THE Root

I have been interested in genealogy for a while and the language around family trees can be helpful in explaining family dynamics and relationships. The Bible also talks about who Jesus is in terms of ancestry. And this is where that shoot that grows out of THE root is a very good thing for you and me.

“Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1

This is good news for us! Jesus is here with us and for us.

Let’s let His love for others take root in our lives. Let’s be open to His pruning. Let’s trust Him to provide what we need to grow our faith while also being intentional about learning more about God through His Word. Let’s plants seeds. Let’s water the faith of young or struggling Christians. Let’s think about our faith soil — are we surrounded by life giving nutrients?

Has a lot of manure (difficulty) come your way? As stinky as that can be, it truly can grow you like nothing else can. God can use every last bit of our personal struggles to deepen out faith.

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV

Day by Day

I don’t love this coronavirus but I am learning to be thankful for some of the unexpected gifts that have come out of it. Have you found anything to be thankful for in it? Take a moment to brainstorm and write them down.

I have been trying to cultivate a thankful heart but it starts with the seeds of thankfulness. Those need to be watered. And, believe it or not, a little manure might help them out, too! God uses all things! What a relief!

We are taking it day-by-day here. Naturally, many of the things we used to do are set aside for now and we are doing other things that need our attention. One of the things I have enjoyed is taking just a little time each day to think over the soundtrack of my earlier years. It is so interesting how music can transport me to a different space and time!

I don’t know that I ever saw Godspell but I certainly know this song and it definitely contains some timeless truths. Godspell ~ Day by Day

You don’t have to be crazy productive during this unusual time. We are traveling in uncharted waters in a lot of respects. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with others. Dig deeper in your relationship with God. Even if you find yourself stuck, cry out to Him with your concerns.

Stay Safe!
Liz

Life Garden

Ever been in a situation where you have been betrayed, abused, violated, deceived, taken advantage of or hung out to dry? Has life thrown you some curves or tossed manure your way? Your response to those situations is incredibly important. If you allow seeds of unforgiveness, bitterness, or anger to germinate and be cultivated, pretty soon you will have quite a harvest of life-killing weeds.

The most inspiring stories you read are the ones of people who have overcome extremely difficult circumstances and gone on to forgive, share, love, sacrifice, etc. I would guess the most incredible stories somehow have God involved as He truly is the only One capable of transforming an ugly situation into something that could be a blessing to others and communicate the freedom that is found with life in Him.

What is it that you want to be growing in your life garden? If you are looking for a harvest of love, joy, or peace you need to be nurturing, watering, feeding and practicing those concepts. This isn’t as easy as it sounds and takes daily effort and weeding.  Ask God for His perspective on your circumstances then ask Him to help you see things as He sees them. Allow God to shed His light on your situation.

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 NIV

Manure stinks but it sure helps things grow!!!