January 2021 – Tune My Heart

The new year is already off to a rocky start. More than ever the roots of our faith must be strong and deep in order to deal with now and the future. Scripture tells us that our world will continue to grow worse and worse.

So, what can we do to prepare for it? My advice is to strengthen our roots like never before. This is not the time to live carelessly, or in fear. It’s time to intentionally plant our faith deep in the ground, by the water. It’s time to grow, and it’s time to thrive!

In James 1:19-27 we find the answer to dealing with the temptations of the world around us and in us. James encourages us to control our emotions and our tongue. To put action into our faith and to implant God’s Word in our heart and mind.

Strengthening my roots looks like this. When someone speaks and I listen instead of jumping to conclusions, I strengthen my roots. Every time I choose to show self-control instead of wrath, I’m strengthening my roots. Every time I choose to control my tongue, when I’m tempted to say things I shouldn’t, I’m strengthening my roots. When I hear God’s Word preached, or I read or listen to it and choose to act on it, instead of doing nothing, I am strengthening my roots.

James tells us the key to victorious living in this crazy world is to know the scripture so well that it becomes engrafted into our life. God’s Word becomes as much a part of us as our arm, nose, or leg.

Let’s get rooted in God’s Word this year.

Who is ready for a fresh start? I know I am. Normally we are hopeful for the new year. Making resolutions, and changes in our life for the better. This time last year I never imagined what 2020 would hold. I think the events of 2020 will affect our outlook on making plans for a new year for some time to come. If you are a planner like me, we got our socks knocked off. I tossed my calendar planner in the trash about July. I gave up planning events.

When the events of 2020 hit, it tested my faith. So many changes, uncertainty, and fear wrapped became part our lives. I sadly realized I needed to strengthen my faith. The roots were there and held me in place, however the uncertain times swayed me like the winds. I needed spiritual nourishment and growth. How about your roots? Are they planted deep, or are they shallow? Are they too far from the water or dry in need of nourishment?

2020 was the year I chose to make some significant changes in my life mentally, spiritually and physically for the better. I’m so thankful that God gives us fresh opportunities to start again and to develop some new patterns and routines in our lives.

I’m not a gardener, but I have been around gardening my entire life. I learned a few thing from watching my grandpa, dad and husband. You reap what you sow, cutting and pruning allows for more growth, and a single seed can yield an abundance of fruit.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Trials of this life strengthen and mature us. When we are grounded in God’s Word our roots will reach the water and receive the nourishment needed to face the trials of life.

Do you want to have a strong faith? Do you want to be in a different place spiritually a year from now than where you are today? Then make every effort to get rooted in God’s Word. Sow now and you will begin reaping the benefits. Remember, a little seed of change can produce a great harvest.

Month: January 2021

Rooted in The Word

The new year is already off to a rocky start. More than ever the roots of our faith must be strong and deep in order to deal with now and the future. Scripture tells us that our world will continue to grow worse and worse.

Rooted in Faith