How Are You Growing in Jesus Today?

This past Sunday in church, I was struck by a comment that our senior pastor made in his sermon. It was more a question really, "How do we know that we are growing in Jesus?

It made me think. How am I growing in Jesus?

How are you growing in Jesus?

So we are in a teaching series where we are going through our new church vision statement. This past Sunday, we covered the third point in the vision..."and growing as dearly loved members of God's Family." The long and short of it comes down to the question, "How are you growing in Jesus?"

Okay, so a moment of truth. It's sometimes hard to separate time for personal growth from your time of study and preparation. I am in my Bible multiple times throughout the week, studying and prepping for that weeks teaching. But when it comes time to water the soil of my heart, I have to work a little harder.

As pastors, it's our job to study and know the word of God; to teach it, to help our students grow. But if we are not taking the time to care for ourselves, we run the risk of drying out and wilting from the heat of ministry and life.

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As pastors, it's our job to study and know the word of God; to teach it, to help our students grow.

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I start my day with a short devotional reading. Right now I am reading through the book, A Man After God's Own Heart, by Jim George. It's a short, easy read that helps to get my focus on God. I take time to read a different book from the Bible. Right now I'm reading through the Epistles from the New Testament. I also keep a prayer journal and a notebook with scribbles from each weeks sermon. And yet, even with all of this, I still have to make an effort to water my soul.

So I ask you, what do you do to water your soul? How are you growing in Jesus? What disciplines do you practice? How do you measure your growth? 

Our spiritual growth should be paramount. Watering our souls, growing in Christ, deepening our relationship with Jesus; these are the commitments we must make and keep. 

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Jay Higham is a 24 year veteran of student ministry; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Youth Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 19 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 little girl. Jay is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and caring for the hearts of husbands. You can learn more about their ministry to the family and husband by visiting their family blog at, www.TheHighamFamily.com!

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Order Your A Copy of
A Man After God's Own Heart, by Jim George.

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