The high desert spring is in overdrive. Because of some significant winter rains, our area is unusually lush. The roses are especially nice, the first blooms just emerging. I was counting the buds on the bushes along with the red yuccas, excited about the potential of so many blooms all at once. The buds are tightly wrapped cones of color, expanding each day toward the burst of full flower.
The roses, iris, yucca, prickly pear, salvias, etc., etc. give everything they have to bloom. It's their crowning achievement and singular task that accomplishes a dual purpose. They produce the beautiful flowers that feed the bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, plus reproduce despite windy, dry weather and pests. And so it should be for us, using the gracious gifts God has given us to build up the body of Christ--the church--our brothers and sisters. These gifts disciple believers and bring others to Jesus.
In the church, we need to be using whatever gift we have to strengthen the body. Your gift may be maintenance, fixing meals for the sick, caring for babies in the nursery, writing notes of encouragement, teaching a Bible study, praying consistently for others, just to name a few.
Our lives need to show the beauty of Christ in us to those who don't know Him. Be ready to give an answer for the hope you have.
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| Montezuma Rose Photo: L. Wallace |
The roses, iris, yucca, prickly pear, salvias, etc., etc. give everything they have to bloom. It's their crowning achievement and singular task that accomplishes a dual purpose. They produce the beautiful flowers that feed the bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, plus reproduce despite windy, dry weather and pests. And so it should be for us, using the gracious gifts God has given us to build up the body of Christ--the church--our brothers and sisters. These gifts disciple believers and bring others to Jesus.
In the church, we need to be using whatever gift we have to strengthen the body. Your gift may be maintenance, fixing meals for the sick, caring for babies in the nursery, writing notes of encouragement, teaching a Bible study, praying consistently for others, just to name a few.
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6-8 NLT)
Our lives need to show the beauty of Christ in us to those who don't know Him. Be ready to give an answer for the hope you have.
Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (Philippians 2:15 NLT)I was reminded of the timeworn phrase, "bloom where you're planted."The rose's gift is to bloom where it's situated, despite drought or beetles. It accomplishes the mission with all its energy and focus. It's vulnerable to the elements and enemies. But a half-hearted rose that stays budded simply doesn't deliver. Wherever you may find yourself, use your gift(s) well for the benefit of others, a bud unfurled into the flower you are meant to be. Don't hold back--bloom with all your heart.
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| Peace Rose Photo: L. Wallace |
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