Spiritual Growth

(a chapter from the section, The Growth Paradigm, of my book, Heaven on Earth)

If we keep a plant healthy, then its growth becomes inevitable, given all the favorable conditions of water, air and sunshine. Similarly, if we keep ourselves physically healthy, emotionally healthy and spiritually healthy, and we continue to exist in a favorable environment, then our spiritual growth becomes inevitable, our spiritual growth is the ultimate consequence. All our favorable living conditions and favorable living environment are governed by:

• being born again of the Holy Spirit
• consistently spending time in a flourishing relationship with God
• consistently in devotion
• consistently praising God
• consistently reading the Bible
• consistent and effective prayer
• godly, healthy and functional relationships with family and friends
• healthy, flourishing and functional communities

All these good things will keep our spiritual life healthy and strong. This is an endurance race that will last a whole lifetime if we don’t quit too soon or give up too early. It is never too late to start. If we can, start by building up a good habit over 4 weeks, then extend it into 6 months. If we can keep going for 6 months, then we can keep going for one year. If we can keep going for one year, then we can keep going for five years. If we can keep going for five years, then we can keep going for ten years. If we can keep going for ten years, then we can keep going for a whole lifetime.

Initially, start with 15 – 30 minutes a day of prayer and reading the Bible. If you can, gradually extend it to 2 hours or more a day. Do what is sustainable, always following the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.

For spiritual growth to happen, we have to work on it. And even if we work on it, spiritual growth will require time from seedtime to harvest. For continuous harvest through the years, spiritual growth requires constant sowing and reaping. We need to sow the seeds into the present day, in order to see a future harvest.

The Branch and the Vinedresser

Sow within me the seeds of the noble vine
Water those seeds as You tenderly care
Grow those seeds into tender green shoots
With roots that grow deep into Your love

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Branch
From which I will daily draw living water
Abba Father, You are the Vinedresser
From time to time, You prune and lift

In the winter season, I rest and rejuvenate
In the springtime, You give new growth
In the summer, the flowers they bloom
In the fall, display the colors and hues

How thoughtfully You tend Your vineyards
How mysterious and pleasing Your ways
I have tasted the fruit that is good
It is tasty and sweet, faithful and true

Bible References:

May the grace and peace of Abba Father the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
Word Sabre, scribe for Abba Father, LORD GOD, Lord Most High, Lord Jesus Christ.