ARE YOU GROWING OR DYING?

When you get up each day what do you do? Perhaps you take a shower. Then get the morning newspaper. Next you maybe turn on the morning show on TV. Of course you eat breakfast or have a cup of coffee. In your morning "to do" list where does God fit in? Is He there at all or some after thought if there is time?

You can not grow in Christ by not purposely making sure you add "time with the Lord" on the "to do" list of your daily life. Don't know how? It is not hard. Almost every American home has a Bible. We are allowed to have one whereas in some countries you can be jailed for having a Bible. Maybe you envy those who can quote scripture. The way to acquire this skill is to open the Bible.

Spiritual growth requires spiritual nourishment. Do you want to be a Christian in name only or do you want to be victorious in Christ living a life of joy and fullness in Him?

Plants can not grow without sunshine, water and perhaps some fertilizer or plant food. Likewise our human bodies need to be cared for and fed in order to grow. The spiritual part of us needs to be able to resist the arrows and problems Satan is sure to throw at us and the only way to be properly equipped is to study the Bible. Make it part of your morning routine. This might require you getting up a few minutes earlier and making sure Christ comes first not as an afterthought. Arm yourself with the word of God. Pray and ask Him to guide you through the day ahead. Hide the word of God in your heart to make you strong.

2 Timothy 2:15(AKJV) says 'Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' Are you studying daily? Make God's word first place in your life today. In Psalm 94:19(NASB) it says 'When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.' When the cares of the world are weighing down on you only God's words will bring you peace. Why not start today to make growth in Christ a priority in each day?

PRAYER: Father thank you for the Bible, the Holy Word of God. Forgive me when I have neglected reading it and allow my day to be filled with so many other unimportant things. I know it is only through you Lord that I can get the strength I need for each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.