Since the truly memorable Feast of Tabernacles, and the exciting decision to build God’s house, how has our spiritual growth progressed? While the world around us continues to busy itself with moral decadence and continuing self-destruction, are we growing toward God and His perfection—in the opposite direction of man (Matthew 5:48)?

To encourage us to truly study our personal growth, let us deeply consider two areas of our lives.

1. Remember Your Calling

Time can take its toll on that first love. Do you remember the first time you walked into the Sabbath services of the Church of God? As time goes by, that initial excitement may wane. The spiritual aspect of life may cease to occupy center stage (as it should) in our lives. When the first love cools, an attitude of familiarity with God’s truth can begin to take its toll. Prayer or study can seem less important. Remember Christ’s admonition in Revelation 2:4. This was a major problem for the first era of the Church of God.

How can we avoid this in our lives? By applying what Paul told the young evangelist Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul tells us to “stir up” the Spirit. We must stir that first love. God has given us that love (verse 7), but we must keep it active daily. We have our part to do.

Notice Hebrews 10:32. Remember from where you came and what God did to call you. We all have our own story to tell.

2. Meditate on and Appreciate Your Calling

This is what David did in many of the psalms, as well as the other psalmists. It will add freshness to our spiritual life. Study Psalm 119:97-104, and tie these verses in with your Passover studying. The psalmist here deeply meditated on God’s way of life, realizing what God had given him. When we meditate as these scriptures describe, it truly lifts up the heart. “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (verse 111). We must have that rejoicing of the heart, a stirred-up first love. We should not have cold academic knowledge; we have a heritage forever.

Now would be a good time to review your Feast notes and reflect on the big picture that God continues to enhance. Study your personal growth in line with God’s law, His government, His revelation, your support in building God’s house, and getting behind God’s prophet in this watchman work.

In order to better prepare for the coming holy day season, especially for Passover, tune up your prayer and study life.

Daily seek—through prayer, study and meditation—a refreshing from God by allowing His Spirit to actively excite you, to spark greater growth in you every day, and to foster a deeper, more moving love and appreciation for your calling.

Let us all be sure not to let down as the last hour ticks away.

Every day, the choice is ours to grow and progress.

Think daily on these things.