In this third week of “Mornings In The Word“, the author directed our thoughts towards ‘growth’ stating: “Strength is cultivated with knowledge of God.” I am grateful for devotionals which encourage us to do the hard work of soul searching in order to continually grow.

1. Our idols are hidden deep within our hearts. The difficult topic of idols and idolatry was thrown wide open. Ezekiel 8: 8-9 reminds us of the danger idols present to our souls. The hidden ones, buried and lodged deeply in our hearts, are often more difficult to bring before the Lord as they fool us into thinking we can get away with them. The author writes: “We like our idols hidden and shrouded in secrecy.” Can you identify any idols in your heart? What boundaries need to be put in place to protect you in this area?
2. There are three ingredients needed for growth. “Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth” (A.W. Tozer). Spiritual growth will require time, consistency, and surrendered obedience. The three “ingredients” need to be equally present in our lives for growth to occur. The road to growth is not easy but worth the effort. May God help us to be faithful with our time, consistently meeting with Him, and surrendering in obedience to all He asks of us.
   
3. We must fight for our souls. Jesus was in the desert fasting and praying for 40 days, after which He would have been spiritually strengthened and physically weakened. The perfect time for the enemy to snake his way in. And he works the same way today in our lives. He knows just when to strike, taking us down for the day. Years ago, I was taught this acronym which I have never forgotten and still try to keep in the forefront of my mind:

   H – hungry
   A – angry
   L – lonely
   T – tired
   When you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired HALT. Be on the alert as the enemy will be lurking and waiting to strike. We must have our weapons ready – Scriptures – to bring strength to our soul, and keep us standing firm. We need to be able to refute the lies and the attack of the enemy. “It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:11, NLT). One commentary explains, “God’s written word, as an expression of God’s plan, accomplished his purposes. God is effective in whatever he does.” We will most effectively fight for our lives with the right weapons – God’s Word. Do you incorporate Scripture into your prayers? Do you quote Scripture back to the Father?

4. God will breathe back life. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 37:5-6, NLT). As the word was spoken to the dry bones, they came together in an orderly fashion. Only when all the pieces were together, did God breathe life into it all that they would live again. May we hold onto Him in faith as the pieces of our broken places are brought together until His work is complete and He breathes LIFE again.
5. Some days we need a change of clothing. The author states that she has been “looking for unruly places that need pruning.” Interesting word – “unruly” – not conforming or submissive; ungovernable” (according to dictionary.com). It was the word ‘ungovernable’ that stopped me a bit in my tracks this week. Ungovernable carries with it the connotation of choice. In other words, it is our choice as to whether or not we will be governed, and by whom. We know all the “shall not’s”. Lord knows we have heard them often enough. Again the author shares this beautiful thought: “Somewhere in the midst is grace that washes over us and clothes us in beauty.” In the middle of our messes, our brokenness – He shines beauty and not just any beauty, His perfect beauty. He clothes us in His beauty, His robes, His garments. So grateful for His “rinse cycle” which makes us clean once again. “He [Christ] gave up his life for her [the Church] to make holy and clean, washed her by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault” (Ephesians 5:26-27, NLT).

Wherever you find yourself in your spiritual journey, I encourage you to open your heart and let Him breathe new life into your soul.

This month I am sharing lessons learned from the devotional book “Mornings In The Word” by Tammy Mashburn. Week One can be found HERE  and Week Two HERE . You can read more about the book on the author’s website HERE . You can also follow Tammy on Twitter.

Today I am joining … Inspire Me Monday .