ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE

On June 7, 2004 Jerry chose this message from Ephesians 3:16,17, "I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love." 


"Paul uses the example of a new plant being placed into the soil. Growth doesn't happen immediately; in fact, sometimes the plant droops just a bit at first.  But, slowly it becomes resistant to being changed so radically as it becomes rooted fast and grounded well.  Just like a new plant, a new Christian requires feeding and tender care for their faith to root, and it requires, as well, the time to do it.


"I was a new Christian at one time, when I accepted by faith Jesus' call to me.  I came to know that all of my previous earthly life was grasping for the wind and it gave no satisfaction to my spirit and soul. I'm grateful that I found the process through Jesus of being rooted and grounded in His love. I will never "arrive."  I will never stop growing, for if I do, my death as a disciple will wither and be lost.  No, I must always grow and be nurtured by God through His Spirit and through other Christians, as I nurture them as well.  We are all one as we and Jesus are One, individually and together.


"Lord Jesus, I praise you for the fertile soil you bring that lets me always grow more deeply in following you. Amen."  (End of entry.)


I was recently given a hydrangea plant called "Angel's Parasol." It has lovely parasol-like pink blossoms and is about two feet high. The blossoms cluster into fuller parasols and there are only three large clusters on the plant, yet the plant is quite large.   Each small blossom fades just a bit as it ages, but is still lovely.  I am hoping to be able to keep it inside, as MN winters are tough on some plants.  I have yet to really believe I know how to take care of it, in spite of the information which came with it and I may have to consult the internet. It has charmed me.  I love it and want to have it around me forever.  Yet, it is a thing, and most things do not endure.  The person who picked it out for me has a great love for God and perhaps that is what I love so much about this plant. The plant I love may not last forever, but the love in which it was given to me, will  definitely last forever, just like God's Presence.


I am a fortunate lady.  I hope you, also, can sense His Presence in all things.


Jo INMN