Rejoicing In The Word (2024)

27/02/2024

"Overheard in a Church Service ~ the Testimony of a Saint"

~ I am thankful for the care of a loving God, Who (according to His divine foreknowledge), sovereignly orders our steps, beyond what we may want or wish, in order to protect and preserve our lives. ~

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy;" (Psa. 133:18)

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psa. 34:8-10)

18/02/2024

Sunday Morning ~ A Pastor's Prayer

"Let my soul live and it shall praise Thee. O my Lord, thine eye beholds many hearts and hands and eyes waiting upon Thee this morning for a blessing. Behold me among them. And shine upon me this day, that I may feel the importance of the truths and their sweetness in my soul, and may with an enlarged heart declare them to the people."
(Rev. John Newton's diary, Olney, England, 1776)

"I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart" (Psa. 119:32)

13/02/2024

To the praying Christian, the mighty throne of an All-Powerful God is a throne of GRACE. Praise the Lord!!!

06/02/2024

"Three Words on His Word"

"My son, KEEP my words, and LAY up my commandments with thee. KEEP my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. BIND them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart." (Prov. 7:1-3)

"KEEP my words" - This is a warning to set His Word as a hedge about my way, to allow it to hem me in and hold me accountable.

"LAY up my commandments" - This is a direction to hoard up His Word like a coveted treasure in my life, to create a storehouse of wisdom in my heart and mind.

"BIND (my words) upon thy fingers" - This is instruction to be knit together with His Word. In a sense, I need to tie His words to my heart.

Three words to remember about His Word... keep, lay, bind.

31/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 31 Wed.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
As we conclude this 31 Days of “Words to Grow On,” may I encourage you to Go On? Thankfully, Christian growth is not an entirely one-sided affair- there must be a dependence upon Christ. We pursue His presence- in His Word, in prayer, in faith and obedience. He provides the power and produces the fruit.
“The righteous shall FLOURISH like the palm tree: he shall GROW like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be PLANTED in the house of the LORD shall FLOURISH in the courts of our God. They shall still BRING FORTH FRUIT in old age; they shall be fat and FLOURISHING; to shew that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” Psalm 92:12-15.
(V.K.S.)

30/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 30 Tues.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
Consider this list of words to describe growth:
Cultivate
Produce
Promote
Raise
Tend
Plant
Harvest
Reap
Sow
Dress
Gather
Develop
Progress
Mature
Ripen
Flower
Bloom
Unfold
Flourish
Advance
Get Along
I don’t know about you, but this list of words really encourages me and helps me picture God’s plan for my Christian walk- God’s will for me! Can you find any of these words or concepts in the Word of God? Make it a goal to meditate on one of these words as found in Scripture each day this week. These are truly “Words to Grow ON!”
(V.K.S.)

29/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 29 Mon.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
Grow by Prayer (“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Eph. 6:18.)

Grow by God’s Power (“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thess. 5:23.)

Grow by Pressures (“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” James 1:12.)

Grow by Practice (“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Tim. 3:16-17.)
(V.K.S.)

28/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 28 Sun.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Sunday’s Song”

Dear Christian Friend,
I would like to share two songs with you today, both titled “Press Toward the Mark.”

Enjoy this presentation of “Press Toward the Mark” written by Mac Lynch:
https://youtu.be/xyvzHi0tT50?si=B02PHWBxMtz64lww

I also appreciated “Press Toward the Mark” written by the John Marshall family:
https://youtu.be/AWSHq6cZuNg?si=zMfv3PdbHhf33eUH

(V.K.S.)

27/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 27 Sat.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Saturday’s Suggestion”

Dear Christian Friend,
As I search for well-loved volumes in my library that accompany our theme of spiritual growth, I am reminded that many Christian biographies of saints of old lay out a pattern of growing in grace that is inspirational and helpful. As we watch their lives unfold from salvation through training, service, and affliction, we see ways in which the Lord may work His purpose in our lives as well as examples for how we ought to respond and depend upon Him. I will list three for you today:
A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot (biography of Amy Carmichael)
The God I Love by Joni Eareckson Tada (autobiography)
Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose (autobiography)
(V.K.S.)

26/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 26 Fri.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Friday’s Quote”

Dear Christian Friend,
“The majority of Christian men and women who pray to a Living God know very little about real prevailing prayer. Yet prayer is the key that unlocks the door of God’s treasure-house. It is not too much to say that all real GROWTH in the spiritual life – all victory over temptation, all confidence and peace in the presence of difficulties and dangers, all repose of spirit in times of great disappointment or loss, all habitual communion with God – depends upon the practice of secret prayer.” (Andrew Murray)

(V.K.S.)

25/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 25 Thurs.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
Some Areas for Growth:
*knowledge of God (Col. 1:10)
*faith (2 Cor. 10:15)
*grace (2 Pet. 3:18)
*hope (Rom. 15:13)
*love for others (2 Thess. 1:3)
*compassion for the lost (Jude 1:22)
*love for God (Phil. 1:9-11)
*Christlikeness (Eph. 4:13)
*pleasing God (1 Thess. 4:1)
*holiness (2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:5-10)
*endurance (James 1:2-3)
(V.K.S.)

24/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 24 Wed.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
We can Grow in Maturity. This is growing from that “newborn babe” that desires to be fed by the milk of the Word to a discerning believer who “judgeth all things” by the light and truth of God’s Word. (“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” 1 Cor. 2:15-16.)
We can Grow in Production. This is bearing fruit. (“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you” John 15:16.) We may even grow from some fruit to much fruit (John 15:1-5).
We can Grow in Position. We may grow from pupil to teacher (Heb. 5:12), from untrained to trained (Heb. 5:14), and from foundation to final structure (Prov. 14:1).
(V.K.S.)

23/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 23 Tues.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
We can GROW Up in good attitudes, actions, and habits. (“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” James 1:4.)
We can GROW Outwards in ministry. (“Make full proof of thy ministry” 2 Tim. 4:5b. -written to Timothy, but applicable to us all)
We can GROW Together with other believers in our local church. (That we “…may GROW up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” Eph. 4:15-16.)
(V.K.S.)

22/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 22 Mon.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
Do you remember the spotted lanternfly’s invasion of Pennsylvania a few years ago? The spotted lanternfly feeds on the plant sap of many different plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and more. The feeding damage significantly stresses the trees, which can lead to decreased health and potentially death. I have a beautiful old maple in my backyard right now that is showing all the signs of decay and ruin. Its growth was halted by the attack of this invasive species.
But God’s plan for us is a pattern of growth. We are called to be like the tree in Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Phil. 1:6.
(V.K.S.)

21/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 21 Sun.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Sunday’s Song”

Dear Christian Friend,
Do you know the words and tune to the old, familiar children’s Sunday School chorus “One Step at a Time”?

“One Step at a Time”

One step at a time,
Only one step at a time.
This is the way the Lord will lead you,
One step at a time.
Take that one step carefully.
Walk that one step prayerfully.
This is the way to victory,
One step at a time.

(V.K.S.)

20/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 20 Sat.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Saturday’s Suggestion”

Dear Christian Friend,
Today I’m recommending Discipline: The Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot. "We have come to imagine that discipleship is somehow an 'extra.' ... Yet to be a Christian in New Testament terms is to be a disciple. There are no two ways about it."
With honesty and grace, beloved author Elisabeth Elliot guides us to a deeper understanding of discipline. It is not merely self-improvement or developing specific routines. In Discipline, you'll learn to control various areas including body, mind, time, possessions, work, and feelings. Discover how to place every aspect of your life under God's authority and find happiness and freedom there.
(V.K.S.)

19/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 19 Fri.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Friday’s Quote”

Dear Christian Friend,

“Spiritual GROWTH requires spiritual discipline.” (Elisabeth Elliot)

(V.K.S.)

18/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 18 Thurs.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“A Mindset for Growing”

Dear Christian Friend,
Are you familiar with the idea of a “growth mindset”? Those who have a growth mindset approach life with a willingness to embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, respond to feedback, and are inspired by the positive examples of others’ success. Having a growth mindset is considered a key to success in the business and educational fields. A person with this perspective will be open to the change that accompanies growth and motivated to work for improvement and new learning.
Can we have a spiritual growth mindset? When we are faced with trials and testing, can we count it all joy, knowing the trying of our faith worketh patience, which brings maturity (James 1:2).
Do we persevere through difficulties? 1 Cor. 9:24-27 encourages us to keep our eyes on the prize and fight the good fight of faith, not giving in to the flesh, world, or devil.
Do we receive instruction and respond to feedback with a willingness to grow in grace and change in habits? “Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction” Prov. 24:32.
Are we inspired by Biblical examples of faith and obedience? “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” 1 Cor. 10:11. If we have a spiritual growth mindset, we can learn from the lives of others and pattern ourselves after their example.
Ask yourself today if you are a Christian with the qualities of a spiritual growth mindset.
(V.K.S.)

17/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 17 Wed.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“A Season for Growing”

Dear Christian Friend,
There are so many interesting ways to consider the topic of spiritual growth. Ecclesiastes 3 is a famous passage concerning the times and seasons of life; its verses express the truth of the cyclical nature of life. There are patterns of sowing, weeding, waiting, and reaping in relation to Christian growth. But let’s look at another instruction about faithfulness and seasons today. In 2 Timothy 3, the man of God is instructed to continue in the things he has learned concerning the Scripture. Following this commendation to the profitability of the Word is the charge to be instant in season and out of season. Faithfulness is for all seasons even if fruitfulness is not. The harvest is the Lord’s. God’s faithfulness to us in every earthly season is a reminder that our faithfulness to Him is a great fertilizer for growth.
(V.K.S.)

16/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 16 Tues.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“A Reason for Growing”

Dear Christian Friend,
“And He gave some… for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine… but speaking the truth in love, may GROW up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…” Ephesians 4:11-15.
Here are a few reasons to grow in grace…
*So that we are no more children and childish
*So we are stable
*So we are established in doctrine
*So we may speak the truth in love
*So that we may GROW up in Christ
(V.K.S.)

15/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 15 Mon.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“A Plan for Growing”

Dear Christian Friend,
God’s good plan for you is growth!
“For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” Romans 8:29.
As children of God, we are the called according to His purpose. We are purposed to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Growing in the area of Christlikeness begins with transformation as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17) and continues with conforming to Biblical truth.
Questions for Meditation:
*What does it mean to “conform”?
*What are some verses that discuss Christlikeness?
*How can you be more like Christ in your Thoughts? Attitudes? Words? Habits? Behavior? Relationships? Worldview?
*How does God’s plan for your good (to be Christlike) compare to what you perceive as good for yourself?
(V.K.S.)

14/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 14 Sun.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Sunday’s Song”

Dear Christian Friend,

“I Would Be Like Jesus”
Earthly pleasures vainly call me, I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me, I would be like Jesus.
Be like Jesus, this my song, in the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus all day long, I would be like Jesus.

“For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” Romans 8:29.

13/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 13 Sat.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Saturday’s Suggestion”

Dear Christian Friend,
Kathy Ashley seeks to answer the question “Does God give us vitamins for our souls?” in her book Vitamins for the Soul. She leans on the Bible passage 2 Pet. 1:3-11 to illustrate the point that God has given the Christian all things that pertain to life and godliness. Each chapter opens with the benefits of an essential physical vitamin, followed by a study of one of the eight qualities listed in 2 Peter 1 that we are instructed to add to our faith. The chapter closes with a “food for thought” discussion section. Mrs. Ashley concludes her book with a word on dangerous deficiencies and the principles of a balanced spiritual diet. She says, “He would not have given us this spiritual life to live abundantly without the guidance to attain and maintain it.”
I especially enjoyed how Mrs. Ashley addressed the life of the Apostle Peter, who penned this well-known “add to your faith” passage under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. She reminds us that Peter would have recalled the man he had been when the Lord found him. He could testify of the Lord’s working in his life through the growth process. His growth began with a little faith and chosen obedience. He knew firsthand what he was talking about. He had the proof in his own life of God’s divine power working to grow him into a man of strength and godliness.
(V.K.S.)

12/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 12 Fri.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Friday’s Quote”

Dear Christian Friend,
“GROWTH in grace is growth downward. It is the forming of a lower estimate of ourselves. It is a deepening realization of our nothingness. It is a heartfelt recognition that we are not worthy of the least of God's mercies.” (A.W. Pink)

11/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 11 Thurs.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
We have considered several hindrances to spiritual growth: comparison and competition, mis-ordered priorities, and an impatient spirit. I will also fail to grow if I assume I have nothing left to learn.
For most of us, this masquerades as the “good enough” attitude. Of course, when I fall into the trap of “good enough,” I am aware that I have not achieved perfection. But I know how to behave and meet expectations. Maybe I’ve been a Christian for a while, and I have a decent amount of knowledge. I’m also not interested in making any further changes to my mindset or lifestyle. These thoughts are a warning sign that I have camped out on the old “spiritual plateau.” And I’m in danger of stunting the growth the Lord desires for me. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” Phil. 3:13-15.
(V.K.S.)

“The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual GROWTH. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people.” (A.W. Tozer)

10/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 10 Wed.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
Our need for instant and obvious results is a stumbling block to sanctification.
James 1:3-4 tells us, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Spiritual growth is a process of time, and our times and seasons are in His hands.
“And in process of time it came to pass…” (Gen. 4:3)
“For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” (Gen. 21:2)
“And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time…” (Gen. 26:8)
“And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.” (Gen. 39:5)
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (Matt. 16:21)
The Bible speaks of time as “set time,” “appointed time,” “time past,” “time to come,” “fullness of time,” and more. All these references serve to remind us that our Father leads us on a path of learning that is for our good and His glory- one step at a time.
(V.K.S.)

09/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 9 Tues.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” 2 Cor. 4:18.

Another hindrance to spiritual growth is a problem of priorities.
Our human inclination to focus on the outward is a mis-ordered priority in the matter of Christian growth. The visible manifestations of godly behavior, activities, speech, and actions are indications of the hidden man of the heart. But!- It is possible to put on a cloak of holiness, as the Pharisees of Jesus’ day did, while inwardly we are full of rottenness and decay. God is not impressed with our perfection in following the “rules.” He is pleased by our humble heart and spirit of obedience to His commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” 1 John 5:3.

It is impossible to ignore mentioning 1 Sam. 16:7b: “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Try to apprehend this passage from both perspectives. God sees our heart. He knows our motives and intentions, and He will judge us righteously and justly. Man looks on our outward appearance, and he will judge us by the only thing he can see. A woman or man whose ways are righteous before God will be righteous before men as well. “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” Prov. 16:7.
(V.K.S.)

“The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world have a continually decreasing place in the heart of a growing Christian. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to hell. He only feels they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes.” (J.C. Ryle)

08/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 8 Mon.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

Dear Christian Friend,
Let’s take time this week to recognize hindrances to our spiritual growth. One of our innate fleshly failings is a silly spirit of comparison and competition.
This is when we are focused more on the outward “show” than the inward “grow.” For the purpose of illustrating the point, think back to that growth chart your parents had tacked to the bedroom door when you were a child. Once a year, my dad would line us up in front of that door, shoes off, feet flat, heels back, he would lay a book on top of our heads, and draw a line. How many inches did we grow? How did that compare to last year? To our siblings? The Biblical picture of growth more closely resembles that of a plant or tree. Remember John 15? “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” We can also look at Psalm 1:1-3: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” God has created us differently and gifted us differently. He sends experiences and trials which provide individualized opportunities for growth. He is the Holy Husbandman.
Therefore, “they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” 2 Cor. 10:12b. The accurate measuring stick for the Christian is the Word of God.
(V.K.S.)

“And how often pursuit after spiritual growth originates in the natural self perhaps only because we cannot bear the thought of falling behind or because we seek some personal gain. Bluntly stated, the doing of good is not sin but the manner, methods, or motive in such good-doing may be surfeited with our self.” (Watchman Nee)

07/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 7 Sun.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Sunday’s Song”

Dear Christian Friend,
Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs should be the soundtrack of the Christian’s life. The Bible records songs of rejoicing and psalms of lament. There are hymns of praise as well as songs in the night. “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing” Psa. 100:2. Each Sunday this month, let’s look for a song that reflects on Christian growth. “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them” Psa. 126:2. The hills sing; the birds sing; and certainly, the saint should sing! “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” Col. 3:16. (V.K.S.)

Today’s song is “Little by Little” by Ron Hamilton (Patch the Pirate). Be encouraged to keep stepping forward in your walk with God.
https://youtu.be/LDChhK2njqI

06/01/2024

“Words To Grow On” for Christian Ladies (31 Days): Day 6 Sat.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” 2 Pet. 3:18.

“Saturday’s Suggestion”

Dear Christian Friend,
Today is resource recommendation day! When it comes to growing in grace, the analogy of gardening is so applicable. A great, interactive Bible study for Christian ladies is Pullin’ Weeds and Plantin’ Seeds by Crystal L. Ratcliff. “How does the garden of your heart grow; with weeds of worldliness or seeds of the Spirit?” Pullin’ weeds and plantin’ seeds is a process any gardener knows well and is necessary for fruitfulness. In our Christian lives, these habits represent the continual process of spiritual growth. Mrs. Ratcliff highlights each chapter with a “weed” that needs to be pulled and a “seed” that needs to be planted. For example, she studies worry vs. peace, selfishness vs. serving, and corrupt vs. edifying communication. She also makes helpful use of charts, graphs, and diagrams to engage the reader and draw her into personal study and meditation.
(V.K.S.)

Rejoicing In The Word