From the Shepherd's Heart....Friday, August 2, 2019 "The Single Key to Spiritual Growth"

One's spiritual growth is the primary concern of a believer.  Just as a child physically is born into the world and if that young child is not properly fed then they will not grow and will eventually die.  So it is with a believer.

Every wonder why so many in the church seem to be "stuck" in their spiritual relationship and do not grow into Christ-likeness and maturity?  The single, simple reason is most likely they are spiritually malnourished.  So how does a believer make sure they are fed properly?

1.  The single source of the greatest food must be the Word of God.

Moses reminded the people of God in Deut. 8:3, "So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."

I am strengthened by many forms including singing, worship, and fellowship;  but the single greatest source of food is the Word of God.

Jesus repeated this when He was being tempted in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:4.  Jesus knew that bread alone would not be sufficient;  instead, we must live by "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

Do you feed yourself daily with His Word?  Is there a time each day in your life where you take in a portion of the Word of God into your spiritual soul?

2.  Do you take advantage of every opportunity through your church to take in the Word of God?

Do you faithfully attend Sunday School?  The main purpose of Sunday School is not Bible teaching, but it is an important part.  Do you sit under the preaching of the Word of God on Sunday morning and Wednesday night?  Preaching and teaching of the Word of God added with the sacraments (Lord's Supper and baptism) as the only scriptural mandates of the church.  A church does not have to have music, outreach program, youth or children ministries to be a church.  But it must have those two elements. 

3.  Do you consume a balanced diet?

Jesus said, "but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."  I know some Christians that are like spoiled children - they want to choose what they have to eat at every meal.  My mother fixed meals and if we didn't like it, we went hungry.

Do you read from the Old Testament?  New Testament?  All of it is the Word of God.  Do you receive from the pastor as well as when he preaches from Genesis as when he preaches from Luke? 

So I pray for you Isaiah 55:2 "Why do you spend money for what is not bread?  And your wages for what does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance."