Are You Growing in Your Faith?

5 Lessons from the Grapes

“Are You Growing?”

My late Senior Pastor used to love asking the congregation that question.

Pastor J knew and stressed the importance of growing and maturing in the Lord (and in different areas of our life). He emphasized that God wanted His children to grow and mature just like earthly parents expect their kids to grow and mature and develop.

How do we grow in our faith?

Some key ways are by consistently spending time reading the Bible and praying and worshipping and fellowshipping with other believers.

It’s that simple and yet that challenging …

If you’re one of my faithful Readers, you probably already know that God likes to show me things through nature.

I’m sharing the above pics of grapes because these pics speak volumes to me.

I took the pics on three separate occasions earlier this year to document the growth process.

The grapes show some truths about growth:

  • Growth takes time.
  • Growth happens in stages or seasons.
  • Growth happens as we stay connected to the vine.
  • Growth can be painful, but pruning is a necessary part of the process.
  • Growth happens on God’s timetable. We can’t rush the process.

The grapes didn’t grow overnight.

Neither do we.

Are you growing in your faith?

Or are you feeling stuck or stagnant?

Are you staying connected to the True Vine?

Consider what Jesus says about abiding in Him. These are some of my favorite Bible verses:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:1-8 NIV)

If you’re looking to grow in your faith, here are a few ways I can help:

Empowering Online Class for Ladies: Don’t miss the Abounding Faith: Choosing Faith over Fear course that starts next Tuesday evening on September 13. Learn more here.

Personalized Life Coaching: I’d be delighted to help you grow and go from feeling:

  • frazzled to focused
  • frustrated to fruitful
  • fearful to fierce

Learn more about Christian Life Coaching here.

Inspiring Books Be encouraged and inspired as you walk by faith, prepare for your breakthrough and dare to live your God-given dreams. Abounding Faith FIVE Christian living books empower and equip you to stand firm in your faith.

Uplifting email: Sign up for Abounding Faith’s FREE email list and get a dose of inspiration delivered right to your inbox. When you sign up, you get immediate access to the FREE 5-day Feisty Faith Devotional Sampler PDF. The sampler gives you a taste of the inspiring and empowering 365-day devotional, Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day devotional (available on Amazon). Looking forward to sending you uplifting emails on Monday afternoons with info about my latest encouraging blog posts, upcoming books and other projects or events.

Encouraging Social Media: I’d love for you to be part of Abounding Faith’s online community. Abounding Faith is on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Be encouraged as you scroll throughout the week.

Edifying Podcast: The uplifting Abounding Faith for Today podcast has 40 short and encouraging episodes that will help bolster your faith. You can listen to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast wherever you listen to podcasts including:

Inspirational YouTube Channel: There are 155 encouraging and uplifting videos on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel that will inspire you and help spur on your faith. The short videos are shot near and far (including during past short-term missions trips, vacations, around NYC and trips to my bday castle…). Check them out and be sure to subscribe, like, comment and share the site with others.

Let’s grow and flourish together this year!

And may your faith be fueled, your hope ignited and your heart set ablaze with the love of God!

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“Ripples” – Tuesday Thoughts (Part 6)

Click here to watch the video clip.

I’ve recently started sharing some Tuesday Thoughts on Abounding Faith’s social media. From time to time, I’ll share some of them here. If you’d like to see them as they’re released, be sure to connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram. Blessings!

Our lives have an impact on those around us… what kind of ripple effect would you like to have on others?

Christian Communicators & Creatives and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember to live lives worthy of our calls and leave a legacy of love as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV)

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Tuesday Thoughts (Part 5)

I’ve recently started sharing some Tuesday Thoughts on Abounding Faith’s social media. From time to time, I’ll share some of them here. If you’d like to see them as they’re released, be sure to connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram. Blessings!

Are you prayerfully choosing to collaborate with others or are you stuck competing, comparing or copying them?

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s continue being the original masterpieces God has created each one of us to be while prayerfully continuing to make wise Kingdom-connections with our brothers and sisters in Christ as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

Don’t shrink back … SHINE 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember to be salt and light as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)

God is more interested in building your character than building your platform 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember to remain humble before the Lord as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 NIV)

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Tuesday Thoughts (Part 4)

I’ve recently started sharing some Tuesday Thoughts on Abounding Faith’s social media. From time to time, I’ll share some of them here. If you’d like to see them as they’re released, be sure to connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram. Blessings!

How diverse is your bookshelf, church or social circle? If everyone you interact with looks and thinks exactly like you, maybe it’s time to prayerfully widen your circle.

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s continue to learn from a variety of brothers and sisters in Christ as we walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28 NIV) 

God is more interested in building your character than building your platform 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember to remain humble before the Lord as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 NIV)

Don’t shrink back … let your light SHINE 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember to shine for Christ as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV) 

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Tuesday Thoughts (Part 3)

I’ve recently started sharing some Tuesday Thoughts on Abounding Faith’s social media. From time to time, I’ll share some of them here. If you’d like to see them as they’re released, be sure to connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram. Blessings!

Live for the audience of the One who truly matters 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Christ as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36 NIV)

Are you choosing Purpose over being Popular 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s stay Kingdom-focused as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Let’s Choose Worship over Worry and Faith over Fear 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember who we are and Whose we are as we walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Tuesday Thoughts Series (Part 2)

I’ve recently started sharing some Tuesday Thoughts on Abounding Faith’s social media. From time to time, I’ll share some of them here. If you’d like to see them as they’re released, be sure to connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram. Blessings!

Are you busy building your empire or God’s Kingdom? Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remain Kingdom focused as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 NIV)

We’re called to be servants NOT superstars 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s keep this in mind as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”(Matthew 20:25-28 NIV)

We’re works of art AND works in progress 🔥

Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember this as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)”being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Tuesday Thoughts Series

I’ve recently started sharing some Tuesday Thoughts on Abounding Faith’s social media. From time to time, I’ll share some of them here. If you’d like to see them as they’re released, be sure to connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram. Blessings!

Are you shining to be in the spotlight or shining for Christ? Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember to shine for Christ as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

Tuesday Thoughts 🔥

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

God calls us to be FAITHFUL, not famous… Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember that as we dare to live our God-given dreams and purpose 🙏

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”(Matthew 25:23 NIV)

They’ll know us by our love for one another and our fruit NOT the size of our platform or ministry 🔥 … Christian Creatives & Communicators and Audacious Dreamers & Doers and Ministers & Leaders, let’s remember that as we dare to live our God-given dreams 🙏

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:15-20 NIV)

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™