Spring Forward!

 

Spring is a lot like New Year’s for me…. A chance to evaluate where I am in my Christian journey… an opportunity for new growth!   I can choose to spring into fresh spiritual growth!

Here are some ways to renew our faith-walk:

One – Hang out with people who boost your faith.  Stay around those who trust the sovereignty of God and share their faith with you. Those who trust God in lots of circumstances and share what God is doing in their lives.   The flip side? Don’t hang out with complainers, worriers, negative Nellies!  Plus, you be that kind of person for others. You can influence the spiritual growth of your friends through your attitude, your behavior, and your conversation. Those are the ABCs of your influence: attitude, behavior, conversation.

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)
²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

TWO – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SCRIPTURE. We see God more clearly when we consistently and daily throw ourselves into God’s Word.  My suggestion – try reading a new translation during the Spring season.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NCV)  All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. ¹⁷ Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.

The steady, on-going intake of Scripture transforms our actions, our thinking, our trust.

THREE - KEEP A JOURNAL

Maybe start a “Spring Thoughts” Journal; record what God is teaching you.  Faithfully maintain a journal of thanksgiving. Giving thanks transforms our faith and our walk.

When we maintain the habit to remember; to be mindful; to think; to keep in mind ….the things of God it is a stepping stone to a life that is becoming more and more like Jesus.

 John 14:26 (NLT)
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.

FOUR - STRETCH

Put yourself into a new ministry project.  Read a book that stretches your understanding. Stay in spiritual shape.  Continue learning.

Psalm 119:33-35 (MSG)  GOD, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. ³⁴ Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. ³⁵ Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!

FIVE - KEEP ON

Pursue the spiritual disciplines continually.  George Goodman wrote: "It is not a present experience that ensures fruit unto maturity, but a patient continuance."

2 Timothy 3:14a (NLT) But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.

One more week until Spring is officially starting!  How will you refresh your journey?

Joyfully,

Yvonne