Brave Hearted Stepper deeply rooted in Christ: GROW

 

Hello Brave Hearted Stepper,

Last week we discussed PLANT (seeds and soil quality of our hearts) through the Parable of the Sower. I pray that you took the time to reflect on the condition of your heart. I say this because the next steps, such as GROW, will need good soil and a solid foundation for you to grow and thrive.

A gardener, when planting seeds, would need the following, soil, water, and sunlight. As Brave Hearted Steppers, we need the same to grow deeply rooted in Christ.

Soil:

As the seeds develop into plants, they need a good foundation of soil to start their growth. The same for Brave Hearted Steppers; our good soil and solid foundation is Jesus. Jesus nurtures and supports us. He gives us a place to extend our roots in safety. John 15:4

Just like a plant needs fertile soil to thrive, Jesus gives his children every possible nutrient we would ever need. Joy, Love, Peace, Encouragement, Wisdom, etc., and His supplies are unlimited.

Sunlight:
Plants grow towards the sunlight. They long for the strength and warmth that only sunlight can give. The Bible is our sunlight. We should also lean towards the Light, His Word, for guidance and strength. It can be warmth and comfort in times of struggle and lead us on a clear path in times of doubt. The Bible is our source for many things we need for our Brave Hearted lifestyle. Psalm 119:105

Water:
Plants need water to sustain them. The water that sustains us is fellowship with fellow Christians. God did not intend for us to grow alone; however, to be there to encourage one another in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Fellow Christians are meant to come together (congregate), loving and supporting one other as we grow. Fellowship can refresh our souls, just like water is to a plant. It can help perk us up on a particularly draining day or quench our thirst. Water can be a vessel of nutrients we need to grow. Matthew 18:20, Hebrews 10:25

Weeds:

Weeds are plants growing where they are not wanted or needed. They can cause problems to gardens when they grow wild and compete with the plants you worked so hard to plant. Weeds can spread from plant to plant, quickly impacting your plants' growth. Spiritual weeds (Galatians 5:19-21) are not wanted or needed in our lives either. They cause problems by affecting our spiritual growth and bringing distance between God and us. But we have a way to get rid of these weeds. *I will elaborate more in the next blog post.

Deep Root Thought:
Are there areas that you need to work on for you to grow? Is there a "weed" in your life that is holding you back from growing? 

Here are things you can do this week to bring nutrients to your soul as you grow and thrive:

1. Dedicate time in prayer

2. Dedicate time in fasting

3. Dedicate time in God's word

4. Dedicate time Praise and Worship

5. Congregate at your local church

Reference Blog: 7 ways to put God first.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are in the growing process in our lives as we keep growing day by day in you. Help us to remove the weeds that are causing us to hold back on our growth process. Thank you for the unlimited nutrients you bring to our daily lives. I ask you in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Stay tuned for part three of the Brave Hearted Steppers are deeply rooted in Christ series on PRUNE scheduled for Friday, March 31, 2023.

Many Blessings,

Maria Guzman