Tag: Life

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PLANTED BUT LIFELESS

sparrow perched on bare tree branch in winter

Have you ever wondered why some trees have leaves, beautiful flowers, or berries hanging from them, while others appear lifeless and empty? Lifeless trees may have branches and bare limbs, but appear dull and barren.

I noticed this on my morning walk, which was nothing new, but for some reason, I decided to reflect on what was going on in nature. And how this same effect can happen in the life of a Christian. Several trees appeared sturdy, rooted in the ground, but leafless. Even though they seemed lifeless, fruitfulness was all around.

Now, we are approaching the Fall season, when the leaves on trees begin to change color and fall. However, most trees currently have green leaves and flowers.  While walking, I took out my phone to research why a tree would not have leaves in the summer. I discovered leafless trees could be suffering from drought, stress, bug infestation, fungus, a lack of nutrients, or root problems.

In a nutshell, there could be a “root system” problem that causes the tree to look lifeless.  Now, doesn’t that sound like what can happen in the life of a Christian, anyone, for that matter?  The Lord revealed to me in that very moment that these trees are planted but dead, which can resemble the life of a Christian believer in Jesus Christ. We can also be planted but lifeless.

While observing nature with its lush, green foliage, I began to ask myself these questions.

How is this tree planted?  What is it feeding on? I began to also think about my Christian existence in retrospect to these perishing, decaying trees.  How am I planted in the Lord? Where am I planted to receive nourishment? What am I feeding on? Or better yet, what am I feeding my mind and heart?

To be clear, when I say dead or lifeless, I mean spiritually. Are we bearing fruit, living life to God’s fullest, not living with an empty feeling inside or no purpose toward our calling and the great things God has planned for our lives?

Galatians 5: 22-23 states bearing fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These are all the Fruits of the Spirit. And when we are living a life that is contradictory to the Word of God and our belief system, we can become planted but lifeless.

We’re planted because we believe in Jesus Christ, and we profess Him as our Lord and Savior. However, if our day-to-day life resembles the world, we can begin to feel lifeless, experiencing a sense of emptiness and purposelessness.

Jesus tells us that we are in the world, but not of the world. John 17:14-17 NIV

Paul declares, we must not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:1-2 NIV

The world is full of issues that can hinder, obstruct, and distract us from living a life that is submitted, rooted, and grounded in the Word of God.  Just as a lifeless tree with internal root system problems, we can experience internal root issues that will manifest externally. For us, living our own truth or someone else’s will begin to germinate fruit, root system problems, that look like stress, fear, worry, anxiety, comparison, busyness, pride, lust, covetousness —all misplaced truths.

And when we live like the world, or as scripture states, “of” the world, we become disconnected with the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must be resolute in standing firm and steadfast in the Lord. We can stand among other believers, gaining strength, comfort, and encouragement, knowing that we all face similar issues but can persevere as one body. 1 Peter 5:9 NIV

We need to seek an existence “Planted with Life!” What is Planted with Life? It’s living what you believe in, Jesus Christ, every single day. Lysa Terkeurst quoted C. S.  Lewis, who said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done (Trustworthy Bible Study pg. 25).” We must plant the Word of God and His Character in our heart and mind daily because life will happen, but that doesn’t mean that what’s going on externally has to impact us internally.

Planted Life is:

  • Fellowship with Jesus Christ.
  • Fellowship with the body of believers.
  • Meditating every day on the Word of God.
  • Being led by the Holy Spirit.
  • Submission to the Will of God.
  • Living with godly wisdom, understanding, and discernment.
  • Godly peace in the world because you know that HE is in control.
  • Living through the Fruits of the Spirit.
  • Being OK with your identity in Jesus Christ! Psalms 1: 1-3 NIV

So today, let’s take the time to see if we are planted but lifeless or Planted with Life. Check your root system to observe what is causing you to live as you do.

Let the Word of God transform your thoughts, mind, and heart so that anything that is not of God’s nature, character, or spoken Word to you will infiltrate your life.

Jesus is our life. John 15: 1-17 NIV

Jesus is our bread of life. John 6:35 NIV

God is our source. 1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV

Be blessed and planted in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

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Many Members One Body

During Springtime, life begins to bloom and blossom! All creation becomes vivacious from flying insects, leaves on trees, furry walking friends, singing birds, busy people, and a host of other springtime fevers.

Also, during this time, school comes to an end an outdoor activity begins. I have started enjoying the warm weather and the scenery of flourishing life. One day while thinking about the last days of school and my final Bible lesson, I began to look up and notice this beautiful blossoming tree.

This tree sheds its leaves during the winter, but as I gazed at the blue sky, shimmering water, and the blessing of this beautiful day, the fullness of the tree caught my eye. Observing the leaves on the tree made me think about my Bible lesson – Many Members One Body.

For the past week, I taught the kids that we are many members- diverse people but one body being believers in Jesus Christ. However, as I thought about this lesson and studied the tree, the tree’s appearance became symbolic.

A tree’s typical characteristic is to have one main trunk with many branches that stem from the trunk. The branches are of various sizes and lengths with numerous leaves, pinecones, and/or berries. As I examined this one tree, I began to look at other trees noticing their differences. But the apparent similarity was the trunk.

As a diverse inhabitant, we are many members but one body! As humans, there are varied races, cultures, languages, appearances, abilities – thus many members. As believers in Jesus Christ, there is only one God- our vine and life source. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV 

Looking just below the tree were branches that had broken off and were lying on the ground. Scripture tells us that we cannot bear fruit if we do not remain in the vine.

The branches that had broken off were no longer bearing fruit!

They were dry and brittle, no longer alive!

They were no longer growing!

They no longer had a thriving existence!

As Christians, our existence is the same as a tree. A disconnect from God is a disconnect from the One Body! Though branches may fall, the trunk of the tree stands firm and tall giving constant life. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Do not be a fallen branch. God loves you and desires to guide, protect, and provide for you. His help is just a personal relationship away. “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NIV

So, my friends, as we begin to enjoy this warm weather and become more active outdoors, stay connected to Jesus like a branch to a tree. Look at what HE has created with each new day. Notice the existence and breath of life in all things. But be the image-bearers of the One True God. We are salt and light, many members of one family. Different in nature but identical in Jesus Christ.

Be Blessed in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ! ~ Amen

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Step by Step

I love my Saturday exercise regimen because that’s the day I hit the trail, intending to run and walk about 7 to 8 miles. However, on this particular Saturday, I decided to go a little farther.

I reached my first goal point, which was a little less than 4 miles, and decided to keep going. The next familiar intersection was about 4 1/2 miles. But this beautiful, sunny day kept me moving forward. So, I ventured to the following main crossing, which I never experienced—I was now in unfamiliar territory.

In my decision to keep going toward a destination that I had never reached, God revealed to me, “This is how faith works!” Life throws at us various decisions, situations, and lessons. But to reach each milestone productively, we must first have faith and, secondly, keep moving. You will never know what is beyond the horizon until you make your mind up to press forward and move in faith.

Considering I was on the trail when I reached this new destination, I had to turn around at some point. If I continued any further, someone would have to pick me up. So, my trail experience became a wisdom nugget that God uncovered to become life practice.   

Know that new destinations in life require greater faith that develops as you move forward. Each level takes you out of your comfort zone into a God-dependent, spiritual maturity. Your faith beckons God’s guidance, protection, and provision to help you perform and sustain that new level. But, your experiential familiarity is your transferable skill and foundation.

God’s Word:

“I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:” Isaiah 45:2 KJV

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT

As I reached the end of the trail, I glanced at my watch to see how far I had traveled—I obtained a new outdoor run record of nine miles. It felt great to venture farther and discover new sites on the trail. However, I believe investing in a bike will be necessary if I want to continue exploring all that nature has to offer.

So, as you go about your life making minor and monumental decisions, know that stepping out on faith is a requirement. It eliminates your comfort zone, embraces new growth, and helps you to reach higher levels of wisdom and experiences.

Be blessed in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen ~

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Seasons of Life

Seasons of Life

I find lakes and ponds to be a place that is very tranquil and serene. In this atmosphere I can really become one with nature and God.  In my neighborhood there is a lake and it’s very peaceful.  In the middle of the lake there is a water spout, and as the water splashes from the spout it causes a ripple effect. 

On this beautiful, hot sunny day, I was sitting on the bench observing the lake and the trees. But, I began to notice the surrounding edges of the lake. The edges of the lake were corroded and discolored. It was obvious that the edges of the lake were receding and drying up due to the hot summer days.  However the condition of the lake did not alarm me because I had seen this very lake full and overflowing with water, oxygenated and crystal clear.

In the summer, I have seen this lake dry and parched, in the fall season the lake is full of pollen and green, and in the winter this very lake is frozen and iced. But what is consistent about the lake is it’s always there. With every seasonal trial the lake stands!

Through my focus on the lake seeing how hot days and lack of rain expose the corroded underground, I thought about life and my own periods of dry seasons.

Lack exposes a need! Whether physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, social or relational, our deficiency reveals our need. Of course, as humans we always try to figure things out ourselves. Whether through connections or personal effort we try to solve our problem and establish our own plans.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/pro.16.9.niv

But this is not how God intends for us to live life. As I focus on the condition of the lake, one thing is for sure – the lake will not fill up unless God sends the rain. The hot summer days will continue to dry up the lake unless there are some rainy days to replenish the waters.

And, our human existence is no different. We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:28) which means we cannot flourish without Him. Our existence is no existence unless HE is included. God will send the rain on my lack when I surrender, submit, rest and wait on His Will.  It’s a Trust Principle! Trusting in His Divine timing!

Like the lake, people experience various seasons in their lives but the key is to remain steadfast and firm on the Word of God and His promises for us to endure and persevere.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/jer.17.7-8.niv

So, whatever season you are experiencing in your life right now, know that God is there and in control. Do not give into the fear, doubt or worry! Your sufficiency is just beyond your trust, prayer and praise!

In the Awesome name of Jesus Christ, Amen!