Frozen

Monday February 23, 2015

Snuggled in blankets, we settled in for one of the worst ice storms our usually temperate climate had ever experienced. Roads had been closed, schools cancelled and citizens warned to stay safely inside their homes. With our power cut, we cooked pizza rolls in the fireplace, watched films with our reserve computer battery and slept under layers of blankets to keep warm. In the middle of the night, however, I awakened to loud intermittent cracking sounds. Layers of ice and snow had weighed the branches of the tall trees behind our house. Unable to bear the burden, they were taking turns crashing to the snowy ground below.

Declaring that He alone would be our ongoing source of life, Jesus gives us the picture of a vine and its fruit bearing branches (John 15:5-7). Just like the lifeless branches that littered our garden, we can´t expect to flourish if we separate ourselves from the truth of God´s Word (1 John 2:3-5).

Satan would love to see us weighed down with man-made rules, meaningless arguments and broken ideologies. Layer upon layer, each lifeless, frozen word settles upon the next, until our faith is weakened, hearts are deceive and minds darkened. Our focus bent in the wrong direction, we will then forget the freedom of God´s love as our hearts grow cold (Mark 8:15-17).

Yet, the love of God persists (Song of Solomon 8:6-7). Storms invariably will come, but we don´t have to be deceived. Paul´s encouragement is clear : "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him" (Colossians 2:6-7). Let´s keep our eyes on Christ (3:1-4). - Regina Franklin

Read
Colossians 2:1-7
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 119:138-144
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me, 
but your commands are my delight. 
Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live.

Question to Ponder
What are some lies you´ve heard that have tried to keep you from the love of Christ?
What does it mean to "let your roots grow down into [Jesus]"?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015