Category: grow

Less and more

Ruth Kirk

Image: falco, Pixabay


Put on your new nature, and be renewed
as you learn to know your Creator and become like him
(Colossians 3:10; NLT).

1. Lord,
May I grow more like you,
By talking less,
And listening more.

2. Lord,
May I grow more like you,
By wanting less,
And serving more.

3. Lord,
May I grow more like you,
By taking less,
And giving more.

4. Lord,
May I grow more like you,
By judging less,
And loving more.

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes
(Ephesians 4:23; NLT).

 

References

1. Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NIV).

You must all be quick to listen [and] slow to speak (James 1:19; NLT).

2. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear (Luke 12:22; NIV).

Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others (Mark 10:45; NLT).

3. Turn from your selfish ways (Luke 9:23; NLT).

It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35; NLT).

4. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Luke 6:37; NLT).

No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13; CSB).

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NLT).

Do everything with love (1 Corinthians 16:14; NLT).

He teaches me

Ruth Kirk

Image: Erik Mclean, Pexels

1. The Father lives within me.
He sustains my flesh and blood
While teaching me to practice
So I grow, like Christ, in love.

2. Christ Jesus dwells within me.
He helps me make each choice
By teaching me to listen
To the Spirit’s still, small voice.

3. The Spirit rests within me.
He comforts me each day
While teaching me to follow
God’s demanding, lonely way.

 

References

1. You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10; NIV).

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow (Isaiah 48:17; NLT).

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying (Psalm 85:8; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NLT).

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

2. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21; NIV).

You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am (John 13:13; NLT).

Listen to his voice (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

After the fire [came] a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12; KJV).

3. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, [Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor] who will never leave you (John 14:16; NLT).

The Spirit teaches you everything you need to know (1 John 2:27; NLT).

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34; NIV).

The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult (Matthew 7:14; NLT).

Critical mass

Ruth Kirk

Image: Francesco Alberti, Unsplash

Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other
(Isaiah 45:22; NIV).

1. Lord Jesus,
May so many give up sinning
That all the world
Will glimpse your shining presence.

2. Lord Jesus,
May so many seek forgiveness
That all the world
Will learn to live in peace.

3. Lord Jesus,
May so many find salvation
That all the world
Will listen to your teaching.

4. Lord Jesus,
May so many grow to love you
That all the world
Will come to share your feast.

 

References

1. Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all (1 Corinthians 15:34; NLT).

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

I am the light of the world (John 8:12; NLT).

2. Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you (Acts 13:38; NIV).

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14; NLT).

In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all (Isaiah 11:6; NLT).

They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9; NIV).

He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4; KJV).

3. Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other (Isaiah 45:22; NLT).

All the people will see the salvation sent from God (Luke 3:6; NLT).

The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people (Titus 2:11; NLT).

This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him (Mark 9:7; NLT).

4. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:9; NIV).

People will come from all over the world – from east and west, north and south – to take their places in the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:29; NLT).

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world (Isaiah 25:6; NLT).

Like you

Ruth Kirk
Image: geralt, Pixabay

Put on your new nature, and be renewed
as you learn to know your Creator and become like him
(Colossians 3:10; NLT).

1. Lord,
You put us here, on earth,
So we may grow like you,

2. By learning to correct our thoughts,
And all we say,
And do.

3. Please help us,
As we journey back to heaven
At your side,

4. To grow in love,
Whilst giving up hate, selfishness,
And pride.

References

1. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him (Colossians 3:10; NLT).

2. We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV).

I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue” (Psalm 39:1; NLT).

Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians
4:15; NLT).

Do everything with love (1 Corinthians 16:14; NLT).

3. The dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NLT).

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you (Isaiah 43:2; NLT).

The Lord is a shelter right by your side (Psalm 121:5; CSB).

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

4. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9; NLT).

You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! (Matthew 5:43-4; NLT).

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Surrender your pride (Jeremiah 4:4; NLT).

Everything is holy

Ruth Kirk
Image: TiBine, Pixabay

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory 

(Isaiah 6:3; NKJV).

1. All we see is holy,
For God fashions everything;
And all we touch is holy,
For it all belongs to him.

2. All we grow is holy,
For he’s over all he makes;
And all we eat is holy,
For he’s in all he creates.

3. All we use is holy,
For God lives through all there is;
And those we meet are holy,
For all of us are his.

4. All we are is holy,
For he shapes us with his love;
And all we bear is holy,
For the Lord makes all things good.

5. So let us thank the Father:
Give him glory – he is King;
For heaven and earth are holy,
And all things come from him.

References

1. My hands have made both heaven and earth; they, and everything in them are mine. I the Lord, have spoken! (Isaiah 66:2; NLT).

2. There is […] one God and Father, who is over all, and in all…

He declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes (Mark 7:19; NLT).

3. …and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6; NLT).

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

4. You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy (Leviticus 20:26; NIV).

He fashions their hearts individually (Psalm 33:15; NKJV).

I send good times and bad times (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).

Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10; NIV).

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28; NIV).

5. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NLT).

Glorify the Lord (Psalm 147:12; NLT).

The Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! (Jeremiah 10:10; NLT).

A person can receive only what is given them from heaven (John 3:27; NIV).

Thank you

Ruth Kirk

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised
(Job 1:21; NIV).

1. Thank you, Lord,
For everything you give me.

2. May I grow
Through everything you send,

3. Learning from your gifts,
Both “good” and “bad”, Lord,

4. And always grateful,
Till I reach life’s end.

References

1. No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven (John 3:27; NLT).

2. When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:3; NLT).

3. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).

4. Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:29; RSV).

Be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NLT).

Enlightenment

Ruth Kirk


The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world
(John 1:9; HNV).

1. Each human life brings trials
And suffering.
God gives, and takes away;
He wounds, and heals.

2. He helps us learn
From all we undergo,
Until, at last,
Enlightenment reveals

3. His purpose: change and growth
For every soul;
For as we learn to love,
We are made whole.

References

1. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).

The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord (Job 1:21; NLT).

I am the one who wounds and heals (Deuteronomy 32:39; NLT).

2. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28; NIV).

Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding (Hebrews 6:1; NLT).

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness (Psalm 18:28; NKJV).

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts (Psalm 90:12; CSB).

The inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding (Job 32:8; WEB).

3. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him (Acts 17:27; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9; NLT).

I am the Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26; NLT).

He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3; NKJV).

May I walk with you

Ruth Kirk


1. Father,
May I walk with you,
And talk with you
Today.

2. Mary,
May I pray with you,
And stay with you
Today.

3. Jesus,
May I go with you,
And grow with you
Today.

4. Spirit,
May I blaze with you,
And praise with you
Today.

References

1. The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8; NLT).

God talks with man (Deuteronomy 5:24; DBY).

2. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus (Acts 1:14; NLT).

3. Then [Jesus] said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

4. What looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3-4; NLT).

We […] who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:3; NKJV).

Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Luke 10:21; NIV).

Service

Ruth Kirk

1. Help me to serve you,
Lord, my God,
In every way I can,
However small;

2. And may I grow
More like you, Lord –
The Saviour of the world,
Who loves us all.

References

1. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul (Joshua 22:5; NLT).

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35; NIV).

2. The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).

The Father sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14; NLT).

He loves with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

Dead leaves

Ruth Kirk
Image: Ruth Kirk

Lord,

1. Sheltered by last year’s dead leaves,
Can I spring up anew?

2. Shielded by last year’s sparse crop,
Can I bear fruit, like you?

3. Nourished by last year’s parched growth,
Can I accept your will?

4. Strengthened by last year’s dry stems,
Can I, Lord, serve you, still?

References

1. Some [seed] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root (Matthew 13:5-6; NIV).

2. It has been planted, but will it thrive? Will it not wither completely when the east wind strikes it? (Ezekiel 17:10; NIV).

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).

3. He nourished them with honey from the rock and olive oil from the stony ground (Deuteronomy 32:13; NLT).

May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).

4. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21; NIV).

Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only (Luke 4:8; NIV).