Deeply Rooted

Ephesians 3

When God created the world, He planted a great variety of trees, plants, and flowers all over the earth. Many tress and other types of flora are good for food, and offer a variety of other beneficial uses, but the most important part of any tree or plant is, it’s roots. According to easytogrowbulbs.com, the roots of a plant have several important functions. The roots anchor the plant in place, resisting the forces of wind and running water or mud flow. The root system takes in oxygen, water and nutrients from the soil, to move them up through the plant to the stems, leaves and blooms. Roots often store the energies created by the plant through photosynthesis, to make them available to the plant as it is needed. Plant roots also stimulate and support microorganisms in the soil that benefit plant life.

Roots are vital to the survival and overall wellbeing of plant life, but what the roots are planted in, is the major benefactor in what it can bring forth. Jesus spoke a parable in Matthew 13 that reads, “Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”

When roots are planted in good ground, the probability of the tree bringing forth fruit is extremely high, but when tress are planted in unfavorable areas, they’ll bring forth little to no increase. When those who claim to be sons and daughters of God have their hearts rooted and grounded in love, they’ll undoubtedly bring forth much fruit for the kingdom of God. But, to those who have set their affections on things below, including money, power, wealth, careers, cars, or celebrity, they’ll never be fit for God’s kingdom. Although many aren’t rooted in God’s love, they have been blessed with limited time to get their hearts right with the Father. Are you deeply rooted in love, or are you planted in unfavorable, and unprofitable ground?

Who Am I?

Exodus 3:1-12

God created all men special, and not one person deserves more esteem than another. From the least of mankind, to the greatest, all people were made fearfully and wonderfully by God, and are capable of doing amazing things through His power. Oftentimes, when in the presence of men and women who are considered famous or popular by worldly standards, some can become nervous, and feel unworthy to be amongst them. But, no matter who the world promotes as great, no man is greater than the almighty God.

While leading his father-in-law’s flock through a desert, Moses was unaware of the great responsibility that was moments away. As he approached Mount Horeb, the angel of the Lord appeared in a flame of fire, in the midst of a bush. This definitely caught Moses’ attention, and he turned to get a closer look. But, before he could take another step, God called unto him, and made known that he was on holy ground, and to remove his shoes. During this time, the children of Israel were being severely oppressed by the Egyptians, and God would not allow it to continue any longer. From the fiery bush, God told Moses He would send him unto Pharoah, so that he could bring His people out of Egypt. Humility is always revealed in the hearts of those who love God, and Moses proved this by asking God, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharoah, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt” (vs.11). God assured the humble servant, He would certainly be with him as he carried out this task, and commanded him to return to the same place where he was standing, to reverence God after delivering the Israelites from the Egyptians. God knew His plan would work, and that Moses would do his part, so He wanted him to return to Mount Horeb, as he and Israel serve God from that point on.

Moses felt intimidated and unworthy to stand before the great Pharoah, but with God, he had all the confidence he needed, to do as God commanded. For every situation you face in life, whether great or small, don’t allow them to intimidate you, especially if God commanded you to go through it. God is all powerful, and He can equip you with all you need to be bold, no matter what you face in this life. Don’t let men and women shame or make you feel unworthy, because with God you are more than worthy!

Righteous Fruit

Isaiah 5:1-7

What do you do, when you deposit seed from a fruitful source, into a fruitful place, provide ample rain, yet the seed fails to produce properly? Under normal conditions, seeds usually produce bountifully in ideal situations such as these, but there must be outside forces that would cause them not to bring forth, as they are expected to. In our text, God removed all things that protected His vineyard, and provided the necessary elements to keep it nurtured, because it wasn’t producing the right fruit. God created man from a fruitful source, placed them in a very fruitful place, but they failed to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. So, God removed His protection from man, and allowed other influences to consume them, because of their corruption. Our lesson’s text is in reference to the house of Israel, and the men of Judah, who instead of producing righteousness and judgment, brought forth oppression and tears. So, God removed His hand of protection from them, so that judgment could conform them back in shape.

Many today of the house of God, aren’t producing as they should, and may require a bit of chastisement to get them back in shape. We serve a bountiful God who is full of grace and mercy, yet we often cling to other things that are unfruitful, while turning away from the source of all power. Set your roots in the Word of God, and allow Him to nurture and cultivate your life, so that you can begin to produce good fruit on a consistent basis.

“The enemy uses our dirt to shame and manipulate us. God uses it to harden our foundation and strengthen our faith in Him.” – Ell

Peacemakers

James 3:13-18; 5:7-12

In the same way trees are known by their fruit, the character of men can be made known by the works they perform. According to Scripture, the church should only be known for producing righteous fruit, and such fruit is only made possible by the corresponding seed sown from their lives.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 KJV). Many in the earth consider themselves to be wise, but their wisdom is based on corrupt seed. Our text teaches, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (vs. 16). That’s extremely profound, knowing that every evil work can be produced from sowing seeds of strife and envy. The preceding verse also mentions, harboring bitter envying and strife in the heart, causes one to lie against the truth. It’s impossible for a man to say he has committed himself to God, and His will, while holding evil and wicked motives in His heart. When a man is motivated by evil thoughts, his actions will mirror what’s hidden in his heart. Conversely, when a man’s heart is full of the love of God, he’ll sow seeds of peace, that will inevitably bring forth the fruit of righteousness.

In essence, the fruit of righteousness include all the works that represent holiness, by which God receives glory through them all. The world promotes all things contrary to godliness, including hate, envying, strife, confusion, and a host of other unholy behaviors, but when a man promotes peace, God will consider him wise, and fill him with heavenly wisdom, as he faithfully brings forth righteous fruit.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell