Devotion: Growing Spiritually
Growing Spiritually
Please take a moment and read the scripture from this weekend: Luke 10:2-3
In the Bible story that we heard this weekend in worship, Jesus sends out 70 people to spread the Good News throughout various towns and villages. He gives them specific instructions: don’t bring anything extra; eat and drink only what people give you; cure the sick; share that the kingdom of God is near. In essence, they were to rely on God and the community to provide everything they needed while they focused on learning and teaching about Jesus.
As I think about how I personally grow in my spiritual disciplines, I can see that my focus is not nearly as strong as those missionaries. I know that I do better when I’m in my Bible consistently learning about God. Yet, why is doing a daily devotion or going to a Bible study the last thing on my to-do list? Why do I give up so easily on prayer when my request isn’t answered the way I want? Why do I start out strong when journaling my gratitude lists, only to look back after a few months and realize I only filled a few pages? Am I the only one who struggles staying focused on growing spiritually?
Our current worship series, “Starting Well,” is giving us an opportunity to reflect on each command of Sheridan’s mission statement, “Love, Grow, Share”. This week we are studying how to grow spiritually. To grow spiritually we need to be completely dependent on God. But, we also need to do our own work of being laborers. We need to start well, remain focused and dig deep when we face struggles so that we can finish strong. That is what Jesus was calling those missionaries to do and it is what he is calling us to do. “Go on your way; I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.” We cannot let “wolves”, in any form, take away from our focus of growing spiritually.
As you look for ways this fall to start well and continue your work of growing spiritually, look to our own Sheridan community where you will find faith forming opportunities for everyone in your family. Sheridan staff members have worked all summer, diligently reflecting on and researching possibilities of how to offer inspiring and meaningful opportunities for growth. Check out the website and visit with ministry leaders to learn how to both volunteer and engage in faith formation this year. Opportunities abound for friends and members to grow spiritually!
Gracious Father,
Thank you for this day. Thank you for the people you place in our lives. Thank you for our faith community. God, when we forget to put you first, kindly remind us that you are everything we need. Gently pull us into your open arms where we can receive your mercy and grace. Give us diligence and strength to continue to learn and grow in your word. Help us love others and share the Good News with all who step in our path. We love you, Lord.
In your mighty, precious and saving Son’s name, Amen.
Written by Julie Anderson
Julie Anderson is a member of Sheridan’s Devotion Writing Team. She works as Sheridan’s Children’s Music Coordinator where she is passionate about teaching children to use their musical gifts to praise God.Julie is married to Scott and counts her greatest honor as being mom to Adrienne, Eliot and Elise.