Spiritual Growth Plan for the New Year
Dennis Smith
We each need to evaluate ourselves periodically with a spiritual health check-up. The beginning of a new calendar year is a significant time to set goals but this can be done anytime. We have spiritual strong and weak areas in our lives. We tend to move toward what we like and enjoy most. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Our spiritual journey moves from exploring Christ to being Christ-centered in our life.
The “Spiritual Growth Assessment Process” developed by Lifeway Christian Resources is one tool that can help with your check-up. Complete the survey in six spiritual areas and plot your scores. It will help you see your strengths and weaknesses. Ask a couple of people who know you well to complete the observation response sheet (you will need to print an extra observation sheet). Then prayerfully consider your scores, look over some of the recommended actions for each area, and let God guide you in a spiritual growth plan for the year. You will be asked to share with an accountability partner that will serve as your encourager.
The goal of our spiritual growth is for Christ to grow in our lives and for us to reflect His glory as we love God and others. Our spiritual growth is rarely a continual journey toward Christ void of plateaus and valleys. It is wise to evaluate and set a direction, otherwise we repeat the same patterns. Have a great year in your spiritual growth.
My Spiritual Growth Journal 2012
My Spiritual Growth Journal 2012 is a customized journal for First Baptist and Bay West that has a Bible reading plan for the individual or family, the preaching text and title schedule for Pastor Scott and Pastor Jim, and the schedule for adult Bible study classes/life groups using Explore the Bible and Bible studies for Life. It provides an easy to follow plan for reading the Bible chronologically, praying, Scripture memorization, and journaling. It includes a guide for using the ACTS of prayer, instructions on using the SOAP Bible study method, the SOAP sermon note taking method, and SOAP journal pages. A Scripture memory plan and chart is also included. The journal is in book form and will be available for $5.00. Copies are available in the church office.
