by Desiree Bustamante

The Holy Spirit is our Master Gardener.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

In late summer these plants bloom a salmon pink color and when they die the flower dries a lacy brown.  This creates an interesting sculpture effect to enjoy over the long winter. But when spring comes it’s time to get rid of those old stems, because new growth is beginning at the plant’s base. If you don’t get rid of the dried-up debris the new plants won’t thrive.

“Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
Colossians 3:10 New Living Translation

As we grow in our relationship with Christ, the old weeds and undergrowth become exposed. Christ desires new and beautiful growth for us. He works in us to remove whatever hinders our potential to bloom for Him.  At times we feel that there is a forest full of decay we need to conquer, but we do not do this alone. Fortunately, God is the master gardener. He digs up the roots of our sin and removes any past seasons of personal pain that hinder us from growing strong and beautiful, able to produce fruit in His garden.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! “
2 Corinthians 5:17 New Living Translation

We want to be the best blooming flower for our Lord throughout our lives, showing all people how loving and wise and awesome our God is. We can only do that through the power of His Holy Spirit at work within us. Ask the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart and He will remove the residue of old sinful growth, giving you new and glorious life in the Lord.

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:7 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado