SPIRITUAL GROWTH ARTICLES
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| A live branch is cut off from a tree; the live branch is wounded. | Circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit (Romans 2:29) |
| Then a wound is made in the source Tree where the branch will attach to the Tree. | He was wounded for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5). |
| Eventually the branch receives its life from the roots of the Tree, which enhances the favorable qualities of its individual fruit with the strong qualities of the Source’s vigor or Life into which it was grafted. | He who aides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5). |
| The branch must remain or abide in the Tree to produce fruit. If the branch does come loose, it dies. | As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the Vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me (John 15:4). |
| As we abide, God will prune our lives so we bear more fruit. | Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2). |
- Believe that He is the Source of your life, like the roots are the source of the grafted branch’s life.
- Believe that He is the Head of your life, as the headwaters are to a river.
- Believe that He will move you from darkness to light as you abide.
- Believe that Christ, not practicing moral codes, will give you abundant Life.
- Believe that He loves you.
When you continue to obey God in your conduct, you are keeping the door open to spiritual growth into Life abundant. When you to believe Him in your mind, you begin to abide in Christ from Whom you will receive abundant Life.
mortifying what is flesh,
strengthening what is weak,
sharpening what is strong.
Just like the grafted branch bears fruit that pulses with the vigor and vitality of the foundational roots yet maintains its individual qualities, you too will maintain your individuality. You will not be rooted in your individuality, however. Rather, you will be rooted in Christ, Whose abundant Life will pulsate through yours.
will become the hallmark of your life,
as it is of His.
As you abide,
- the Christian life becomes profoundly simple, not more complexly entangled;
- your spirit will be awakened from its slumber as you commune with Him;
- you will experience the liberty of real Life—His Life; and
- because of His Life in you, what spills out of you when you are bumped will be Christ’s abundant Life, the Will of God. Glory be to Your Name!
thank You for Your abundant
Life!
Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by faith in the Son of God.
~Galatians 2:20
Go to Part 5 of this series: Simply Surrender.
SERIES
Links and Navigation Help
- Create Margin
Purposefully develop an environment that fosters spiritual growth. - Hearken!
Cultivate discerning the meaning of His message to you. - Invite the Lord’s Chastening through Obedience
Obey—through your personal conduct—the seemingly little things God has set before you.- Distinguish Between Works and Obedience
A practical example - Love is Born of God
A Failing Marriage Testimony
- Distinguish Between Works and Obedience
- Believe and Abide, Part 1 of 3
Believe and Abide, Part 2 of 3
Believe and Abide, Part 3 of 3
Believe Him as you abide and be released to love. - Simply Surrender
Now that the flesh has no power over you, walk in the Light and simply surrender. - Worship and Pray Without Ceasing
God seeks you to worship in spirit and in truth moment by moment. - Be Content and Hope in Christ
Serve the Living God, in Whom you find your contentment. - Wisely Steward Your Liberty
You are free indeed! Praise the Lord!
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