Morning by Morning, October 25 - Bloom Where You’re Planted to Flourish and Thrive Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me by Your Spirit into all You have for me today -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ... As we begin to settle into our home for this next season near the heart of our community -- a little cabin with a lot of character -- I hear this in my heart this morning: “Bloom where you’re planted. Pray from where I’ve strategically positioned you. Flourish and thrive with the life of My Spirit in you.” ... Yes, Lord. Your Word comes to my heart from the Prophecy of Jeremiah: “Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive” (Jeremiah 29:7 CSB). You sent the Jewish people to Babylon for a season; You’ve sent us to Fredericksburg. Though we were called to this city and not deported to it, the principle is the same -- pray for the city, bless the city, become a part of the city with God’s heart for all that city is to become, despite whatever conditions or challenges it currently endures. The same principle applies to a nation or a family or a neighborhood or church or a business or a school or wherever we find ourselves planted or positioned for that season. It’s for a reason. And it’s to make a difference. We make a difference not by striving in our strength but by carrying Your Presence. Wherever we go, You are there (Matthew 28:20). Wherever we live, You are at home (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Light of Your Glory arises and shines in us and through us (Isaiah 60:1-3; Matthew 5:14). The atmosphere is changed, the spiritual realm is shifted because we carry Your Presence and manifest Your Kingdom, as Your Presence and Your Kingdom come with us wherever You send us and plant us and position us (Luke 17:21; Colossians 1:27). “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in (us). And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to (our) mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within (us)” (Romans 8:11 NLT). By the power of Your grace, may we bloom where we’re planted, thriving with the Life of Christ in the Spirit of God -- here in this place You’ve positioned us, here in this city and this nation, here in our hearts and in all that touches us and all that You touch through us. In the expressive words of The Message Version of the Bible, You said it this way: “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand -- shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 MSG). Lord, let it be so -- in us and in Your people everywhere You’ve positioned us to bloom and to thrive and to make a difference -- as best as we can and all by Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today! In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you bloom where you're planted to flourish and thrive with the light of the glory of God arising and shining through you to make a difference in your world by the grace of God, in Jesus' name. God bless you! Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries Mailing Address: 412 S. Adams Street #148 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Please share this word to encourage a friend! Anyone can sign up for free at: https://messiah-ministries.org
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