Flowers

Hidden Treasure

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“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

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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!

Blossoming Hope

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And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.  Luke 23:3

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For those of you who like me are gardeners you know that Tulips, Daffodils and other tuberous flowers are never planted in the spring. Instead we go out to dig up some corner of the garden at the end of October. At that time there are no blossoms whatsoever in the flowerbeds, but the earth is still slightly warm from the summer’s heat and it offers the perfect place for bulbs to make a home. Autumn rains then soften the bulb and while no one is watching it sends out tiny roots into the surrounding soil. Then, winter’s wind and cold freeze the ground solid. The tiny tendrils are locked in an icy embrace for four to five months. It would appear to the unknowing observer that there is no hope for beauty or blossom. Yet all the while, under the surface God does His mysterious work. Then we look out the window one early April morning and suddenly the bulbs amaze us with their brilliant yellows, whites and reds!KIMG1163

In the same way as the tulips and daffodils were planted so our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave forgiveness in the face of cold hatred, scorning and mocking. He freely forgave with no apparent hope of anyone accepting the pardon He gave. He was planted in the ground and then not only on the third day when He arose but on every day when His forgiveness blossoms in a heart His act of love continues to yield an abundant harvest!

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