The Live LIGHT LOOP celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
How I can help
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation.
What Am I working on?
Updated all the videos for Tips and Tools to Fast from Negativity. Check them out and sign up for free at https://revtrev.link/tips
Starting next week until Easter Sunday, My plan is to live cast every day. Tuesday Jan 30 - Tuesday Feb 13 - How to Fast from Negativity Campaign to talk about Negativity Fast https://revtrev.link/fast Wednesday Feb 14 - Easter Sunday March 31 - Negativity Fast Reflections Campaign to promote Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course http://revtrev.link/bless
Move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity with 47 days of reflections and Devotional and Community. We’ll be encouraging people to fast from Negativity over lent again this year, but you can get the amazing deal for it with this link already https://revtrev.link/fast
A Negativity Fast isn't your typical fast; it's about cleansing the mind and savouring the serenity that follows. Imagine a life where you're no longer weighed down by pessimistic thoughts and you can actually relish the lightness of positivity.
Sign up for the Live LIGHT Negativity Fast today at http://revtrev.link/fast and get 46 Daily Reflections and 46 daily Devotionals, a weekly Conversation Cafe, Quick Connect AND you get a life-giving community so that you can move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity.
Listen to Why and How to Fast from Negativity and Enjoy it
Galatians 6:2 "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."
1 Corinthians 10:32-33 "Don’t give offence to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved."
Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."
When you’re responding to someone who is hostile remember to SOW:
S - Shine - you’re responsible for your tongue
O - Open to the “why” of what they say.
W - Welcome the gold God sees in them.
A - Act like Jesus - Psalm 73:17-20
Galatians 6:7-9
13 reasons God will not answer your prayers
God will not consider our prayers if...
We have unconfessed sin Ps 66:18
We live in sin Isa 59:2; Joh 9:31
We don’t give God our best Mal 1:7-9.
We’ve turned from God Jer 14:10,12.
We’ve rejected His correction Pr 1:24,25,28
We ignore His precepts Pr 28:9; Zec 7:11-13
We ignore the poor Pr 21:13
We attack the innocent Isa 1:15
We put other gods before Him Jer 11:11-14; Eze 8:15-18.
We’re proud Job 35:12-13
We stand in our own righteousness Lu 18:11-14.
We’re an enemy of His people Ps 18:40-41; Mic. 3.2-4
We’re godless... Job 27:8-9
Live up to what you’ve already attained (Philippians 3:16).
James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
I - Ignite change around you Psalm 73:21-24
N - Notice God in everything Psalm 73:25-28
John 14:26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Challenge
FAST
F - Figure out how you’ll do it.
A - Accentuate the positive
S - Scrub out the negative
T - Trust others enough to do it together.
Join us as we explore empowering strategies to break free from the shackles of negativity, creating space for joy and contentment to flourish. Get ready to embark on an uplifting adventure that will not only rejuvenate your mindset but also inject a dose of delight into your daily life!
Challenge
Sign up for the Live LIGHT Negativity Fast today at http://revtrev.link/fast and get 46 Daily Reflections and 46 daily Devotionals, a weekly Conversation Cafe, Quick Connect AND you get a life-giving community so that you can move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity.
These 46 days line up with all the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday…so sign up over lent.
Next Steps
Next week I’ll start daily live casts with Tips and Tools to Fast from Negativity. I don’t have a set time for them as my schedule needs to be flexible. So like and set notifications on Facebook or YouTube and be notified when I go live.
Is toxic gratitude really a thing? Maybe it’s better to explain it as toxic positivity? We can avoid the real problem by saying we trust God and know we’re avoiding the real problem because we still worry. No more plastic Christianity. Learn how we can give thanks FOR every situation and not have cognitive dissonance in our lives.
Read the notes from the message - What is toxic gratitude, and what is the only way to always avoid it?
What is toxic gratitude and what is the only way to always avoid it?
Give away Print Edition of Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal… Get the Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal here http://revtrev.link/gratitude
Today I want to talk about toxic gratitude and toxic positivity. Because these are things I get accused of promoting.
And I agree.
Not that I’m promoting them, But I agree that they do exist.
I’ve seen them.
And I see them in church circles, where we ignore our pain with platitudes and we don’t make use of the powerful laments available to us.
I’ve seen where that out-of-context Scripture verse is given priority over our reality.
I’ve seen…and I’ve said “I AM trusting God” but then I worry about this and that or I’m concerned about whatever or I’m worried that I’m concerned because I know when I trust God I should have peace.
That’s cognitive dissonance - saying I believe something, but not feeling like I really believe it.
What is toxic gratitude?
Toxic gratitude forces people to breeze past their pain in search of a silver lining, whether or not one exists. It’s probably more properly called toxic positivity.
What is toxic positivity?
Toxic positivity is an obsession with positive thinking. It is the belief that people should put a positive spin on all experiences, even those that are profoundly tragic.
We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. It’s not about slapping some silly smile on your face and pretenting nothing is wrong when it is really wrong.
Listen…
1. I will not give God credit for the works of the one who comes to kill steal and destroy.
2. I will treat all hardship as discipline knowing He will work all things together for good.
3. I will remember God thinks generationally, while I want things done yesterday. But He is King, and that’s a very good thing.
I will lament when it’s time to lament and I will wrestle with things I need to wrestle with. And I’m wrestling with something this week that I hope you’ll wrestle with me as well.
Ephesians 5:18–21
18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
Problem
How do we give God thanks FOR everything?
I looked it up, it says FOR everything.
I can give God thanks FOR a lot of things given TIME and given HEALING… while I’m in the middle of it…that seems a little ridiculous. I can feel some cognitive dissonance brewing. If you don’t wrestle with it, it could become toxic gratitude.
Does this really matter?
Paul tells us
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible
16 Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
That’s easy…
I can always find something to grateful for IN everything. I’ve learned to do that with my whole heart.
I make the decision to be grateful. I FEEL grateful. I do something so show my appreciation.
Your heart is the seat of your emotions, the seat of your decision and the seat of your action.
When you do that, you can give thanks IN everything. That’s what the Gratitude Journal is for. It’s a tool to help you give thanks with your whole heart IN everything.
Them Paul goes to and says that not only is God’s will for us to give thanks IN everything, but that we should give thanks FOR everything.
James 1:2- 4 tells us something similiar.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
This has got to be more than slapping a smile on your face and pretending everything this is OK, when it’s really not.
The good news is…God doesn’t tell us to do anything He doesn’t first empower us to do.
Let’s look at the context of giving thanks FOR everything.
Ephesians 5:18–21
18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:
19 speaking to one another
in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and making music
from your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for everything
to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another
in the fear of Christ.
Check out the orginal language
Five Greek participles are used and they require a main verb to complete the thought.
The main thought is the command to “be filled”. Greek present imperative tense is used. It has the connotation of a continuous replenishment, an ongoing state of being filled. An awkward translation could be “be being filled” or “keep on being filled.”
So continually being filled results in the five participles that follow.
When we are continually being filled by the Spirit we will be…
Speaking to one another with songs and hymns and Spiritual songs
Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Giving thanks always to God the Father for everything
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ
The command is not to “give thanks always to God the Father FOR everything”
The command is to “Be continuously filled” with Holy Spirit… and then we’ll be
Speaking to one another with songs and hymns and Spiritual songs
Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Giving thanks always to God the Father for everything
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ
What if?
That all came naturally to you? What if you lived it out as a natural response to God’s revelation?
Look at people around us who live this way. Have you never not seen a smile on Dave’s face when he talked about Jesus? Do you remember at time when it was so easy for you?
It can be that easy again.
Be continually filled by the Spirit. That’s how you avoid toxic gratitude and toxic positivity.
Be continually filled by the Spirit and naturally respond to His revelation.
Be continually filled by the Spirit and give thanks with your whole heart.
It’s not a one time event. It should be a daily - or even more frequent - occurance.
How do I be continually filled by the Spirit Tool
ASK
A - Abide and Obey
S - Seek, Ask, and Knock
K - Kindle the flame
A - Abide and Obey
Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Ephesians 4:30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.
Am I obeying what God has told me to do TODAY?
S - Seek, Ask, and Knock
Luke 11:10-13 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
Have I asked Him to fill me TODAY?
K - Kindle the flame
Galatians 5:24-25 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.
Have I positioned myself to receive TODAY?
Challenge
Will you avoid toxic gratitude? Will you avoid toxic positity? Will you ask to be continually filled by Holy Spirit? When you are, it cannot be toxic. When you aren’t it certainly can be. So remember:
A - Abide and Obey
S - Seek, Ask, and Knock
K - Kindle the flame
Will you seek to be filled even today?
Can I pray for you?
Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.
The Live LIGHT LOOP celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
How I can help
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation.
What Am I working on?
Learning how to write prompts to get the results I need on ChatGPT. If you want to know what I know - https://revtrev.com/contact
Move from toxic negativity to life-giving positivity with 47 days of reflections and Devotional and Community. We’ll be encouraging people to fast from Negativity over lent again this year, but you can get the amazing deal for it with this link already https://revtrev.link/fast
The Live LIGHT LOOP celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
How I can help
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation.
What Am I working on?
Live LIGHT Gratitude Reflections - 70 days to help you give thanks at all times and in every situation. Finalizing the upload to Amazon find it here - https://revtrev.link/books
Blessings from the Book - Are you needing encouragement? Are you needing a spark to never be lacking
in zeal because you want to keep your spiritual fervour serving the Lord? Blessings from the Book are blessings that come from blessings, prayers and best-wishes from the Bible. Get them daily to remember His good thoughts towards you. https://revtrev.link/blessing
Don’t miss the Live LIGHT App Discover 20 things you can do with the Live LIGHT App - https://revtrev.com/app
In a world focused on career, fitness, and personal achievements, we often overlook the importance of becoming more like Jesus. What would it be like to move to the rhythms of His grace? Let me tell you about 5 things to never forget about spiritual growth.
I’m Trevor Lund, content creator for RevTrev.com and the founder of Live LIGHT Academy on LiveLIGHT.ca This is the Live LIGHT LIVECast.
Listen to 5 Things to Never Forget about Spiritual Growth
There are 5 things you never want to forget about spiritual growth.
Spiritual growth is a choice.
Spiritual growth takes discipline.
Spiritual growth requires community.
Spiritual growth changes everything.
Spiritual growth happens with habits.
Let’s unpack that shall we?
1. Spiritual growth is a choice
Ephesians 4:1-2 (MSG) I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere.
Spiritual growth is a choice. It’s possible to grow in the wrong direction…
a. The hearts of some grow dull – cf. Mt 13:15
b. The love of many grow cold – cf. Mt 24:12
c. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – cf. Ga 6:9; 2 Th 3:13
d. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – cf. Ep 4:22
e. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived – cf. 2 Ti 3:13
Joshua told the people:
Joshua 24:15 New International Version (NIV) if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
For some of us that’s a daily choice, until it becomes a habit.
For others of us there is a circumstance or problem that brings that choice to the forefront again.
But if we’re not growing, we’re backsliding. There is no stagnation in spirituality. We’re always moving towards God’s will for us or away from God’s will for us.
Are you ready to choose to grow more and more like Christ?
Am I ready to choose to become more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice
2. Spiritual growth takes discipline
Ephesians 4:3 (MSG) And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
1. Jesus said eternal life takes work – cf. Jn 6:27
2. Paul wrote that he was pressing on towards the goal to win the prize– cf. Ph 2:12; 3:13-14
3. Peter wrote that we needed to keep adding to faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. - cf. 2 Pe 1:5-11
But don’t forget…
WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EFFORTS…
While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us – cf. Ph 2:12-13
He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner being – cf. Ep 3:16
He empowers us with unimaginable power that is within us – cf. Ep 3:20
He provides the armour to stand strong in the power of His might – cf. Ep 6:10-11
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us – cf. Ph 4:13
God will complete the good work He started – cf. Ph 1:6
Spiritual growth takes discipline…but God is on our side. We struggle with all His power working within us.
Am I ready to work with Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice, it takes discipline and…
3. Spiritual growth requires community
Ephesians 4:4 (MSG) You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
a. Together we get our meaning Romans 12:5
The Message (MSG) In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
b.Together we spur each other on. Hebrews 10:25
The Message (MSG) So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
c. Together we are encouraged 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Message (MSG) So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
d. Together we’re healed James 5:16
The Message (MSG) Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.
e. Together we meet our need to contribute 1 Peter 4:10
The Message (MSG) Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
f. Together we grow Ephesians 4:2
The Message (MSG) I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
We need each other for spiritual growth.
Am I willing to grow with others to become more and more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice, it takes discipline, requires community and…
4. Spiritual growth changes everything
Ephesians 4:23-24 (MSG) …everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
As we grow spiritually, everything changes. Let’s go through what we just read…
a. Spiritual growth changes our thoughts Eph 4:17
Let there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. But that’s no life for you.
b. Spiritual growth changes our attitudes Eph 4:25
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
c. Spiritual growth changes our actions Eph 4:26
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
d. Spiritual growth changes our words Eph 4:29
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
e.Spiritual growth changes our reactions Eph 4:30
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
f. Spiritual growth changes our desires Eph 5:1
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us.
g. Spiritual growth changes our relationships Eph 5:2
Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
Spiritual growth changes everything. Some things change in an instant. Some times we need to live up to what we’ve already attained. The theological term for this is sanctification.
Am I becoming more and more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice, it takes discipline, requires community , it changes everything and…
5. Spiritual growth happens with habits 1 Timothy 4:7-8
MSG Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this.
Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
So what habits/disciplines/rhythms help you grow spiritually? Here’s some examples:
Thought – I want to grow spiritually
Action –
A. Bible Reading… 1 Peter 2:1-3
The Message (MSG) So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
B. Prayer… Romans 12:12
The Message (MSG) Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
C. Singing… James 5:13
The Message (MSG) Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
D. Praying in the Holy Spirit Jude 1:20
The Message (MSG) But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
E. Meeting together… Hebrews 10:25
The Message (MSG) So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
If you don’t like “habits” think of them as rhythms. Remembering, Rest, Reflection, Connection, Dwelling, Abiding, Curiosity, Listening, Margin, Otherness, Awareness, Mindfulness…Whatever creates space for you to connect with your Creator, however that looks like for you in this season, is a rhythm/discipline, habit.
Do I make space for the disciples for spiritual growth?
The Challenge for Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a choice – I can grow to become more like Christ or I can let my love grow cold
Spiritual growth takes discipline – but don’t forget it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Spiritual growth requires community – so let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and good deeds.
Spiritual growth changes everything – so embrace a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
Spiritual growth happens with habits – What habits or disciplines or rhythms are you going to make room for in your life so you can grow up mature and whole in God?
Start a new habit or appreciate an ongoing rhythm this year. It’s not about adding things to a busy schedule, but creating space to connect with your Creator. How will you create space to connect?
Next Steps
Blessing from the book
Are you needing encouragement? Are you needing a spark to never be lacking in zeal because you want to keep your spiritual fervour serving the Lord? Blessings from the Book are blessings that come from blessings, prayers and best-wishes from the Bible. Get them daily to remember His good thoughts towards you.
Is spiritual growth on your vision board? Learn why and how to more like Jesus this year. In a world focused on career, fitness, and personal achievements, we often overlook the importance of becoming more like Jesus. However, deepening your spiritual life can have a positive impact on every aspect of your existence. Imagine embodying qualities like compassion, patience, and wisdom in your daily interactions. Envision experiencing peace and purpose no matter what circumstances you face. Learn why and how to more like Jesus this year.
A vision board is a tool used by coaches to help you have a visual reminder of your intentions. Vision boards help you clarify your goals and stay on point.
I use them as a tool to seek out what God wants me to do —I want his thoughts not my dreams— and stay motivate to keep in step with what He’s already revealed to me.
A vision board is a collection of images or objects or text or quotes arranged in a way to help you focus your goals or vision. This board can be physical or digital.
Not to digress…
Have you heard of Pinterest Fails? It’s when someone finds something beautiful on Pinterest and tries to recreate it and then shares both pictures with #nailedit
Here’s what I mean…
With that in mind… Here’s an example an example of how to do a vision board right:
Isn’t that beautiful and motivating?
Here’s my first attempt for 2024, that I’m calling “Organic”:
#nailedit
Now I wasn’t going to let that motivate me for the rest of 2024. I had already asked God about what word He has for me for the next season and what verse he wants me to meditate on. And I got really motivated to remember it…So here’s my professionally printed Vision Board I’m going with…
I’m not saying “You need to have a vision board for 2024”.
I am asking you, are you prepared to become more and more like Jesus in 2024?
Are you prepared to become more and more like Jesus in 2024?
Why is that a great question?
It’s a great question, with a caveat. The caveat is…
We’re not looking for SMART goals to become more spiritual. SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Specific - more and more like Jesus…what does love look like?
Measurable - you’re not going to be able to test to make sure you have 10% more patience or kindness or less envy or less boasting
Achievable - it’s achievable for God. He WILL finish the good work started in you…and will continue his work until it finally finished on the day Christ Jesus returns…and I think there has to be spiritual growth in eternity, otherwise it could get boring after a while.
Relevant - It’s the main thing that matters to God, so it’s extremely relative.
Time-bound - not so much.
We’re not talking SMART Goals…we’re talking about God-empowered transformation.
Maybe I can explain what I’m trying to say by Peterson’s transliteration of Ephesians 4:1-5:2
Ephesians 4:1-5:2 The Message (MSG) In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift. The text for this is, He climbed the high mountain, He captured the enemy and seized the plunder, He handed it all out in gifts to the people. Is it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are easy prey for predators. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretence. Tell your neighbour the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work. Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
Can I pray?
Is spiritual growth on your vision board?
Do you intend to become more and more like Christ this year?
There are 5 things you never want to forget about spiritual growth.
5 Things You Never Want to forget about Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a choice.
Spiritual growth takes discipline.
Spiritual growth requires community.
Spiritual growth changes everything.
Spiritual growth happens with habits.
Let’s unpack that shall we?
1. Spiritual growth is a choice
Our passage says in Ephesians 4:1-2
I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere.
Spiritual growth is a choice. It’s possible to grow in the wrong direction…
a. The hearts of some grow dull – cf. Mt 13:15
b. The love of many grow cold – cf. Mt 24:12
c. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – cf. Ga 6:9; 2 Th 3:13
d. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – cf. Ep 4:22
e. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived – cf. 2 Ti 3:13
Joshua told the people:
Joshua 24:15 New International Version (NIV)
if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
For some of us that’s a daily choice, until it becomes a habit.
For others of us there is a circumstance or problem that brings that choice to the forefront again.
But if we’re not growing, we’re backsliding. There is no stagnation in spirituality. We’re always moving towards God’s will for us or away from God’s will for us.
Are you ready to choose to grow more and more like Christ?
Am I ready to choose to become more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice
2. Spiritual growth takes discipline
Our passage says in Ephesians 4:3
And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
1. Jesus said eternal life takes work – cf. Jn 6:27
2. Paul wrote that he was pressing on towards the goal to win the prize– cf. Ph 2:12; 3:13-14
3. Peter wrote that we needed to keep adding to faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. - cf. 2 Pe 1:5-11
But don’t forget…
WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EFFORTS…
While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us – cf. Ph 2:12-13
He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner being – cf. Ep 3:16
He empowers us with unimaginable power that is within us – cf. Ep 3:20
He provides the armour to stand strong in the power of His might – cf. Ep 6:10-11
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us – cf. Ph 4:13
God will complete the good work He started – cf. Ph 1:6
Spiritual growth takes discipline…but God is on our side.
We struggle with all His power working within us.
Am I ready to work with Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice, it takes discipline and…
3. Spiritual growth requires community
Our passage says in Ephesians 4:4
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
a. Together we get our meaning Romans 12:5
The Message (MSG) In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
b.Together we spur each other on. Hebrews 10:25
The Message (MSG) So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
c. Together we are encouraged 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Message (MSG) So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
d. Together we’re healed James 5:16
The Message (MSG) Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.
e. Together we meet our need to contribute 1 Peter 4:10
The Message (MSG) Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
f. Together we grow Ephesians 4:2
The Message (MSG) I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
We need each other for spiritual growth.
Am I willing to grow with others to become more and more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice, it takes discipline, requires community and…
4. Spiritual growth changes everything
Our passage says in Ephesians 4:23-24
…everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
As we grow spiritually, everything changes. Let’s go through what we just read…
a. Spiritual growth changes our thoughts Eph 4:17
Let there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. But that’s no life for you.
b. Spiritual growth changes our attitudes Eph 4:25
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
c. Spiritual growth changes our actions Eph 4:26
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
d. Spiritual growth changes our words Eph 4:29
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
e.Spiritual growth changes our reactions Eph 4:30
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
f. Spiritual growth changes our desires Eph 5:1
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us.
g. Spiritual growth changes our relationships Eph 5:2
Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
Spiritual growth changes everything. Some things change in an instant. Some times we need to live up to what we’ve already attained. The theological term for this is sanctification.
Am I becoming more and more like Jesus?
Never forget – spiritual growth is a choice, it takes discipline, requires community , it changes everything and…
5. Spiritual growth happens with habits 1 Timothy 4:7-8
MSG Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this.
Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
So what habits/disciplines/rhythms help you grow spiritually? Here’s some examples:
Thought – I want to grow spiritually
Action –
A. Bible Reading… 1 Peter 2:1-3
The Message (MSG) So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
B. Prayer… Romans 12:12
The Message (MSG) Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
C. Singing… James 5:13
The Message (MSG) Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
D. Praying in the Holy Spirit Jude 1:20
The Message (MSG) But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
E. Meeting together… Hebrews 10:25
The Message (MSG) So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
If you don’t like “habits” think of them as rhythms.
Do I make space for the disciples for spiritual growth?
Spiritual growth is a choice – I can grow to become more like Christ or I can let my love grow cold
Spiritual growth takes discipline – but don’t forget it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Spiritual growth requires community – so let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and good deeds.
Spiritual growth changes everything – so embrace a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
Spiritual growth happens with habits – What habits are you going to make room for in your life so you can grow up mature and whole in God?
Seriously, what habits do I need to make room for so how do I grow?
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked it.
Pathway to Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Two Foundation Stones
1. Spiritual Maturity is to become more and more like Jesus 2 Corinthians 3:18
2. The Father has given us everything we need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3 and will empower you to accomplish every good work prompted by your faith 2 Thessalonians 1:11
THIS IS NOT TO BE DONE ON YOUR OWN STRENGTH
It is a partnership with Holy Spirit.
The Pathway to Spiritual Maturity requires GROWTH.
GROWTH
G - God’s Word - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
R - Real Relationships - Ephesians 4:11-16
O - Overlook Offence - 2 Peter 1:5-8
W - Worship and Prayer - Philippians 4:6-7
T - Treat Hardship As Discipline - Hebrews 12:7-11
H - Hold to His Rhythms - Matthew 11:28-30
Let’s unpack this quickly…
G - God’s Word 2 Timothy 3:16-17
NLT All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
God’s Word is His spoken word. His spoken Word will always line up with His written Word. His written word is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
It is not an option. It’s not His opinion. It’s not to prove my opinion. It is your life. Let the word of God read you. Let is show you what is true and make you realize what is wrong in your life.
When you start letting the word read you instead of reading it to check off a box or find a loophole, you are starting to mature. - Trevor Lund
Have I been letting the Word read me?
R - Real Relationships Ephesians 4:11-16
NLT Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
To mature we need real relationships. We need people of wisdom to speak into our lives. We need newly planted to remind us how good and exciting God’s grace is. The is no Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free in Christ. We belong to each other when a belong to him.
When you start learning to listen more than you speak and start thinking more before you open your mouth, you are starting to mature. - Trevor Lund
Do I have people of wisdom speaking into my life?
O - Overlook Offence 2 Peter 1:5-8
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Offenses will come.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32
When you start treating people how you'd like to be treated, and not treating them like they deserve, you are starting to mature. - Trevor Lund
Have I been growing less and less offendable?
W - Worship and Prayer Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Worship and prayer are tools for us to exchange our problems for His peace. Gratitude plays a huge role in both of these.
We become what we worship Psalm 115:8 (referring to idols) If you want to become more and more like Christ, in your heart, set apart Christ as Lord. Worship God as God.
When you start wanting peace and stop thinking you always need to be busy, you are starting to mature. - Trevor Lund
Have I been exchanging my problems for God’s peace?
T - Treat hardship as Discipline Hebrews 12:7-11
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
5 things I’m committed to: I (will)…
S - Stop giving God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. - John 10:10
T - Treat all hardship as discipline knowing He is a Good Father and is working all things together for good. - Hebrews 12:7-11
A - Agree to cast all my cares upon him, because He cares for me. - 1 Peter 5:7
N - Never forget that the God of all hope fills me with all peace and joy as I trust in Him, so that I can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
D - Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything and thank Him in all things, knowing that’s His will for me. - Philippians 4:6-7
Physical maturity is bound to time. Emotional maturity is bound to forgiveness. Spiritual maturity is bound to obedience. - Trevor Lund
In your heart, set apart Christ as Lord. You are not your own, you’ve been bought with a price, you belong to God.
Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
When you look for God’s leading more than you look for His approval, you are starting to mature. - Trevor Lund
Have I been treating hardship as discipline?
H - Hold to His Rhythms Matthew 11:28-30
MSG “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
An hour a day, to let God have His say.
A Sabbath each week, it's His joy that I seek.
A rhythm each month, so He keeps the trump.
I seek Him each quarter, to keep my steps in His order.
Rhythms I intentionally work in: Remembering, Rest, Reflection, Connection, Dwelling, Abiding, Curiosity, Listening, Margin, Otherness, Awareness, Mindfulness…
His rhythms keep us in step with Holy Spirit. They slow us to pause and see what He’s doing. It’s all about creating space to recognize the God of all creation is already there. It’s being intentional about how you show your love and appreciation to God. He’ll tell you how to solve situations and show you what love looks like. Since you’re in relationship with God, BE in relational with God.
When you start being more concerned about loving right than you are about being proven right, you are starting to mature. - Trevor Lund
Have I been moving the unforced rhythms of grace?
Are you ready to become more and more like Jesus in 2024?
Remember Spiritual GROWTH
G - God’s Word - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
R - Real Relationships - Ephesians 4:11-16
O - Overlook Offence - 2 Peter 1:5-8
W - Worship and Prayer - Philippians 4:6-7
T - Treat Hardship As Discipline - Hebrews 12:7-11
H - Hold to His Rhythms - Matthew 11:28-30
Challenge
What has Holy Spirit been prompting you about?
Is there some area of GROWTH that you’ve been neglecting?
What are you going to commit to this week? What can you add to your vision board this year?
My goal is to become more and more like Jesus. I’m not there yet. You’re not there yet. Paul wasn’t there yet.
Philippians 3:12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
Will you press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus?
