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This keeps me growing - Kristie
Sermon Summary
Kristie teaches that what keeps us growing spiritually is first thinking about our thinking, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our minds to be more like Christ’s. And second, focusing our attention and life on Jesus as our true priority, so that everything else follows in His way.
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Drawing on Ephesians 4 and John 15, Kristie urges sustained spiritual growth through a disciplined reorientation of the mind toward Christ. Growth begins with metacognition: noticing how thoughts form and then intentionally inviting the mind of Christ to reshape desires, priorities, and habits. Using the Mary-and-Martha episode, she contrasts "Kristie" thinking—efficiency, self-provision, preoccupation with tasks—with "Christ" thinking that chooses presence with Jesus and concern for others as the organising centre of daily life. Practical discipleship is proposed, not as quick fixes but as steady practices: greeting God at daybreak, soaking in Scripture to see Christ’s contours, and cultivating a brief pause to invite the Spirit into choices and conversations.
Concrete metaphors—riding a motorbike, choosing a parking spot, steering toward a destination—illustrate the biblical claim that vision shapes motion: eyes set on Jesus will cause the soul to follow. The call is not for moral perfection but for proximity; holiness is framed as nearness to God, which gradually makes right action less strenuous and more natural. Abiding in the vine remains the anchor: where branches remain joined to Christ, fruitfulness, protection, and joy follow. Kristie closes with an appeal to adopt small, repeatable habits that rewire attention, so the life that appears outwardly as service and work is inwardly rooted in relationship and love.
Key Takeaways
1. Think about your thinking:
Careful observation of one’s own thought patterns creates space for the Spirit to intervene. This is not mere self-analysis but a spiritual practice: recognising habitual impulses, tracing their origins, and inviting Christ to reframe long-standing narratives. When thought becomes an object of prayerful attention, decisions shift from reactive impulses to choices aligned with gospel priorities.
2. Turn your head toward Jesus:
Attention directs trajectory; what the eyes fixate on is where the soul will steer. Choosing to look at Jesus in the small moments — not just during formal devotion — reorders competing desires and reshapes practical priorities. This turn is often subtle and ordinary, but repeated acts of orientation compound into a life increasingly formed by Christlike concerns.
3. Practice the pause regularly:
A brief pause before speaking or deciding invites the Holy Spirit into otherwise habitual responses. That microsecond of surrender can interrupt reactive patterns and allow a different, wiser trajectory to be chosen. Over time, the pause becomes a spiritual reflex that protects relationships and advances kingdom-minded choices.
4. Abide in Christ’s love:
Closeness to Christ is the means and measure of holiness; intimacy precedes transformation. Remaining in the vine produces fruit, resilience in trial, and a joy that is not merely circumstantial. Rather than striving for a checklist of behaviours, the priority is sustained communion that naturally yields righteousness and compassion.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Transforming Our Thinking Through Reflection
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:22-23 (NLT)
'throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/EPH.4.22-23Devotional:
The journey of spiritual growth involves a deep dive into our own thought processes. It's about more than just having good intentions; it's about actively examining how and what we think. This self-awareness allows us to identify patterns that may be hindering our progress and to consciously choose thoughts that align with a Christ-like perspective. By reflecting on our thinking, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing our minds to be renewed and reshaped. This intentional practice is a vital step in becoming more like Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection:
When you notice yourself reacting to a situation, what is one specific thought that arises, and how might that thought be different if you were viewing it through the lens of Christ's perspective?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to think as You think, especially about myself and those around me. May I know Your truth and be guided by Your ways, not my own. I give my thoughts to You and ask that You would renew them. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Day 2: Focusing Our Vision on Jesus
Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PRO.3.5-6Just as a motorcyclist must look where they want to go to steer effectively, our spiritual journey requires us to fix our gaze on Jesus. When our attention is directed towards Him, our actions and decisions naturally begin to follow. This isn't a guarantee of a perfect life, but it is a path to a blessed one. By choosing to focus on Jesus, we are actively turning away from distractions and aligning ourselves with His will, allowing His wisdom and peace to guide our way.
Reflection:
In the midst of a busy or challenging week, what is one specific "pole" or distraction that tends to capture your attention, and how could you intentionally shift your focus back to Jesus in that moment?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, please guide my thoughts and heart to focus on Jesus. To seek to be more like Him and to pray when things get tough instead of focusing on my circumstances. I entrust my challenges to You and instead worship and praise You. Amen.
Day 3: Embracing the "Good Morning, God" Discipline
Scripture:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.6-7Devotional:
Starting the day by acknowledging God sets the tone for everything that follows. This simple act of saying "Good morning, God" is a powerful declaration of our number one priority. It's a conscious choice to orient our hearts and minds towards Him before the demands and distractions of the day take hold. This practice helps to prevent other concerns from immediately dominating our thoughts, ensuring that our focus remains on Him, even in the earliest moments of waking.
Reflection:
What is one specific thought or concern that often occupies your mind first thing in the morning, and how might you intentionally greet God with it before engaging with that thought?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I lift my daily routine to You and ask that You would help me to put You first, even down to my first thoughts each day. I thank You for all You're doing for me and in me to grow me to trust You more and to be more like You. Amen.
Day 4: The Transformative Power of the Pause
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT)
'For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?”. But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/1CO.2.16Devotional:
In the midst of conversations or decisions, the spiritual discipline of the pause offers a crucial moment for reflection. It's a brief but significant space where we can invite the Holy Spirit into our thinking. Instead of reacting automatically, we can choose to pause, consider, and then steer our thoughts and responses in a direction that aligns with Christ. This intentional pause cultivates a habit of seeking divine guidance, transforming our immediate reactions into Christ-like responses.
Reflection:
When you find yourself in a conversation where you feel a strong urge to respond quickly, what would it look like to intentionally take a one-second pause to invite the Holy Spirit into your thinking?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, prompt my mind and heart when I'm talking with others - may my words be Your words so as to breathe life into each situation. I pray for Your guidance in all circumstances, may You always on my mind and transforming my mind. Amen.
Day 5: Abiding in Christ for Fruitful Living
Scripture:
John 15:4-5 (NLT)
'Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/116/JHN.15.4-5
Devotional:
Our connection to Jesus, like branches to a vine, is the source of our spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. When we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we are empowered to bear much fruit. This intimate connection isn't about perfection but about proximity to God, leading to wholeness and a life that thrives. By remaining in His love and following His commands, our joy is made complete, and our lives become a testament to His presence and power.
Reflection:
Considering the metaphor of the vine and branches, what is one specific area of your life where you feel you are currently bearing fruit, and how does that fruitfulness stem from your abiding in Christ?
Prayer:
Thank You Jesus that I can abide in You! That You are my source of love, joy, and peace. I pray that You would help me to continue to grow good fruit for Your Kingdom. Help me to thrive as I follow and seek You. Amen.
Day 6: A Jesus Life is a Blessed Life, not a Perfect Life
Scripture:
Psalms 41:1-3 (NLT)
'Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/PSA.41.1-3Devotional:
When we think about living a life for Jesus, it’s easy to imagine it as a perfect life — no struggles, no mistakes, no pain. But the truth is, a Jesus life is not about perfection. It’s about blessing. It’s about being connected to Jesus, growing in Him, and living a life that reflects His love and grace, even in the messiness of life.
The Psalm reminds us that those who live with regard for others, especially the weak, are blessed. This blessing isn’t about having everything go perfectly but about God’s protection and presence in the hard times. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) show us that blessedness often comes through hardship — mourning, meekness, persecution — not through a flawless existence.
Reflection:
What can you do to bless someone else today?
Consider the blessings that God has placed in your life and praise Him for them.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessings in my life. I know that all good things come from You. I trust You for the hard things I am going through right now. Help me to be a blessing to others, to show them Your kindness and love. Amen.
Day 7: Jesus Helps Us Think About Our Thinking
Scriptures:
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
'Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/ROM.12.2
Luke 10:41-42
'But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”'
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.10.41-42
Devotional:
Have you ever stopped to think about how you think? This might sound a bit strange, but it’s a powerful practice that can help us grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. Kristie shared that this is called *metacognition*—thinking about our thinking. It’s about stepping back and reflecting on what’s going on inside our minds, noticing whether our thoughts are leading us closer to Christ or pulling us away.
Jesus himself helped people think about their thinking. Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Martha was busy and worried about many things, while Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus. Jesus gently pointed out to Martha that she needed to rethink her priorities and focus on what truly matters—being with Him. This is a beautiful example of how Jesus invites us to shift from our own thinking to “Christ thinking”.
Reflection:
What's one area where you need to change your thinking to be more like Jesus?
What's one thing you can change today to focus more on being with Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to spend more time at Your feet like Mary and less time worrying about things. Please transform how I think so that I can know Your perfect will for my life and trust You despite my circumstances. Amen.
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