The boys wanted to stay in this morning to work while mom went out to play. God took me to viewing the process of the dandelion’s life and how it relates to my life. And how I want to make the best use of my time. How the dandelion has much to give. It begins to transform from that flower to this puff. Often up to one hundred seeds fly away and eventually plant and grow new life. In this process the flower is dying and new life is produced.
These earthly bodily tents are clearly in a process of decay. My grey hair begins to show more. Yet in this process, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, a believer is given new life. Our bodies die, our soul is given new life forever with Christ where all things will be made new including one day perfectly working bodies.
How I want to give away, like this dandelion, what God has given to me. But it requires many deaths in my own flesh – you know like pride, selfishness..so on. When I die to my will, I am able through Christ to give out and pass on, and share God’s truth and love. I am able to plant seeds, but with the truth that it is God only Who will give the increase. It is His work, His power, for His glory. “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Cor. 3:6
In time God will produce life beyond, as even one dandelion seed can travel up to five miles, how the gospel shared near, God can and will spread further exceedingly abundantly beyond what we imagine for His glory. Eph. 3:19-21
So I’ve got this life in Christ. Here on earth, it is short. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14“ The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades,But the word of our God stands forever.” Is. 40:-68
At the end of this life here on earth, when I have given all God wants me to give, I will be taken up to be with Him forever in glory.
I shared this picture of the dandelion process with our sons when I came home. We delved into wonderful facts about dandelions, tried some roasted dandelion tea, but most important of all shared the Word and these passages because God’s Word stands forever. It matters more than anything. His Word is what carries a believer from creation, to Salvation, to sanctification (continued cleansing work) to life with Him forevermore.
Above all today, again, I am thankful to share Jesus with those around me – as each of us have gifts to be given away to bless another-to encourage, strengthen, carry on together, until our time here is up and we meet our Savior.
I was inspired when reading today about a woman named Lydia. God opened her heart to hear truth. She received. She was saved. Saved from hell and life in Christ. She impacted even her own household as they too received the gospel and were saved.
She was known for her hospitality and looked to be “faithful to God”. Currently my hospitality is narrowed down to mostly more so than ever before-my family. Husband. Sons. Mother in law. With restrictions to stay home due to the unusual and surreal time of this pandemic, God gives clearer focus and opportunity greater, to show the hospitality I have at my fingertips, and the impact He will have according to His will.
I want to pass on a Spiritual legacy to our children rich in Christ Jesus the Lord.
We do not need to worry about pleasing people, or be overtaken by overwhelming messages or expectations, or circumstances, we should not believe we are defeated when we have our moments we know we were far from perfection – “FAITHFUL TO GOD”. That’s it. I was encouraged by a wonderful woman much older than I in the Lord, with these very words – we are not called to be successful, we are called to be “faithful”. I have to remind myself of this, often. To be faithful, means to press on towards Jesus, persevering, never giving up, in living to please God. Whatever the outcome – that is all on Him. He holds the power. We walk in obedience trusting in Him. As we serve a Father who is rich in mercy, and in His faithfulness, gives us all we need to do the impossible. “with man this is impossible, with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
I just want to encourage you today, because I have been so greatly encouraged. Most importantly the Word of God, relationship with Jesus, will carry us through times we have no idea how we would walk through, one hardship and then another. It’s also been the lives of many others over a life-time of 49 years, who God has put in my path to speak a scripture, say a prayer, share a testimony of their own faith and perseverance, and so on, that has encouraged me, so that I may share with you.
Speaking of a “Dandy” Day – are you ready for this????
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelations 21:1-5
God bless you. And may Jesus be your all in all. Amen.
“Heavenly Father, I thank You for opening up sinning human hearts, and allowing us to receive your truth of the gospel, to the saving of our souls. May I continue to seek You and ask daily to open my heart again and again to receive more of what You have for me to hear, receive, and respond in obedience through the gift of faith given graciously to me, through Christ Jesus my Lord. Bless all the saints in Christ, and please open up more hearts, and draw many to You, In Jesus name, Amen”
Scriptures from James 4:14. Is. 40:6-8. Eph. 3:19-21 Acts Matthew 19:26
Lydia’s story found in Acts 16:14-16.