Are You Blooming?
Written by bunnytrails on March 27, 2008 – 1:20 am -
There’s something wonderful about new growth this time of year. First the crocus, then the grape hyacinth, tulips, and those hardy daffodils all sprout green from the fresh earth. Soon they reveal stunning blossoms, praising God in their colorful array. Perhaps they bring such joy because it’s a lovely picture of our new birth in Christ. Like those bulbs in the spring, fresh cut flowers in a vase are equally beautiful. But they don’t last, and they can’t grace us with their presence each spring. When they’re done with their beautiful display, one wouldn’t ever try to bring them back to life. Giving them fresh water, breathing into their stems, or replanting them seems rather absurd. Once they’re dead, they’re dead. The withered flowers must be thrown away, no matter how pretty they may have once been.
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”
As a new creation in Christ, we are no longer rootless flowers, wilting in a vase. God has replanted us in the garden of His love, where we are filled with the Holy Spirit, rooted in the soil of truth, and watered by the Scriptures.
Are you living that truth? If you have ever felt that you don’t know how to live in His garden, know that God did not just plant you there and then expect you to thrive on your own. Your Master Gardener has already provided everything you need to be firmly rooted, well watered, and blossoming to His glory. Here are three ingredients to grow your garden and bloom right where you’re planted.
1. Grow in the knowledge of God. 1 Peter 1:3 says, “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” By knowing Him, you have all you need. He wants your roots to be deep in Him so that you will be “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,” Colossians 2:7.
2. Be immersed in the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Just as flowers need water to grow and bloom, you are cleansed and sanctified by the washing of the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26).
3. Be indwelled by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” The Holy Spirit will bring God’s Word to life to you. He will guide you into all truth (John 16:13) and He will direct your eyes always toward Jesus. Just as plant food helps flowers grow stronger, abundant, and more beautiful, the Holy Spirit aids in your spiritual growth.
Posted in Thursday Thoughts |
March 27th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Amne! Just confirmation of my post today! That you for sharing such an awesome word.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Thank you for the uplifting devotion Dianne.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Wow! I’ve been reading so many thought provoking post that have been so similar. It’s only confirmation of what the Lord has shown me this week. I need to get back to my first love and spend some time with Him.