Grow with Jesus — Session 4

Week 4

This is our second week of “Grow with Jesus” and focuses on the marks of spiritual growth while answering the fundamental question – “How do I know that I am growing as a Christian?”. When we learn that we are made in God’s image with His imperishable seed planted within us, we then understand the significance of the fruit of the Spirit marking our lives as a natural result of the growth of the seed within us. We will also identify longstanding habits and behaviors that have inhibited the spiritual transformation that God desires for all of us and ways that Holy Spirit empowers us for transformation.

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Weekly Memory Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22,23

Weekly Practice

This week we return to the practice of Breath Prayers. In my own life, breath prayers have been a successful way of calming my internal thoughts and changing my perspective to focus more on God’s truth than my own subjective feelings and experiences. You are encouraged this week to apply God’s Word to the ruts in your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that have inhibited the transformation God desires in your life. For example, if worry has been an issue in your life then find a scripture on peace that will bring truth to the situation such as Psalm 34:4 – Breathe In – “I prayed to the Lord and He heard me” – Breathe Out – “And delivered me from all my fears”.

Daily Devos

Learn the Vine Devo Method

Ephesians 4:17-24

Day 1

Acts 9:1-18

Day 2

Psalm 23:1-6

Day 3

Colossians 3:1-10

Day 4

Romans 8:1-11

Day 5

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Consistently planting yourself in the Word of God will transform your life. Reading the Bible and writing down what it is speaking to you is perhaps the most meaningful practice to establish in your life. Hebrews 4:12 explains the significance and power of the Bible: “For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.”

Below is a format that will help you engage the Bible in a way that is meaningful and practical. When you establish this practice as a regular part of your day, you will grow!

The VINE Method

VERSE

Access the daily reading plan and slowly read through the verses. Be mindful of a verse or a word from the reading that stands out to you. 

INVITE

Write down the verse or word in your journal, then invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. What He speaks could range from encouragement to conviction to wisdom. In all cases, trust that what He speaks is good, and good for you. In your own words what is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. 

NAME

Name one area of your life you believe the Holy Spirit wants you to grow in today.

EXPRESS

Write a prayer to your Heavenly Dad and express what you need from Him for today. Write down any point of confusion, concern, or need. Also, take time to express gratitude for what He showed you today. (A good ending might look something like this: “Grow something good in me today! In Jesus name, Amen.)