Rooted & Grounded

FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL IMPRINT MY LAWS UPON THEIR MINDS [even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding], AND ENGRAVE THEM UPON THEIR HEARTS [effecting their regeneration]. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. (Hebrews 8:10)

I will strengthen the house of Judah [making it superior], And I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back [and allow them to live securely], Because I have had compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, For I am the LORD their God, and I will listen and answer them. Then Ephraim will be like a mighty warrior, And their heart will rejoice as if from wine; Yes, their children will see it and rejoice; Their heart will rejoice and shout triumphantly in the LORD. (Zechariah 10:6-7) Also the hand of God was on Judah to give them one heart to do that which the king and the officials had commanded by the word of the LORD. (2 Chronicles 30:12)

AND IT WILL NOT BE [necessary] FOR EACH ONE TO TEACH HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, OR EACH ONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, KNOW [by experience, have knowledge of] THE LORD,’ FOR ALL WILL KNOW [Me by experience and have knowledge of] ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. (Hebrews 8:11)

And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

so that He may strengthen and establish your hearts without blame in holiness in the sight of our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints (God’s people). (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13) And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. (Colossians 3:15) And we desire for each one of you to show the same diligence [all the way through] so as to realize and enjoy the full assurance of hope until the end. (Hebrews 6:11)

But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message. (Colossians 1:23) Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself,

But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.

The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life,

So that one may avoid the snares of death.

Good understanding wins favor [from others],

But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil]. (Proverbs 13:12-15) May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)