Growth is not automatic; this is especially true for spiritual growth.
Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens
►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎
(upbeat music) - Welcome to the Craig T. Owens audio blog with Craig's blog posts in audio format to go. Craig's new book, "When She Bite" is available now at CraigTowens.com. - A checklist for growth. Take just a moment to listen to these words from the Apostle Peter. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Second Peter, chapter three, verses 14, 17, and 18. How do I know I'm looking forward and growing? Here's a checklist that needs to be reviewed regularly. Am I spending more time preparing for my future than I am repairing my past? Do I know that growth is both hard and rewarding work? Do even the littlest of sins disturb me, rob me of peace, and send me quickly to confession and repentance? Do I filter all my reading, studying, and learning through the standard of scripture? Is my faith stronger now than it was a year ago? Am I exhibiting more Christ-like characteristics? Grace, forgiveness, patience now than I was last year? Am I thrilled every time I get to learn more about Jesus? Am I more reliant on the Holy Spirit now than I have been in the past? And do I converse with Him more frequently? Would those closest to me say that I am becoming more like Jesus? I hope we can all answer yes to more and more of these items. Growth is not automatic. This is especially true for spiritual growth. Growth must be intentional or it will not happen. I want to keep going forward in Christ. May we add our amen to Peter's prayer. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus, our Lord. Second Peter chapter two, verse one. Craig's new book, When Sheep Bite, is available now at CraigTowens.com, which is also where you can get in touch with Craig. Read more posts and access the huge library of resources he's gathered. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (gentle music)
