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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Morning Glory Collage
A collage of morning glory blooms growing up the corn stalks in the farm field across from our home.

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"Lessons From The Morning Glory"

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul" (Psalm 143:8). "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).

Regular readers are familiar with Brooksyne's interest in flowers. Each winter she plans and prepares for her spring plantings and all through the season we enjoy her flowers and share them with many along the way. Due to adequate rains and the cooler weather the last several weeks our lawn and gardens have a spring-like vibrancy. I suppose I could mow my lawn twice a week, it's growing so quickly!

But lots of growth means lots of weeding and trimming and then the disposal of all the biodegradable clippings.

Then we notice. We are blessed not only by flowers that Brooksyne intentionally plants all around our home but "volunteers" that spring up wherever we happen to dispose of the clippings. Some of our clippings make their way beside the farm road across from our house along the front row of the cornfield.

Now in addition to a beautiful cornfield we have "Morning Glory" flowers growing up along the corn stalks! These plants have not benefited from Brooksyne's feeding, watering or any weeding, yet they grow, blooming where they are planted providentially by God, demonstrating the character quality of perseverance.

I recall first hearing this phrase "Bloom Where You're Planted" from my years in Bible College in the seventies. The saying has the sense that we are to let God use us and seek to be fruitful wherever we are.  Sometimes we may find ourselves providentially planted where we would rather not be. A true test of character is how we bloom in these places.

Today's first text has a phrase I really like, "Show me the way I should go." This should be a daily petition.

Many years ago I heard a teaching on "Esther moments". These are those special times when God's purpose for our life is especially apparent. This concept is based on the daily text when Mordecai encouraged Esther to take a stand. The Jews faced annihilation (as they so often have throughout history) and Esther was in a position to act for their preservation by appealing to the king.

Today all over the world God is working through His people, accomplishing His purpose. At times we can especially sense His working through us in a specific way. What a great joy these experiences bring to our spiritual walk. May the Lord grant to you these "Esther moments" when you, like the morning glory, bloom where you are planted. Often we may not immediately sense the significance of our obedience but obedience always brings blessing. Let us stay faithful!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber


Praying manDaily prayer: Father,
when You compel me like you did Esther to do or say something that's not within my comfort zone I become fearful of the outcome which prevents me from stepping out in faith and following through with an obedient heart.  Would You remind me that there is great blessing when I follow Your leading.  Help me not to fear the outcome, for that is in Your hands. My part is simply to be obedient to Your inner voice speaking to me. Thank You for Your prompting and for entrusting me to be a part of your grand purpose.



Some photos of morning glories around our home:

Morning glory growing up corn stalk
Morning glories grow up along our backyard fence, Tuth be told, I find these some of the most beautiful flowers even though they grow wild like a dandelion and can actually be an intruding flower, choking out other flowers.

Morning glory growing up corn stalk

Morning Glory Collage



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources


"God Of The Ages"  Video  Charles Billingsly

"Bloom Where You Are Planted"  Video  A scene from "Facing The Giants"

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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