Plan Info

When Your World EndsSample

DAY 4 OF 7

Growth Begins in Jesus

“Abiding in” Christ is often described as “growing closer” to Christ. As I meditate on the vine metaphor, I can’t help but wonder if, like vines and branches, we have it a little twisted. Branches don’t need to grow closer to the vine; branches need to be in the vine to grow.

We can’t grow closer to anything, not even Jesus, without Jesus. He chose us before we chose him (John 15:16), so it all starts with him, in him. Our growth begins with Jesus, the Alpha, the beginning of everything (Revelation 1:8 NKJV). Our ability to grow begins with Jesus. We can’t be rooted somewhere else and grow—even closer to Jesus. Our growth begins in Jesus.

If you don’t feel creative, it’s okay. Many of us don’t, but like any gift, skill, or ability, our creativity can grow. Just like a baby grows from the union of an ovum with a sperm, so can our creativity when joined to Jesus. Our creativity grows out of our relationship with Jesus. Whether your creativity is a budding branch or a developing branch, it still has room to grow. How will your creativity grow today?

Prayer:

God our Creator, thank you for being the vinedresser and our vine, Jesus. As we reimagine our lives today, may we abide in Jesus and his creative power. May our creativity grow from our connection with you. God, we know your power works best in our weakness. Please use our creative weaknesses to display your creative power. In the name of Jesus, amen.

For Further Reflection:

How would you describe your creativity—budding or developing? What step can you take today to grow in your creativity? What helps you abide in Jesus?

Activity:

Imagine things you can do to grow creatively, then take a step today to grow in your creativity. Maybe take a class to learn a new skill or practice a skill you recently learned. For example, say you’ve got an eye for design but never developed it. Take a design class. Or, if you have some skills, practice those skills to hone your craft.

Thought for the Day:

Growing our creativity begins in Jesus.

Scripture

John 15:4

Day 3Day 5

About this Plan

Reimagining your life requires creativity. After all, you need your imagination to produce ideas that lead to something new. If you can’t see life differently, you’re stuck. That’s a stumbling block. So, I created this devotional to help you revitalize your creativity by tapping into five of God’s characteristics—eternal, majestic, creative, omnipotent, and omniscient. See how God operates. Then, begin dreaming again.

We would like to thank InterVarsity Press for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.ivpress.com/when-your-world-ends?utm_source=youversion&utm_medium=reading-plan&utm_campaign=youversion

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