- Joined
- Feb 9, 2004
- Messages
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How to Grow - August 21, 2006
Not too long ago, I planted summer annuals in my garden. The procedure consisted of preparing the soil, planting the seed or a small plant, fertilizing, mulching and watering. Periodically I must feed, weed and water the flowers. If I do this, I will have the pleasure of seeing them grow into full foliage with blooms of beautiful color.
The same is true with our spiritual life. The Holy Spirit has wooed each person who has become a Christian. You don't know it is happening, but the Holy Spirit is preparing your heart to receive God's seed of faith. After that seed is planted by the hand of God, himself, He sends brothers and sisters of Christ to feed those immature seeds and weed out lies.
There are so many ways Christians can extend the hand of friendship to others. To reach babies in the faith or non-believers, Christians can extend an invitation to worship at their church or to come to a neighborhood Bible study. They must pray for them and live a life which shouts,"something is different about my lifeand it is wonderful!"
Gods' children must interact with those in the secular world. They cannot stay in a cocoon of "church only friends," because Christians cannot reach unbelievers without being available to them.
The most important ingredient to the welfare of a little seedling is water. Jesus said, "Come to me all who are thirsty and I will be your living water." He asked us to drink from His well - the living water He offers so freely. A plant will not grow much without food and weeding, but it will not grow at all without water. It will wither and dry up, becoming ugly and useless. Likewise, we Christians must have a personal relationship with Jesus - our water. We must invite Him into our heart and allow Him to dwell in every aspect of our lives. We must keep drinking this water - Him - or we too will become like a plant devoid of water - dry, unsightly and ineffectual.
Thank you Lord that today you reminded me of where I need to go to receive my living water. I pray I will never forget how very available He is to me and all other Christian believers.
Contributed by Marion Smith: noles65@aol.com Comments/Feedback are welcome.
Not too long ago, I planted summer annuals in my garden. The procedure consisted of preparing the soil, planting the seed or a small plant, fertilizing, mulching and watering. Periodically I must feed, weed and water the flowers. If I do this, I will have the pleasure of seeing them grow into full foliage with blooms of beautiful color.
The same is true with our spiritual life. The Holy Spirit has wooed each person who has become a Christian. You don't know it is happening, but the Holy Spirit is preparing your heart to receive God's seed of faith. After that seed is planted by the hand of God, himself, He sends brothers and sisters of Christ to feed those immature seeds and weed out lies.
There are so many ways Christians can extend the hand of friendship to others. To reach babies in the faith or non-believers, Christians can extend an invitation to worship at their church or to come to a neighborhood Bible study. They must pray for them and live a life which shouts,"something is different about my lifeand it is wonderful!"
Gods' children must interact with those in the secular world. They cannot stay in a cocoon of "church only friends," because Christians cannot reach unbelievers without being available to them.
The most important ingredient to the welfare of a little seedling is water. Jesus said, "Come to me all who are thirsty and I will be your living water." He asked us to drink from His well - the living water He offers so freely. A plant will not grow much without food and weeding, but it will not grow at all without water. It will wither and dry up, becoming ugly and useless. Likewise, we Christians must have a personal relationship with Jesus - our water. We must invite Him into our heart and allow Him to dwell in every aspect of our lives. We must keep drinking this water - Him - or we too will become like a plant devoid of water - dry, unsightly and ineffectual.
Thank you Lord that today you reminded me of where I need to go to receive my living water. I pray I will never forget how very available He is to me and all other Christian believers.
Contributed by Marion Smith: noles65@aol.com Comments/Feedback are welcome.
