STAY HUMBLE and HUNGRY!

 

I love this time of year. 

One of the reasons I love Spring is because WARMTH returns. I finally can feel comfortable going outside without a coat. Even though it is a bit chilly on certain mornings, I can tolerate it until we finally get some sunshine and warmth. There is nothing more comforting than warmth and sunshine. 

I think the trees feel the same way. Another great sign of the warmth returning is the LEAVES ON THE TREES. I really can't place my finger on it, but somehow a tree filled with GREEN leaves is so comforting, just as much as the warmth. I think it might be the contrast of the green leaves against the dull look of the branches.When you couple the warmth, the trees, the flowers, and the abundance of sunshine, I don't know how you could hate SPRINGTIME. 

I thought about GROWTH and TREES this morning as I was reading Romans 11. The tree in this scripture represents God's family. Paul tells us that some of the leaves/branches fell off and other branches were grafted into his family. His own preferred nation rejected him. Those are the branches that have fallen. WE, the NON-JEWISH members of God's family have been grafted in. 

"But some of these branches from Abraham's tree --- some of the people of Israel -- have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you allso receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God;s special olive tree." (Romans 11:17, NLT)

What a beautiful thought of us being included in with GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE. This is just another example of God's perfect grace. All we did is believe and regardless of what we have been, where we come from and the roots of our families, God accepts us like his own. He grafts us into his live, beautiful, growing, tree.

I praise God that I can be included in his family. It is an honor and THAT IS WHY I SERVE HIM! But, even with this joy, we cannot take it too far. We are no better than anyone else. We need to remember our fallen nature and all we have done to separate ourselves from God. We must be diligent to make sure that never happens again or we will be cut-off the tree, just like before. We have been given a wonderful gift, but we cannot take it for granted. Israel did that on so many occasions. They faced so many challenges because they through more of themselves than they should. We have to be careful to stay humble and hungry for the LORD. Accepting his grace in humility and offer that same grace to others. 

Heavenly Father, we praise you for all you have done for us. The gift of LIFE, grafting us into your family is a blessing we can never repay. Please Lord watch over us, protect us and continue to mold us into the people you want us to be. Amen!

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"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

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