Take root downward and bear fruit upward

Description

“And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward” (Isaiah 37:31)

Take root downward – building of life, planted by God, rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7)

Bear fruit upward – witness of life, powered by the Holy Spirit, shining and impacting in Christ (Galatians 5:22)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

^“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)