Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
9 7 2023
What are the ROOTS of your life? What’s grounding you?
How can trees that have been ravaged by fire survive? By their roots … those roots protruding out of their trunks, hold the trees to the ground. What roots do we need in our lives? What roots do you possess? Are they for good or for harm? If they are for good, are we building a solid foundation in every area of our lives?
So can I ask you, are your roots growing deep or are they growing shallow? Really… when was the last time you thought about your foundation? Your roots? I believe God made our roots to be faith, prayer, charity, forgiveness, love, family, giving, and faithfulness. These are the very roots that keep you grounded in a storm and growing versus being isolated and paralyzed in your frustration and fear. Someone said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”—giving to God. Giving to our spouses and children, church and friends. Period. Your talents! It is the very cement that keeps us rooted and grounded. They were given to you to give away! But there are other roots that we cultivate too, often without thinking of them. Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it, many become defiled;” Anger, unforgiveness, impatience, selfishness, discord, rebellion, sexual immorality, etc there are so many other roots that need we to throw out. It takes surrendering to God and loving God more than ourselves. Being committed to a life of Godliness. One day at a time.
I went to a seminar with a dear friend years back and a man asked how would you define commitment? Some said sacrifice… others responsibilities… others said dedication. But he defined it differently. Let me illustrate – I have decided to go skydiving. Is that a commitment? When you put it on the calendar is that a commitment? When he signed the waiver that you will not hold him accountable if you die, is that a commitment? When he got on the plane was that a commitment? No. When did he commit?
When he jumped out of the plane!
Do you know how he defined commitment? POINT OF NO RETURN. When you are a giver it is when you give! When you put that envelope in the basket you will have started your commitment. Is your thinking negative right now about giving? It isn’t God…it is your flesh trying to hold onto what is not yours to keep Mark 4:17 And they have no root in themselves but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
You must commit to trusting God to help you. You must commit that this will be a way of life for you. Giving is not just about tithing, it is a mindset… a root… a fruit in your life. OR NOT! Our flesh will always be screaming out for more of what will bless ME. That is not the way of the cross or the way of Christ.
Ephesians 3:17 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Dear Lord help me be a giver to you first. I will use my gifts for your kingdom. I will not be a seat warmer, I will not be a taker. I will be a doer and a giver. Help me build a life based on what I give in all areas of my life. Be my strength to be obedient. So I can receive the richness of your willing blessings in my life. Amen
