We read of Jesus: “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35 KJV

When the sun is up and shining, there’s still a greater light…
that’s with us through the daytime and deep into the night.
God’s Word lights every pathway when, on it, we’ve meditated;
its everlasting words are the Truth that will never be outdated.

Before the day would dawn, Jesus prayed and sought to hear
direction from His Father–very early, drawing near.
As believers, we need prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the Word–
We walk in greatest confidence once the voice of God is heard.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 
Psalm 119:105 KJV

“Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:129-130 

“I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes. I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help; I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the nightwatches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
They draw near who follow after wickedness;
They are far from Your law.
You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth.
Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.” Psalm 119:145-152 

“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:9

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 AMP

“I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:25-27 AMP

“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 

Scriptures NKJV or as noted.

See today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

“In His Constant Care” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. www.GregOlsen.com

Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns—
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed—
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in,
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender—
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others—
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

The earliest believers suffered persecution–a man of God, Stephen, was put to death. Though scattered, they continued to share about Jesus, the Master, who gives to all of us breath.

We read on…of the evangelist, Philip, in the book of Acts and chapter eight. His desire to share about Jesus was greater than any fears he might have had for his own fate.

He’d gone to the city of Samaria and preached there, doing many miraculous signs. He had cast out demons and healed the lame, leaving a very joyful city behind.

Having heard of the new believers in Samaria, Peter and John had arrived as well. They prayed and laid hands on the believers–and upon them, the Holy Spirit fell.

An angel of the Lord then instructed Philip, to head south on the desert road…that ran from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he saw a man soon, and his journey slowed….

Philip walked alongside the man’s chariot, at the Holy Spirit’s leading. This man was the treasurer of Ethiopia, and from the book of Isaiah, he was reading.

He’d been to Jerusalem to worship and was on his journey from there of return. But, obviously, he had a hunger about God, and Philip was to help him learn.

“Do you understand what you’re reading?” Philip asked, wanting to be his guide. The man replied that he needed help, and invited him to come up and sit alongside.

This was the passage of scripture he’d been reading:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

The Ethiopian asked Philip for clarification as to whom this text referred. Then Philip told him the good news of Jesus, the Savior–the first time that he clearly had heard.

Philip undoubtedly told him about baptism in water and of the Holy Spirit being outpoured.  The man believed the gospel, and his own baptism was what he then eagerly looked toward.

As they rode along, they came to some water and stopped, because this man recognized…that it was the perfect opportunity for them to get out so he could immediately be baptized.

Regarding it, Philip said, ‘”If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”–so there was no reason for delay.

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip supernaturally away.  The Ethiopian never saw him again, but he went home rejoicing in the Lord that day.

P. A. Oltrogge

(…poetic account gleaned from Acts 8…)

“And then he (Jesus) told them,’Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.’

“When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” Mark 16:15-20 NLT

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.” Acts 8:12 NKJV

“Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:14-17 NKJV

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28 NKJV

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:1-11 NKJV

See today’s important message: http://www.givehim15.com

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus replied to him, “Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him. After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” Matthew 3:13-17 AMP

A step Jesus Himself took as being the right thing to do 

was to be baptized, as His Father in heaven was leading Him to.

John, at the time, knowing that Jesus was the Holy One,

protested about being called to baptize God’s very own Son.

But Jesus said to John, however, that this should be permitted

as a fulfilling of all righteousness–a demonstration of sins remitted.

After Jesus was baptized, coming up from the water, He was met

by the Spirit of God, descending, like a dove, followed by words we can’t forget…

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased and delighted!”  

Christ came from heaven on a mission–that sins, through Him, would be forgiven and relationship with God arighted.

P. A. Oltrogge

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  Acts 2:38-40 NKJV

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:14-17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Jesus asked to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.” By being baptized, Jesus would show His submission to the Father, identify (though sinless) with the sinners that He came to save, and be initiated into His ministry that began shortly. God’s voice coming from heaven confirmed that Jesus was His beloved Son.

…illustration, Pixabay

Mary’s life comes to mind as an example of trusting in God, as she learned of being chosen by Him to give birth to His Son, Jesus, Lord of all…. Read of this at today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Mary changed the course of this entire earth,
by accepting God’s plan for the virgin birth.
Her agreement with the angel’s words affirmed God’s will,
and the words that she spoke are often quoted still.
She declared herself to be God’s handmaid or servant;
in her, the Lord had found a heart that was fervent.
She had faith the Lord loved her and all of mankind;
she trusted in God’s heart and not her own mind.
She was just a young woman of a tender age,
but she stepped out in faith onto the world’s center stage.
Though startled at first by the angelic visitation,
her faith in God was strong enough to take up her station.
Likewise, it’s wise today to ask the Lord to help us find
the plans and purposes for our lives that He has in mind.
By doing so, we ensure that we’re on His sure quest,
for our loving Designer knows which plans are the best.
Jesus called His disciples to leave earthly pursuits
to follow Him and put down strong spiritual roots.
What He has for our lives can be discerned by His Word;
and through the power of the Holy Spirit, He also can be heard.
The more that we listen to Him, the more we obey,
the brighter the dawn grows to the full day.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18 NASB

“And in the sixth month, the angel, Gabriel, was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38 KJV

(Later, at a visit to Elisabeth, her cousin)

“And Mary said:

‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.’” Luke 1:46-55 NKJV

Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I’d like to share again a report from the ministry that Marian Alvarado has related. After telling of some encouraging details on helping some of the homeless people who attend Timothy’s Ministry gatherings, she shared the following:

MIRACLE STORY IN WILLIAM’S LIFE

Wow! Such an amazing day last Friday! As always, we went around our table and each person shared their name and shared whatever was on their heart or a prayer request. A man who looked familiar said, “Do you remember me? My name is William, and the last time I was here at this table was 5 years ago!” I recognized him but didn’t remember his story.

He said, “The last time I was here, in 2019, I wanted to end it all when I woke up in the morning, but ‘something’ told me to come to Tim’s House instead.” He said, “I was an addict and lived in an SRO in a bad neighborhood surrounded by drugs and bad people; and during the Bible Study, something that was read from the Bible just hit me in my heart for the first time and I knew it was God.” He said, “At the end of the Bible Study, you asked if anyone needed prayer, and I came over to you and I told you that I felt like ending it all and that I was an addict, and you and a few others prayed over me.”

William said, “After you prayed, I said that if you could find a place for me to get help, I would go that day.” He reminded us that I called the Salvation Army in Chicago, but they were filled. He said that I then called the Salvation Army in Waukegan; and not only did a person answer the phone on a Friday afternoon but said, “There is a bed available for William if he can get here by 5 p.m.” William remembers that I got $10 out of my purse and gave it to Valerie and Bill and a few others and asked them to walk with him to the train and not give William the money directly. He chuckled as he remembered the ‘humbling’ moment of not being trusted with the $10, but said, that was a good thing, and said that saved his life. He got into the Salvation Army that day, got sober, and from there got a job, and now has a car, is working full time, and this is the first time we heard anything from him in 5 years (other than a call on the day he checked in)!

He said “It’s the power of God that I have stayed sober for 5 years and I have a new life! With a huge smile on his face he said, “I read the Word of God every day and God has kept me sober, and the best part is that I have a personal relationship with Jesus!” William said he had a plan that morning (before ‘something’ told him to come to Tim’s House) of how he would ‘end it all,’ but God had another plan for his life! Wow!

There was so much joy and applause and encouragement around our table on Friday just seeing and feeling the love and power of God including the two women and two men who prayed over him and escorted him to the metra train with the $10! His story gave so much hope to others in the room because he has not only been sober for 5 years, but he has been working in ‘shipping and receiving’ full time and has his own apartment and a car and completely stepped out of poverty and homelessness as well. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and support so that we can keep helping the people God brings to us! 

Visit: http://www.timothysministry.org

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

Mark 1:1-3 NKJV

John, whose message was repentance, was clothed with camel’s hair; and locusts and wild honey were, of necessity, his taste. People throughout Judea and those from Jerusalem came out to where he was based.

They sought to be baptized by John in the Jordan river, for the remission of their sins. But he spoke of One mightier coming, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, which is where Mark’s story (account) of Jesus begins.

At that time, Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee came, and was baptized there, also, by John. When He came up out of the water, the heavens parted, and the Spirit descended upon…

this Son of Man and only begotten Son of God. Mark wrote that the Spirit came down “like a dove.” “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” were His Father’s words from heaven above.

Immediately afterward, the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, where, for forty days…He was tempted by Satan, but never failed–Jesus always fully adhered to His Father’s ways.

After John was wickedly put into prison, Jesus began preaching the gospel in Galilee. He told the people to repent of their sins, and that it was through Him that they could be set free.

As Jesus walked by Galilee’s sea, he saw Simon and Andrew casting out a fishing net there. He told them He would make them fishers of men–the gospel would be theirs, as well, to share.

They left their nets to follow Him–then Jesus called James and John, two more. Leaving their father, Zebedee, and others in the boat, they joined the Lord upon the shore.

Heading into Capernaum, Jesus entered into the synagogue on the Sabbath to teach. He taught as One having authority, not as the scribes, when they would “preach.”

There was a man there, possessed with an unclean spirit, who cried out, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One of God!” he said in an evil tone.

Jesus rebuked him and commanded the unclean spirit to be quiet and that it was to come out. Then the unclean spirit convulsed the man and left him, after it had made a defeated shout.

Everyone was amazed that Jesus could cause evil spirits to obey His bold command. Immediately His fame spread in Galilee–throughout all of that region’s land.

After that incident, Jesus entered the house of Simon, where Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down ill. Jesus took her by the hand and lifted her up–the fever left her, for Jesus was carrying out His Father’s will.

To Jesus, that evening, after sunset, all who were sick or demon possessed were brought. The whole city was actually gathered there, for they’d heard of the miracles that He’d wrought.

The next morning, long before daylight, Jesus went out to a solitary place to pray. So Simon and others searched for Him. “Everyone is looking for You,” they told Him; but Jesus wasn’t led to stay.

“Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth,” He said. And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, casting out demons in more towns that were ahead.

At one point a leper came to Jesus, saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus was moved with compassion and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be cleansed.” Immediately, the leprosy was no longer seen.

Jesus warned him to say nothing to anyone but to go and show himself to the priest. But the man went out and shared his story freely–he was so happy at having been released.

Then, Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but had to go out to a deserted place. But people kept coming to Him from every direction, having heard He was pouring out God’s goodness and wonderful grace.

Poetry by P. A. Oltrogge (after the beginning Scripture verses)

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9

…and the following are from the book of Acts:

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.’” Acts 10:34-43

“And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’

“Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:1-5

Scriptures: NKJV

by Angela Robinson

Lasting Fruit Through Every Season 

Flourishing isn’t the absence of hardship. It is the fruit of a life deeply rooted in Christ. This month, discover why God often does His greatest work beneath the surface and how abiding in Him produces lasting fruit through every season.

As I prayed about the month of July, I kept sensing the Lord drawing my attention to one word: Flourish.

At first, I imagined fields of wildflowers, lush gardens, and vibrant life. But the picture the Lord kept bringing before me looked very different.

I believe the Lord is inviting His people to redefine what flourishing truly looks like. The world often measures flourishing by visible success, comfort, or thriving circumstances. Yet throughout Scripture, God consistently begins His greatest work beneath the surface. Before fruit appears, roots must grow. Before beauty is revealed, foundations are strengthened. His measure has always been different.

Perhaps that’s exactly where many of you find yourselves today—waiting and wondering. You know God has called you, yet the next step isn’t clear. I believe this is where He is inviting you into deeper trust, deeper faithfulness, and greater dependence on His timing.

I’ve found that it’s often right in the middle of the mess that God quietly reminds me He has never left the construction site. My prayer is that, in your own season, you’ll be surprised by unexpected reminders of His faithfulness—little glimpses of His presence that assure you He is still at work.

A Different Picture of Flourishing

Our home is currently in the beginning stages of restoration after a burst water line flooded part of our home. Every day, crews continue removing drywall, exposing studs, and assessing what was damaged. It’s loud, dusty, and unfinished.

Every day reminds me that restoration often looks messier before it looks beautiful. When I pictured a flourishing season, I imagined thriving blooms. But the Lord quietly whispered, “You’re looking at the flower. I’m looking at the roots.” (Photo via Unsplash)

The Lord is teaching me something I don’t want to forget. Flowers don’t flourish because everything around them has been restored. They flourish because their roots have found life. Sometimes flourishing doesn’t begin with flowers. Sometimes it begins with studs.

Perhaps you’ve been wondering why growth has felt slow. Maybe you’ve questioned the waiting or wondered if God has forgotten you. I don’t believe He has. I believe He is profoundly present in the in-between, strengthening what will sustain you, long before He reveals what will flourish.

Planted Beside Living Water

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” (Psalm 1:3 NIV)

Healthy trees don’t flourish because they never experience storms. They flourish because their roots know exactly where to find nourishing life. The same is true spiritually. Your circumstances change. Seasons come and go. Your journey with Christ takes you through mountaintops, valleys, and wilderness seasons. But when you delight yourselves in God’s Word, and your life remains planted beside living water, you begin drawing peace instead of panic, hope instead of fear, and truth instead of comparison.

Many of you pray for flowers while God is faithfully growing roots. Roots aren’t glamorous (framing and studs aren’t either), but they are essential. They develop quietly in hidden places where no one applauds progress. Yet every branch, every leaf, and every piece of fruit depends on what is happening beneath the surface. It’s up to you to trust His presence even when you can’t see Him. 

God never promised that droughts wouldn’t come. He doesn’t promise there won’t be heat. He does promise that when your roots remain connected to Him, difficult seasons won’t determine your fruit. Some of the strongest Believers you know aren’t people who avoided hardship. They’re people who learned where to keep their roots. Flourishing isn’t the absence of adversity; it’s the presence of living water.

Abide and Bear Fruit

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5 NIV)

Jesus never told you to chase the fruit you will bear. He simply invited you to remain. The invitation He gives is an intentional, daily choice that you get to make to stay connected to the One who gives you life. The fruit you long to see—love, joy, peace, wisdom, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity—isn’t something you manufacture through striving. It is the natural overflow of a life rooted in Christ and growing in relationship with Him. (Photo via Unsplash)

Planted for His Splendor

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

Have you ever taken a walk through a forest? Or camped out beneath the majestic trees? We’re not big campers over here, but we do love to travel and hike the national parks. Forests teach you that an oak doesn’t become strong overnight. It takes place year after year, storm after storm, and season after season when its roots grow deeper. 

This waiting season you’re experiencing? I believe it’s because God isn’t raising His people to bloom for a moment; He is cultivating people that will stand firm, offer shade to others, bear lasting fruit, and display His glory for generations.

Maybe your life feels more like exposed studs than a finished home this season. Maybe you’ve been praying for flowers while God has been faithfully growing roots. Don’t mistake hidden growth for God’s absence. He is strengthening what will sustain you long before He reveals what will flourish. Stay planted. Keep abiding. Trust what God is growing beneath the surface. His glory will be displayed in your life!

July declarations:

• I am planted beside living water, and my roots run deep in Christ.

• I will flourish in every season because the Lord is my source.

• God is producing lasting fruit in my life for His glory.

Shared from: http://www.elijahlist.com