Introduction
What are your priorities? What is the most important thing to you? I know that families and jobs may be at the top of the list; however, as Christians, the answers should be Jesus. Throughout our busy lives, He is often pushed to the bottom. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” When our lives are rooted in Jesus Christ, and we put “God above all else,” He will give us everything we need.
Setting God as Our First Priority
Check the following website for suggestions for putting God first in your life: 7 Ways to Put God First in Your Life (ibelieve.com)
Program Ideas
- Craft Activity – Make a pinecone candle plate
– Supplies Needed: a clean old white tea saucer or small plate, primer craft paint, distressed wood stains such as Deco Art American Gel Stains paint, paintbrush, craft glue, tiny pinecones, green candle (size 3 x 3 pine fragrant), newspaper or craft paper.
– Spread out the newspaper to cover your table. Take the tea saucer and paint with primer paint and let dry. Be sure to cover the entire plate with the primer paint.
– Paint the saucer with a distressed wood stain when the plate is dry. It will give the appearance of a wooden plate.
– When the plate is dry, take the craft glue and glue the candle to the center of the plate. When the candle is secure, add small pinecones around the base of the candle plate. Use the craft glue to secure the pinecones. Let the pinecones dry on the plate. - Fun tree puns
Share the following tree puns throughout the program: https://www.everydayknow.com/tree-puns - Pack a lunch and picnic at a local park amongst the pine trees. If you live near a national park, there are many options for hiking and walking trails.
- Explore the national parks website for further information. This website has some videos on national parks. Find out about entrance passes to your local park—www.nps.gov.
- Watch a documentary on the Eastern White Pine. Go to www.neforests.com for further information on this documentary film, “Eastern White Pine—the Tree Rooted in American History.” There is also a vast selection of videos on youtube.com.
Deep Roots
When traveling in northern climates, particularly in states that comprise the north half of the United States, you can’t help but notice the natural beauty of the landscape. There are hills and valleys, lakes and mountains, and thousands of beautiful trees. Most notable are the pine trees. Did you know that a pine tree has deep roots and can grow from 50–150 feet tall?
Roots are important. If the roots are good and firmly established, a tree will flourish. The roots will supply the tree with what it needs to grow and remain healthy. The pine tree is a beautiful reminder of strength and vitality. It stands as a towering, majestic symbol in the land. It is a tree among trees. It always stands tall through all seasons of life, and its roots are well–nourished and connected.
In scripture, we are reminded that “blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” (Jer. 17:7) The New Living Translation states, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” (Jer. 17:7,8) Do you see the connection?
God wants us to be entirely rooted deeply in Him. Our roots must reach deep into the vast water of faith and hope. Roots grounded in the saving power of Jesus Christ and His kingdom principles, a strong prayer life, and the fellowship of believers. If your faith is deeply rooted, you will be sustained not only in this life but in the life to come. You will also experience spiritual fullness. Your life of faith will be like the mighty evergreen tree. A tree that is always vibrant and growing. You will be a believer who exhibits spiritual strength and will provide a pathway for others to draw near to Jesus.
Do you want to have a life that is rooted in Jesus Christ? If that is your desire, you can trust Him to plant the seed of faith and hope within you. The seed will sprout roots built upon Jesus. He can sustain you. Matthew 6:33 reminds us “to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Perhaps you are already trusting in faith but not getting all the spiritual nutrients you need. Take a moment now to evaluate where your roots are deriving spiritual strength. It may be time to assess your faith walk if it is not in the Word and Biblical principles. Ask Jesus to help you find what you need to thrive for His glory and purpose.
Discuss these questions with your group.
- How do your personal goals and ambitions align with God’s priority for your life?
- Are you filled with spiritual strength and vitality?
- Are your spiritual roots well established?
Time of Prayer and Scripture Challenge:
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow 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” (Col. 2:6-7 NLT).
