From Tagliches Manna- 1 Cor 12:12-31

[Valerie]

Devotion for May 8

Trees In The Woods
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven-Matthew 5:16

Crom our kitchen window we can see 5 mi down through a valley. It is mostly woods and very colorful in the fall. If you were to examine each tree closely, you would like to find blemishes, but as a whole, it blends together in different shades of colors.
Is this not somewhat same as a church? Every person or family comes in a unique shade or color. Of course we can find false in each other, but if we strive to build God's kingdom, we will have plenty of good points to focus on. We can blend together, creating a beautiful scene.
In the woods some trees are smaller or more insignificant than others, but if they would not be there, there would be a hole in the woods. If we are in a position in the church like an insignificant tree, it is important that we feel that place. God has planted us there for a good reason.
As long as a tree is alive, it has the potential to grow and every fall it has is shade of color. This is also for us, "But grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" 2 Peter 3:18. Some trees never grow much, but God made them and they serve their purpose.
There are many trees that we cannot see from our window this does not keep them from bringing glory to god. They do not care which tree is growing next to them. They do their best as they were created and this is also what we should do.
In today's text it says that we should yearn for the best gifts and then we would be shown a better way. And the key verse Jesus taught us to let our lights shine.
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and god, even our father, which have loved us, and have given us everlasting consolation and Good Hope through grace. Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work" (2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17)

Bloom where you are planted.

[Valerie]

What can we glean from this regarding our own congregations, or our denomination, or even perhaps, the "Church" at large?? For thatatter,embers pf MennoNet!