Hosea 14:4-7 NIV — “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine— Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon”.

Flourish: Grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.

In reading today’s key verse and definition of flourish, is it easier to receive and give grace? According to Hosea, grace is an important key to flourishing. Doing something hard brings great rewards. When we partner doing something hard with relying on God for strength and endurance then the reward is even greater. It is called spiritual discipline. When our identity shows spiritual discipline, we shine the light of Jesus for His glory. Flourishing is all about progress and not perfection. 

Take a moment to look at Ray’s photo. Palm trees are known for their strength and symbolize victory, peace, and eternal life. Is your spiritual life strong like a palm tree? Are you living in the identity of Jesus’ victory at the cross? Are you spreading the peace of God through His grace? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for equipping me with the strength to do hard things. Help me in my spiritual discipline so that I can shine Your light. May I continue to flourish through progress by giving myself and others grace today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.