Weekly Devotional: Growing in God's Word

Nurturing spiritual growth is important in building a stronger relationship with God. By digging our roots into God’s word, we can bear the fruits of the spirit and grow closer to God.

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Read time 4 minutes

Ana Wright

Published On Feb 2, 2024

We can nurture spiritual growth through the study and application of scripture. We have the opportunity to grow in our faith and to know God on a more personal level. By growing in God’s Word, we can fuel our ability to sow seeds of positive change. Through reflection and dedication, we can make a change and transform our hearts.

In This Article:

Planted With a Purpose
Rooted in Wisdom
Fruits of the Spirit

Planted With a Purpose

“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’” — Matthew 13:31-32, NIV

Our lives are like seeds. It can feel small in a world full of millions of others, but each life and seed carries the potential for such a significant impact. We have the opportunity to grow from something seemingly so small into something much bigger and meaningful.

We can reflect on the story of David and Goliath. David had all his faith in God as he faced Goliath, a nine-foot giant decked in armor. David was smaller compared to his peers but was the only one who conquered the giant, which was instrumental in bringing about change.

It doesn’t matter how small an action may be, it is still significant and important. By delving into God’s Word, we can watch our lives transform and see our actions make a positive change in the world as well as in our community. We are each a seed planted with a purpose.

Rooted in Wisdom

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” — Psalm 1:1-3, NIV

How can we spread our roots and grow as someone with faith? God’s Word is powerful and essential. What it means to meditate on his word is to read, review, understand and ponder on what the Bible is saying. God’s Word shares his wisdom and is meant for us to learn from. By regularly diving into his word, we have the opportunity to build on our relationship with God, all while gaining his wisdom and rooting our faith in him.

Here’s a list of ways for us to spread our roots in Christ:

Bible Studies: Whether with a group of people, by yourself, or in the Life Groups on campus, Bible studies are fun and informational.
Chapel: Chapel takes place on campus every Monday, so come check it out next time!
Praise and Worship: Listening to worship music can do so much in giving us strength, hope and reassurance.

The more that we know about the Bible, the more we can navigate through life and the daily decisions we need to make. As Christians, we can root and soak up God’s wisdom and produce actions that honor him.

Fruits of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

We can spread our roots in God’s wisdom and be enriched by the fruits of the spirit. The fruit of the spirit are not only virtues to follow and practice, but they are also living expressions for us to resemble and reflect. Believers can delve into and share these transformative and blessed fruits in their own lives and communities.

These fruits can help guide us in life in building relationships with others and in constructing a community around us. We can grow in God’s Word and build upon our relationship with him. He is here for us and wants to see us grow in our faith.

“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.” — John 15:4, NIV

Grand Canyon University is dedicated to helping all the members of the GCU community to take root and grow in God’s Word. To learn more, take a look at our Christian identity and mission. To explore more about spiritual life here at GCU, browse through our other weekly devotionals or complete the form at the top of this page.

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Ana Wright

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Approved by the local outreach coordinator of the Department of Spiritual Life on Jan. 15, 2024

Weekly Devotional: Growing in God's Word

Planted With a Purpose

Rooted in Wisdom

Fruits of the Spirit

Share This Story

Weekly Devotional: Stop Drinking the Dead Water

Weekly Devotional: Living Boldly Without Being Loud

Weekly Devotional: What Does It Mean To Be a Disciple In College?

Planted With a Purpose

Rooted in Wisdom

Fruits of the Spirit