Friday, September 2, 2011

Bloom! (Grow....part three)


Today is the third in a series of posts about growing in our faith, becoming more like Christ.  In the first message we said that making a decision to follow Christ is a great first step, and that God's word is the "food"we need to grow spiritually. Then, in part two we talked about developing the habit of daily Bible reading, and found some resources to help.  Today, let's talk about being content, about "blooming" right where we're planted. 

Often, we think we need perfect conditions to take next steps in our lives. We say to ourselves "If only we didn't move so much, I'd get more involved."  "If only there was a church like back home....If only my husband was a Christian...If only he wasn't deployed..." then I would join a small group."  But the truth is, no matter what your circumstances, you can decide to be content right where you are; to bloom where you're planted. Yes, even though you're moving in eighteen months. Yes, even while your husband is deployed.  Yes, even in a town with no Starbucks.  Yes, even at that funky church in the movie theater! 

 Listen, I've rocked babies, read stories, baked cookies, sang in choirs, stamped postcards, vacuumed floors, led VBS, and volunteered in women's, youth, college, and music ministry.  Why? To build my resume'?  No! I just decided that no matter what's going on around me, no matter where I am, I want my life to be fruitful for God. I don't have to wait until everything lines up just right, I can serve Him now.  I want to live my life in full bloom, so others see Christ in me, and want this new life for themselves!

What about you?  Are you content, right where you are?  What has kept you from taking that next step of faith? What does "full bloom" look like for you?  Leave a comment and share!

Today's Verse: This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  John 15:8 NIV

Prayer for Today: Father, I want to live life in "full bloom" for You.  Show me how I can serve You, right where I am today.  In Jesus' name, Amen. 


4 comments:

Martha Tuck said...

Great teaching /writing. "Bloom" on for God's glory.

Leslie Oden said...

Thanks, Martha! You are a great encourager. :0)

Sarah said...

Leslie, you are awesome. I always find that your blog is so encouraging and exactly what I need...even from so far away. Thank you!

Leslie Oden said...

Thanks for your kind words, Sarah! So glad the blog is helpful :0) I'm a huge fan of your blog, too. Love the stories of your days, always shared with joy and humor and great pics! So glad we're still connected across the miles! L.