Rooted

Photo By Maura Kenny

If you are a gardener or admirer of trees, plants and flowers, you likely understand the importance of a strong root system. Roots are the lifeline for trees and plants. They also provide an anchor so that inclement weather and strong winds pass by without uprooting the tree or plant they are sustaining. A strong and mature root system provides for security, stability, and an abundance of nutrients. In fact, the roots become one with the ground, spread and grow so that they support and nourish for decades.

Your relationship and dependance on Christ is just like that. He is your lifeline. He is your anchor and grounds you so that the storms and winds of life that come against you pass and leave you standing strong. He is your sustaining source. When you are deeply rooted in him you have security, stability and abundance. He keeps you decade after decade strong, flourishing and bearing fruit. While rooted in Jesus, you may need to change and adapt to life's situations and challenges much like a plant or tree changes with the seasons. You will find that no matter what Christ is always there for you. You can count on him to provide exactly what you need in any and all situations. Together, rooted in Jesus Christ, you have everything.

"Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

Prayer

Prayer. For some, it is a mystery. A long lost part of life that passed away with phone booths and typewriters. They say it lacks relevance or is an ancient practice from a past generation before the information age was born. Ridiculous, nonsense, even called crazy, prayer is not even given the importance of  modern technology like texting, TV and Facebook. 

Still, as followers of Jesus Christ we are told to pray without ceasing, pray to be kept from temptation, and to pray to be kept safe from non-believers. So, how is your prayer life going? Are you in constant contact with your Heavenly Father throughout the day in prayerful conversation or do you find yourself pulled away from prayer and buried in daily responsibilities?

In John 17, Jesus prays for us! Isn't that amazing? He prays for you and me and others not yet born into this world. He sets the example of the importance of prayer and the power it has for today and the future. If you have not taken time to read John 17, make it a priority for your readings this week. Pay attention to the way Jesus talks with the Father in ordinary conversation. Prayer does not require eloquent and fancy words or complicated and twisted phrases. Prayer is simply a discussion between your heart and God's heart. Open up to him. He is your closest and dearest friend. He wants to know your joy, desires and concerns. Don't let the world keep you from the most powerful tool God gave you. Prayer is relevant, important, vital and prayer changes things. What prayer are you waiting to pray?

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." John 17:15-16

You Are My Water

Ah, the ocean! There is nothing like it. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the spray of the water, the smell of the sea, the cool breeze and water on your toes. The ocean is amazing! Just being near it re-energizes the human spirit. It is exhilarating, breathtaking, and oh so calming. Water seems to have restorative powers. Fresh water for drinking, cooking and bathing is an absolute necessity. Water is one thing you just cannot live without.

Jesus Christ is the Living Water. Eternal life is not possible without him and life on earth is not the same when he is not a part of it. He is the source of hope, joy and power. You need Jesus even more than your body needs water! He will refresh you and provide the strength you need to face whatever life has to offer. Perhaps you are struggling with your health, finances, or relationships right now. You may feel as though you have nowhere to turn and no one to count on. Seek the Lord. Call on his name and he will provide, he will restore, and he will fill you up with blessings beyond measure. Jesus Christ is the answer. He is your water.

 “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:12-14

Beauty Secrets

If you watch TV or read magazines, you are surely aware of the focus on beauty and looking youthful. There are ads for hair products, makeup, skin tanning, teeth whitening and face wrinkle toning. The emphasis is on fashion, style, and enhancing your appearance with lots of makeup and beauty secrets taking center stage. Yes, beauty secrets are popular although none of them really provide the true secret to becoming more beautiful.

The secret to beauty cannot be purchased online or bought in stores. It is not published on blogs or written in a magazine ad. True beauty is more than skin deep. It requires no makeup, glitter, ink, or nail polish. True beauty radiates from the heart and emanates from the soul. It is centered in the love of God and is generated by a joy for life. True beauty glows because of the knowledge of promises made with rainbows. It shines through eyes modeled after the Father's. 

You are beautiful because you are made in His image. You are radiant because his spirit lives in you. There is nothing man-made that can enhance or improve the beauty you already possess. So smile! You are God's beauty.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."  1 Peter 3: 2-5

Seek Wisdom

Psychology Today describes wisdom this way: "It can be difficult to define, but people generally recognize it when they encounter it. Psychologists pretty much agree it involves an integration of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs. There's an awareness of how things play out over time, and it confers a sense of balance."

God's word has much to say about wisdom including these insights:

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6

"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." Proverbs 2:10

"I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." Proverbs 4:11

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2

"A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and is the key to this treasure." Isaiah  33:6 

 "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:30

"If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5 

 Surely wisdom is a great gift from God that every person could benefit from and should desire. It is not something that can be purchased, measured, stored, manufactured, or traded. It is a precious God given blessing that is not to be taken for granted. 

Thank you God for wisdom. Without it life would not be  as beautiful as it is.