Passage of the Day:
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful, Matthew 13:19-22.
Reflection:
If puberty is the process of physical change through which a child’s body matures into an adult capable of reproduction, the decision to become a Christian involves a spiritual transformation. Just as middle school students experience the internal and external changes of puberty, Christians must survive spiritual puberty as each learns to deny their flesh by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. According to Jesus, not every Christian survives spiritual puberty. Some have the good news about Jesus Christ stolen from their hearts. Others encounter emotional highs without ever becoming rooted in Jesus, Colossians 2:6-7, before joy is lost and faith fades away. Finally, the most common victim is those whose faith is choked out and suffocated by stress and worry. This is what I mean by surviving spiritual puberty.
Prayerful Action:
But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown, Matthew 13:23.
Working Out Your Salvation:
C.S. Lewis addresses four Cardinal Virtues and three Theological Virtues in Mere Christianity. Six of these virtues will be the basis for the remaining themes for 2024. While Lewis lists Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude as virtues anyone can obtain if eager and willing, July will focus on discipline. Christians that exercise their faith by developing daily spiritual disciplines incorporated into their daily lives. Prudent Christians work out their salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12. The context to this call of action is the apostle Paul not just wanting Christians to exercise their faith in his presence. True faith does this outside of church walls the other six days a week. The secret to my own spiritual success is being disciplined and open to the Holy Spirit. This is how I am surviving spiritual puberty, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
Song of the Day:
While today’s title may be a topic you’ve never thought of, my prayer is that all my readers will know for sure their eternal destination in heaven, 1 John 5:13. May discipline be the driving force to work out your salvation by slowly purging sinful behaviors from your life. Fight the good fight of faith as you seek to survive spiritual puberty, 1 Timothy 6:12.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 