SPRING FLING
Falling in love with Jesus is not just a fling. It’s time to grow in Christ!
March 31st, 2023
BEAR MUCH FRUIT!
Hebrews 12:14-15, ‘Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise, you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.’ (MSG)
There are many roots, roots of all kinds. The root system beneath determines everything else about the plant to which it is attached. The root system’s impact brings either life or death. Whatever has happened beneath the surface will bring forth a wild harvest or a plat of weeds—one or the other, but never both.
We take our ‘field’ and we till it. We fertilize it with goodness, rich soil, abundant in hope and grace and peace. We nourish it, water it generously with kindness and gentleness. When our ‘ground’ has been properly cared for and is ready, we plant seeds and sprinkle it with love. But we don’t stop there. We care for what we have planted. We nurture it and cherish all we are growing, cultivating what is flourishing, blossoming, and springing up. As it grows, we are able to tell the heartiness of its root system by the exuberance of that which is bursting forth. A strong root system beneath the soil will be able to bear all things, all seasons, everything life tosses its way.
Be wary, though; a bitter root can spring up. Much in the same way we nurture beautiful things we wish to flourish, so also, we can nurture bitterness too. From this root grows something so deformed and depraved and destructive. Just as all the Fruit of the Spirit is nourished, growing healthy and vibrant, just the opposite will thrive in opposing conditions. Where brackishness abounds, the pungent, putrid odor of hatred and resentment breaks apart things in its way, and disgust is plentiful. It is difficult to chop down a root of bitterness, and even bitter discontent. Like any other weed, it is far easier and better, not bitter, to never allow the thing to become planted and take root. It can also spread far faster than any other root there is, choking out growth and contentment, positivity and hope.
We have been planting all month long, preparing for the season ahead. It is an exciting season, one of new possibilities and repaired relationships and hopeful harvests. It takes time and is hard work, but being patient and diligent, nurturing and nourishing, watering and fertilizing, we can sow then reap, plant then harvest, something beautiful, fulfilling and eternal. You and I are all a part of the process of life—even falling in love with Jesus and growing to full maturity with Him. We will never fail if we commit our way to the Lord. He will cause us to spring forth, to flourish, to blossom, into all He planted you and I to be!
So, Beautiful You, what will your garden grow and what will blossom from the seeds you have planted?
Jeremiah 17:7-8, ‘But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.’ (NIV)
Isaiah 55:10-11, ‘”As the snow and rain that fall from heaven do not return until they have accomplished their purpose, soaking the earth and causing it to sprout with new life, providing seed to sow and bread to eat, so also will be the Word that I speak; it does not return to Me unfulfilled. My Word performs My purpose and fulfills the mission I sent it to accomplish.”’ (TPT)
