Growth for Today with Joel Norris

Storms in life are often seen as trials to survive, but they reveal something deeper. They are not meant to help you understand yourself better. They are meant to teach you about God.

Jonah is on a sinking ship, yet he sleeps. Around him, men cry out to their gods and throw everything overboard to survive. They search for answers everywhere, but not in the one place that can truly save them.

Sometimes storms reveal disobedience. Sometimes they serve a different purpose. But in every case, God uses them to draw you closer to Him.

Explore Romans 1:17 and what it means to live “from faith to faith.” They reflect on how God consistently reveals His righteousness through His faithfulness, both in Scripture and in everyday life. Even when His hand is not visible, His character remains constant.

What actually lasts in this life? Most things break down. Our bodies weaken. Technology becomes outdated. Very little made by man stands the test of time. But the gospel of Jesus Christ perseveres because it comes from God. No matter what you face, the gospel continues pursuing and sustaining the child of God.

The phrase “to everyone” removes every boundary we try to create. Cultural differences, personal preferences, and pride often cause us to separate ourselves from others. But the gospel was never limited. It is not ours to decide who receives it. It is meant for people who are different from us, people we understand, and people we don’t.

The gospel is the power of God for everyone who believes. We must stop deciding who deserves to hear this message and start embracing God's universal love. Learn why His faithfulness and grace are for all people.

The gospel offers something different. It brings real power that transforms not just spiritual moments, but everyday life—how you lead, parent, work, and respond to others. When that power is present, it changes how you give grace, how you see people, and how bold you become in your faith.

We’ve all had that moment where nothing works, only to realize the power source isn’t connected. In our spiritual lives, we often do the same thing. We follow routines, check the boxes, and still feel exhausted, stagnant, or powerless.

Romans 1:14–15 reminds believers that the gospel is not limited to a pulpit. Every Christian carries the responsibility to represent Christ in daily life. A life surrendered to the Lord becomes a visible message of what the gospel can do.

When many people think about preaching the gospel, they immediately think about a pulpit or a public platform. Yet throughout the New Testament, the message of the gospel spreads through the daily lives of believers. If you have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, you are called to preach the gospel with your life.

A church is not defined by its building. The place of the gospel is wherever believers gather to know God, grow together, and show others His love. In this conversation from Romans 1:11–13, we explore why the church is meant to be a spiritual home where believers are strengthened, encouraged, and established in their faith.

A church home is more than a building or a physical address. What makes a place feel like home is the people. The local church is a community where believers encourage one another, sharpen one another, and grow together in their relationship with God.

Too often, prayer becomes a way to test God. We pray for what we want. We ask for comfort, prosperity, or relief. But Paul models something different. He prays for a prosperous journey — by the will of God. He is not demanding his plan. He is surrendering to God’s.

Paul understands that God knows his heart. God knows the spirit of his prayers. And God is the one who has shown grace through the power of the gospel. When we come to prayer, it is important to know what we are praying for. But what is most important is to remind ourselves who we are praying to.

Why is it sometimes difficult to love others? We can be annoyed, frustrated, in a hurry, or focused on our own agenda. We can even treat people as a means to accomplish something instead of seeing them as created in the image of God. We may have a hundred reasons not to love someone, but we only need one reason to love them: the love of Christ.

Have we started caring more about our perspective than the people we are called to reach? Do our schedules, programs, and preferences replace genuine love and service? The gospel calls us to reach people, not to make them look like us, but to point them to Jesus Christ.

When you understand that you have been placed into God’s family—not because of your works, but because of His goodness and grace—it changes how you see yourself and others. You were once on the outside looking in. Now, through Jesus Christ, you are called a saint. Not because of you, but because of Him.

“By whom we have received grace.” Grace is foundational to our understanding of the gospel. It is not something we earn by being good enough, spiritual enough, or disciplined enough. It is something God freely gives. The gospel begins with God moving toward us, not us climbing our way toward Him. Jesus came down, lived, died, and rose again because of His great love for us.

In this episode of the Growth for Today Podcast, we begin a new series focused on becoming unashamed of the gospel, rooted in Romans chapter 1. We explore how Paul’s identity was transformed by Christ, how the gospel doesn’t merely give us a purpose but becomes our purpose, and why boldness flows naturally when the gospel fills every part of our lives.

Using Romans 1:1–16, this message looks at how the Apostle Paul became unashamed—not through position or personality, but because the gospel had done a real work in him. Before Paul was a servant, an apostle, or separated unto the gospel, he was changed by meeting Jesus Christ. The gospel became his purpose.

New Year's is a time when we set goals and objectives, often summarized in resolutions. But for the child of God, there is good news: God wants to do something new in you that far outweighs any self-made resolution. As it says in Isaiah 43:19, "Behold, I will do a new thing."

Christmas often brings stress and anxiety, but the arrival of Jesus Christ offers the absolute answer to fear. Don't be consumed by the world's worries. God wants you to replace fear with joy, hope, and faith that He is in control.

On a week set aside for national thanksgiving, we often look at the physical blessings in our lives. We thank God for our homes, our cars, and the prosperity of our country. These are good gifts from our good God, but it is vital to recall the most important gift: Jesus Christ and the grace of our God.

As American Christians, we know that countless people around the world still do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. How should we respond to this reality? How can we ensure they receive the gospel? This isn't just about abstract concepts; it’s about growing our hearts for missions and accepting a clear command.

God puts us in every position with a clear purpose. Discover the biblical secret to a strong Christian marriage and the power of becoming a threefold cord that is not quickly broken.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSWhat specific action can your marriage take this week to impact someone else for God?Identify one area where your spouse is stronger, and discuss how you can better leverage that strength for a shared goal.How are you actively ensuring the world sees the strength and example of your God-centered marriage?

After finding your special someone, Christian couples talk about trips and retirement, but rarely discuss the life they are building for Christ's glory. Learn how to intentionally build your marriage and life on the secure Foundation of Jesus Christ to impact eternity and receive a reward.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What is one specific, intentional step you can take this week to ensure your life and marriage are actively building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ?What tangible work or sacrifice are we making as a couple right now that we believe will genuinely impact eternity?What is one "wood, hay, or stubble" item we may need to remove from our focus?

Don't be guilty of putting a Christ-sized burden on your spouse. The goal is not to find completion in each other, but in Jesus alone. Learn how mutually pursuing God can draw you closer together.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSWhat Savior-sized burden have you been guilty of placing on your spouse?Name one specific action we can take this weekend to strengthen our mutual pursuit of Jesus Christ and draw us closer together.How can people outside our home see evidence of our spiritual relationship with God as a couple?

Many Christians see the gospel as a one-time event for salvation. Learn how the powerful truths and principles of the gospel fuel your ongoing spiritual growth every single day.Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com

Trials, temptations, and tribulations are a core part of spiritual growth. God uses these difficulties to strengthen your faith and produce Christian patience in your life.Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com

God uses your Christian community to help you grow in love, service, and faith. Stop trying to stand alone. You need the connection of other believers to stand firm.Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com

The disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." And He did. We'll explore how we, too, can learn how to pray and experience true spiritual growth.Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com

The Word of God is our primary source for spiritual growth. Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." When we read God's Word, it reads us.Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com

Many see revival as a powerful, but temporary event. But what if it was something you could experience every single day?Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠FRBC.com/Revival⁠⁠⁠⁠Experiencing Perpetual Revivalby Joel NorrisNow mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.2 Chronicles 7:15-16Revival isn't a powerful, one-time event we have to hold onto; it's a perpetual state we can live in. Throughout history, revivals have often come in waves, leaving us to wonder when the next one will hit. But God's plan is far more continuous.While it is true that we have to work to keep the fire of our faith burning, that work is worth it. It’s a lot like tending a campfire—you have to continuously add fuel and stoke the coals to keep it going.Our effort keeps the fire from dying out and leads to an ongoing revival. God never pulls back, but we so often do.We get distracted and start to lose the heat of God’s presence in our lives. We walk away from the very thing that can transform us. Revival doesn’t have to stop in your personal life, even if it cools off in a church or a country. God is faithful to continue the work he begins in you.Living in a state of perpetual revival means experiencing something fresh and new with God every single day. This is a journey, not a destination. It’s an opportunity to see God show himself in new ways—to teach us, grow us, and shape us to be more like his son.So, I challenge you: what has hindered you from experiencing perpetual revival? What distracts you from sensing something fresh and new with God every day? Instead of seeing revival as a short-lived experience, let's live in a state of perpetual, continuous revival.

Revival is not your responsibility. Our job is to simply put ourselves in a position where God is able to send a spiritual awakening.Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠FRBC.com/Revival⁠⁠⁠Revival is Not Up to Youby Joel NorrisIf my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  – 2 Chronicles 7:14The most important truth of all when it comes to revival is this: revival hinges upon God. We often get caught up in the formula for revival in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and focus on what we have to do. The key to this entire passage is the word "then." Every "if" has a "then" attached to it. If we do our part, then God does His. This is where the truth comes into focus. While we have a part to play, the responsibility of revival doesn’t rest on us; it rests on God. Our job is to put ourselves in a position where God is able to send a spiritual awakening.The problem for Christians isn't whether God will do His part; the problem is whether we will do ours. When we look at what God's part is, we see He promises three things. First, He promises, "I will hear from heaven." This is a response that is nothing this world can describe; it is a touch of heaven on earth. God sends something and allows us to experience something from heaven.Second, God promises to "forgive their sin." You and I cannot forgive sin. That's a work only God can accomplish. We need God to step in to forgive our sins. I'm reminded of the story of the lame man brought to Jesus. The Pharisees questioned Jesus's authority to forgive the man’s sins, to which He replied that it was harder to say, "Your sins are forgiven" than it was to say, "Arise and walk." Jesus demonstrated that He could do both.The third promise God makes is to "heal their land." Politicians can make great promises, but our God is the only one who can truly heal a land. I believe this verse is both personal and national. Revival extends beyond what we experience in a local or personal context and affects those around us. If we do our part, we can be confident God will do His.

Revival isn't just a feeling—it's an intentional U-turn. When you turn and step toward God, He will step toward you.Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at ⁠⁠FRBC.com/Revival⁠⁠Taking a Revival U-Turnby Joel NorrisIf my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  – 2 Chronicles 7:14We often talk about revival in grand, spiritual terms, but what it's much simpler? What if it's really about taking a hard look at our lives and making a U-turn?When my GPS tells me I've missed a turn, my first thought is usually frustration, but it would be foolish to ignore this warning. Our Heavenly Father's voice, like that GPS, is a voice of guidance and protection. When He asks us to turn back, it's not to frustrate us but to get us back on the path that is most beneficial for our lives.Ignoring that guidance only leads to more time wasted, more wrong turns, and potentially ending up in a place we never wanted to be. Sin and our wicked ways do the exact same thing. When we feel God's hand on our shoulder, gently turning us back, we can't let pride or busyness stop us from embracing it.Accepting that correction is a way of drawing closer to God. Psalm 85 asks, "Wilt thou not revive us again?" but before that, it first says, "Turn us, O God of our salvation."True revival isn't just about God turning to us; it's about us turning to Him. We have to be willing to confess and forsake what's pulling us away.The Bible tells us in James 4:8, "draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you." God doesn't move, but when you take a step toward Him, He takes a step toward you.It doesn't matter how far you've gone or what's between you and Him—busyness, distraction, or sin. If you turn and take a single step toward Him, He will meet you there.What a freeing thought! We don't have to stay stuck in the same destructive patterns. We can choose to step back toward our God, confident that He's already moving toward us. Let's make that choice today. Let's make that U-turn, confess our sins, and take that step toward a spiritual revival in our own hearts and lives.

We often treat prayer like a last resort, but what if it's the key to a true and deep revival? Revival isn’t just a short, two-minute prayer; it's a wrestling that changes you forever.Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at ⁠FRBC.com/Revival⁠Revival Prayer and Seeking Godby Joel NorrisIf my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14Prayer is often a lost art in our Christian lives. We've become so independent and self-absorbed that we treat it like a lucky rabbit’s foot—a last-ditch effort to get us out of a crisis. But what if prayer isn’t just about asking? What if it’s more?I'm convinced that two universal truths apply to everyone: we don't realize how much we need a savior, and we need to become better prayer warriors. I used to think of prayer as a conversation, a simple act of talking to God. But the scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Pray and seek my face,” opened my eyes to something deeper.The words “pray” and “seek my face” are not the same. Prayer is asking and petitioning, a word we all understand. Seeking God’s face, however, is a different thing entirely.The book of Genesis recounts the story of Jacob at Penuel. He brought his questions and needs to God, and God met him in a fierce, all-night battle. Jacob left with a limp as a continued reminder of his genuine encounter with God.We need more Penuel moments in our lives. We need to stop fearing the limp and embrace the battle.Jacob could have been concerned with how others viewed him, but he was willing to get a little uncomfortable. He knew he needed the presence of his God more than he needed a healthy leg.When we are willing to wrestle with God, we leave changed. The questions we bring to God may not have easy answers, and the process may be uncomfortable. But we get up from our Penuel moments knowing what God has done in our hearts.A life-changing prayer isn't a quick, two-minute prayer. It's a wrestling with God that changes us and causes us to rely on Him more. Your walk may be different after, but the story that comes with it is so much sweeter.So, don't just pray. Get to Penuel. Seek and wrestle with God for your child, your spouse, or your life. You will leave differently than when you walked in.As we pursue revival, let's remember that it's more than just a short prayer. It's about getting to a place where we are willing to have an encounter that leaves us changed forever.

If pride is truly the original sin, then humility is the path back to a close relationship with God. Discover why pride is the biggest roadblock to your spiritual growth and how a humble heart can lead to a powerful spiritual awakening.Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at FRBC.com/RevivalThe Ultimate Hindrance of Revivalby Joel NorrisIf my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:12-14Revival is a journey that starts with desperation and revolves around humility. The revival formula laid out in 2 Chronicles 7:14 starts with this exact principle: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves..." It makes you wonder, why does God require humility for a spiritual awakening?Pride is the root of so many problems, starting with the original sin in Genesis. It creates distance between us and God because we feel like we have everything under control and don't need His help. But when we truly see God for who He is, we see ourselves for who we really are. Isaiah 6 shows us this beautifully. When Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up" in all His glory, his immediate response was "Woe is me, for I am undone." This is the essence of humility—recognizing our brokenness and our desperate need for a Savior.Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this. As a lamb led to the slaughter, He showed us what true humility looks like. If pride distances us from God, humility is the path that brings us back. It’s a heart that says, “Lord, I am broken and desperate, and I need you to step in.”There’s a real danger in pride, especially when it comes to revival. If we could somehow take credit for a spiritual awakening, we would. But humility forces us to lay all our claims and ownership aside and give God all the glory and praise. It ensures that any spiritual success is His alone.So, how do we diagnose pride in our own lives? Start by looking at your relationships. If there’s tension or contention, there’s a good chance pride is at play. Be the first to run to humility. If you feel distance from God, run to humility. Ask God to show you who He is and His glory, and in doing so, you will see yourself with a surrendered heart.

Revival is not the world's responsibility; it is meant for us, God's people.Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church.Revival Starts With Youby Joel NorrisIf my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14Previously, we looked at revival desperation—admitting we need God more than anything. Now, let's realize who revival is for.In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God makes it clear He’s speaking to His people. This means revival is for believers like you and me. The world can feel the effects of revival and come to know Jesus because of it, but we can't expect them to usher in a spiritual awakening.Unsaved people can’t be responsible for bringing in spiritual awakening, no matter how wise they may be. Revival isn't the responsibility of a politician or someone who just claims to know God. It's our job if we have a real relationship with Jesus Christ.You can look at this responsibility in two ways. You can see it as a lot of pressure, or you can see it as a chance to be part of something great. This is our moment and our responsibility. Revival starts with each of us as individuals. The word "revive" literally means to be brought back to life—like a heaven-sent jolt to the heart. This can happen to you as a person of God long before it happens to a group or a country.What a thought that all it takes is for one of God's people to experience a spiritual awakening. I don't see this as something to run away from. I see it as something to run to, so today I'd encourage you to ask God to send you this reviving.

Our world is facing some of the darkest days it has ever seen, but that means now is the perfect time for a heaven-sent revival. Discover why spiritual desperation is the starting point for a true awakening.Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church.A Revival of Desperationby Joel NorrisAnd the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people.– 2 Chronicles 7:12-13We can’t stumble into a good marriage or accidentally become a great parent. Similarly, we won't casually stumble into a life-changing, heaven-sent revival that draws us closer to God. Our world is changing fast, and there's a lot at stake. Sometimes, it feels like we need to paint a bleak picture to get people to respond spiritually. But I believe there has never been a better time to experience a true revival of desperation.On our own, we simply won't make it through this life. Our homes are under attack, our kids are facing the darkest days our world has ever seen, and our businesses are grappling with moral dilemmas. Whether we realize it or not, we are all at a place of spiritual desperation. Now is the time for us to seek God with our whole hearts. We often think revival starts with a formula, but it actually starts by recognizing our need for it.When you study scripture and history, you'll see a common theme. Every group of people who experienced revival first desired it because they felt they desperately needed it. As Christians, we've gotten really good at insulating ourselves from needing God.But God responds to Solomon with a series of "if" statements: "If I shut up heaven… if I command the locusts… if I send pestilence…" He presents these negative scenarios before offering the solution.I believe we are living in God’s "if" statements right now. If your government is bad, if your marriage is under attack, if your children are in the crosshairs of the world—these are the situations we find ourselves in. We can’t experience revival until we recognize our desperate need for it. The devil feels more alive and real now than ever before. As we draw nearer to the coming of Christ, I believe God has perfectly positioned our world to see another spiritual awakening in our lifetime.I want to be a part of that, and I think we can all agree our country would greatly benefit from a spiritual awakening. The question we have to ask ourselves is, do we even want it? Are we truly desperate for it? These times of desperation are not a moment to be discouraged. Instead of saying, “Woe is me,” we should say, “If it’s this bad, I’m going to do something about it!” Because revival begins with a desperate need for God.We sing the old hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” but in today’s world, it feels like we need Him every minute. We cannot get through a single moment without God’s help. These times should make us all desperate for the only one who can do anything about it. So take a moment, spend some time with God, and simply say, “Lord, I desperately need you.”

When life feels overwhelming, distracting, and discouraging, this podcast helps you focus on Jesus, the truth of His Word, and the transformative power of His Gospel as you grow in Him.Watch new videos at https://YouTube.com/@GrowthforTodayFollow on Apple Podcast – https://apple.co/3HHZYvDFollow on Spotify – https://spotf.fi/uKc64IvLearn more at https://GrowthForToday.com