Is Your Morning Glory?

It's a crisp early morning here in North Carolina and the sun is up. You can hear the leaves falling in the nearby woods as the season changes. I pour myself a cup of coffee, grab my Bible and head to the back porch for some time with the Lord. As I start to pray, I look around and see just how many flowers are still blooming. In particular, one flower I note is the morning glory. When the cooler temperatures start to roll in, they usually die. However, this particular one in my backyard seems to love the chill. When nighttime comes, the flowers close up and appear to twist as they gather moisture. When morning comes and they begin to feel the heat of the sun, the morning glories open to the most amazing design in color (mine are blue), form and depth. I am in awe at their splendor, at their creation by our Creator.  

You know, when I think of this flower, I think about all of us:

God created us and knows what we need. Just as he knows what the flower needs for nutrition, for duplication, for a long-life, he surely knows everything we need.

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8).

God created us in his image; we are beautiful. When I look at the flower I am simply blown away at its beauty. I also realize how much more beautiful we are. But, do we know this? Do we stand at attention like the morning glory, proud in Christ, proud of our life in him? Do we radiate this beauty to others so they are drawn to us? Drawn to Christ in us?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14).

We are protected. God designed protection for the flower at night, drawing it safely into itself, protecting its interior. God has placed boundaries in our lives, from the people who are there to hold us accountable, to his expectation of our submission and obedience, to acceptance of his direction and guidance.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

We are valuable, we have many uses and are usable by God. The morning glory provides food for bees and its seeds provide medicinal help. Our seeds of God's message, of his salvation, heal not only physically but spiritually. Are you sharing your faith? Are you planting seeds?

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).

We do our best when we are in full "son." Just like the flower, we can have confidence, power and authority as we fully open to him. Not withholding anything but offering ourselves, just like Christ offered himself to others to be used by God.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).

I see a star formation in its center. I am reminded of the birth of Jesus. It would change our world forever. Man would change man from being a follower of himself to a follower of Christ.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

Christ is the true morning glory, the true morning star. Let’s worship him together.  

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

Kris Swiatocho is the President and Director of TheSinglesNetwork.org Ministries and FromHisHands.com Ministries. Kris has served in ministry in various capacities for the last 25 years. An accomplished trainer and mentor, Kris has a heart to reach and grow leaders so they will in turn reach and grow others. She is the author of three books: Singles and Relationships: A 31-Day Experiment (co-authored with Dick Purnell of Single Life Resources); From the Manger to the Cross: The Women in Jesus' Life; and the most recent, Jesus, Single Like Me with Study Questions (includes a leader's guide and conference/retreat of the same name). Kris is currently working on her fourth book: FAQ's of Singles Ministry coming 2013.

TheSinglesNetwork.org Ministries helps churches, pastors and single adult leaders evaluate, develop and support their single adult ministries through high-energy speaking engagements, results-oriented consulting and training and leadership development conferences and seminars. Click here to request a FREE "How to Start a Single Adult Ministry" guide.  

FromHisHands.com Ministries is Kris' speaking ministry. If you've ever heard her speak, you know that Kris is the kind of speaker who keeps the crowd captivated, shares great information and motivates people to make a difference in the lives of those around them! She speaks to all church audiences on everything from "first impression" ministry to women's topics to singles and young adults. She can speak on a Sunday morning, at a woman's retreat or for a single adults conference. Bring Kris to your church today!

Publication date: October 31, 2013