Monday, September 23, 2013

Rain the Bugs Away

Our bush got spider mites. I know very little about gardening, and even less about insect control (although I have since been told that a spider mite is not an insect, but technically an arachnid - some people know way too much about bugs). The best way to control spider mites, according to the University of Missouri extension office is - rain. A good soaking rain will wash the mites off the plant, and provide nourishment that will keep the bush strong. Fortunately, it rained before my bush died.

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses compares the teaching of God's word to a cleansing rain:

Deuteronomy 32:2
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

We all need the rain of God's word on our life. Sometimes the spider mites gather. God's word reveals not only what we need, but what we don't need - allowing God's power to wash it away and nourish our heart. Let the rain fall in your life - spend some time in God's word today.


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

I am the resurrection and the Life.


My lilies had finished blooming, but I hadn’t cut them back. The remaining green foliage still added color to the flower garden and filled the spots where lilies once bloomed. But eventually, I decided it really was time to cut them back--it was the end of August, and they had fulfilled their purpose.

While working in the quiet morning air, God spoke to me, telling me these lilies were much like my mother, who had died just days before. Her life here on earth was ‘done,’ but she yet still lives. I can’t see her anymore (like the blooms), but I WILL see her again one day. Just as something is going on below ground that I can’t see that will enable those flowers to burst forth again, things are going on in the spiritual realm I cannot see that are fulfilling God’s promises to us.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Cor. 2:9

“We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7 

Isn’t it wonderful how God uses the ordinary, everyday parts of life to show us His very extraordinary plans.