believers that the summer season of growth should also be reflected in the spiritual patterns of your summer. Do you plan on growing spiritually during this season? Are you planning on facing some important issues in life that you have been postposing for a better time? How about making a plan this summer to grow, expand, and enlarge your spiritual walk with God! Make these physically growing months a time of spiritual growth to match the season. Let me give you a few tips for making growth happen during these special months. 2 Peter 3:18 exhorts us to:
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. There's really only one way to do that and that is to read the Word as often as possible.
Check out these tips for yourself this summer!
1. Carve out special time each day for reading your bible alone with God. You may already do this on a regular basis. Try changing the routine and read elsewhere for your devotional times.
2. Listen to downloaded sermon for a thirty to forty-five minute break. Listen to a message or two from a pastor other than your own.
3. Ask God into areas of your mind and life that you normally don't feel comfortable doing. Ask Him to grow you stronger in specific areas of temptation and weakness.
4. Do something outside of your comfort zone: like offering to work at your local-church Vacation Bible School. This is a fantastic way of getting your focus off you and your own stuff and onto others, and in the process, you will grow stronger!
5. Do your own accountability check up about midway through, and as summer nears its end to make sure you have fulfilled your original intentions. If you are doing this with a spouse or friend, hold one-another accountable.
By the time fall is on the horizon, you may notice that you have changed just like the seasons, and hopefully you will like what you see. More importantly, so will the Lord.
Let me remind us as believers that the summer season of growth should also be reflected in the spiritual patterns of your summer. Do you plan on growing spiritually during this season? Are you planning on facing some important issues in life that you have been postposing for a better time? How about making a plan this summer to grow, expand, and enlarge your spiritual walk with God! Make these physically growing months a time of spiritual growth to match the season. Let me give you a few tips for making growth happen during these special months. 2 Peter 3:18 exhorts us to:
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. There's really only one way to do that and that is to read the Word as often as possible.
Check out these tips for yourself this summer!
1. Carve out special time each day for reading your bible alone with God. You may already do this on a regular basis. Try changing the routine and read elsewhere for your devotional times.
2. Listen to downloaded sermon for a thirty to forty-five minute break. Listen to a message or two from a pastor other than your own.
3. Ask God into areas of your mind and life that you normally don't feel comfortable doing. Ask Him to grow you stronger in specific areas of temptation and weakness.
4. Do something outside of your comfort zone: like offering to work at your local-church Vacation Bible School. This is a fantastic way of getting your focus off you and your own stuff and onto others, and in the process, you will grow stronger!
5. Do your own accountability check up about midway through, and as summer nears its end to make sure you have fulfilled your original intentions. If you are doing this with a spouse or friend, hold one-another accountable.
By the time fall is on the horizon, you may notice that you have changed just like the seasons, and hopefully you will like what you see. More importantly, so will the Lord.
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