Stuffed Peppers & 4 Things They Taught Me About God

I meant to get dinner started earlier. Stuffed green peppers were on the menu, and I remembered the recipe was a bit involved – not difficult, just time-consuming. I began the necessary prep work at 5 o’clock, guessing we’d be able to eat within an hour and a half. I knew my husband and daughter were hungry, but 6:30 wasn’t too late to be eating dinner.

Once the peppers began to boil, I started working on the filling. It didn’t take long to cook the sausage and onion, and add the remaining ingredients. Maybe the recipe wouldn’t take as long as I had initially thought.

Glancing back at the directions, I saw my mistake. Once the meat mixture came to a boil, it needed to simmer on low heat for an hour. After the peppers were stuffed, they needed to bake in the oven for another 30 minutes. Somebody had grossly underestimated the time needed to make this dish – the 90 minutes that were called out on the recipe, only took cooking time into account.

With my family asking if dinner was almost ready, I made the executive decision to finish the peppers. Unfortunately, dinner wouldn’t be served until after 7 o’clock. We were finally able to sit down and enjoy our meal at 7:15.

From start to finish, making the stuffed peppers was a long process. I had to smile at the countless times I’d looked at the clock, wondering how long it would take before our meal would be ready, and wishing it would hurry up and be done. I couldn’t help thinking, “I’m glad God isn’t like that with me.”

As I’m on this journey called life, God doesn’t rush the growth process.

*He knows I’m human: “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust,” (Psalm 103:14; KJV).

*He is very patient: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy,” (Psalm 103:8).

*He has a goal for me: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren,” (Romans 8:29; italics mine).

*He is always with me: “. . . for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” (Hebrews 13:5).

What a relief to know that God doesn't shake His head in disgust when I miss a lesson He has for me. Instead, in His patience and mercy, He gives me more opportunities to learn that same lesson. He’s not watching the clock and wishing I’d hurry up and grow. Instead, He remembers I’m human, and reminds me that I can count on Him to be with me every step of the way.

Are you impatient? How will you respond to what God showed you today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience. I know I’m human and fail you in so many ways. Help me learn the lesson you have for me today. Thank you for always being with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prepare for Growth

The sultry days of summer loom ahead, full of promise and potential. For our yard, this means a number of things. The work of planting is done. Time to make the transition to fertilizing what has been planted.

Beautiful fuchsia and white flowers have graced our azaleas and camellias this year, their nearly perfect blooms reminding us that it is time for their June feeding. To ensure hearty annuals, we apply fertilizer monthly during their growing season. Our perennials follow a different schedule, requiring us to apply fertilizer only once during the summer. Although the needs of each plant-type vary somewhat, each is in need of fertilizer which provides necessary nutrients so each plant can make its own food through photosynthesis.

Surprisingly, we're very similar to these plants. Following salvation, each of us is in need of 'fertilizer' in order to guarantee our proper growth. God gives us the Bible as a guide book to provide the 'nutrients' we need in order to make good life choices.  The Apostle Paul encourages us, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). 

Just as plants have unique requirements, the Lord knows our needs may differ from the needs of others. This poses no obstacle for our Creator. His word is able to meet every need, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

As we allow Christ to fertilize our heart's soil, we will become more and more like the tree described by the prophet Jeremiah, "For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:8).

As you care for your garden this summer, choose to allow the Master Gardener to have access to the soil of your heart. Submitting to His will and way will yield fruit beyond compare!

Bloom Where You're Planted

Difficulties and disappointments happen. Life can be downright hard. From the time I entered fourth grade, I knew my Dad struggled with health issues. Due to a genetic predisposition for disease and some unhealthy choices, it was only a matter of time before his health began to decline. He had an artificial heart valve put in, and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years later. I can only imagine the pain he experienced on a daily basis.

My Dad's suffering played a big role in my career choice. I wanted to help prevent illness. My focus was corporate wellness: emphasizing everything from smoke cessation to weight management. Setting up exercise programs and motivating clients to stick with their regimen became my passion.

As I look back, I can see how God used a difficult situation to inspire positive growth. The same is true today. Each disappointment carries with it the opportunity to create something beautiful. My challenge is to trust the Lord when each trial comes, allowing Him to make the proverbial lemonade from the lemons.

Step back in time with me some twenty-five hundred years or so. Our city of Jerusalem has been ransacked and we've been taken captive by the Babylonians. We're now living among a strange people many miles from home.

Can you imagine it? It's so easy to let your mind drift back to all the comforts of your hometown. The friendly neighbors you had. The bakery you owned and operated in the heart of the city. The temple where you worshipped the Lord. But everything is different today. Your eyes fill with tears as you long for the way things used to be...

Then you receive the letter. A letter from none other than the prophet Jeremiah, inspired by the very God of heaven. His words cause an initial sting, but you know they contain the truth:

"Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace," (Jeremiah 29:4-7; KJV).

Wow! So this captivity is all a part of God's plan. Our poor choices brought His judgment, but even in this place, He desires to bless us, if we just obey Him. Basically, He wants us to move on with life. Bloom where we're planted. Even pray for our captors. Radical commands! His purpose for us is clear, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," (Jeremiah 29:11).

Fast forward to today. All of us experience difficulties - probably not as drastic as those faced by the children of Israel! What will you choose to do with your trials? Allow them to destroy you? Or trust God through the situation and allow Him to create something beautiful? The choice is yours!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are so good to me. Help me to focus on Your purpose for each trial in my life. I need Your strength to choose to continue living life when things become difficult. Thank You for the truth of Your Word. Use every trial in my life to create something beautiful that points to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.      

Together

We're doing it together. Eating right and exercising. A couple weeks before the holidays, my husband, Steve, and I, determined to cut out sweets and follow a low carb eating plan. Talk about a difficult time to set health-conscious goals and stick with them!

Christmas cookies and baked goods surrounded us while we visited our families. Neighbors delivered homemade treats by the plateful. The proverbial sugar plums danced in our heads. But I have to say, we stuck to our plan for the most part, and on the other side of the New Year celebration, the scales are tipping in the right direction!

With a degree in wellness, and a history of health issues in my family, I've tried to make wise choices throughout the years. But there's just something about having an accountability partner that turns wishful thinking into reality.

When Steve is motivated to avoid those sugary confections, so am I. His exercise routine has inspired me to begin cross-training. And on those days when I'm tempted to inhale any sugar I can find, he reminds me that it's not worth it. Accountability is good. We're able to celebrate our successes and discuss our frustrations. It's drawn us closer together.

King Solomon penned God's thoughts on the benefits of companionship, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up...And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken," (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12; KJV). These benefits can be experienced in both marriages and friendships.

 Accountability adds another dimension to a relationship. It adds responsibility. Responsibility to somebody for something. It requires a certain level of vulnerability. Being able to admit faults and accept constructive criticism along with praise.

Jonathan and David had this type of friendship. They spoke candidly of Jonathan's father, King Saul, and the fact that one day, David would rule the nation of Israel. By tradition, Jonathan would have followed his father as king, but he realized God had a different plan. He knew the Lord had chosen David as the next king, and Jonathan embraced God's plan. When King Saul attempted to kill David, Jonathan's loyalties were with David, and he planned a get-away for his friend.

The two friends made a covenant before going their separate ways. David promised to show kindness to Jonathan's descendants after he became king. When David took over the throne, he kept his promise and invited Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, to the palace, "And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually," (2 Samuel 9:7).

David and Jonathan encouraged one another in the Lord and held each other accountable. Years later, King Solomon recorded a proverb that his father had lived by, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend," (Proverbs 27:17). David and Jonathan were willing to discuss and deal with the hard things. The result? Growth as individuals, and a lasting friendship!

Do you have someone to hold you accountable? Are you willing to be vulnerable in order to be sharpened?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the beautiful picture of what can be accomplished through companionship. Help me to embrace accountability, knowing it will help me grow. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

The Time In Between

The steamy heat of summer is past. But the cooler days of fall haven't quite arrived. Sometimes it's difficult to be caught in between. It's not quite time to switch the thermostat from cool to warm, and it's too soon to pull out my long-sleeve shirts and sweaters . But hints of fall color have me eagerly anticipating a change.

Time to exercise a virtue I have yet to master - patience. From simple everyday events, to life's major stressors, all require varying degrees of waiting patiently. The dictionary defines the word 'patient' as: capable of bearing affliction with calmness; tolerant; persevering. All wonderful characteristics that don't come naturally. That's because patience, also referred to as long-suffering, is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in my life.

Waiting can be hard. But it also offers me an opportunity for growth. I can use this time of waiting to evaluate things. Is there anything I need to change? Something I need to do differently? The Apostle Paul offers some challenging words for me to consider, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1; KJV).

My life is a journey. Others are watching. Times of waiting require patience. Will I give in to my impatience, charging ahead recklessly, or submit to the will of my Heavenly Father who knows exactly what I need? When I make the choice to run life's race with patience, times of waiting become opportunities to point others to the Savior.

On this journey of life, how do you view times of waiting? Do you get impatient? Are you willing to see waiting as an opportunity for growth? Focus on Jesus. Take a step toward patience and make the Savior known!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for times of waiting in my life. Help me to submit to the Holy Spirit, so I can develop the quality of patience. When others see this characteristic in my life, help me to be quick to point them to You. You are worthy of all of my praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Progress - One Day at a Time

The list is long. A compilation of home projects that need to be addressed. Some are simple tasks that my husband and I can handle, others require getting several estimates and hiring the experts. Over the last few weeks, we've been able to check a few things off our master list.

I'm anxiously awaiting the day when we can call in the paint crew. My favorite projects are the ones that make the biggest impact. You know, getting the house painted, or doing some dramatic landscaping. But we're not there yet. The projects we've focused on so far, are the more practical ones. Cleaning out our pond so the water can flow freely. And having several massive trees taken down to avoid any potential damage to our home.

As we work down our list, there are several more practical things that need to be taken care of before we'll finally be able to concentrate on the projects that create the 'wow' factor. Things like replacing the garage door opener. And having the sprinkler system fixed. Details that may go unnoticed by passers-by, but are important nonetheless. In spite of these seemingly 'ho-hum' projects, my husband and I know that progress is being made.

My spiritual life is very similar. I'm a work in progress. And the Lord is the Master Builder. He knows when repair work is needed, and He addresses the heart of each issue in just the right order. Oftentimes I'm impatient, wanting that fresh coat of 'paint' in order to impress others, when what I really need is an overhaul in my attitude. I want Him to hurry up and move on to the next 'project,' but my Heavenly Father reminds me that His desire is for true transformation - from the inside, out. He whispers, "Be still, and know that I am God," (Psalms 46:10a; KJV).

God's Word is a lifeline of truth. The Apostle Peter gives clear instructions for growth, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby," (1 Peter 2:1-2). When I have a heart to read and study the Bible, growth is the direct result. The goal is evident, I'm to, "...grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 3:18).

The process may be slow and tedious at times, but satisfaction comes from knowing that there IS progress. I AM growing. His Word offers me proof, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6). He WILL be faithful to do His part in the transformation process. With His help, I'm determined to allow Him to complete the work He has so graciously begun!

Are you willing to let God have access to the 'projects' that need to be addressed in your life? What do you need to do today to see growth take place?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know You desire true transformation in my life. Help me to be patient with the process when it gets difficult, and to listen and be obedient when You call for me to make changes. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Opportunity to Grow

The definition is hard to live up to: "possessing or demonstrating quiet, uncomplaining endurance under distress or annoyance," (Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary, Vol. 2) Wow! When measured against this standard, I have to admit I'm not a very patient person. From TV shows to movies, I've been lulled into thinking that even the most difficult problems can be solved within 30-90 minutes. When this fails to be the case in 'real' life, I default to impatient mode.

Case in point. A silly example. I can't understand why so-and-so doesn't get the concept of keeping things cleaned up. There are numerous Bible verses that applaud being a good steward of the things we own and discourage poor stewardship. Isn't the message clear? Maybe if I say it a few more times, it'll sink in. When it doesn't, I can feel my patience wearing thin and my annoyance rising to a dangerously high level. Time to regroup.

Was Rome built in a day? No. And the truth is, I didn't learn everything in a day, either. In fact, as I go about my daily chores, putting clothes away, emptying the dish washer, getting out clean towels, I have to admit that although things look tidy on the surface, some of the closets I open are sadly in need of organization, too. Time to give up on requiring that things be neat and tidy? No. Just time to exercise some patience.

My Heavenly Father is the perfect example of patience. Take a look at the Psalmist, David's, description of Him, "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth," (Psalm 86:15, KJV). When I think about all the times I've chosen to do things my way, I can only say I'm thankful that He's patient with me!

Because it's part of His nature, He chooses to be patient with people even when they dismiss Him. He desires every person's salvation, and continues reaching out to each one, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," (2 Peter 3:9).

As I consider these verses, I realize that the Lord is working to grow patience in me at the same time He's working to grow good stewardship in that other person. Going through frustrating times and difficult circumstances will offer me opportunities to exercise patience. His goal is the same for both of us - growth. And the sooner I realize that growth is an on-going process, the better!

Are you a patient person? If not, you can ask the Lord to develop this fruit of the Spirit in your life beginning today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the circumstances that You're using to develop patience in my life. Help me to do what's right, maintaining a heart of compassion for others. Thank You for the growth that is sure to follow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living on Purpose

A routine can be good. There's something comforting about the familiar. My dictionary defines the term as, "a set of customary and often mechanically performed procedures or activities." The things I do every morning can easily be considered a routine. I exercise, take care of our pets, do my Bible study, spend time writing.

But part of the dictionary definition bothers me. It states that a routine is "often mechanically performed." I get the impression that I can do these things without much thought. Without much effort. It screams of just going through the motions. Definitely NOT what I'm after.

So is a routine truly a good thing? It definitely can be. It does give structure to my day. The challenge comes down to my attitude. It's up to me to choose to be aware of what I'm doing and not give into the temptation to shift into neutral. Just because it's a routine doesn't mean I can't set goals for each of these activities. After all, growth is what I'm after.

Time to give some thought to steps for growth. What better place to find direction than God's Word. The book of Luke describes the growth of Jesus," And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man," (Luke 2:52; KJV). Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was developing physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Some things happen naturally, like the physical growth of a child. Yet, as an adult, I have the opportunity to choose what foods I'll eat and whether or not I'll exercise. The Apostle Paul shares the importance of taking care of my physical body and my spirit, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I can determine what level of fitness I'm after and figure out what nutrients and activities will help me achieve that goal.

In order to grow in my relationship with the Lord, it's important for me to study His Word and obey His directives. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him," (John 14:21). Setting a goal for memorizing His Word and spending time in prayer and Bible study help me achieve the growth I'm after.

Relationships are very important. They take work and effort. My relationship with God doesn't just happen - it takes concentrated time. The same is true regarding relationships with people. Any relationship that is strong is the result of time spent cultivating that bond. God designed me for relationships. Jesus was very clear, "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," (Matthew 22:37b-38).

When I realize the value of family and friends in my life, I am willing to set aside time to nurture those relationships. To plan for regular time together. To put their needs ahead of my own. As a result, growth will happen. With the right attitude, I can stick to my routine AND see positive growth!

Do you have a routine? If you're just going through the motions, what steps will you put in place to achieve growth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that Your Word shows the importance of growth in all areas of my life. Help me to set realistic goals to achieve this growth. Your Word is clear, "Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day," (Psalm 25:4-5). In Jesus' name, Amen.

Embracing Change

Welcome to 2011. A brand new year. A new beginning. A blank canvas. An opportunity to consider the possibilities that lie ahead. And embrace change in areas where growth is needed. I have to admit that I’m a creature of habit. Change doesn’t come easily for me. But as I’ve reflected on the past year, I’ve seen the hand of God most clearly when He has coaxed me out of my comfort zone.

Early last year, as we enjoyed a leisurely dinner, I remember sharing an idea for a devotional series with my husband. He was very supportive and gave me some excellent things to consider. Hmmmm. Once I had put my dream out there, I realized that I needed to follow through with the project. How to get started? I was already spending several hours a week blogging, and now I needed to begin writing this series.

Several months went by and my devotional idea remained just that, an idea. I thought I knew what the Lord wanted me to write, but the words just wouldn’t come. I had determined to illustrate the fruit of the Spirit with short entries written in traditional devotional format. My timeline was structured so I would finish one of the books in the series before I attended my first writer’s conference. As I began writing, the Lord began to stretch my vision. Instead of a simple devotional, He showed me a different plan, one that included an interactive Bible study. Oh, wow! This would require much more research and time. Was I willing to face the challenge?

As I contemplated this change in plans, I thought about the familiar words of Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” (KJV). “Ok, Lord,” I prayed, “if You want me to change the format of this series, You’re going to have to help me!” Things started coming together. I joined a critique group and found the accountability I needed. Slowly, lessons were written and valuable feedback was given. I saw the importance of taking one step at a time.

As I continue to work on my series this year, I’m convinced that the Lord will continue to guide me each step of the way. David’s words ring true, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” (Psalm 119:105). God’s word gives me plenty of light to navigate today’s road successfully, while keeping me focused on Him for tomorrow’s needs.

Where do you need to embrace change and experience growth this year? Accept the Psalmist’s challenge, “Trust in the Lord, and do good…delight thyself also in the Lord…commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass,” (Psalm 37:3a,4a,5). This year, step out in faith and experience the mighty hand of God in your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for an opportunity to live for You. What a privilege You’ve given me to experience Your miraculous presence. Help me to tune in to Your still, small voice, so I'll recognize those areas where I need to grow. Allow me to be used for You this year. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

So Much More

It comes around every couple years. I get an exciting e-mail from my wireless provider, that lets me know I'm eligible to get a new phone at a discount. I was able to make the upgrade this past weekend. And my new Droid 2 in its fashionable pink, gel cover sits on the counter, beckoning me to come and 'play.' Wow! Do I have a lot to learn! From the basics, to all the advanced stuff it can do, I'm sure this Friday's tutorial session will help answer my many questions. And maybe serve to bring up some questions I don't even know I have yet!

Adjusting to a full keyboard to type text messages was pretty easy. Figuring out how to pair my phone with my earpiece - a different story. Although Bluetooth technology has been around for years, this is my first experience with it. So I'm battling the learning curve.

But I have to say I feel pretty tech savvy these days, as I tell my daughter about the cool apps I've been able to install on my phone. There's a constellation app that shows me the stars and their names when I hold my phone up to the sky. Then there's the app that lets me scan barcodes and check local prices to make sure I'm getting the best deals. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the app that keeps me up to date on all the local yard sales, and even gives me directions to all of them!

Things I didn't even know existed, are accessible with the touch of my fingertip. But I've had to spend some time reading manuals and digging for the information I need, just to become familiar with the basics. In order to take full advantage of everything my new phone can do, I'm sure I'll have to invest more time pouring over the instruction manual and getting used to new functions.

In much the same way, the God of the universe has given me amazing truths in His Word, the Bible. When I spend time in His instruction manual, I'm able to glean wisdom not only for the challenges I face today, but I can also discern the direction He has for my future. But I can't expect to unearth all of this great information without devoting much time and effort to the careful study of His Word.

The Bible contains both milk and meat. Things that are easily digested and some things that can only be digested by the more mature. Peter encourages believers to grow, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2; KJV). The writer of Hebrews challenges us beyond this stage, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).

Solomon, the wisest man of all time, penned the following words, "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:" (Proverbs 1:2-5). How important it is to know the true source of knowledge. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).

My desire is to continue as a student at the feet of the Master, fulfilling the words of 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There will always be more to learn - more gems to mine from the pages of scripture, more hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Yes, it will take time to discover all that the Lord wants to show me, but the time spent in the excavation process will be well worth it!

Are you stagnant in your relationship with the Lord? Do you desire to know Him and the plan He has for you? If so, what are you waiting for? Dig into His Word today and get ready to grow!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord that Your Word is alive and active. You desire for me to know You, and You have great plans for me. Help me to spend time daily reading and studying Your Word. Help me to grow into the mature Christian You'd have me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Daily Need

The hanging baskets were beautiful. Each basket spilled over with an abundance of petunias. I had hung them where they would be visible even when we were inside the house. They added such a 'homey' touch and provided the pop of color I was looking for.

After a couple of weeks, I noticed that they weren't quite as perky as they had been originally. I found my watering can and gave each plant what I thought was a thorough soaking. I rechecked their tags to be sure I had hung them where they could get the appropriate amount of sunshine. Hmmmmm...everything seemed to check out. They were supposed to be able to tolerate the amount of sunlight they were receiving and I'd watered them several times. But in spite of doing everything I could think of, they continued to look droopy.

I decided to put aside the watering can in favor of the hose. Maybe, just maybe, the plants needed more water than I was giving them. I watered them until the soil was saturated and began running out of the cocoa mat planters. Within hours, each plant had improved dramatically. Although they weren't back to their original splendor, it was clear to see that with the appropriate daily watering, the plants would once again be thriving!

What a perfect object lesson! It was impossible to miss the connection between what my plants needed in order to thrive physically, and what I need in order to thrive spiritually. Both require daily provision. A constant connection to the source that allows each to grow strong and healthy. In the case of my plants, I hadn't been watering them every day. They are large plants and required much more water than my little watering can could hold. In my case, I need to hear from God daily in order to keep my feet on the right path. Reading and studying the Bible to glean what He has for me each day. Applying what He shows me that I might be a faithful 'doer' of His word. A believer who is growing. One who brings my Savior honor and glory and consistently points others to Him.

The prayer of the apostle Paul for the Ephesian believers provides the right focus, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledege, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:16-19; KJV).

To be strengthened by His Spirit, rooted and grounded in His love, and filled with all the fulness of God! Realize that Christ is the Source who is able to meet your needs and turn to Him daily for true health and growth!