deeply rooted - Angelittle

Posted on April 29, 2021April 25, 2021 by angelittle — 1 Comment

Getting Deep in the Word

This article is written by Natalie of Bible Verses For You as part of the Deeply Rooted series. To submit a guest blog, click here.

Are you struggling with getting up early in the morning? Maybe you are barely making it through the day without stress or tears? If so, it’s time to make positive changes in your life. There’s one positive move you can make and it only takes one commitment a day — getting deep in the Word.

Do you have a consistent routine of reading your Bible? If not, it’s time to get Deeply Rooted in the Word of God. Developing a lifelong routine of reading the Holy Scriptures daily must be as important as a cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning. Otherwise, we can’t expect game-changing results in the real world and in our relationships if we don’t set goals for spiritual growth.

We can’t expect game-changing results in the real world and in our relationships if we don’t set goals for spiritual growth.
Natalie | bibleversesforyou.com

Why Get Deeply Rooted in the Bible

Why is reading God’s Word daily so important for a peaceful and stress-free day? Why get deeply rooted into the Bible? There are so many benefits but I’ll just name a few key points. It’s all you’ll need to get busy reading the Living Word — today.

Gain Happiness – The Scriptures teaches us how to have joy, peace, and contentment every day. If we don’t read the Bible on a daily basis, our faith becomes weak. We start getting up everyday doubting that God will see us through any struggles or challenges that come our way. We become overwhelmed with negative emotions like fear, worry, and anxiety.
Share the Good News – Studying the Bible will equip you with appropriate Bible Verses on how to share your testimony with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers. In the book of Matthew, Jesus Christ charged us with the “Great Commission”, or to be a disciple with all nations. In other words, Christians are appointed to spread the gospel to all of our connections, online and offline.
Make Disciplined Decisions – When you learn and understand the Truth, it helps us make better choices, biblical decisions, and greater guidance we need in order to have a successful spiritual life.
Draw Closer to God – Our ultimate goal as Christ followers is gain a personal relationship with God. In order to this, we must understand Him and what he expects from us.

How to Get Deeply Rooted into the Bible

We’ve established the WHY we must meditate on the scriptures, so let’s now discuss ways on how to get deeply rooted into the Bible. Essentially, we must develop a consistent, daily habit that becomes auto-pilot whether it’s in the morning or during a quiet part of the day. Here are some tips on how to begin a game-changing routine:

Determine a “happy” trigger that will remind you each day to read your bible (i.e. brushing your teeth, cup of coffee, tea, etc).
Establish a quiet, permanent place that has no or little traffic or distractions for studying the scriptures.
Keep the same time blocked each day to encourage frequency in your schedule
Leave a Bible and journal next to your quiet place to avoid wasting time looking for it.

Creative Ways to Study the Bible

Most of us have busy lives and need extra spiritual tools to get us deeply rooted in the Word. Here are some great tips on how you can sprinkle scripture into your day by taking advantage of the latest tech tools:

Listen to Christian Podcasts – Have a long drive to a game or work? Listen to Christian Podcasts using your smartphone.
Download Bible Apps – There are many choices for listening to the Bible in your preferred version on your smartphone including “Bible”, “Bible Gateway”, and many others. Try searching for “Bible Apps” in your App Store or in Google Play.
Buy Christian Devotionals, Journals, and Spiritual Planners – Search for spiritual tools online or in your favorite Christian Bookstore for encouragement and inspiration each day.
Join Christian Facebook Groups – Join Christian or Faith-based Facebook groups that have Bible reading plans or recommendations to keep you focused and on track.

Our goal in life as Christians is to grow spiritually in the Lord and the first step is to get deep in the Word. Once this incredible habit is formed, you will notice positive changes in all of your relationships and connections.

The Holy Bible is the not only #1 best seller in the world, it’s also the most comprehensive book for life, or to put it simply, it’s the ultimate “How to be Happy in Life” Handbook!

Start a new routine today by getting deep into the Word. It’s time to start drinking from the fountain of the Living Water that never dries up. Get Deeply Rooted in His Word today!

Natalie is a wife and homeschool mother to 2 teenagers living in the sunny state of NC. As a minimalist, she enjoys finding ways to make life more simple, yet significant, while serving the Savior through her Christian blogging ministry at https://bibleversesforyou.com. Natalie also loves serving others with her tips, tricks, teaching, and techy skills. You may just catch her hiking the NC trails with her Puggle, Lily.

Posted on April 25, 2021April 25, 2021 by angelittle — Leave a comment

3 Keys to Staying Deeply Rooted During Suffering

This article is written by Sheryl Aeschliman for the Deeply Rooted Devotional series. To submit a guest blog, click here.

The phone call. The loss. The betrayal. The diagnosis. The rejection. At some point, we all have been thrown into the deep end of suffering and trial. You are not alone. Do you feel like you are drowning in your pain right now? Are you wondering how you can endure intense struggling and keep breathing when the waves come crashing in? Here are 3 keys to staying deeply rooted in your faith while the storm rages.

Key #1. Stay Deeply Rooted in Prayer

You are called to pray instead of ponder.

There is a major difference between praying to the Lord and pondering the painful circumstances and problems. I don’t know if you are anything like me, but when trouble hits I can imagine the worst-case scenario in .02 seconds flat. I know I am not the only one that has imagined ridiculous drama in my mind. (Like getting laid off your job automatically means you will be a penniless, nomadic goat farmer in the Himalayan mountains, right?) While losing your job is a big deal, spending time ruminating on a variety of what-ifs and worst-case scenarios generally makes matters worse. Yes, there is a huge difference between true prayer with your heavenly Father and pondering things that will likely never happen. One speaks to the God of the Universe that can move mountains and the other…well, doesn’t.

Intense suffering drives us to look for relief, makes us desperately ache for a sense of inner calmness, and cling to anything for stability. The world can not offer any of those things, but God does. Prayer is the balm for the hurting soul. Being honest with God is what keeps you rooted in the most intense struggle. It gives hope! It doesn’t have to be long or fancy to get the job done, either. The most earnest prayer from a sincere, humble heart can simply be, “God, help me.”

Prayer is the balm for the hurting soul.
Sheryl Aeschliman | Simply Scripture

Whatever He has declared over you in His word is true. Pray about it. Claim the promise. Trust it and rest in His grace. He is not done working to bring about His desired outcome. He wants you to talk to Him about it, and He is available anytime. (See Romans 8:26)

Taking it deeper: Read Scripture! Ask God to show you how to pray. Ask another person to be a prayer partner. Set aside 5 minutes to read through a Psalm and turn it into a prayer. Write out a prayer, or Bible verse on a small notecard. Place it on your mirror, car dash or office desk as a prayer prompt.

The most earnest prayer from a sincere, humble heart can simply be, “God, help me.”
SHERYL AESCHLIMAN | SIMPLY SCRIPTURE

Key #2. Stay Deeply Rooted in Worship

We are called to worship instead of wallow.

When suffering becomes unbearable your sweet Lord gives you the beauty of worship. Instead of dwelling on your pain, He gently asks you to look up and gaze on His goodness and provision instead. (Read Psalm 121:1-8 for the encouragement!)

He calls His children to lay down worry and anxiety to soak in who He is and all that He does through praise and worship. When you close your eyes, Jesus takes you to a sacred place where your wounding becomes your resting. Worship is a way to release your suffering into His capable hands and be deeply rooted in the assurance He is present in your pain. It is God’s love language with you. (See Colossians 3:16)

Worship is more than just music! Worship is honoring God in your actions each and every moment! Wallowing in the suffering prevents you from sharing your testimony, serving in your community and living a life of victory.

Taking it deeper: Read Scripture! Listen only to worship music for 30 days. Volunteer at a local shelter, crisis pregnancy center, or teach Sunday school.

When you close your eyes, Jesus takes you to a sacred place where your wounding becomes your resting.
SHERYL AESCHLIMAN | SIMPLY SCRIPTURE

Key #3. Stay Deeply Rooted in Communion

You are called into communion instead of contention.

The Lord identifies with you because He suffered, too. He felt the sting of deep rejection, the loneliness of being misunderstood, the sucker-punch of betrayal, and a physically broken body. Trials were not meant to push you away from God, but to identify you with Him.

In a season of deep trial, it is easy to push God and others away. Fighting the Lord and those around you at the same time is exhausting. Trying to white-knuckle life or pull yourself up by the bootstraps creates bitterness and resentment, not to mention deep loneliness. Becoming a maverick or martyr in your trial was never the Lord’s intention and it is neither helpful nor necessary. His word calls you into communion with Him through prayer and worship but also calls you to connect to other believers as well.

Most physical or emotional suffering comes thickly padded with lies from the enemy. Lies can not be in the presence of a holy God. Scripture says that when 2 or 3 are gathered together He is there. (See Matthew 18:20) Fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters creates an impenetrable fortress of safety and truth. Having a small group of fellow believers who are committed to each other and to your victory is priceless. Close connection and communion not only will encourage you, but also will hold you accountable on the days or weeks that you feel like giving up.

Taking It deeper: Read Scripture! Regularly attend a grace-based, gospel-centered church that has Biblical teaching. Join a Bible study online or in person. Step out and join a support group. Find an accountability partner.

Prayer, worship, and communion are 3 keys to staying deeply rooted in your time of suffering. God has not left you on this big spinning ball to figure it out on your own. He is right there with you. He is committed to working everything out for your good and His glory.

Prayer, worship, and communion are 3 keys to staying deeply rooted in your time of suffering.
SHERYL AESCHLIMAN | SIMPLY SCRIPTURE

Sheryl Aeschliman is the founder of Simply Scripture’s online Bible study community and author of numerous women’s Bible studies using her Simply Color© color code. Her writing and speaking are sprinkled with honesty, humor, and encouragement while digging out deep biblical concepts that practically apply to daily life.

Join her online bible studies for women at https://www.simplyscripture.org or be part of her exclusive community called A Simple Gathering. Read more from her on Facebook.

Posted on April 10, 2021April 25, 2021 by angelittle — Leave a comment

5 Ways to Be Deeply Rooted In Truth And Grace

This article is written by Sacha of Clothed with Dignity as part of the Deeply Rooted series. To submit a guest blog, click here.

“Be deeply rooted,” is an encouragement we’ve received from many Christian leaders. But what does it really look like? What comes to your mind when you hear the words “be deeply rooted”?

For me, I think about plants with big, deep roots in the ground. Imagine a giant tree in the forest that has grown over several, several years, and the roots are growing deep inside the rich soil.

Another thing that comes to mind is Jesus talking about Him being the true vine, and us being the branches, in John 15. As born-again Christians, we abide in Christ, and He abides in us. We cannot produce fruit as a branch by ourselves; we need to be a part of the vine. This metaphor that Jesus spoke about in John 15:1-6 gives us a better understanding of what it means to be deeply rooted.

When we abide in Christ, we must abide by His words, by doing His will in our lives, bearing good fruit for His glory, and keeping His commandments. Jesus also wants us to abide in His love, for He loved us first.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving”
Colossians 2:6-7

Paul illustrated for us that the foundation for our faith is in our roots with Christ, reminding us that these roots can be established by our faith in Jesus. When we believe in The Lord Jesus Christ as Our Lord and Savior, our roots start to form and grow in Christ, thus giving us the solid foundation for our faith in Him.

Jesus also wants us to abide in His love, for He loved us first.
Sacha of @clothedwithdignityco

Based upon these scriptures, we gain a better understanding as to what “be deeply rooted” means. Let’s take a look at 5 ways for us to become deeply rooted in truth and grace:

5 Ways to Be Deeply Rooted In Truth and Grace

1. Spend Time On Building Your Relationship With Jesus

When a plant is first planted in the ground, it needs extra attention and care in order for the roots to become fully established and grow correctly. Just like when someone first gets saved, they need more love, care, and attention to them so that they can be encouraged in the right way to start their new lives with Christ on the right foot.

We need to spend time on building our relationship with Jesus, and having a strong desire to learn more about Him and His love for us. This can be done by reading God’s Word, praying daily, worshipping and glorifying Him, and submitting to God and doing His Will in our lives.

2. Be Deeply Rooted In The Word of God

How on Earth do we expect ourselves to grow and mature in the faith, to build strong roots and foundations in our lives, if we are not reading and studying His Word?

In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Bible says to study to show ourselves approved unto God. We need to make sure that we take time out of the day to spend time with God in His Word.

If you are struggling to do this, find some free bible reading plans, or Christian devotionals, to help get you started with staying consistent in reading the Bible each day.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

3. Submit To God

As Christians, we see God as our Heavenly Father. We love Him because He first loved us. He knows everything about us, past, present, and future. He counts the very hairs on our heads and created us all so perfectly and uniquely. As such, we need to fully submit to Him and trust that He will guide us on the right path.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding”
Proverbs 3:5-6

He already has established a path for us that is intended for us to follow. We need to submit and do everything in accordance to His Will and not our own. Our lives change, for the better, when we become born-again. We have a chance to start again; a fresh start, a new beginning. This is our opportunity to grow in truth and grace and see all of the wonderful things that we can do for God and He can do for us, in our lives.

4. Find Your Purpose & Identity

It is important for us, as Christians to find our purpose and live that out, for God’s glory. When we are born-again, our identity is in Christ.

We no longer desire to live for the world, because we want to follow Jesus. We came to Jesus because we found the truth about who He is, and what He has done for us. We rejoice in Him knowing that our sins are forgiven and our slate is wiped clean with the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross at Calvary. We no longer want to live the way that we used to, for we desire to live a more Holy and righteous life; a life that God intends for us to live.

It takes time to find our purpose. As long as we fully submit to God, obey Him, study His Word, and grow and mature in the faith, we will find what we are looking for. Our roots will become even stronger and more established once we find our purpose.

5. Produce Good Fruit For God

God wants us to produce good fruit. Just because we are saved and forgiven of our sins, does not mean that we should continue sinning, or living the same life we once had before we came to Christ. We are given a fresh start; now we are a part of the True Vine that is Jesus.

Our salvation doesn’t come from being good enough or through our own works, but through our faith in Jesus and His love for us. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has allowed us to be planted in Him. Every day that we live for Christ, we will bear good fruit (Matthew 7:16-20).

We can produce good fruit by walking with Christ, picking up our cross and following Him daily (Luke 9:23), doing His Will and increasing in our knowledge for His Word (Colossians 1:10).

To be deeply rooted is a long-term process; it doesn’t happen overnight. Each day we must surrender ourselves to Christ as we grow deeper in truth and grace. This is an opportunity for us to strengthen our faith and love in Jesus and to fully depend on Him to keep us grounded.

To be deeply rooted is a long-term process; it doesn’t happen overnight.
Sacha, clothedwithdignityco

Sacha (Clothed With Dignity Co)

Sacha is the owner/creator of Clothed With Dignity, which is a Christian blog (and future apparel store). Her blog, which derives from Proverbs 31:25, encourages women to be strong, honorable, and faithful to God.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Posted on April 6, 2021April 25, 2021 by angelittle — 1 Comment

Seeking God when He seems Silent

This article is written by Shirley Alarie (Finding God Among Us) as part of the Deeply Rooted series. To submit a guest blog, click here.

Seeking God was the one thing King David wanted, if there ever was one thing He could only ask. This may be the reason why he was named the man after God’s very own heart. As Christians, we pursue to seek God deeply; even in seasons when it can be challenging to do so.

I’ve been blessed with amazing faith that probably stems from the drowning of my brother when he was sixteen years old and I was six. Since then, I’ve had several amazing moments in my life when God clearly spoke to me, but there are many more days when He is silent. The most recent direction He gave me was Seek Me and my motto became Jeremiah 29:13:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

Since then, He’s been silent. So, which way do I turn? What did He really mean? Why is He leaving me stranded without more direction?

His silence beckons me to seek Him with all my heart, drawing me near. I put my spirit in His presence and feel Him in my soul. I keep Him close throughout the days. I read His Word more fervently and thoughtfully. I feel the shift in my thinking. I feel discernment comes more easily. I keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to Him.

I’ve only realized in the last couple of years while truly seeking that ‘seeking with all your heart’ means so much more than just being Christian. Three key shifts in my daily routine have led me to the deepest and most meaningful relationship I’ve had with God in my life and I hope they help you to draw nearer as well.

3 tips in Seeking God deeply as Christians

1. We must choose to get past Rote Christianity

Rote Christianity is the term I use for going through the Christian motions. We go to church, we (maybe) read the Bible, we’re kind to most people, and we love our family.

To an outsider, everything looks good. Except, the problem with Rote Christianity is that it takes place in our head, not our heart. We’re fulfilling obligations. We pray the bare minimum. We love Jesus, but we make excuses that we’re too busy to spend time with Him. We might know a lot about Jesus, but we don’t truly know Him.

How many times have you recited the Lord’s Prayer? Remember this is how Jesus told us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV version included):

“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

How often do you pray the Lord’s Prayer with intention (your heart) versus saying the words by memory while your mind wanders somewhere else (your head)? When you pray to ‘forgive us as we forgive others’, have you really forgiven others – or do you just want to be forgiven? Do you pray with the full understanding that you face temptations and need deliverance from the evil one?

Every powerful word of the Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful way of seeking when prayed with full intention. This prayer constitutes a meaningful conversation with our Father, including acknowledging the majesty of God (hallowed be thy name) as well as striving to live according to God’s will instead of our own. It’s potentially life-changing when we really take it to heart. Conversely, when we pray with Rote Christianity, it doesn’t have much more value than reading a shopping list.

2. Meet Jesus in the Gospels

One of the most impactful pieces of advice in my journey of seeking God came from Matthew Kelly’s book, Rediscover Jesus. In Kelly’s typical, simple, but powerful style, he suggested reading the Gospels regularly to establish and deepen a true relationship with Jesus.

Jesus tends to be the most relatable of the Trinity, and the Gospels allow us to fully reflect on the example He set for us in regards to living according to God’s will. In the Gospels, Jesus deepens our understanding of the Father and Holy Spirit, and ultimately, He sacrifices His life for us. These poignant and prominent books of the New Testament allow for deep reflection of an amazing God who sent His only Son to save us.

3. You have time for God.

“There’s never enough time.” It’s the excuse we use to let ourselves off the hook for not accomplishing something we know we should.

Seeking God is a choice. You have time for it if you make the time. One thing you can change immediately is to transform any Rote Christianity from your head to your heart and it doesn’t take a minute more of your time.

For example, if you zip through your daily Bible reading but don’t absorb any of it, try reading half of what you normally would, but concentrate on the meaning and what God’s trying to tell you instead of rushing through.

Another easy way of bringing more Jesus into your life with no additional time required is to substitute Christian entertainment in place of secular television, books, music, movies, or podcasts.

There are many ways to become and remain deeply rooted in your relationship with God. I pray my tips inspire you to spend more time in the Word and strengthen your relationship no matter how strong it already is. Seek God through your heart and you will find the pathway to Him unfold.

Shirley Alarie

Shirley Alarie writes to inspire anyone seeking a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus. Her blog, devotionals, Christian book reviews, and printable faith-building tools and guides can be found on her site at FindingGodAmongUs.com.

Follow her on Facebook and Pinterest or get her free resources here.