Paul in Ephesians 3 v 14 - 21 prays for the church in Ephesus. He prays that they would be ‘rooted and established in love’ (v17). What does it mean to be rooted in love?

Well, I began thinking about the roots of a plant. At the foundation of a plant are roots. These roots ensure that the plant receives its’ nourishment from the soil. The depth of the roots can determine the resilience of the plant against the elements.

We need to be rooted in the love of our Father God. As the plant obtains nourishment from the soil, we obtain ‘nourishment’ from God’s love. To be rooted in His love gives us identity and security. We need to have roots that are deep in His love so that we are not easily shaken, moved, or pulled out. When rooted in His love we will be able to ask our neighbour or colleague if they want prayer for healing, and will not be afraid of their rejection.

A few weeks ago, one of the pastors spoke about the condition of our hearts. This challenged me to examine my heart.

But some may ask why the heart is so important. Well, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16 v 7). It is important to Him. With all of our hearts we are asked to love God. So, the question I’ve been asking lately is, how is my heart doing? Is it open and tender? Or is it closed and hard?

When I inquired about the state of my heart, I heard the Holy Spirit say that it was closed. This did not shock me, I knew my heart was locked but couldn’t face that fact. The Holy Spirit asked me to hand over the keys to heart, which I gave Him. He then proceeded to unlock the large paddlock sealing my heart and peel away a hard outer shell. God has done a work within my heart but it does not stop here.

Everyday I need to come to God and allow Him into my heart, allow Him to show me more issues in my heart. It is an ongoing process. Like caring for a garden, the heart is needed to be tended daily. This process I’m just beginning and I don’t always succeed, but I’m learning.

So I ask, what is the conditon of your heart?

At what time in your walk with God have you needed the most grace and peace? My answer to this question would’ve been, when I was saved, I needed the most grace as the state of my life was appaling and i didnt know anything of peace. 

However I was reading 2 Peter 1 and in verse 2 it says ‘May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.’ As I read this I wondered why we need more grace the more we grow in God? 

The fact is that if salvation was just an event and immediatley we arrived and were sorted, then the moment we got saved we would stop needing grace, but when it is an event that begins a journey, then we need grace each and every day to walk in his ways like it says in verses 5-7, in moral excellance, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection and love for everyone.  

Peter goes onto say in Vs8 ‘The more you grow like this the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our lord Jesus Christ.’  As I read this I was encouraged that in fact i haven’t arrived yet, but thats ok as I’m still on the journey, but i need his grace every day to live a Godly life, and to come to know him more.

 Ps. Have a really great christmas  

It that time of year again were many of us prepare for xmas. But this year is diffrent for me yes i still want to celebrate it but God has put something extra on my heart and that is to cry out in my heart for everyone who has not yet come to christ. And i pray that as parents and other go to watch children taking part in the time of Jesus birth and as they listen to the word of the christmas carols that God will take hold of a part of they heart and it wont just be for a season. We read ” When God begins a good work he is well able to complete it ” Its faith in our hearts as God people that helps in everything obtaining to the working of God. The greatest gift anyone can receive is the gift of life in Jesus Christ.

I read through Haggai today and this scripture (Hag1:4) popped out at me. Why are we living in luxurious houses whilst God’s house lies in ruins?