Category Archives: Flowers

Planted and Water to Grow

1 Corinthians 3:7-8 and Black-Eyed Susans, Eastern Nebraska.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7-8

Planted and Water by Believers, but God Brings Growth

In 1 Corinthians 3 the Apostle Paul tells us that people who serve the Lord are simply God’s servants being used by Him. People don’t cause growth in the lives of others. God does.

The work each of us does for God is important, like planting a seed and watering it. Plants don’t grow unless these things happen, but it’s not who plants the seed nor who waters it that makes it grow. God makes it grow. 

The same is true with people. We are planted and watered by people in our lives, but only God brings growth to our lives. God calls us to align ourselves with Him and not with a teacher nor a church.

PS.
Click here to learn more my devotional book Drawing Near.

The Melody of a Grateful Heart

Ephesians 5:19-20 and Surprise Lilies, Sarpy County, Nebraska. “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns & spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, … Continue reading →

A Different Look at Suffering and Glory

1 Peter 4:12-13 and the Stamens of a Lily, Bellevue, Nebraska.The pollen covered stamens of a yellow and purple lily, Bellevue, Nebraska. Bible I Peter 4:12-13 fellowship with sufferings

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

From Our Suffering to His Glory

Many times things happen to us we just don’t like. Whatever the cause, we sometimes look to God and ask, “Why?” Most of the time we do not receive an answer. But when we look at things differently we see God’s glory in it.

Our sufferings here connect us to Christ as fellow sufferers. And the Bible call us to rejoice in our suffering because when we partner with Christ in His suffering we will also “rejoice with exultation” at the revelation of His glory which comes in eternity.

For biblical encouragement read all of 1 Peter 4.

God’s Light in You

Psalm 37:5-6 and a Cosmos Bipinnatus Flower, Sarpy County, Nebraska
Purple cosmos bipinnatus flower on black background and Psalm 37:5-6 God's Light Bible verse

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5-6

God’s Light

God reveals Himself to us in the things He has made. His creation gives us windows into His character. Even the simply things like flowers show us bits of God’s glory. As John Calvin wrote, “God revealed Himself and daily discloses Himself in the whole workmanship of the universe. As a consequence, men cannot open their eyes without being compelled to see Him.”

When we pursue Him, His light and righteousness shines through us to the world and people are “compelled to see Him.”

Read all of Psalm 37.

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