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When I was growing up, ours was on the doorframe between the kitchen and the hall with the red carpet. A vertical trail of penciled dashes and dates that marked the growth of my siblings and I – that eventually got painted over. An archive of ages and heights that proved physical progress was really happening in the Eisaman household.
And boy did I want my growth to show.
Each time my dad lined us up to draw lines just above our highest hairs, I would stretch my spine to the sky. {It’s even possible that I might’ve lifted my heels occasionally. Possible. Just throwing it out there. Don’t judge me. Dad always bumped us back down…}
I loved to see the tangible distance between where I used to be and where I was.
I loved seeing the evidence of advancement. Progress. Growth.
I still do.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to set an example to other believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). He also challenged his young protégé to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation (encouraging others), and to teaching.
He told Timothy to be intentional. Move forward in faith. Grow in such a way that it impacts others.
“Practice these things. Immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:15)
I read this and I wonder. What type of spiritual progress can be seen in my life? Am I setting an example in conduct… in the way I behave, react, respond and live? Do I set an example for others in the words I use… in the ways I love… in my purity? Do I reflect Jesus in these things? Am I growing in His image?
These questions drive me to my knees. I’m forced to ask God to search me and know me – inside and out. I ask Him to show me the ways that I’ve grown and to show me the ways I still need to grow.
The progress I want to see in my life is no longer about a height chart – it’s about a depth chart. I want there to be visible evidence of my faith in Jesus that doesn’t waver in the winds or crumble in the uncomfortable. Don’t you?
Though our faith is unseen (Hebrews 6:1) let’s press on in progress and move forward in the hope, joy, love and peace of Christ so that others will be inspired to do the same.
Let’s live today in such a way that our behaviors, responses and attitudes showcase a vibrant, honest faith that’s deeply rooted and growing.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being so gracious and compassionate with me. Thank You for loving me where I used to be – in spite of me – and for loving me where I am today. Please forgive me for the times I try to move forward without You. Help me to prioritize progress and seek You continually so that others will clearly see You in me.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
Read Philippians 1.
How does the beginning of this letter to the people of Philippi that was written long, long ago stir you toward growing in Christ today? Grab your journal and write a prayer of response. Click here to write a prayer of response on the wall of my blog.
Love you guys so much! ❤️
GWEN
🌸 C’mon! Let’s GROW TOGETHER! 🌸
I’m hosting a FREE online Bible Study, a PSALM ADVENTURE, beginning September 9th. We’ve gotten countless messages asking how you can know what God says about forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, finances, relationships and hope. You want to know and trust God more, and learn how to connect your personal struggles to His promises.
That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in our PSALM ADVENTURE because we’re going right to the source of all grace and truth: the Bible. Join Gwen for this four-week study. LEARN MORE and REGISTER TODAY by visiting GwenSmith.net/PsalmAdventure.
UPCOMING EVENTS
North Carolina (Greensboro) / Sept 8 / Women’s Conf / MORE INFO
Kentucky (Camp Calvary) / Sept 21-22 / Retreat / MORE INFO
Michigan (Clarkson) / Oct 6 / Girlfriends in God / MORE INFO
Maryland (Sandy Cove) / Oct 19-21 / Girlfriends in God / MORE INFO
New York (Word of Life) / Oct 26-28 / Women’s Conf / MORE INFO
New York (Word of Life) / Nov 2-4 / Women’s Conf / MORE INFO
North Carolina (Gastonia) / Nov 6 / Mother-Daughter Banq / MORE INFO
Louisiana (Bossier City) / Nov 29 / Christmas Soiree / MORE INFO
Comments 9
Lord, I need a spirit of humility in order to be selfless in attitude and action, for others to see You in me. Please help me to be humble in giving and loving others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Lord, I ask that you continue to work on me, as I am always a work in progress. Please take away any bitterness or anger that I’m harboring. Show me how to align my will with your will, so that I’m living my life as a prime example of you! Give me the wisdom I need in times of trials and when my weaknesses are taking away my strengths. Lord, I pray that you’ll teach me how to reach out to others in their times of need and that I can be a witness for you. Give me patience when I’m rushing through this life and trying to handle things on my own, especially when I myself know that I need you. Thank you for your mercies that you give me each and every day! In Jesus Name I humbly pray, Amen!
Lord, I know it is right for me to just keep moving forward, even when I don’t feel that joy is in you. I want to be a witness to you through my trials, but I see myself as weak. Please show me who I really am as a child of God. Thank you God for loving me enough to keep teaching me how to walk as your daughter. Amen.
God show me the way of my purpose so I can be an inspiration to others. Help me lead by your example in all areas of my life. Connect me with people that need a purpose and give the words and tools that will help them grow in abundance and have community and authentic friendships 💚 Amen 🙏
I am His servant, here to have others see Christ in my everyday life, mundane as it is at times! I am still a work in progress also, some days I am successful in following His lead and some, not so much. “Let me hear in the morning your steadfast love. Make me know the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.” Ps. 143:8
Lord help me to seek you in all I do. Let my light shine that others will see you in me. I know I’m far from perfect and will make mistakes along the way but staying focused on you and doing your will, I know I will become the woman you created me to be. I thank you that I’m not where I used to be and may the Holy Spirit direct my path daily..Amen.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” … I am so grateful for your precious Word Lord. Please help me abide in you and trust in you with all my heart and soul and mind. Thank you for your love for me and your creating in me a clean heart ready to your will each day. In Jesus mighty and matchless Name, Amen
Lord continue to be with me and make my path clear to me, help me to hold on to you and watch and see the wonders you have for me, to you be the glory and praise Lord. Lord help me to listen and to hear you, give the ears to hear and a heart after you Lord in Jesus name I pray. Amen
God amend my heart. Please continually align my will to yours so the life I live can be an effective communicator of the Gospel.