Daily Scripture Reading:
John 15:1, 2, 4 – “I am the true vine and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit . . . Abide in me as I abide in you.
Psalm 1:3 – “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”
My Dad has always been a gardener. He worked all day at his job, got home about 6:00 pm, ate dinner and went outside to plant, weed and harvest whatever was in the vegetable garden. He was precise in his gardening – holes dug exactly the right shape and depth, the correct amount of water placed in the hole and the plants placed in just the right position.
A few years ago, I helped him plant flower bulbs in beds near the front of their house. Again, precision! He used string to be sure the line of bulbs was straight. He pulled out the yardstick and spaced the bulbs exactly the same distance apart. I remember thinking “What??” But he knew that plants need space to grow to their maximum potential.
So do we. We need space to grow to our maximum potential. We need margin to grow. We need nutrients to be fed. We need weeding to get rid of the junk in our lives that causes us not to grow to our full potential.
Are you growing in Christ? Are you feeding your spiritual life? What needs to be gone from your life so that you can be all that God has called you to be?
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to create space in my life today that I might grow to my full potential for You. Show me how to take the time to spend in Your presence and guide me to draw nutrients from You. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
Reflection Question and/or Application for the Day:
How much space are you creating for God in your life?
In addition to reading this devotional book daily, consider waking up a few minutes earlier or going to bed a few minutes later so that you might have some intentional quiet time with God. If necessary, ask your family for a few minutes of privacy. Whatever time is best for you – be intentional!
What are areas in your life that need growth?
Devotion from Building Margin for a Balanced Life, devotional book, small group study and sermon series
©Tim Reaves and Trish Archer
All rights reserved
Photo by Jon Strother
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