Sermon Notes

November 11, 2016

Choosing to Grow Up


Are you growing up or down? The truth is, you better be doing both! Isaiah 37:31 says, "Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above." Before you can grow to your full potential and achieve the heights God has planned for you, you must be firmly planted and rooted in faith.

 

It takes work to tend to your roots. It takes time in studying God's Word, communicating with Him through worship and prayer, and committing to trust in Him no matter what comes your way in order to grow a strong foundation that will not be uprooted every time a storm blows by.

 

Satan would love nothing more than to stunt your spiritual growth by clipping your roots in times of trial. You will have 10,000 chances to become bitter in life. Somebody will hurt you, something will happen, disappointment will take place, some injustice will occur. Something will happen in your life, and at that moment you'll make a decision. Not Satan, he doesn’t get to decide how you will respond, you do! In those moments you realize it's not what happens to you that makes you who you are—it's what happens in you. 

 

Whatever it is you are facing, decide today to trust that He who began the good work is faithful to complete it. Grow! He who is within you is greater than he that is in the world! Be intentional about praising the Lord, even through the trials. And reject bitterness, envy, and wrath from taking root in your heart. Rather root yourself in love, in joy, in peace . . . in Him! 

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