Watch for Him

 

     Watch for God each day. As we move into fall and into the holidays, ask yourself what is most valued, what events will make the most memories, what will give you a grateful heart? Look for ways to brighten someone’s day, to sneak a bit of kindness into someone’s life, to encourage rather than discourage.

     God is moving all around us and He sees you, right where you are. Where is He asking you to love, to comfort, to pray? The opportunities will be made clear as we ask Him to be with us each day, throughout our days.

     Are you upset with someone? Seek forgiveness. Show mercy. Build up your spouse, your friend, your child, your co-worker. I need some work on what my friend calls our “sand-paper” people. We all have them.

     Praying for those we find difficult, puts them in a new perspective. Dig deeper, try harder, give willingly and cheerfully. I need these reminders today as we move into extended family time over the next several months.  I encourage you to listen for God’s words, more than your own.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  James 3;13

     Clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?  I definitely need a change of clothes, and a reminder that I am dearly loved by Jesus Christ. His compassion knows no bounds.

Father,

Teach us to follow Your Son and his ways. Help us to be different, to act in wise ways, to wear the spiritual clothes of Your choosing. We need You!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Heavenly Eyes

 

     As we focus on things above and set our minds on Christ, we can train ourselves to see with heavenly eyes, to look beyond the surface, to dive deeper in the hearts of others, to live a rich life beyond what we see, hear, and touch. Is that possible? Ask the Holy Spirit today to give you the eyes of faith, to let Jesus work through You in powerful ways.

     What, who, and where is your focus? Let it be on things unseen, with hope for this day.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

     Keep an eternal perspective, with an understanding that Jesus is next to you, ready with an answer, willing to bring hope, to something beyond. We have our citizenship in another place. Our heavenly home.

Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16

     Our heavenly home is secure. Run with the gift of faith all the way to heaven.

“My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

Lord,

Give us heavenly eyes, minds and hearts to see beneath and beyond the earth, to work spiritually as we walk through our journeys here, with a steadfast gaze on our heavenly home. We walk by faith. Let it be said of us.

Amen

Peace

 

     One of the many benefits of having faith in Jesus is having His peace. His peace is soul-deep. It does not mean a calm, turmoil-free life. His peace does not give us  a life without suffering and loss. He does promise us peace in the midst of everything life throws at us. I love this verse from the Book of Isaiah: I needed it last week and I re-post it today.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Isaiah 26:3

     Staying strong in our faith and trust in God will keep us in perfect peace. What a promise we have! When trouble finds us, let’s set our minds and our heart on Jesus, on things above.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

     These verses are a challenge for us, to move our thoughts beyond what we see, to trust in Jesus, to “set our minds,” to keep our minds steadfast on Him. He promises peace. I could use that today, how about you?

Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus,

Your peace is not of this world. We set our minds on You today, beyond our circumstances. Our faith is secure, our confidence is in You alone. Give us that peace that transcends understanding.

Amen

Child-like Faith

 

     A friend from my neighborhood growing up shared a video a while back of a 94-year-old woman six hours before she died. This woman had been a camp counselor when my neighbor was a young girl. She remembered her strong faith and contagious love of Jesus.

     In the video this sweet woman, with a weak voice, sings “Jesus Loves Me.”  She mixes up a few of the words, but sings it through and at the finish, looks into the camera and says, “The Bible tells me so and that’s all I know.” And she smiles.

     How beautiful. Simple child-like faith. That’s what it’s all about. Jesus gives us inner beauty that shines through like light. This woman was still sharing Jesus in the last hours of her life. Such an example of a gentle and beautiful spirit loved by God.

     As you witness the beauty of the trees as they prepare to let go of their last vestiges of leaves this fall, remember that inner beauty can stay with us until our last day on earth, as we let go to heaven.

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

     Child-like, joy-filled, passionate faith in Jesus that guides us, protects us, sustains us, strengthens us, empowers us and lifts us up with hope. He is there. Come to Him like a child.

And He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Father,

Give us the humble, child-like faith to give ourselves to You. Give us the inner light to share You with others as we walk through our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

It's All About Faith

 

     It’s all about faith, isn’t it? That is all God asks of us. To believe His Son, Jesus, is the Savior, that He paid the price for our sins, all of them, that He died and rose again. As we accept this gift from Him, we are cleansed forever. God sees us only through the pure, sinless lens of Jesus from that moment on.

     Do you believe? Is He the Savior of your soul? If yes, feel the peace that passes all understanding. Know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you will live eternally with Jesus. You are His beloved child. Now and forever.

     Place your trust in Him and let Him forge a path for you, a path filled with hope, with promise, with goodness and love.  Here is a Biblical definition of faith.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

     As you read through the entire chapter of Hebrews 11, you will read about some of the great men and women of faith. Their struggles were real. And so was their faith. Let them lead by example over the pages of old and walk by faith.

For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

     Trust God above it all; the trials, the doubts, the sickness, and the questions. He always has the answers and He will see us through. It’s all about faith.

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of faith, for the examples You set before us in Your word and in our lives. Lead us to be strong in our faith and be overcomers in this very short life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Moments of Life

 

     This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. How about you? Moments of deep joy at our 50^th reunion and heartfelt birthday wishes from family and friends meant the world to me. At the same time, so many around me are dealing with health issues, with grief and with worry.

     Seeking God through unrest soothes the soul. I thank God for each one of you, searching the Scriptures with me. God binds us together and He will give us rest.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. Isaiah 26;3

     The moments and memories of life can switch from joy-filled to traumatic in the blink of an eye. And without Jesus, how do we get through? His love, His compassion, His understanding, His strength, and His willingness to share our burdens make the toughest moments bearable.

So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

     Allow your life to be filled with images of our Lord. Get to know His voice and fill up in His presence when life gets too tough. During the moments you don’t understand, He will be with you and He will smile with you through every moment of pure joy. Take in every moment. This life can change in an instant. But He is ready and able to see you through.

Lord,

Life without you is unmanageable and at times, terrifying. The answers will not all be given until one day in eternity we see all the pieces of the puzzle. For now, we take each step trusting You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Heaven's Hope

 

     Do you imagine heaven as boring? Do you see us sitting on clouds playing harps? Don’t believe it! We will have bodies, real bodies that will never wear out. That sounds pretty good to this baby boomer. When Jesus appeared in the forty days following the resurrection, He suddenly appeared in a room without walking through a door. He cooked fish on a beach and ate with His disciples. His body had flesh and bone and doubting Thomas could feel and see His wounds. (see John 20 and 21)

     We will have responsibilities and be able to move freely without limits of time and space. Your wildest dreams and imaginings will not be able to bring into focus what will be our home in heaven. Keep eternity in mind. Our short life spans are nothing in comparison. Store up treasures in heaven. Work for Jesus and not for yourself. The rewards will be great.

But as it is written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Father,

No eye has seen nor ear heard what You have prepared for us because of Jesus. Our humble service on earth will mean something in eternity. Keep us focused on those eternal rewards which will be given by Your Son.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Look up!

 

     Make today a great day to praise God. Praise Him for the breath of life.  Praise Him for creation. Praise Him for your blessings. Praise Him for His love and grace and mercy. Praise Him for sending Jesus.  In the beginning, God created everything for His glory.

     We see glimpses of His work in creation. Notice how the sunflower turns its head to follow the sun. Notice how the birds begin to sing at sunrise. Notice the leaves blowing in the wind Our grandson, Gavin, told me it is God whispering to us. I love that. Notice His presence and thank Him. Praise brings us away from ourselves into His presence, no matter how we are feeling.

     God-centeredness allows us to seek God’s glory rather than our own. All of creation was made for His benefit. And we turned away. The evil in this world of ours takes us off of the path of righteousness, right where Satan wants us. Focus your eyes on the Creator of the universe. Ask for Him to make the plans. Ask for Him to make a path for life. And ask to share His glory.

     Praise brings deep peace, joy and fulfillment. And nothing else will do. He has the words to eternal life. He quenches our hunger and thirst. Work on the inward and it will show. Make life all about the One and the Only, Jesus Christ.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

This is how God showed His love among us. He sent His One and Only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

Jesus,

It’s hard to remember to live through You and for You. Keep our minds set on glorifying You. We praise You this morning and we thank You. Thank You for guiding me to age 68 today!

Amen

 

Nothing New Under the Sun

 

     In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, (listed as the wisest man in the world) ponders the meaning of life. The Bible echoes our doubts, our fears, our mistakes and our questions. The human authors, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, help us understand and acknowledge our frailties and weaknesses. With all of his wisdom, Solomon finds vanity in much of life. The first ten chapters would have you believe all is meaningless.

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all are vanity and grasping for the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14

     With all of his wealth and with all of his wisdom, something was lacking in King Solomon. In the end, Solomon realizes it is all about God. All of his searching had been focused on everything “under the sun.”  What we all need to do is to look beyond the sun and into heaven where the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords resides. He has the answers to our earthly lives and to the eternal questions of our hearts.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart and, yet, no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

     Everyone has eternity in their hearts. That may be one reason there is such a fear of death. The unknown awaits. Believing in Christ alleviates our fear of death. He is there, waiting. We cannot fathom the beginning from the end. But our gracious God has the whole world in His hands.

Jesus,

We love and trust You with all of the doubts and questions that we simply cannot fathom. So much does not make sense on this earth. One day we will understand. Keep us from fearing the unknown and from chasing the meaningless vanities of life under the sun.

Amen

Reunions

 

     It was the best night. The old pictures stuck to our lapels contradicted the phrase of the evening, “You haven’t changed a bit.” Fifty year reunions bring about deep emotion. There was laughter, shared history, many of us friends since kindergarten. We grouped into junior high schools to take pictures. We are the baby boomers from South Minneapolis. We are the Teddies, the mighty, mighty Teddies.

     Our maroon and gold decorations, homecoming pins, our class president’s speech, made it seem as if we were back in 1973. Fifty years? I still don’t believe it. There, inside the doors of the banquet hall, where we couldn’t miss it, stood a table filled with candles and pictures of our classmates, gone too soon. A couple just recently, some the summer after high school.

     Life sneaks up on us like that. In the blink of an eye, it is 50 years later. In the midst of eating, drinking and being merry, something comes around the corner to stop you in your tracks. And you pause to think a little deeper, speak with your heart, remember where you came from and what means the most. You hug those old crushes and smile at the girl who made fun of you in junior high, treasuring old friends. It was the best night.

     The biggest reunion is yet to come. It’s getting a little bit closer for the class of 1973. Accepting Christ not only gives us a purpose and peace for this life, but a guarantee of a reunion in heaven. That reunion will never end. There will be joy and love and the deep conversations forever.

 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for these nights to treasure, for deep conversations, for a chance to reminisce. Teach us to savor each moment of this earthly life. It goes so fast. Let Your Holy Spirit wake us up to You and Your everlasting home.

Amen

 

50 Years!?

 

     Our 50^th high school reunion is tonight! Hard to take that in. My heart is full. This week we have talked about being kind and compassionate, being bold and courageous and recognizing the gifts of others. There is no need to compare and compete. We are all made in unique and wonderful ways.

     At this age, we have all been through so much. The lessons mentioned above have proven to be true and helpful as we age. As our bodies wear out, we need to be courageous and we need each other more and more.

      Shared memories with classmates mean so much. One of my best friends since 7^th grade is now in a care center after having brain surgery and suffering a few seizures. Our group of friends has banded together to get her there. One kind and compassionate friend is bringing a wheelchair and picking her up.

     We have a plan to help her with food, to bring others to greet her and to find her a cute outfit. Within our group of eight, three have lost spouses much too young, I am legally blind and will need help navigating, another has heart failure and still another has lost the use of some of her vocal chords. At this age, we no longer need to compete or compare. At this age, we are blessed to just be ourselves.

     And above and beyond our earthly troubles or struggles, and our aging bodies,  there is the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent Jesus. Remain faith-filled through it all. He is right beside you and me.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Yet I am always with You. You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel and one day You will lead me to glory. Psalm 73:23-24

Father,

I thank You for cherished friends and the opportunity to share memories spanning more than half a lifetime. We are blessed. Guide us with Your counsel as we continue to journey through life together. Thank You for Your Son and His presence.

Amen

Be Bold and Courageous

      Afraid of flying? Of death? Of heights or the dark? Snakes? Disease or terror? Let’s imagine what it would be like to live a life void of fear or worry. It hasn’t happened completely for me yet. The Bible is filled with phrases from God such as, “Do not be afraid,” “Have no fear,” “Fear not,” “Do not worry about tomorrow,” and “Be anxious for nothing.”

     Trusting God completely removes fear and anxiety. Here are a few verses to help us along the way. Read them out loud if possible and memorize a few. Believe the word of God when those worries and fears creep back in, as they are apt to do.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:5 (This is a Psalm of protection. Read all of it!)

“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

     Keep these in your arsenal of arrows against the enemy of our souls. He would like nothing more than for us to live a life of fear. But our God is trustworthy and His words are true. Do not fear. Be courageous. You were given a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. He has given us the perfect love which casts out fear.

Jesus,

We believe You. Now help us to live out the words You have given us today. You have plans for us and we WILL be bold and courageous for You.

Amen

 

   -

Be Kind and Tenderhearted

 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Ephesians 4:31

     Did you know that our belief in Jesus wipes our slate clean, past, present and future? Our sins are washed away, white as snow and our righteous and holy God now sees us through the sacrifice of His Son. With that type of forgiveness, with that kind of love that engulfs our very souls, with no more fear of death, how can we live with anger, rage and bitterness against anyone?

     You may be thinking, “But you don’t know what they did.” We want to see justice served in our lifetimes, but God tells us that vengeance is His alone. (see Romans 12) In fact we are asked to bless those that persecute us and to forgive others not just seven times but seven times seventy! (see Matthew 18 and Luke 17)

     The next verse in Ephesians 4 gives us a prescription on how to avoid anger, rage, bitterness and malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Dear Father God,

Through Jesus, You have forgiven us. How can we do any less? Forgiveness breaks us free from bondage. Kindness and compassion can be difficult when we are angry. Show us how to be merciful.

In Jesus name

Amen

 

 

When Possible, Live In Peace

 

     We compare and compete too much don’t we? We tend to focus on the things we lack, or point out the lack in others. What would it look like if we began to give others the benefit of the doubt? Can we view others with compassion? How about seeing ourselves with that same spirit of compassion?

     Maybe, just maybe the things that drive us crazy about others are actually a part of us, too? God made you and me just the way we are for a reason. We need each other to fill in for what we lack. It causes us to be interdependent; not dependent and not fully self-sufficient. Feeling overwhelmed with life? Ask someone for help. Have a need? Ask others to pray. Feeling lost? Tell someone. All of it. I rely so much on the efforts and support of those around me and I pray I return their selflessness with the things I have to give Take these words into your hearts today.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:13-18

     How in the world do we do it? With the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord,

Give us the ability to keep the peace when it would appear impossible. Keep us humble and faith-filled. We pray for each other today with hope and joy.

Amen

 

 

Gifts of the Spirit

 

     Entertaining others in my home does not come naturally for me.  I think God chuckles ever time I “practice hospitality.” For many of you, entertaining may not strike a chord of fear within you or cause anxiety or complaining.

     Many of you are familiar with the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. All of us are gifted by God in unique ways and we make up the body of Christ together. I have a passion for helping others discover their spiritual gifts. Because of that, I researched many of the books and classes offered for discovering those gifts.

     There are around 20 spiritual gifts and the gift of hospitality comes up with a big round 0 for me. Those of you with this gift may not recognize it as a gift. I am amazed at friends and family with the ability and even the desire to open their doors any hour of the day or night to others. They have a way of making others feel immediately at home.

     If an event is planned I often feel like Mary in the Mary and Martha story in the Bible. I may seek out someone looking lonely or uncomfortable (the gift of mercy) or encourage someone in need (the gift of encouragement or counsel). I hope someone else will offer to set up the chairs and decorations (the gift of helps) or organize the details of the entire event (the gift of administration) and others to serve and welcome guests (the gift of hospitality).

     How wonderful it is to use our gifts for God. He wants us to feel joy as we serve Him. When we are led by the Spirit to use our gifts they will come easily and we will show Christ’s love using the gifts we were born to use. But then I came across this Scripture:

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  1 Peter 4:9

     Oh boy. Just because we may not be gifted in a certain area does not mean we will never use the gift. As we try new things and use them for God, He can develop new gifts within us. And if you feel the ground shift in Bloomington Minnesota, it is because I am practicing hospitality. Maybe I will even practice without grumbling.

     But most days, if you need a listening ear, give me a call and if I need some fellowship and a good cup of coffee, I will call you!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the special ways you have made each one of us. Let us recognize those gifts in our selves and others. Help us to use our gifts in the ways you choose. Protect us from competition and jealousy.

Amen

Ever-increasing Glory

 

     Our firm foundation of faith, along with God’s grace and new mercies, brings us face-to-face with His glory. Our goal as Christians is to bring glory to our God. Our lives can begin to mirror the image of His Son as we learn His ways and study His word. The words of eternal life are etched in our hearts. And our faces reflect the light of the Son.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

     Did you see the promise? We will be made more and more into His image with ever-increasing glory. Count on it. Glow with it. Fill up on it and reflect it in your own life. The image of Christ. Imagine that!

Jesus,

We don’t understand the work You continue to do in us. It is miraculous and often cannot be seen until years later when we realize we have changed. Your Holy Spirit within us brings us into Your heavenly truths. Teach us and guide us and grow us into Your glory.

Amen

New Mercies

 

     Grace gives us what we do not deserve. Mercy removes the punishment we do deserve and puts in its place, compassion. God’s mercies, His compassions are new every morning. Need forgiveness? Want to forget yesterday? God wipes the slate clean as we turn back to Him asking, once again, for Him to be merciful to us.

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22:23

     The faithfulness of God is not of this earth. We give up on others. We get angry and bitter and are filled with unforgiveness. Not Him. His compassion and His mercy know no bounds. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.

Lord,

We return to You time and again with our sinful natures, but You keep encouraging us and building us up with Your kindness, Your grace, Your faithfulness and Your compassion. Here we are again, Lord.

Amen

Grace and More Grace

 

     God’s grace is sufficient for us each day. (2 Corinthians 12:9) The definition for grace is “undeserved favor”, which God offers to us through the free gift of salvation. And he offers us enough grace to meet the challenges of everyday life.

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:16

     His grace never fails. We don’t deserve it. We fall short always. But God continues to love us unconditionally. There is nothing we can do to make Him turn His back on us and He continually turns us back to Him, to follow Him, to learn more from Him, to seek His plans. Grace upon grace out of His fullness. That is all we need.

Father,

You sent Jesus when we didn’t deserve it and You continue to love us and guide us through the events of life. We rely on Your grace time after time and it never runs out.

Amen

 

faith After Faith

 

     God’s love, His faithfulness, His grace and mercy will never fail. He will never, ever leave you. His promises are eternal and all will come to pass. His plans for you are good and His will is pleasing. All He asks of us is to trust Him, to have faith in Him above all else.

For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last-just as it is written, “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17

     We become right with God when we believe in Jesus as Savior. That's all it takes. The verse above tells us that it is all about faith, from first to last. Faith is the foundation of it all. God will remain faithful to you and to me. Let’s trust Him above all else with faith after faith. When doubt and fear rise up, have faith. When grief overwhelms, have faith. When you are lost, have faith. He will overcome all.

Father,

The gift of faith in You is a miracle that will keep us secure until we reach heaven. Show us Your love as we continue to trust and have faith in Your Son, Jesus and in His name we pray.

Amen

Bear Good Fruit

 

      God provides the seasons, the spring and fall rains and when the crops are grown in good soil, they become rooted deep and able to bear much fruit. Let that be said of us. Our youthful ways, our energetic young adult years and our middle-age wisdom and maturity can achieve in us a growing and deepening faith in Christ that brings us to a firm old age. Plant the seeds of the word and wait and watch with patience for the final harvest. Look at this verse and pray it will be true for each of us.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

     We are rooted in Jesus. Bear good fruit.

“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

     Remain in Him.

Lord,

Let our aging become beautiful in your sight as we grow in the image of Your Son and shine with His light wherever we go. Root us in Your loving Word. Let the truth wash over us as streams of living water, growing our spirit so strong that it will not wither.

Amen