And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

By this time of the year (end of February / early March), many people have fallen away from focusing on their goals and resolutions set in January. I believe it can become discouraging when we do not see immediate results or we do not gain the momentum that we hoped to achieve.

Statistics tell us it takes 21 days to form a new habit and 90 days to establish a habit into a lifestyle but our attention to our goals does not seem to move past the 21 days to the 90 day mark.

I like to group my goals into categories and with each category I am declaring God’s promises over my life, my agenda, and my goals. I am leaving room for God to interrupt my plans and stretch me in the areas He wants to grow me.

One of my categories is “GROWTH”

Why Growth?

Effective goals start with prayer and then our “WHY”s. Why do we have a certain goal? What is it that we want to achieve? How will this goal improve our lives, our families, and our circumstances in the future? Does this goal line-up with our values? How is the Holy Spirit leading us?

I desire to see growth in all areas of my life but time is a limited resource. Through God’s guiding, I am striving to grow in what matters most. The beauty of the Holy Spirit, is perspective. God is able to see our past, present, and future. He knows the times and the seasons.

When we are obedient to His prompting we live with the wisdom of divine perspective. 

What is the alternative to growth? Stagnation. What happens when water becomes stagnant or still?

Stagnation

1. the state of not flowing or moving.
2. a lack of activity, growth, or development.

Stagnant water becomes foul smelling and begins to attract harmful insects. It is not healthy.

What happens to our spirits when they become stagnant? I do not want stagnation in my life and I believe that you are the same.

The Bible Says …

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’

John 7:38

Rivers of Living Water. If that isn’t the opposite of stagnant water than I don’t know what is.

What does growth look like for me in this season? What does it look like for you in your season of life? For each of us, it will be different but one thing is the certain – Growth is vital to a vibrant and healthy life.

I pray that these scriptures offer you encouragement to continue striving for growth in your faith life and your relationship with God. May God’s word bring truth, life, hope, and become alive in your spirit, producing all of the promises that He declares for us who are alive in Christ.

10 Scriptures about Growth:

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Luke 18:15

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 

Colossians 1:9-12

To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
 to give prudence to the simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the youth—
 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance

Proverbs 1:2-5

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:15-16

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6

Many Blessings,

Misty