growth

DEAR GOD: Help Us To Grow In Grace Through Your Word~

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Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ - Pastor Charles Finny Arumainayagam

Growing in Grace Through the Word

  “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.” – 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT)

Commentary: This verse encapsulates the essence of spiritual growth and the believer’s journey toward maturity in Christ. Peter’s analogy of “newborn babies” craving “pure spiritual milk” paints a picture of dependency, eagerness, and a natural hunger for sustenance. Just as a newborn instinctively cries out for milk to sustain life and grow, so should believers long for the “sincere milk of the Word”—the untainted truths of Scripture. This metaphor highlights the importance of the Word of God as the foundational nourishment that sustains and grows our faith.

When Peter mentions “pure spiritual milk,” he is speaking to the essence of God’s Word, uncorrupted by worldly distractions or false teachings. In our modern world, where countless voices compete for attention, the need for such purity is ever relevant. The Word serves as the foundation for understanding God’s will, discerning truth, and resisting the pull of a society often swayed by fleeting values.

Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Furthermore, this growth is not merely intellectual but deeply transformative. Peter ties it to the experience of salvation, suggesting that the pursuit of God’s Word leads believers into the fullness of their relationship with Him. It is not enough to “taste” that the Lord is good; we must consistently feed on His Word to experience the depth of His kindness and grace.

Through this, we grow in character, bearing the fruits of the Spirit: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Biblical values derived from these passages are strikingly applicable today. In a culture that often prioritizes self-sufficiency, Peter reminds us of the beauty of dependence—not on human solutions but on divine sustenance.

To grow spiritually, we must cultivate a desire for God’s Word, setting aside distractions and counterfeit sources of “nourishment.” In doing so, we align with Christ’s call to abide in Him: Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5). His Word equips us to stand firm against the currents of secularism, cynicism, and despair, offering hope that is both eternal and unshakable.

Reflective Questions:

  • What steps can I take to develop a deeper hunger for the truths in God’s Word?
  • Are there distractions or influences in my life that dilute the “pure spiritual milk” God offers?
  • How can the kindness of the Lord I’ve experienced inspire me to trust Him more?

Prayer:

“LORD my Gracious and loving Father, we come before You as children yearning for the nourishment only Your Word can provide. Thank You for giving us the sincere milk of truth that feeds our souls and draws us closer to You. Lord, help us to crave Your Word with undivided hearts, removing anything that hinders our growth in You. Let the kindness and grace we have tasted in Your presence fill us with gratitude and a renewed passion to grow deeper in our relationship with You. May Your Word transform us, equipping us to live faithfully and boldly in a world in need of Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Reflective Question for the Day:

Am I intentionally making space in my life to drink deeply from God’s Word, or am I relying on spiritual “snacks” to sustain my faith? Delve deeply into this and ask for the LORD to guide you as you do so…

God Bless you all~

 

 

DEAR GOD: We’re Seeking Your Divine Wisdom Daily~

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“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” -James 1:5

James 1:5 is a beautiful invitation to Divine wisdom, emphasizing the simplicity and accessibility of asking for guidance. It highlights that God offers wisdom to all who ask, generously and without reproach. This is deeply encouraging, as it reassures us that seeking wisdom is not only acceptable but welcomed by God. It suggests that humility in recognizing our limitations and seeking help is a strength rather than a weakness.

Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” This verse supports the idea that true wisdom comes from God and is given to those who seek it. It reinforces the concept that divine wisdom is accessible and abundant.

In a world often defined by self-reliance and individual achievement, the humility to seek wisdom can seem counter-cultural. Yet, this verse reminds us that true wisdom comes from a higher source and is available to all who seek it earnestly. It calls for a childlike faith, a trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, is willing to impart knowledge and understanding to us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.“ This aligns with the call to seek God’s wisdom and guidance, acknowledging our limitations and relying on His superior understanding.

What does it mean to “lack wisdom”? It’s an acknowledgment of our human limitations and the recognition that there is much we do not know or understand. This verse tells us that in our moments of doubt and confusion, we are not alone. We have a divine source of wisdom we can turn to. The phrase “let him ask of God” indicates a direct and personal relationship with the Divine. It implies prayer, conversation, and a heartfelt plea for understanding.

Matthew 7:7 encourages us with “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” This underscores the power of prayer and the assurance that God hears our requests and responds generously.

The words “giveth to all men liberally” are particularly comforting. They emphasize God’s generosity and His impartial nature. Wisdom is not reserved for the elite, the educated, or the spiritually advanced. It is freely given to anyone who asks. This generosity is without upbraiding, meaning without finding fault or criticizing the seeker for their lack of wisdom. This highlights God’s grace and mercy, His willingness to meet us where we are.

Ephesians 1:17 states, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” This verse highlights the ongoing relationship and continuous seeking of God’s wisdom to deepen our understanding of Him.

Reflective questions arise from this verse. How often do we turn to God for wisdom? Do we truly believe in His generous nature? Are we willing to admit our limitations and seek His guidance? These questions can lead us to deeper spiritual introspection and growth.

The moral takeaway from this verse is profound. It teaches us about humility, the importance of seeking divine guidance, and the assurance of God’s generous nature. It encourages us to approach life with a sense of openness and reliance on God, trusting that He will provide the wisdom we need.

“LORD- We thank You for Your generous spirit and Your promise to give wisdom liberally to those who ask. Help us to trust in Your divine understanding and to lean not on our own limited knowledge. May Your wisdom guide us in our decisions, our actions, and our interactions with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Purge Me, Cleanse Me So I May Bear Fruit~

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I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
John 15:1-2

The Essence of Abiding in Christ

This profound verse speaks to the essential relationship between believers and Jesus Christ. The imagery of the vine and branches highlights the vital connection we must maintain with Christ to live fruitful and fulfilling lives. Just as a branch cannot survive, let alone bear fruit, without being attached to the vine, we cannot thrive spiritually without remaining in close communion with Jesus. By partaking daily in His Word, and meditating on His Scripture we are able to grow spiritually, and our growth hereby will produce fruit, and more of it each day.

Understanding the Metaphor

In Biblical times, vineyards were a common sight, and the metaphor of the vine and branches would have been easily understood. The vine provides the necessary nutrients and support for the branches to grow and produce fruit. Without this connection, the branches wither and die. Similarly, our spiritual lives depend entirely on our connection to Christ. He is the source of our strength, wisdom, and nourishment. Without Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.

Abiding in Christ Today

In today’s fast-paced world, the call to “abide” in Christ is more relevant than ever. It means remaining steadfast in our relationship with Him, despite the distractions and challenges of modern life. Abiding in Christ involves continual reliance on His grace, living in obedience to His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives. It is through this intimate relationship that we find purpose, peace, and the ability to bear spiritual fruit.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I cultivate a deeper and more consistent relationship with Christ?
  2. What distractions or challenges prevent me from fully abiding in Him?
  3. In what ways have I experienced spiritual growth and fruitfulness as a result of abiding in Christ?
  4. How can I encourage others in their walk with Christ and help them to abide in Him?
  5. What practical steps can I take daily to ensure that I remain connected to the Vine?

Supportive Scriptures

John 15:5 (KJV): “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.”

Philippians 4:13 (KJV): “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Moral Takeaways

  • Dependence on Christ: Our spiritual vitality and ability to bear fruit depend entirely on our relationship with Christ.
  • Continual Growth: Abiding in Christ is an ongoing process that requires diligence and dedication.
  • Spiritual Fruit: The evidence of abiding in Christ is seen in the fruit of the Spirit manifested in our lives.

Prayer

“LORD –We come before You with hearts open and longing to abide in Your presence. Help us to remain steadfast in our relationship with Jesus, drawing strength and nourishment from Him as the true Vine. May we find purpose and peace in our connection to You, bearing fruit that brings glory to Your name. Guide us in overcoming the distractions and challenges that hinder our walk with You. Fill us with the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting Your love, joy, and peace to the world. Strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on Your grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Scripture to Ponder

Psalm 1:3 (KJV): “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.”

Blessing for the Readers

May the Lord bless your commitment to abide in Christ. May your life be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, bringing glory to God and drawing others to His love. Trust in His guidance and remain steadfast in your relationship with Him.

God Bless You All~

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