Daily Bread May 19

Rooted
Brandon Neloms of Pooler, GA, USA


How beautiful upon the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
   who announces salvation,
   who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” -Isaiah 52:7

When my family and I first moved to Savannah, Georgia, in 2016, we were amazed at the beautiful weather, sunny beach, beautiful architecture, and the construction taking place all over the city. We both grew up in Alabama, so being near the coast and the water was amazing to see. One staple among most new construction was the presence of palm trees. They are everywhere! One day, I was watching a group of men plant palm trees, and I became curious. After they put the tree in the ground, they placed three 2\xc3\x974 stakes around the tree and anchored it to the ground. I asked one of the gentlemen why they had to brace the tree and he replied, “The braces give the palm tree roots time to grow down and out so it can withstand the strong hurricane winds. Once the roots are deep and wide enough, we remove the wood anchors because the wind won’t be able to uproot it.”

The Bible tells us in Colossians to let our roots grow down into Christ and to build our life on him. If you build your life on him, when winds/trials arise, you might lean, but you won’t fall. You might bend, but you won’t break. The wind might toss and turn you, but because you are grounded in Christ nothing can shake your faith because you have the strength/roots to stand!!!

“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).

Prayer Phrase

“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).

Spiritual Practice

Holy Attention

Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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