Bonsai Christians?

Written by Marilyn Ehle

Take today’s next step: If your faith feels smaller than you’d like it to, take a deep breath and jump into the 35 Day Challenge. You’ll see your faith expand in no time.

“[M]ake every effort to add to your faith goodness…knowledge…self-control…perseverance…godliness…mutual affection…love. If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)

Have you ever seen the beauty of a bonsai tree? These trees are specially cultivated plants that remain in miniature form through pruning, root reduction, potting, defoliation, and grafting to produce small trees that mimic the shape and style of mature, full-size trees. They are not intended for production of food or medicine, or for creating large gardens or landscapes. Instead, they are to please the eye of the beholder.

Don't Panic! This is Only a Test

by Joyce Meyer

There's a scripture in the Bible that says, "In the world you have tribulation and trials" (John 16:33 AMP). I believe most people would agree with it. If you read the rest of that verse, you get to the encouraging part where Jesus says we can take heart because He has overcome the world. But the truth is, we all go through hard times and have to learn how to overcome them through Christ.

Sometimes God allows or even arranges for us to go through difficulties in this life because it's during those times that we grow in our faith and develop more of the character of Christ. Trials reveal what we really believe and what's really inside our hearts. They test us. And until we're in a situation where we have no choice but to face an issue we need to deal with, we don't really know what we would do.

James 1:2 (AMP) says we should "consider it wholly joyful" when we experience a trial or face a temptation. Verse 3 goes on to say that "the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." That sounds lovely to have endurance, steadfastness and patience during trials, doesn't it?