Look Unto Jesus

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” — Hebrews 12:2

Gentlemen, what you look at consistently will shape how you live daily. If your eyes stay fixed on problems, you will become discouraged. If your focus stays on people, you will become frustrated. But when you look unto Jesus, you find strength to continue.

He is the “author” of your faith — the One who began the work in you. And He is the “finisher” — the One who will faithfully complete what He started.

Jesus faced opposition, continued forward with unwavering purpose, and endured the cross. - actually He gained the victory over death, hell, and the grave! When you grow weary, remember that your Saviour has already walked the path of suffering and victory before you.

So in the coming days:
Look above your circumstances.
Look beyond your discouragements.
Look steadily unto Jesus.

A focused faith produces a faithful life.

Growth Point:
When discouragement or distraction comes, pause and intentionally refocus your heart on Christ by reading a Gospel passage and spending a few moments in prayerful worship.

Gird Up the Loins of Your Mind

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:13

The battle for your life is often won or lost in your mind. Scripture calls you to “gird up” — to gather in loose, wandering thoughts and bring them under control.

To be “sober” is to think clearly, seriously, and with spiritual focus. Don’t let your mind drift into distraction, temptation, or discouragement. A disciplined mind leads to a directed life.

Then we're told to “hope to the end.” Fix your expectation on Christ — not circumstances. Keep your eyes forward. Stay anchored in what is eternal.

What you allow in your mind will shape how you live your life.
What you dwell on will determine how you respond.
What you focus on will fuel your faith — or weaken it.

Think with purpose.
Guard your thoughts.
Stay focused on Christ.

Growth Point:
Identify areas where your thinking needs discipline — and intentionally replace wrong or unhelpful thoughts with specific Scripture.

That Ye Might Stand

"...That ye might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." - Colossians 4:12

Guys, God’s desire is not that we merely begin well, but that we stand complete — mature, grounded, and settled in His will.

The word “stand” speaks of stability. Life will bring pressure, but a man rooted in God’s will doesn't collapse under it. He remains steady in conviction and consistent in conduct.

To be “complete” means fully developed — not lacking in obedience, not partial in commitment. God is shaping you through His Word, your responsibilities, and even your challenges.

His will is not mysterious as much as it's revealed — in Scripture, in obedience, and in daily surrender.

Stand firm in what you know is right.

Stay faithful in what God has given you.

Submit fully to what He is doing in your life.

A complete man is not a perfect man — he's a surrendered man.

Growth Point:

Identify known areas of God’s will (from Scripture) that you have been hesitant to fully obey, and take a decisive steps to follow through completely.

Seek the Lord Continually

“Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” — Psalm 105:4

Gentlemen, the strength you need for life is found in a Person, not a plan. God’s command is simple and continual: “Seek the Lord.”

To seek Him is to pursue His presence daily — not casually, but intentionally. It is more than asking for help; it is desiring Him. When you seek His face, you are seeking relationship, not just results.

And as you seek Him, you find His strength. Strength for decisions. Strength for leadership. Strength for battles you can't win on your own.

Notice the word “evermore.” This isn't a once-a-week pursuit, but a daily, ongoing dependence. A strong man is not one who occasionally turns to God, but one who continually walks with Him.

Don’t try to carry this week in your own strength.
Don’t lead your home without first seeking His face.
Don’t fight spiritual battles without His presence.

Stay near to God — and His strength will sustain you.

Growth Point:
Set a specific time each day this week to intentionally seek the Lord in prayer and Scripture, making His presence your first priority rather than your last resort.

 

Be Not Weary In Well Doing

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9

Gentlemen, there will be times when your efforts to impact others for Christ seem to fall flat. The person you’re witnessing to resists. Sometimes, the person you're attempting to impact is hindered by the negative influence of others. The friend or brother in Christ you’re trying to impact for Christ doesn’t respond or responds negatively. The seed you’re sowing appears to sit in hard ground.

But God’s encouragement is clear: “Be not weary.” Don’t lose heart. Don’t slow down. Don’t quit.

Faithfulness is our responsibility — results belong to God.
Sowing is our duty — reaping is in His timing.

Paul reminds us there is a “due season.” That means God has appointed a time for fruit, even if you cannot see it yet, even when your efforts come across hurdles. Every word of truth, every act of kindness, every effort to point someone to Christ is seen and used by Him.

We may not see immediate change, but God is always at work beneath the surface.

Stay patient in witnessing.
Stay consistent in encouraging.
Stay faithful in investing in others.

Your labour is not wasted — it is planted.

Growth Point:
Continue reaching out to someone you’ve been burdened for — send a message, share a Scripture, or have a conversation — and trust God to work, even if you don’t see immediate results.

Press Toward the Mark

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14

Gentlemen, the Christian life is not passive — it's a pursuit. Paul said, “I press,” meaning he strained forward with purpose and determination.

There will be distractions. There will be discouragements. There may even be failures. But a godly man doesn't quit — he keeps pressing.

Press past your past — don’t live in yesterday’s failures.
Press through resistance — growth always meets opposition.
Press toward the mark — keep your eyes on Christ, not circumstances.

The goal is not comfort, but Christlikeness. The prize is not earthly applause, but heavenly approval.

Stay focused. Stay faithful. Keep moving forward.

Growth Point:
Identify the distractions or weights that slow your spiritual progress, and intentionally lay them aside so you can press forward with greater focus.

Walk Worthy

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” — Ephesians 4:1

Men, we have been called to something higher than this world offers. Our salvation is not just a destination — it's a calling that shapes how we live every day.

To “walk worthy” means your daily life matches your spiritual identity. It means your conduct reflects your calling. At home, at work, in private, and in public — your life tells the story of who you belong to.

This walk requires humility when pride would be easier.
It requires patience when frustration rises.
It requires integrity when compromise is convenient.

The world watches how a man lives. Your family follows your example. Your testimony either strengthens or weakens the cause of Christ.

Walk like a man who knows he is called.
Walk like a man who belongs to Christ.
Walk like a man whose life matters for eternity.

Growth Point:
Examine one area of your daily walk — your speech, attitude, or actions — and intentionally align it this week with your calling in Christ.

Open My Eyes

“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” — 2 Kings 6:17

Men, Elisha’s servant looked out and saw only danger — armies, pressure, and certain defeat. From a human standpoint, he wasn’t wrong… he just wasn’t seeing everything.

Elisha saw what the servant could not — that God was present, powerful, and already at work.

How often do we do the same?
We see the bills, but not God’s provision.
We see the conflict, but not God’s purpose.
We see the pressure, but not God’s power.

The problem is not always what we are facing — it's how we're seeing. We need eyes of faith.

God has not left you alone in your responsibilities. He is at work in ways you cannot always see. His power surrounds you. His presence goes before you. His purposes are higher than your perspective.

Don’t just look at your circumstances — look for God in the middle of them.

Growth Point:
When you face challenges, pause and pray, “Lord, open my eyes to see You in this.” Then intentionally look for His hand, His help, and His purpose in that situation.

Be Strong in the Lord

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” — Ephesians 6:10

Men, the strength we need for each week is not found in ourselves — it is found in the Lord. The demands you face as leaders, providers, husbands, and servants of Christ are too great for human strength alone.

God never called you to rely on your own ability. He calls you to draw from His power. His strength is available in your weakness. His might is sufficient for every battle you face.

When you feel weary, lean into Him.
When you feel pressured, trust in Him.
When you feel inadequate, depend on Him.

Real strength is not self-reliance — it's God-reliance. A strong man is a man who knows where his strength comes from and returns there daily.

Put on the whole armour of God. Stand against the enemy. Walk in victory — not because of who you are, but because of whose you are.

Growth Point:
Begin each day by consciously surrendering your strength to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to work through you in every responsibility you face.

Faithful in the Little Things

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10

Men, much of our Christian life is lived in the ordinary moments of the day. Faithfulness is not only seen in big decisions, but in the small choices we make continually.

Faithfulness shows when we open our Bible before the day begins.
Faithfulness shows when we speak truth and kindness at work.
Faithfulness shows when we lead our homes with patience and integrity.

God measures a man not merely by public success but by private consistency. The unseen disciplines of prayer, Scripture, and obedience build the foundation for a strong Christian life.

Remember, the Lord notices the quiet acts of faithfulness that others never see. And those small acts of obedience, repeated day after day, become a powerful testimony of a life that honors Him.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Growth Point:
Choose spiritual disciplines — such as beginning each day with Scripture or taking a moment to pray for your family — and practice them faithfully every day.

Strong and Very Courageous

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law… turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:7

Men, God’s charge to Joshua is God’s pattern for us. Strength and courage are not about personality — they are about obedience.

Notice the connection: “Be strong… that thou mayest observe to do.” Biblical strength is shown in consistent obedience when no one is watching. Courage is choosing right when it would be easier to compromise.

God also says, “Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left.” Stay steady. Don’t drift. Don’t overcorrect. Don’t excuse small compromises. A man who walks straight with God will lead others safely.

Your home needs your steady obedience.
Your church needs your faithful example.
Your workplace needs your clear testimony.

Strength is not loud — it's loyal. Courage is not reckless — it's righteous.

Growth Point:
Choose to be faithful in clear acts of obedience  — in Scripture reading, prayer leadership in your home, integrity at work, or witnessing — and carry them out with strength and courage.

Quit Ye Like Men

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13

This is a clear trumpet call from Scripture.
First, “Watch ye.” Stay spiritually alert. The enemy is subtle, and distractions are many. Guard your heart, your home, and your testimony.

Second, “Stand fast in the faith.” Do not bend with cultural pressure. Hold your ground doctrinally, morally, and practically. Truth is not determined by trends.

Third, “Quit you like men.” That phrase means to conduct yourselves courageously — to act with maturity, resolve, and spiritual bravery. Biblical manhood is not loud or boastful; it is steady, sacrificial, and strong in conviction.

Finally, “Be strong.” Not in self-confidence, but in the Lord. As Paul told Timothy, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). Our strength is borrowed strength.

Lead with vigilance.
Stand with conviction.
Serve with courage.

Growth Point:
Identify one area this week where you need to stand firmer — in speech, purity, leadership at home, or faithfulness in service — and purpose before God to strengthen that area intentionally.

Steadfast Men in a Shifting World

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58

Men, the world shifts daily. Pressures rise, responsibilities multiply, and opposition to truth increases. Yet God calls us to be stedfast — firmly planted in conviction. He calls us to be unmoveable — not easily shaken by culture, criticism, or circumstances. And He commands us to be always abounding — not barely participating, but overflowing in faithfulness.

Your labour — at work, in your home, in our church, in private obedience — is not wasted. The word “labour” speaks of toil that costs something. God sees it. God records it. God rewards it.

Growth Point:

Stand firm in your convictions.
Lead faithfully in your homes.
Serve diligently in your church.
And remember — nothing done for Christ is ever in vain.

Have a strong week in the Lord.

Positive Influence

"I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."

1 John 2:13-14

You do not have to invest hours of research to know that our society has major problems. The Christian principles that undergirded the foundation of our nation are being destroyed at a rapid place and replaced with a hostility that we have never seen in our country. As a result, some believers are discouraged. Their lives are characterized by a worry about the future and a fear of what may happen. That is not the way God intends for us to live. He wants us to not only be confident but to encourage others as well.

President Dwight Eisenhower, who commanded the Allied armies in Europe during World War II said, “Optimism and pessimism are infectious, and they spread more rapidly from the head downward than in any other direction. Optimism has a most extraordinary effect upon all with whom the commander comes in contact. With this clear realization, I firmly determined that my mannerisms and speech in public would always reflect the cheerful certainty of victory—that any pessimism and discouragement I might ever feel would be reserved for my pillow.”

Each of us influences others daily, and we should make sure that our influence is a positive one. God does not promise us calm and peaceful lives in the absence of persecution, but He does promise that we will be victorious. His power is the guarantee of our triumph over the world.

Growth Point: 

Live each day with confidence in the ultimate victory that God has promised in His Word.

 

 

How to Keep Walking the Right Way

 "Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

Amos 3:1-3

God had a special covenant relationship with the nation of Israel, but they repeatedly turned away from following Him despite His goodness to them. The people of the surrounding lands drew their hearts away. Their desire to be liked and accepted by their neighbors overwhelmed their desire to be true to God. So they began to worship other gods and abandoned their moral values. As a result, they no longer agreed with God and could not walk with Him.

It has been said, “Most men change their fellowship before they change their doctrine.” We need to be extremely careful of who we allow to influence our thinking and our actions. Today we often hear people call for unity, but without regard to truth. That is a recipe for disaster. Charles Spurgeon said, “Truth alone must determine our alignments. Truth comes before unity, because unity without truth is hazardous. Our Lord's prayer for His disciples in John 17 must be read in its full context. Look at verse 17: 'Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.' Only those sanctified through the Word can be one in Christ. To teach otherwise is to betray the gospel.”

Those with whom we walk will influence us to become increasingly like them over time. This is a natural process, and no one is exempt from it. Just as a sick person infects someone who is well rather than the other way around, our walk will be pulled away from God if we associate with those who are not committed to following Him.

Growth Point: 

Choose your influences wisely, for these choices greatly determine the direction of your future.

Walking in the Word

 

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13 One of the most important things Christians in our day need is an appreciation for the power and purpose of the Word of God. The Bible is not just a book. It is not a collection of ancient moral tales, nor is it the product of men acting on their own. The Bible is nothing less than the words that God has given to us to learn and follow. The way we look at the Bible determines to a large extent the course of our lives. Christians who are casual about the Word will not grow and develop in their faith. The Psalmist wrote, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). Charles Spurgeon wrote, “It is blessed to eat into the very soul of the Bible until, at last, you come to talk in Scriptural language, and your spirit is flavoured with the words of the Lord, so that your blood is the very essence of the Bible flows from you.” The only way to have the Word of God flow through us so that it guides and controls our steps is to first make sure that it is filling our hearts and minds. Filling the gas tank on your car is not a one-time event. It is something that must be repeated over and over again. In the same way we need regular “fill ups” with the Bible. Reading, studying, and memorizing Scripture is not just for the young—it must be a lifelong commitment if we are to walk in God’s way. Growth Point:  Every day of your life should be characterized by a careful attention to the precepts of the Word of God.

The Blessing of Right Delight

 

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3 Very few people will admit that they want to be miserable—people say that they want to be happy. Yet if you know very many people at all, you realize that a lot of people are not happy. Part of the reason for that is that so many people seek their delight in the wrong places. When we delight in things that are temporary, even good things, we at best have fleeting happiness. When we delight in things that are eternal, we can enjoy happiness regardless of our circumstances. We see a clear illustration of this during the ministry of Jesus. Luke 10 records that He sent seventy of His followers out two by two to preach and minister. Before He sent them out, He gave them power to perform miracles of healing and to deliver people from demons. When they returned, these disciples were thrilled and rejoicing at what they had experienced. But Jesus said, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). The principle for us is that we need to walk each day with our hearts fixed on that which is eternal. When our delight is in the Word of God, His gift of salvation and our future in Heaven we can keep a spirit of rejoicing no matter what happens because our delight is in the right things. Growth Point:  If you want to experience God’s blessings, learn to delight in the things He delights in.

How to Build Spiritual Habits that Last

Whether you’re just beginning on a goal you have set to develop a spiritual habit or need a fresh restart, here are four simple ways that will help you grow consistently and deeply in your walk with God.

1. Start Where You Are

Spiritual growth doesn’t begin with grand declarations; it begins with honest assessment and simple steps. If you’ve struggled to stay consistent in your Bible reading or prayer life, don’t be discouraged. Just start where you are.

You don’t need to commit to memorizing the book of Revelation or reading half the Bible in a week. If you’ve been inconsistent, try reading one chapter a day. If you’ve already established a rhythm, consider reading four chapters a day to complete the Bible in a year. The goal is not to impress God with spiritual ambition; it’s to walk with Him faithfully and consistently.

Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Growth begins with faithfulness in the small things. Start simply, and let steady, daily steps shape habits that last.

2. Schedule It

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. If it doesn’t get scheduled, it likely won’t get done.

We schedule what matters—vacations, hobbies, appointments, projects. Our walk with God deserves the same intentionality. 

Set a specific time to read your Bible. Choose a consistent time to pray. Plan to be in church. When spiritual priorities take a place on your calendar, they begin to take root in your life.

Ephesians 5:16 reminds us, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Time is limited and easily lost. That’s why we must use it purposefully—especially when it comes to the things that matter most.

For devotional and prayer habits, I suggest that you make it a point to meet with God before you meet with the world. For many people, mornings work best. The psalmist said, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord” (Psalm 5:3). If your clearest thinking and quietest moments happen in the morning, give that time to God. Schedule it—and guard it.

3. Use Helpful Tools

Whether it’s books, websites, or your own pen and paper, tools can help strengthen your daily walk with the Lord. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bible reading plan: Whether you use a printed schedule / mobile-friendly schedule. A plan provides structure and keeps you moving forward, even on the busy days.
• Journal: Writing down what God is teaching you can help solidify truth in your heart. Whether you record answered prayers, meaningful verses, or spiritual questions, a journal helps you slow down, reflect, and trace God’s hand at work in your life over time.
• Scripture memory cards: Choose verses that speak to your current needs—spiritual warfare, witnessing, encouragement—and write them out. Keep them on your desk, in your pocket, or by your bedside. Repetition builds retention, and memorized Scripture becomes a powerful weapon in spiritual battles.
• Devotional resources: A Christ-centered devotional can offer added encouragement and insight alongside your Bible reading.

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness.” In other words, intentional effort leads to spiritual abundance. Thoughtful planning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay consistent in your walk with God.

4. Stay Accountable

We all need encouragement—and one of the best ways to stay spiritually strong is to stay connected. God never intended for us to grow in isolation.

Share your spiritual goals with a Christian friend, your Sunday School teacher, or your spouse. Ask them to check in with you and pray for you along the way. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

Accountability isn’t about pressure; it’s about support. It’s about walking together in grace and truth, helping one another stay faithful and focused. When someone else knows your intentions, they can encourage you, celebrate progress with you, and gently remind you when you lose momentum.

Spiritual growth doesn’t require a perfect plan or flawless execution. It simply requires a willing heart and daily faithfulness. Start small, stay consistent, use the tools God has given you, and walk with others who will encourage you along the way. You’ll be amazed at how God works in your life when you commit to growing with Him, one step at a time.

Growth Point Principle

 Faithfulness will often require perseverance, but it is through our steadfastness that we honor God and demonstrate our love for Him.

Walking with a Renewed Mind

"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Ephesians 4:21-24

One of the earliest known teachers of painting in Italy was Cennino d'Andrea Cennini. Sometime in the late 1300s or early 1400s he wrote a book called Il libro dell'arte: The Craftsman's Handbook. It was an early “how to” book that covered everything from brushes and paints to detailed instruction on different painting techniques. Cennini recommended a course of study that lasted thirteen years, beginning with long sessions of copying the works of master artists, to prepare the painter. He believed that by learning what greatly skilled artists had done, a young painter would develop proper habits and techniques.

There is a reason that Paul instructs us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). When we view things as Christ does and think as He thinks, we will act as He acted. Proper behavior on the outside begins with proper thinking on the inside. Because of the fallen nature of man, our normal thought process is corrupted and cannot be trusted.

Instead, we must learn through the pages of Scripture and the illumination of the Holy Spirit to think with the mind of Christ. The disciples learned this lesson during their time with Jesus, and after He returned to Heaven, their conduct demonstrated their commitment to His way of thinking: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Growth Point: 

Christ-like conduct in daily life begins when our minds are renewed to Christ-like thinking.

Our Walk and the Word

 

"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." - Deuteronomy 8:3 When Satan tempted Jesus after He had been fasting and praying for forty days in the wilderness, he used the same techniques he has been using on men and women with great success for centuries. Yet against Jesus, they did not work at all. While Jesus was fully God, He was fully man as well, and He felt the full weight of the temptations. In His response, Jesus gave us a pattern we can follow: He used the Word of God in answer to every offer from the devil. It is impossible to live a victorious and productive Christian life apart from regular, consistent, habitual reading and meditating on the Scriptures. Just as food is the source of our physical strength, God’s Word is the source of our spiritual strength. It is instructive that the story of the manna God provided for the children of Israel is used to highlight the importance of the Bible. The food that God sent from Heaven in response to the Israelites’ need was unlike anything they had seen before. It was only available early in the morning. If the people waited too long to gather it, it would melt away in the sun. And it could not be stored up against the future. Except on the day before the Sabbath, the manna had to be gathered each day. If it was kept overnight, worms turned manna into an inedible mess. The principle is the same—we need to gather strength from the Word daily to walk in victory. Growth Point:  Keep the Word of God central to your thoughts and decisions on a daily basis, and you will see victory over temptation.