As we turn the calendar to May each year, I remember the familiar adage: "April showers bring May flowers." Each time I remember that old saying, I am reminded that both sunshine and rain are needed for flowers and plants to grow. Following Jesus is a journey of daily growth with ups and downs. Yet, we can trust that God will faithfully tend all our lives' roots, shoots, and new growth.
One thing I am looking forward to this month is our 'Roots of Discipleship' sermon series. Each Sunday, we will look at how God grows us in his grace as we seek to follow Jesus faithfully. Yes, as Christians, we put some effort into our faith formation and spiritual growth, but it's God, and God alone, who gives us growth and helps us develop deeper roots in Christ.
So, this month, I want to encourage us to prayerfully ask God some big questions.
· Lord, how do you want to grow me?
· Lord, how do you want to grow us as a church?
· Lord, how do you want to grow the impact of Union's life and ministry together?
These are questions that only God can answer. As we pray, may we listen for his voice and follow his lead as we seek to grow deeper roots as Christ’s disciples and as a church. As always, I would love to hear what God is sharing with you as you consider these questions prayerfully.
Here is a prayer to get you started.
Gracious God,
You are the One who plants, waters, prunes, and gives growth. I long to be deeply rooted in you, nourished by your word and Spirit.
When life pulls me in a thousand directions, root my heart in your truth. Send your living water to refresh my soul when I feel dry or uncertain. When storms come, and winds rage, hold me fast and keep my focus steadily on you.
Oh Lord, as I pray, I also offer these questions to you and await your faithful
direction. Lord, how do you want to grow me? Lord, how do you want to grow us as a church? Lord, how do you want to grow the impact of Union's life and ministry together?
Loving God, make me like a tree planted by streams of water, with good fruit for every season. Mold me into a faithful disciple who is grounded in your grace and growing ever more into the likeness of Christ.
In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Union Family, I love being your pastor and seeing how God continues to grow and guide us together!