Strength from God

Having pruned the roses, I marched around the fruit trees to see what needed to be done there. As I was passing one of the citrus trees which I assumed was dead because the hares had ring-barked it, I discovered shoots from below the graft. The root stock must be tough. I was about to pull the shoots off when I thought it might be an opportunity to try grafting another citrus in November when the shoots were stronger.

When I try grafting emu bushes (eremophilas – see photo below) I am reminded every time of the passage in Romans 11 where Paul acknowledges that we have the same blessings and privileges as Israel was promised because we have been grafted into the true vine, Jesus Christ.

When grafting a plant, a root stock is selected, a cut is made in the stem of the root stock and a piece of the plant we want to grow is put into that cut, and then bound so that all the cut surfaces are in contact with one another. After a few days the sap stream in the root stock finds its way through the piece that was added in and the graft has taken. From that time on the new piece grows on its new roots, showing its own characteristics, but having the strength and vigor of the root stock.

This is the position of all who profess Jesus Christ as saviour. We have no strength and vigor of our own. We are like the piece of plant which cannot grow on its own roots because it is not able to tolerate the soil conditions, but will grow on the roots of a much stronger plant. We can live confidently knowing that it is through the grace of God and his strength that we can meet the challenges of life. We need to know who God is to achieve this.

Romans 11:33 ‘Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!’

˄CH

Eremophila flowers

Do you have strong roots?

I pruned the roses last week. They had so many short sprouts as a result of hares and a kangaroo nibbling at the new shoots on the tips that I had to cut the plants shorter than I wanted them to be. However I am assured that, roses being tough plants, the roots will support the top growth, and it should result in many flowering shoots.

Are you a ‘tough plant’? How deep do your roots go in the Lord? Can you deal with the troubles and disappointments in life confidently knowing that God is in these with you giving you courage and strength? The only way I know to achieve this confidence is to continue to read and study the Bible. The more we know about God and who He is, the greater the confidence.

Psalm 1:2-3 says: ‘(Blessed are those) who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on His law day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do, prospers’.

Deep watering is far more efficient at meeting the needs of plants than is a light sprinkle. It encourages the plants’ roots to search deeply for moisture and this greater depth protects the plants’ roots from the scorching summer sun which heats the soil and dries it out.

In the same way, the further our trust in God is developed, our faith in Him strengthens, as is our ability to walk on confidently with God.

Are you being watered deeply by God’s word, or merely being sprinkled?

˄CH

Far out – eggs

While staying with our son and his family in Sydney over recent weeks, we were amused by a little saying that our nearly 2yo grand-daughter started using. She had gone shopping with her mother and while walking home, her mother remembered she’d forgotten to buy something. “Far out – eggs!” she exclaimed in frustration.

Over the next few days we all started using this phrase when we’d forgotten something – or we were frustrated by something. It was amusing and it has quickly become a family saying. We all have expressions we use frequently like this, whether it’s due to forgetfulness, frustration or whatever.

We all have forgetful moments. This seems to be a universal problem, a condition common to many people. We all enter a room intent on doing or getting something, only to arrive and totally forget why we are there. “Far out – how forgetful!”

I am so pleased that God is also forgetful. The major difference, however, is that he deliberately chooses to forget. He not only forgets our sins – he refuses to remember them (Isaiah 43:25) How encouraging is that? So – if you have accepted Jesus as your saviour, your sins have not only been dealt with on the cross, God actually refuses to remember them.

Furthermore, the Psalmist wrote: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Encouraging words indeed.

˄TH

Rainbow in the Morning

One morning I went to collect the daily paper from the driveway. As I looked towards the west I saw a brilliant rainbow arching right across the sky. I was reminded of the saying “Rainbow in the morning, shepherds take warning.” Well, I’m not a shepherd and haven’t owned any sheep for over a decade, so does the warning apply to me? And does it also apply to writers like me, and other occupations? What about them? And why just shepherds?

Then there is the vexed question of the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Do I pursue it in the off-chance I can find that wonderful treasure? It was quite plain to see where the rainbow ended – right out there in the paddock just up the hill a little from our driveway. About 200 metres away. A quick two minute jog and I’d find it.

And suddenly I was reminded of the promise to Noah in the Biblical account of The Flood. God promised never to flood the whole earth again. How does this all fit together – or was it just my sleep-clouded brain not yet fully functioning? Let me try to make some sense of it.

1. There is no “pot of gold” – chasing after illusory fortunes is a waste of time and effort. Work hard and the rewards will come. Quite often I find that just the process of writing a well-crafted story, article or poem has its own intrinsic reward. Too often we only look for recognition from others (“fame”) and monetary gain (“fortune”). Sometimes merely to write – or work – is its own reward.
2. The rainbow was there as a promise of God’s compassion, not a warning. He will provide for me. No amount of worrying whether a publisher will accept my writing, or fretting over my readers’ reactions will change them. So why worry?
3. Rainbows are always formed by rain falling. Into every life some tears will fall like heavy rain drops in a tropical storm. Sometimes those tears are bitter, sometimes sad, sometimes fearful and often in disappointment. But just as every storm blows over and every rain-front dissipates, so too will that heavy cloud be driven away. Then the sun can shine and the rainbow burst into full colour.

When the heavy clouds of life bring storms into your life, let the Son of God shine his healing love into your heart. After all – he who made the rainbow also made you. He knows exactly what you are going through.

˄TH

This a special invitation to our praise and worship service  in our church on Sunday, 7th July 2013.

All are welcome to come and enjoy the singing, to join with us in remembering the sacrifice of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, as we take part in communion.

This Sunday we have the delight of welcoming a returning guest preacher, Michael Taylor. Michael preached on several occasions last year and many were inspired and challenged by his preaching.

After the service we will have a time of fellowship over a cuppa and biscuits, followed by a church luncheon.

Reminder: the Elders are always willing to spend time in prayer after the service with individuals with particular needs. The Pastoral care team is also prepared to pray with or for you if you let one of the Elders know. (This week speak to Ted Smith because Trevor Hampel is away.)

Service time: 10am Sunday 7th July 2013.

Venue: Murray Bridge Church of Christ, 32 Seventh Street.

ALL WELCOME.

Dear praying friends,

Do you want to see our church thrive?

Do you want to see the church – in a broader sense – thrive, when many congregations are dying, closing or gasping for their last breath?

These are thought provoking questions. How do we do that? What does it look like?

Have a read of this interesting article: Thriving among the dying churches (click here).

Blessings,

TH