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Men of Integrity, July/August 2004
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Theme of the Week: Still Growing?
Monday, July 26
Key Bible Verse: Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith (Colossians 2:7). Bonus Reading: Psalm 92:12—5
Tomato plants, at least in my limited experience, are fragile. They grow strong roots, but to live fully and produce delicious fruit they need help. It comes in the form of a stake, to which you tie the tomato plant, giving support and a strong foundation. With strong roots, nourishing soil, water, and that foundation stake, the plant can flourish—if it's in someone else's yard!
We're like those tomato plants. We can't make it in this life on our own. We need the rich soil of God's Word to nourish our souls. We need the fresh, pure water of His strength and comfort to carry us in the tough times and through hardships. We need the stake, His supporting hand, to guide us in knowing which way we should go. His hand is there to lift us up, to show us how to grow, and to build us up in Him.
The great thing is, with God's support, nourishment, and guiding force we find ourselves standing strong against all odds. The gusting wind, the blistering sun, and the pouring rain won't beat us down; instead, because of our healthy life in Him, those elements will only build us up. In the end, He'll produce the fruits of His labor in us—His creations.
—Stephen Graves & Thomas Addington in Deep Focus
Adapted from Deep Focus (Jossey-Bass, 2004) by permission.
My Response: Am I standing strong? If not, which element may be lacking?
Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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July/August 2004, Vol. 7, No. 4
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Prayer for the Week |
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Lord, I want to keep growing as Your child. Push me to do whatever it takes to become stronger and more mature.
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