Root and Bloom

So, he built an altar there, worshiped YHWH, and pitched his tent there. Isaac's slaves also dug a well there. – Genesis 26:25

One thing that I hope I have learned through all my years on earth is that God often speaks through the words of His saints. I am so thankful for the Body of Christ. Aren't you?

When my wife and I returned (unexpectedly) from Africa in 2011, some good friends threw us a party. This gathering blessed us in many ways, but it also affirmed us. Our transition back to the U.S. was very difficult, but God used a lot of people to bring us the encouragement, strength, and resources that we needed to move on. For example, the aforementioned party had two themes: "Stay the Course," which was a reference to my affinity for golf and "Bloom Where You Are Planted," which was a reference to Cindy's love for gardening. The message hit home.

We see this message in the life of Isaac. He succeeded at both (staying and blooming). Though chased from one place to another, when he finally settled down, Isaac built an altar and worshipped God.

For a tree to bear fruit, it must first bloom. For a Christ-follower to bear fruit, he or she must first "bloom," and you won't "bloom" unless you worship. To worship God, you must "root" yourself in His presence and truth and the person that does this will ultimately bloom and bear. So, put down roots, not in a place, but in Him.

Happiness, contentment, the health, and growth of the soul, depend, as men have proved over and over again, upon some simple issue, some single turning of the soul. – George Smith