I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

(Eph 3:16-17)

A tree – living its life full of potential has an effect on all of life that surrounds it, provides shade and shelter, stability for others.  As a tree grows, its roots run deep.  Without deep roots a tree might not withstand the forces of nature that come against her.  Without a healthy root system, a tree’s nourishment and growth may be stunted.  Roots are what help to establish something firmly in one place.  Soil also plays an important role in a developing root system.  Rich nutrient soil is optimal for good growth in young trees, feeding them what is needed in order to reach deeper, creating stability.  

My fascination with trees always starts with the roots.  I love to look at the root structure, to see the way they reach far and wide along the surface and begin to imagine the depth in which they grow.  Those roots create a stabile foundation upon which that tree grows.

The same can be said for us when our lives are rooted in faith.  When we are rooted, dwelling deeply in a life of love we too are living in the fullness of God.  The soil that nourishes and sustains us are a life of prayer, reading God’s word, worship and fellowship.  These elements are what create that nutrient rich soil in which our roots can develop allowing us to grow deeper, allowing us to grow in the knowledge and love of God. 

It brings to mind a question, what is it that keeps you stable when the winds blow?  When we are planted firmly in the love of God we have a stable foundation that can help us withstand anything that comes our way.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.  (Eph 3:16-19, MSG)