I have a Christmas cactus that had sat in the addition of our home for roughly two years; most of that time it seems it was neglected. I seldom watered it, and though I don't know a lot about plants, this one seldom had sunlight, and I'm certain it needed some. It was droopy :-(
A few months or so back, I moved the plant to our bathroom. I try to open the blinds daily to allow sunlight for it and have watered it on a fairly consistent basis.
Today I noticed new sprouts or buds on the plant! Now some of you may think, "Well, of course, that's what a tended plant will do." or something to that effect; and, you're right. But thoughts that came just a tad later seemed to speak even louder.
Our lives can be looked at like that plant. If our spiritual needs are neglected we will wither. We will be droopy. However, if we gain regular nutrition, son light, watering, etc. we will sprout, grow, blossom, and flourish. (nutrition can be obtained through His word, the Holy Spirit, & other believers)
Many years ago, it seemed the LORD spoke directly to me as I questioned him. I've struggled with depression a lot of my adult life, and looking back probably dealt with it as a child and teen but didn't realize it. His answer seemed to be the following. I pray it blesses you. It's a reminder to me that He is at work, that He has a plan for me, though often I've questioned. I don't currently have a title for it, but please, if you post or copy it, etc, please do so For His Glory (1 Cor 10:31)
"I'LL SPRINKLE you like the dew--
refresh you, cool you, and yes prune you.
You will blossom to a fruitful bush and
many will eat of you.
You will be a blessing to others and will
feed and nurture them.
Only prepare yourself a good soil, that your
roots may be strong.
Be patient, a strong tree takes time,
but persist to be nurtured,
Endure the pruning for soon comes
forth the fruit.
BE STILL and KNOW that I am GOD"
FHG/bkm c1996-1997
I hope the Christmas cactus eventually has some beautiful flowers; but for now at least it appears to be recuperating a bit. How much more so do you think God delights when we sprout? :-)
Showing posts with label spiritual insights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual insights. Show all posts
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
heart disease
ok, it's been right about a month since the last entry. not too bad considering the months that passed prior to the last post.
not too many days ago, my husband and i were in the truck going somewhere when it seemed the Lord was speaking to me re heart disease.
now most of us (if not all) have prob heard of the dangers of heart disease and the consequences of such; but have we ever really considered the spiritual type of heart disease? i know i suffer with it, though i desire healing.
i'm not necessarily talking of spiritually fatal heart disease, which would mean that my heart was corrupted with sin which would result in eternal death; Jesus' sacrifice healed that part many, many years ago. but what about the clogged arteries, or the lack of exercise, or the lack of blood flow (his) pumping through me or the correct nutrition to keep it going?
i recently finished reading a book re a doctor who did heart transplants and a key verse was "...guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life" (prov 4:23)and that's what seemed to lead to this blog entry.
though i'm not a medical professional, i am a christian.
as noted earlier, it seems to me that i have some spiritual heart disease. i'm guilty of allowing other people's behavior (actions or lack thereof, attitudes, etc) affect my heart and thus my attitudes and actions. i guess you could say i've eaten the wrong diet. i need to focus on what God says about me, not how others relate or don't relate to me. feeding on the wrong diet seems to create areas of hardness in my heart. what should dictate my behavior in this life is the Holy Spirit of God. just as i'm not to be drunk with wine but be filled by the Spirit, so i should not be influenced by others behavior. THANK GOD he can truly change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh.
i also lack spiritual exercise. it's been way too long since i've kept up my studies and prayer times, as well as regular attendance in worship and fellowship as my daily way of life. without exercise it only seems to reason that we become weak. exercise is oftentimes hard, and i've never really gotten into it in the physical sense. spiritual exercise is also hard as the enemy (satan) throws all sorts of distractions into the mix as well as deceit; sometimes disagreements with others, emotions, illness, trouble with the car, or who knows what else. i heard a man speak on television the other night; [paraphrased in my own words: that when God has called you to a task, even though there are obstacles thrown in the way, be faithful to it unless He has told you not to do it, and if you're confused, go ahead with it unless it is contradictory to God's word]. how often i've given in because i'm too tired, too upset, too frustrated, or perhaps even confused (should we go here or there?), or a doctor appt comes up when i'm supposed to have my God appt time, etc. i have not been disciplined in my exercise.
as for clogged arteries? though God has done a wonderful work in teaching me about forgiveness and helping me to understand and apply it, i still suffer with anger and feelings of insignificance and loneliness that seem to build up "plaque" and not allow the spiritual truths to flow through me effortlessly. i know it's been said that Jesus is all we need but living in the earthly realm i still struggle. there's been a lot of different losses in my life over the last five years and the depression, though seeming to dissipate for a time, still rares its head way too often. i need a good diet of God's truths at regular intervals to offset this.
not sure if i really got all these thoughts out like i'd hoped. the thing is, heart disease can result in death and spiritual heart disease can cause us to die in another way. we die to joy and the abundant life that God has planned for us. God's word speaks that "Where there is no vision, the people perish:..."(prov 29:18b). the thing is, God is to be our vision, our hope, our healing, our everything...our wellspring.
"...the wellspring of life." i looked up some of the meanings: "source", "origin", "one that never ends"
you all have a great day and "guard your heart". i hope to be doing a better job with mine.
not too many days ago, my husband and i were in the truck going somewhere when it seemed the Lord was speaking to me re heart disease.
now most of us (if not all) have prob heard of the dangers of heart disease and the consequences of such; but have we ever really considered the spiritual type of heart disease? i know i suffer with it, though i desire healing.
i'm not necessarily talking of spiritually fatal heart disease, which would mean that my heart was corrupted with sin which would result in eternal death; Jesus' sacrifice healed that part many, many years ago. but what about the clogged arteries, or the lack of exercise, or the lack of blood flow (his) pumping through me or the correct nutrition to keep it going?
i recently finished reading a book re a doctor who did heart transplants and a key verse was "...guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life" (prov 4:23)and that's what seemed to lead to this blog entry.
though i'm not a medical professional, i am a christian.
as noted earlier, it seems to me that i have some spiritual heart disease. i'm guilty of allowing other people's behavior (actions or lack thereof, attitudes, etc) affect my heart and thus my attitudes and actions. i guess you could say i've eaten the wrong diet. i need to focus on what God says about me, not how others relate or don't relate to me. feeding on the wrong diet seems to create areas of hardness in my heart. what should dictate my behavior in this life is the Holy Spirit of God. just as i'm not to be drunk with wine but be filled by the Spirit, so i should not be influenced by others behavior. THANK GOD he can truly change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh.
i also lack spiritual exercise. it's been way too long since i've kept up my studies and prayer times, as well as regular attendance in worship and fellowship as my daily way of life. without exercise it only seems to reason that we become weak. exercise is oftentimes hard, and i've never really gotten into it in the physical sense. spiritual exercise is also hard as the enemy (satan) throws all sorts of distractions into the mix as well as deceit; sometimes disagreements with others, emotions, illness, trouble with the car, or who knows what else. i heard a man speak on television the other night; [paraphrased in my own words: that when God has called you to a task, even though there are obstacles thrown in the way, be faithful to it unless He has told you not to do it, and if you're confused, go ahead with it unless it is contradictory to God's word]. how often i've given in because i'm too tired, too upset, too frustrated, or perhaps even confused (should we go here or there?), or a doctor appt comes up when i'm supposed to have my God appt time, etc. i have not been disciplined in my exercise.
as for clogged arteries? though God has done a wonderful work in teaching me about forgiveness and helping me to understand and apply it, i still suffer with anger and feelings of insignificance and loneliness that seem to build up "plaque" and not allow the spiritual truths to flow through me effortlessly. i know it's been said that Jesus is all we need but living in the earthly realm i still struggle. there's been a lot of different losses in my life over the last five years and the depression, though seeming to dissipate for a time, still rares its head way too often. i need a good diet of God's truths at regular intervals to offset this.
not sure if i really got all these thoughts out like i'd hoped. the thing is, heart disease can result in death and spiritual heart disease can cause us to die in another way. we die to joy and the abundant life that God has planned for us. God's word speaks that "Where there is no vision, the people perish:..."(prov 29:18b). the thing is, God is to be our vision, our hope, our healing, our everything...our wellspring.
"...the wellspring of life." i looked up some of the meanings: "source", "origin", "one that never ends"
you all have a great day and "guard your heart". i hope to be doing a better job with mine.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
"the sky is falling"
The other day I went into a used book store (one of my favorite things to do) and saw an old copy of "Chicken Little". Of course I remembered the story, but not completely, so I read it and realized how like life it could be. Did the author plan this? I do not know, but for me it revealed a spiritual lesson.
Many times we face trials and think "the sky is falling" or in other words: "my life is falling apart because..." and we focus on that particular circumstance: illness, a wayward family member or friend, a financial crisis, marriage troubles, child troubles, substance abuse, or whatever the incident (or plural in many cases) may be.
The truth is we have been distracted. God still holds the sky!! The circumstance is but something Satan would like to use to bring about distraction from God! Satan lies and tells us things are going to cave in, end in catastrophy, break the camel's back; whatever cliche' works, when in reality it is NOT the truth if we are God's child. God has plans of good and not evil for his children (Jeremiah 29:11).
It took the wise owl in the story to point out to Chicken Little that it was only an apple - not the sky - that had fallen; and then suggested that Chicken Little eat the apple. The very thing that he thought was part of destruction instead ended up providing sustenance for him. How like God to provide "food" - strength for our souls - through the various trials that we find ourselves, if we will but be wise and listen to the truth - not the distractions.
Also note that Chicken Little believed "the sky is falling" and proceeded to tell numerous others. We must caution ourselves on how and what we proclaim to others for it seems to me that it multiplies, though it did eventually take Chicken Little to the owl who was able to reveal the truth. Not sure exactly how to balance this except to say we should seek wisdom first and not upset others along the way unnecessarily.
Have i made any sense here? it seemed so clear to me :-)
BTW - i bought the book - it was only 85cents!
Many times we face trials and think "the sky is falling" or in other words: "my life is falling apart because..." and we focus on that particular circumstance: illness, a wayward family member or friend, a financial crisis, marriage troubles, child troubles, substance abuse, or whatever the incident (or plural in many cases) may be.
The truth is we have been distracted. God still holds the sky!! The circumstance is but something Satan would like to use to bring about distraction from God! Satan lies and tells us things are going to cave in, end in catastrophy, break the camel's back; whatever cliche' works, when in reality it is NOT the truth if we are God's child. God has plans of good and not evil for his children (Jeremiah 29:11).
It took the wise owl in the story to point out to Chicken Little that it was only an apple - not the sky - that had fallen; and then suggested that Chicken Little eat the apple. The very thing that he thought was part of destruction instead ended up providing sustenance for him. How like God to provide "food" - strength for our souls - through the various trials that we find ourselves, if we will but be wise and listen to the truth - not the distractions.
Also note that Chicken Little believed "the sky is falling" and proceeded to tell numerous others. We must caution ourselves on how and what we proclaim to others for it seems to me that it multiplies, though it did eventually take Chicken Little to the owl who was able to reveal the truth. Not sure exactly how to balance this except to say we should seek wisdom first and not upset others along the way unnecessarily.
Have i made any sense here? it seemed so clear to me :-)
BTW - i bought the book - it was only 85cents!
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