What does spiritual growth actually look like?

It’s easy to think growth is measured by how much Bible knowledge we gain, but Scripture points us toward something even more visible—the fruit our lives produce.

In today’s episode, Pastor Adam explores the Fruit of the Spirit and reminds us that God isn’t just interested in changing our circumstances. He’s interested in changing our character.

When we stay connected to Jesus, His love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness begin growing in us naturally.

Scripture:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23 

Today’s Salty Thought:

People may never read your Bible, but they will experience the fruit your life produces.

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

As we close out our Rooted and Growing series, we’re ending with one of the most encouraging truths in all of Scripture: God is still at work in you.

Growth doesn’t always happen where everyone can see it. Just like a tree develops deep roots beneath the surface before reaching higher into the sky, God often does His greatest work in the hidden places of our hearts. Even when progress feels slow, the Holy Spirit is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and making you more like Jesus.

In today’s episode, Pastor Adam reflects on Philippians 2:13 and reminds us that spiritual growth isn’t something we accomplish on our own. God is actively working within us—changing not only what we do, but even what we desire.

And before we wrap up this special week, a huge thank-you goes out to my brother, Josh Howard, and nephew, Noah Howard, for lending their voices and bringing some extra fun to the podcast. If you heard a voice this week and thought, “Wait… that’s not Pastor Adam,” you weren’t wrong! There was a Salty Studio takeover this week as Josh and Noah proved they were more than ready for the microphone.

Today’s Salty Thought:

God is doing more beneath the surface than you can see above it.

Scripture:

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13 (ESV)

Thank you for joining us this week as we’ve explored what it means to be rooted and growing in Christ. Keep trusting the Gardener—He’s not finished with you yet.

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

This week on Morning Salt, we're exploring what it means to be Rooted and Growing in our walk with Christ.

Today's episode is a little different—and a lot of fun!

While Pastor Adam's nephew Noah has been visiting this week, he recruited some extra help in the studio. Today's episode is hosted by Adam's brother, Josh Howard, with Noah joining in as well! If you hear an unfamiliar voice say, "Hey friends, this is Pastor Adam's brother, Josh Howard..." don't worry—you've still found Morning Salt! The Howard family has simply taken over the microphone for the day.

In today's devotion, we look at Jesus' powerful words in John 15:5 and discover that spiritual growth isn't primarily about trying harder—it's about staying connected to the Vine. Branches don't struggle to produce fruit; they simply remain connected to the source of life. In the same way, peace, joy, patience, and spiritual growth flow from abiding in Christ.

Scripture:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (ESV)

Today's Salty Thought:

"Fruitfulness is the result of connection, not striving."

Today's Challenge:

Pause three times today and simply pray:

"Jesus, help me stay connected to You."

Whether you're listening for the devotional or just curious to hear Josh and Noah take over the podcast, we hope today's episode reminds you that the secret to spiritual growth isn't striving harder—it's staying closer to Jesus.

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

This week on Morning Salt, we're exploring what it means to be Rooted and Growing in our walk with Christ.

In today's episode, Pastor Adam looks at Ephesians 3:17 and Paul's prayer that Christ would dwell in our hearts through faith. The word "dwell" means more than simply visiting—it means making a home. Jesus doesn't want to be a guest in your life; He wants to be at home in every room of your heart.

Many of us are comfortable giving Jesus access to certain areas of our lives while keeping other doors closed. But spiritual growth happens when we surrender every room to Him. When Christ is truly at home in us, His love becomes the foundation beneath everything else, shaping our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and relationships.

Scripture:

“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”

Ephesians 3:17 (ESV)

Today's Salty Thought:

"Jesus isn't looking for visitation rights—He's looking for residence."

Today's Challenge:

Spend a few moments in prayer asking:

"Lord, is there any area of my life I haven't fully surrendered to You?"

Take time to listen and invite Him into every corner of your heart.

As we grow in Christ, we discover that the safest place to be is fully at home in His love—and fully surrendered to His presence.

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

This week on Morning Salt, we're exploring what it means to be Rooted and Growing in our walk with Christ.

In today's episode, we look at Psalm 92:12-13 and the beautiful picture of the righteous flourishing like a palm tree and growing like a cedar in Lebanon. Here on the Georgia coast, we know how palm trees survive storms—they bend without breaking. The mighty cedars of Lebanon remind us of strength, stability, and faithfulness developed over time.

In a culture that constantly tells us the answer is somewhere else, God often does His greatest work right where He has planted us. Deep roots and lasting strength are formed through daily faithfulness, quiet obedience, and trusting God in ordinary seasons.

Scripture:

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.”

Psalm 92:12-13 (ESV)

Today's Salty Thought:

Strong roots are built in ordinary days, not extraordinary moments.

Today's Challenge:

Take five minutes today and thank God for the season you're currently in—even if it's difficult. Ask Him, "Lord, what are You growing in me here?"

Whether you're in a season of waiting, growing, or weathering a storm, trust that God is developing roots beneath the surface that will sustain you for years to come.

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

This week on Morning Salt, we're exploring what it means to be Rooted and Growing in our walk with Christ.

In today's episode, Pastor Adam shares a challenge from James 1:22: don't just hear God's Word—live it. Spiritual growth happens when truth moves from our heads to our hearts and into our actions. Every act of obedience deepens our roots.

And today's episode features a special guest host! Adam's nephew, Noah Howard, is visiting this week and helped with today's episode. Noah was the host of his school's TV news program, so he was a natural behind the microphone and brought a some extra flavor to the Morning Salt studio today!

📖 Scripture: James 1:22 (ESV)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

🧂 Today's Salty Thought:

"Spiritual growth isn't measured by what you know. It's measured by what you obey."

✅ Today's Challenge:

Ask yourself, "What is one thing God has already shown me that I need to do?" Write it down and take one practical step before the day ends.

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

Even in grief and uncertainty, hope can rise when we remember the faithfulness of God. Pastor Adam closes the week by reflecting on Lamentations 3 and the truth that God’s mercies are still new every morning.

Scripture: Lamentations 3:21–23 (ESV)

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Salty Thought:
“Your future feels safer when you remember God’s faithfulness in your past.”

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

Worship helps the heart remember. In today’s Morning Salt episode, Pastor Adam shares how praise and thanksgiving pull our attention back toward God’s faithfulness, even in difficult seasons.

Scripture: Psalm 105:1 (ESV)

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!”

Salty Thought:
“Worship helps your heart remember what fear tries to erase.”

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

God often does His deepest work in difficult seasons. Today’s episode explores Deuteronomy 8 and the reminder to remember the whole journey—including the wilderness seasons where God shaped, sustained, and strengthened us.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2 (ESV)

And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

Salty Thought:
“Sometimes the wilderness becomes the place where we finally learn God is enough.”

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.

Your testimony matters more than you think. In this episode of Morning Salt, Pastor Adam talks about the importance of passing down stories of God’s goodness and how your simple story of faith may become someone else’s reason to keep believing.

Scripture: Psalm 78:4 (ESV)

We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

Salty Thought:
“Your testimony may become someone else’s lifeline.”

Stay salty, stay faithful, and season your day with Scripture.