He went on to question us asking, “If the tree hadn’t been there then how would Zac have seen Christ?” The tree is the one that provided the foundation, the rooted structure, the footholds if you will, that allowed Zac to overcome the world (the crowd) and see the Lord for the first time. Needless to say I was convicted deeply that day to be the tree. Whether a lone maple in the middle of a abandoned lot or an oak among a great forest, I believe we are called to be the tree. We must be rooted in his word, bearing fruit, and be strong enough to support the weight of others. All of these can be attained in Him, but we must first be willing to be the tree.
So in an effort to start this, I am sending you a glimpse of my quiet time today. I hope that the weight of my own struggles and on-going commitments will not bog down my branches so much to the point of preventing any future correspondence such as this. Therefore, I ask each of you to keep me accountable and if you don’t see something for while, then simply ask what is going on. “As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” – Pro 27:17. In addition, I challenge you all to go be the tree where you are today!
I hope it blesses you and that God blesses your day.
1 Peter 4
Put aside our old ways and understand the suffering you face is our reflection of Christ’s suffering.
We must be clear minded and self controlled in order to pray for the end is near.
Love overcomes all things so give love freely to all….be hospitable without frustration or judgment.
Use your spiritual gifts to glorify God’s kingdom. Do so boldly and with faith for God is reflected in their use.
You will suffer for your loyalty to Christ, but rejoice in it.
My take on it:
~ There is a war going on; and war is nasty business, but we can still serve as noble and honorable men. Like knights of old who served with a code of honor and showed grace in their actions, let’s put on the full armor of God and represent our King.
My prayer:
~ God please watch over each of us and put a hedge of protection around us. Give us the strength to remain vigilant in the face of adversity. May we honor you in our actions, our words, and our thoughts. Bless those around us, by allowing you light to shine from within us. May your kingdom be glorified forever and ever – AMEN
In Him,
Mitch
1 comment:
Mitch thanks for sharing and it is true that the “tree” provided Zach the foundation which allowed him to overcome the crowd and see Jesus, but I love also the fact in how he was moved by the presence of the Lord and his heart was changed not only to surrender all that he had taken from the people, but 4 times as much. The presence of Jesus in your life should invoke this type of “change”. A change from the “old man” into the “new” man – this can only occur when we ask Jesus into our life? Romans 10:9-10: “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved”.
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