Psalms 1:1-6 NIV

What do you and I need to be nourished so we will flourish in Christ? Today’s featured scripture tells us that a righteous person is like “a tree planted by streams of water.” A righteous person takes “delight in the law of the Lord” and “meditates on his law day and night.”

How can we meditate on God’s law day and night? First of all we must know His word. We must spend time reading, studying, and meditating on scripture. If you are reading this devotion you are taking a step to lean into Him by resting in His word. If you do not already have a daily devotion time set aside, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in carving out a daily time to spend with God. I like to start my day in prayer and devotion with God. Then I am able to be more intentional to meditate on His word throughout the day. When do you spend time with God? How do you carry His word with you day and night?

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to be like a tree planted by streams of water. May I always take delight in Your Holy Word. May my meditations and prayers nourish me so I may flourish in Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Watch today’s video for an explanation of these pictures.

Matthew 4:4 NIV — Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

I take pleasure in having plants around me. Now that I have a sunroom, I have collected several potted plants to enjoy throughout the year. Outside of our sunroom, I have created a large flower bed and have begun gathering various plants to watch grow throughout the spring and summer. Just beyond that flower bed I have two raised beds to plant vegetables and herbs in for my family to enjoy. All of these plants have different needs for nourishment so they will flourish. 

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of nourish is to nurture, rear, or promote growth. Flourish means to grow luxuriantly or to thrive. This week we will explore what you and I need in order to be nourished and what we can do to be sure we flourish in Christ.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, prepare me to receive Your message this week. May my heart be like fertile soil waiting to be planted. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Spend time reading and meditating on the following featured scriptures for this week. May you be nourished through the reading of God’s Holy Word.

Matthew 4:4 NIV — Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Psalms 1:1-6 NIV

John 15:4-5 NIV — Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Psalm 91 KJV

Psalms 91 NIV

Psalm 91 MSG

Set the tone for the week ahead by worshipping as you listen to Honey In The Rock by Brooke Ligertwood and Fullness by Elevation Worship.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV — You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

One of the most known stories of redemption and new beginnings is the story in the Bible of Saul who later became known as Paul.Take a few moments to reacquaint yourself with the story of his conversion in this short video titled Saul To Paul by Chuck Knows Church.

Did you learn something new about Paul? He certainly embraced and lived out the concept of today’s featured scripture by forgetting his former way of life and putting on his new self. He truly had a new beginning which even included a new name. Did your revelation of Jesus Christ spark a new beginning for you? Reconnect with your conversion story and examine your response. Is it time for you to have another new beginning in Christ?

Let’s pray. Thank you God for new beginnings in Christ. Forgive me for times I forget my new self in You. Help me to refocus my attention and guide me to point my life in Your direction. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord    will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.

Today is the first day of spring. Today we look forward to a new season, new birth, new life, and new beginnings. Is there an area of your life that needs a jolt of newness? Do you need to make a fresh start and a new beginning? Do you need a “do over” in some way?

I refer to today’s featured scripture as my life verse. This verse is the one I turn to in times of struggle and in times of joy. I gain strength, comfort, and insight from this scripture. I also turn to this scripture when I am in need of a new beginning or fresh start. What better day, than the first day of spring, to wipe the slate clean and start something new? What do you need to do today to make your new beginning successful?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for this first day of spring. As I take a deep breath of the fresh spring air, may I inhale Your strength and exhale Your love and mercy. May I be courageous as I start a new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Are you familiar with Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples? Google Peter in the Bible and a plethora of scriptures will guide you in gaining a synopsis of his life. You will also learn of how “human” he was and the various mistakes he made as a disciple. The one that most sticks out is when Jesus was arrested, the night before he was crucified, Peter denied knowing Him three times. However, if you continue to follow his story you will learn of Jesus’ forgiving love for Peter and how Peter became a leading disciple in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How are you changed by knowing Christ? Are you a new creation or are you dwelling in the “old” of your past? Whether you are new to Christianity or grew up in the faith, I encourage you to reconnect with your new beginning in Christ and may your words and actions reflect that you are His new creation. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making me Your new creation through Christ. May all that I say and do reflect my new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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