See the Flowers

28 / Sun  |  Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-7 / Luke 12:22-31 / Isaiah 61:11

Overview: You may be familiar with the phrase, “Stop and smell the roses,” but do you ever consider how they came to bloom, or why flowers appear each spring? All around us, God provides the growth.

29 / Mon – Flowers  |  Read 1 Peter 1:24-25 / Ecclesiastes 3:11a

When winter fades into spring, flowers become some of the most welcoming sights. The earliest ones will bloom even before the snow has completely melted. They remind us how God loves beautiful things and has lavishly provided a flower garden’s riot of color for you to enjoy. Even temporary beauty is worthy of notice and appreciation. Will you stop and thank God for generously decorating your world? Then look for other beautiful things the Lord has given you to enjoy.

30 / Tue – When flowers fade, roots remain  |  Read Hebrews 11:1 / Romans 8:24-25

Flowers don’t last forever. Some bloom for only one season (annuals) while others ‘die’ in the winter but reappear the next spring (perennials). Isn’t that kind of like hope? And hope is related to faith. Why does the Lord allow things to happen that challenge your belief in His goodness? Adversity presents a choice: trust God despite the circumstances or let your faith in Him diminish. Choosing to trust causes the roots of your faith to grow deeper so it can survive the winters of life.

01 / Wed – Why?  |  Read 1 Corinthians 13:12 / Romans 5:1-5

Isn’t it interesting to think that you won’t need faith when you get to heaven? So what benefit is there in having your faith tested down here? God is growing your character and maturity that will overflow into eternity. The tests are for your benefit. You become an example to those in your circle of influence. Others are encouraged when they see how God’s grace carries you through difficult times. Will you use every opportunity to express trust in God’s character, verbally praising him for his kindness even in hard times?

02 / Thu – What are you planting?  |  Read Philippians 4:8

Growing the kind of flowers you want requires planting the right seeds. Everything you do and say originates from your mind so that’s the soil where you need to plant God’s thoughts. What are you planting in your mind? Do you allow thoughts to flit in and out without examining and challenging them? Paul gives practical advice here. Use it to evaluate your own thoughts. You get to pick and choose what you plant in your mind. The right thoughts can change your life.

03 / Fri – Surviving the storms of life  |  Read Psalm 92:12-15

Do you know why many palm trees survive the fiercest hurricanes while other types of trees do not? Palm trees are actually giant woody herbs (monocots) that grow from a single point at their crown. They do not have traditional wood rings so they can bend significantly in storms without breaking. Their sturdy root system makes them resistant to flooding. What are some ways God’s word compares His people to flourishing palm trees?

04 / Sat – Worried?  |  Read Philippians 1:6 / Jude 1:24

In challenging times, you may feel like a failure in God’s eyes and wonder if the Lord is mad at you. These verses can remind you that He has begun a good work in you and He will bring it to completion. According to Jude, what is the result? If you are not struggling right now, will you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and share this truth with someone else who might be? It is important to encourage each other and to help one another see God’s truth when life makes it difficult. His truth is the strong foundation of our lives and needs to be revisited often.