Flowers

The color of the Flower

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
John 5:47

This Mother’s day Azalea was planted at our friend’s house almost 50 years ago. While it is amazing both in it’s beauty and size, what is also curious is the azalea on the neighbor’s side of the fence. It has seen the same sunshine and rain and while also pretty it is only about half the size. The difference is not about its circumstances but about its connection to the soil.

In the same way we who are tested by storms, droughts and harsh winters can bloom at our Father’s doorstep. Our living relationship with Him means both believing what He has spoken in the past along with listening to what He is saying today. God’s written word is a signpost pointing to Christ. The Pharisees were intent on learning all about the post but were not ready to follow it to Jesus. Staying in a living connection to God’s word means more than just knowing every line. A relationship with Him also means listening to what He is saying today. That connection is what makes us grow and gives beauty to the color of the flower!

Hidden Treasure

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

Why does Jesus say that God’s message is a hidden mystery? It is all around us like air but we only find it like this man did when we are looking. He didn’t just trip over the treasure accidentally. The story Jesus tells says he found it hidden then hid it again sold all he had and bought the field.

Today if we are looking for Him we can find Christ in the secret place of prayer. If we listen and hide in our heart what he tells us we are motivated to action. Is what we have heard and believed more precious than anything else? If so God’s greatest treasure can be ours today and forever!

Singing Time

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

This April in Pennsylvania was the coldest in my memory. A few days the temperatures warmed only to be followed by snow and another cycle of gray skies and frigid nights.

That experience sadly also sometimes resembles my relationship with the Lord. While my heart longs for singing the reality is more often colorless and cold. But if you are experiencing the whiplash of hot and cold spiritually remember that no one longs for Spring more than Jesus. In the Song of Songs the invitation to come into Springtime comes not from the bride but from the bridegroom representing Christ. He is calling for us to wake up. Though sometimes we struggle just to break out of Winter’s grip, His invitation stands. His blood has power over the frost of sin. Our color starved eyes need only to be opened to take in the riot of flowers blooming. No matter the circumstances it can be singing time in our hearts today!