"Growth Rests On Wonderful Truth's Help! (G.R.O.W.T.H)/"What determines your G.R.O.W.T.H in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy

Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 08:45 a.m. (EST) & Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 07:15 p.m. (IST), MAY 2020 Edition

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�Growth Rests On Wonderful Truth's Help! (G.R.O.W.T.H)�

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
^�At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.� (Mark 1:12-13, NIV)

Observations:
I asked myself in whose COMPANY was Jesus according to v.12?

The Spirit

Satan

Wild Animals

Angels

Observations/Interpretations:
I asked myself what role each played and the significance?

Point 1: The Spirit

I found it very interesting that right after the voice told Jesus, �You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased�, 'At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert.'

This is very significant for me because what came to my mind is before the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert; He was built up with love and support, after being acknowledged as His Son, by the Voice. Right after being baptized, Jesus could have been sent to the desert but He was not. Instead, He was built up first with love and support.

(To be continued...)

Implications:
I asked myself what is the implication for my life?
What I have learned is that Father God will never send us into a situation without equipping, enabling, and empowering us. This is what Father God did for Jesus when Jesus was built up with love and support before being led into the desert by the Spirit. Only after that did the temptation begin for Jesus.

I remember when I first became a follower of Jesus Christ, I was built up so much in love, encouragement, and support. I felt so much loved by Jesus. Jesus was helping me to grow in Him. After awhile, the testing began but by then I already felt so loved by Jesus and felt His continued presence in my life. Even if we do not feel His presence He still is there, for when He comes in, He will never leave us or forsake us.

It is in adversity that our true colors and character shines forth. I was built up enough that the Lord allowed temptation to occur in my life. I am so thankful for how the Spirit has worked in my life and will continue to work in my life.

I wish my spiritual growth was on the same level as Pastor Paul Bucknell. Both of us gave our lives to the Lord Jesus when we were 12. Both of us started publishing online in the year 2000+. Both of us had to deal with a difficult childhood, both of us taught Sunday School, etc. Yet my growth is no where close to where Pastor Bucknell's is whether it is in ministry, publishing, etc. I see myself regressing many times while I see Pastor Bucknell, progressing.

Many times I ask myself why?

The answer comes back to discipline and procrastination which I shared with Pastor Bucknell. I struggle with being disciplined. Growth of discipline is so important. I need to keep depending on the Lord to help me and guide me. Help me Lord Jesus, for you will. I have to have discipline the Lord's way! I am thankful in the different ways Pastor Bucknell tries to help our family through his Biblical Foundations of Freedom website, etc.

I ask you now dear friend, what determines your G.R.O.W.T.H in the Lord?
Dear friend, your growth in the Lord is determined by where the Spirit leads you and how you react to that leading. But remember that the Spirit will never lead you anywhere that is contrary to His Word. So when you say 'I feel the Spirit's leading in doing this or that' you better test it with God's Word to make sure it is not your own desires or temptations that are creeping up but it is the Spirit of the Lord leading you. When the Spirit leads you, if you react positively and have a 'The Lord will not give me more than I can handle' attitude and seek the Lord through the leading, then you will know that you are growing in the Lord. But, if the Spirit leads you and you react negatively to the Spirit's leading by fighting for your own way then that will determine your growth too. But, this time there will be a negative effect on your growth.

Friend, I used to think a lot that 'if this person were not acting this way, then of course my attitude will be good', 'if this were not happening in my life, then of course I can be joyful', 'if I had all the things they had, then of course I won't have to complain', etc. You see the point. When we focus on ourselves, the result will be deadness and selfishness for a selfish heart cannot produce selflessness.

My mom used to say to me, 'Ramesh, there is still a lot of self in you. You need to let go off that self and replace it with the Lord Himself.

That self will hinder our growth in the Lord when we react negatively to our situations no matter what they are.

When the Spirit leads us as He led Jesus, there will always be preparation and we need to remember that preparation for that preparation will help us pass the test we are put in. God will never test us without equipping, enabling, and empowering us. You have to prepare for tests to pass them; the more you prepare you will even be able to ace them with the Lord on your side. It is the same when it comes to our growth in the Lord. Thank you Jesus. But this is only one dimension on how our growth in the Lord is determined.

Today, I learned in my Quiet Times, "Since the Lord is directing my steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way!" (Proverbs 20:24, TLB)

How amazing is that to know that the Lord is directing our steps and we need not always try to understand everything that happens along the way.

Growth in the Lord Jesus can never happen without putting into practice what you learn by spending daily time in prayer with the Lord, spending time in His Word revealed in the Bible during your personal Quiet Times, spending time in small group Bible study, being part of a local church for community, supplementing all that with evangelical books on different topics where the emphasis is on the principles of God's Word where the author believes the Bible is the Word of God and not just 'Bible becomes the Word of God' or 'Bible contains the Word of God'.

Pastor Hugo used to tell me how many times he would meet with Pastor Bucknell to remind me that even pastors need mentors. Mentorship of pastors can really help in our spiritual growth. I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for the time Pastor Hugo, Pastor Bucknell, Pastor Josh, Pastor Mike, Pastor Lake, and Edwin have taken to spend time with me week after week at different times in my life. Thank you Jesus. The mentorship and training during these times do help with my growth in the Lord only if it supplements my own time with the Lord in prayer and God's Word. We can never substitute anyone for individual personal relationship with the Lord.

When you have Deeper Faith, Stronger Community, and Greater Impact which is the vision of Oakland International Fellowship, it is a fruit of your growth in the Lord. To be able to have that, you need to be able to find the right church that will help you in your growth. When we have growth in the Lord, it is because of our time with Him and in community. Growth in the Lord is also revealed through the ministries we listen to and watch that are biblical. Each night it helps to take a barometer reading of your spiritual growth compared to the previous day!

May you find your growth in the Lord growing each day! Amen!

"Growth Rests On Wonderful Truth's Help! (G.R.O.W.T.H)/"What determines your G.R.O.W.T.H in the Lord?"

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you so much I learned how you were led by the Spirit into the desert after you were built up in love and support by Father God. That really excites me Lord because it tells me that the Spirit will not lead us anywhere without us first being prepared for it. You provide us the preparation for our growth no matter what situation you lead us into. Thank you for being there for us. We need your help to grow remembering 'All things work together for good to them that love you God and are fitting into your plans!'. Also, thank you so much that our growth in you is determined by the situations we are in and how we face and cope with them. Help Oh Lord. Let us spend time in your Word for our growth through prayer, community, reading Christian books, listening to ministry programs, etc. Take our fears and guide us by your love for You are our Wonderful Truth. You know where you want to lead us and we need your help. Thank you Lord that your Word says, "You will not give us more than we can handle!" Thank you Jesus. I pray that you help us grow in you Oh Lord. We need your help. Thank you so much Jesus. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called �All in All�)

May the Lord Jesus guide you in His love leading you! Amen!

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don�t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help by His grace alone!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

Mark 1:9-11: "Who will you P.R.A.I.S.E publicly in life? By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 19, 20, 8:49 a.m)

Mark 1:9: "What will you take a S.T.A.N.D for in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 16, 20, 9:44 a.m)

Mark 1:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 15, 20, 9:11 a.m)

Mark 1:1-4: "Why bother with P.R.O.P.H.E.C.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 14, 20, 9:02 a.m)

Mark 1:1: "Why bother with the L.I.F.E of Jesus Christ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 12, 20, 7:22 a.m)

Philippians 4:20-23: "How do you see F.A.T.H.E.R in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 08, 20, 4:49 p.m)

Philippians 4:19:"What are your N.E.E.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 07, 20, 5:23 p.m)

Philippians 4:15-18: "Who will you F.I.N.A.N.C.E in ministry?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 05, 20, 5:07 p.m)

Philippians 4:14: "How do you S.H.A.R.E in other's troubles?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 04, 20, 7:07 p.m)

Philippians 4:12-13: "Where do you need S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 01, 20, 6:56 p.m)

Philippians 4:11: "How can you have C.O.N.T.E.N.T.M.E.N.T in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 30, 20, 5:35 p.m)

Philippians 4:10: "Why show C.O.N.C.E.R.N for others in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 28, 20, 5:05 p.m)

Philippians 4:9: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 25, 20, 7:46 p.m)

Philippians 4:9a: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 23, 20, 5:49 p.m)

Philippians 4:8: "What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based upon?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 22, 20, 1:27 p.m)

Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 21, 20, 10:07 a.m)

Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 20, 20, 06:38 a.m)

Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 17, 20, 07:07 p.m)

Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus Christ in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 16, 20, 05:24 p.m)

Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 14, 20, 11:47 a.m)

Philippians 4:1: "Where do yo S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 13, 20, 11:03 a.m)

Colossians 1:13-14, 18: "What can the B.L.O.O.D of Christ shed on the cross do for you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 10, 20, 11:55 a.m)

Exodus 12:5,7,11,13-14: "How do you know judgment will P.A.S.S.O.V.E.R you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 09, 20, 05:23 p.m)

John 12:13: "Why should a P.A.L.M branch matter to you in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 07, 20, 11:22 a.m)

John 12:3: "Why reflect on what happened to Jesus' dirty/stinky F.E.E.T one day?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 06, 20, 11:32 a.m)

Philippians 3:20-21: "What C.I.T.I.Z.E.N.S.H.I.P should you desire the most?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 04, 20, 11:32 a.m)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed T.E.A.R.S for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 01, 20, 6:45 a.m)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who or what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 30, 20, 9:28 a.m)

Philippians 3:12-14: "How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 27, 20, 11:03 a.m)

Philippians 3:5-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N you need the transaction of the C.R.O.S.S?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 25, 20, 3:14 a.m)

Philippians 3:2-4: "How is your T.H.E.O.L.O.G.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 24, 20, 9:36 a.m)

Philippians 3:1: "Why R.E.J.O.I.C.E in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 23, 20, 11:10 a.m)

Philippians 2:25-30: "When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 20, 20, 07:43 a.m)

Philippians 2:19-24: "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 18, 20, 07:49 a.m)

Philippians 2:17-18: "When do you live out your F.A.I.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 16, 20, 10:33 a.m)

Philippians 2:14-16: "What does your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R do for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 13, 20, 08:19 a.m)

Philippians 2:13: "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 12, 20, 10:49 a.m)

Philippians 2:12-13: "What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 10, 20, 11:02 a.m)

Philippians 2:12-13: "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (March 09, 20, 11:24 a.m)

Philippians 2:9-11: "How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 29, 20, 06:46 a.m)

Philippians 2:8: "What can the C.R.O.S.S do for you in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 17, 20, 10:51 a.m)

Philippians 2:5-7: "How do you match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 12, 20, 10:59 a.m)

Philippians 2:3-4: "How do you respond to C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 11, 20, 10:23 a.m)

Philippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 10, 20, 11:08 a.m)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 07, 20, 10:51 a.m)

Philippians 1:27-28: "How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 04, 20, 08:38 a.m)

Philippians 1:22-26: "What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 03, 20, 10:10 p.m)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 31, 20, 12:11 p.m)

Philippians 1:21: Why L.I.V.E your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 27, 20, 10:08 a.m)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 22, 20, 10:20 a.m)

Philippians 1:19: "Who do you C.A.L.L often in life to intercede for others?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 21, 20, 10:36 a.m)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 20, 20, 07:11 a.m)

Philippians 1:16-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 18, 20, 08:01 a.m)

Philippians 1:12-15: "What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 16, 20, 11:50 p.m)

Philippians 1:12: "How can you feel S.P.E.C.I.A.L when things are going so wrong in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 15, 20, 2:14 p.m)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 14, 20, 6:51 a.m)

Philippians 1:7-8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 13, 20, 11:00 a.m)

Philippians 1:7-8: "Why can you only be saved by G.R.A.C.E alone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 13, 20, 10:51 a.m)

Philippians 1:3-6: "Why be C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 08, 20, 09:44 a.m)

Philippians 1:3-5: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 08, 20, 09:44 a.m)

Philippians 1:3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 07, 20, 10:07 a.m)

Philippians 1:2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 06, 20, 11:10 a.m)

Philippians 1:1: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 04, 20, 11:55 a.m)

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of a sinner?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 03, 20, 9:53 a.m)

Philippians 1:1: "Who will you be a S.E.R.V.AN.T to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02, 20, 6:55 pm)

"What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2020?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 01, 20, 1:13 pm)

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