From Hopscotch to Holiness

Growing The ChurchHUNGERING AND THIRSTING FOR MORE OF GOD95Growing disciples in Christ know that the process of growth continuesthroughout our lifetime. Consider Matthew 5:6. “Blessed are those whohunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” We can alwaysbe hungry and thirsty for more of God. It pleases the Lord when we seekmore of him. He will always fill our hearts with more of himself if we arealso willing to allow God to empty our hearts of anything that stands inthe way and cry out to him in holy desperation. Healthy churches providevaried opportunities for spiritual growth that speak to this need. However,it is God alone who stirs the hearts of individuals to desire more of him.Spiritual leaders, no matter how gifted, cannot overcome complacency.That’s the specialty of the Holy Spirit. He loves to set our hearts on firefor him. Pause a moment and pray. Loving Father, I’m desperate for moreof your love, more of your power, more of your peace. Fill me, Holy Spirit!Together, fill my church with your presence and your power. Set us on firefor you. AmenSPIRIT OF REPENTANCEPastors and spiritual leaders are responsible to pray for renewal andgrowth in the church. They set the example for the body of Christ. Godloves to answer those prayers because growth and renewal have alwaysbeen in God’s heart for people. Consider Mark 16:15. “He said to them,‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”All of the world needs to hear the gospel. That will definitely requiregrowth! What about renewal? God desires both personal renewal andcorporate renewal of the church. Psalm 51:10 speaks of personal renewal.“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit withinme.” The renewed church will be doing the things Jesus did. ConsiderMatthew 4: 23-25. “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their