REFLECTIONS FROM A HYACINTH

In many cultures hyacinths are seen as harbingers of spring and rebirth.

At my house, not so much. The fragrance gives hubby a headache. Their limited life at my hands showed that I was not a horticulturist. Yet, as beautiful as they were the first day I received the gift, it wasn't long before they seemed to droop, lose their color and reflect my sinking spirit....tho trying not to grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

Ever seen a dropping plant that seems to represent your day?

Words from Hebrews 12:12 described me well---I need to strengthen my drooping (ESV) limp (Berean) listless (NET) feeble (NIV) tired (NLT) weak (NASB) hands and shaking (CEV) trembling (GNT) knees. 

The New Living Translation reminds me to "get a grip"... for tired hands and strength for weak knees. I need firmness in my resolve. Not from self but from Him!

The drooping hyacinth seemed to reflect these physical and emotional maladies. May the Lord level the path of my feet as I desire to walk in the path He has for me whether I understand it or not.....so that I might not be disabled for ministry but able to glorify Him as I pursue peace with all people that many may see the Lord rather than me and my complaints.(Hebrews 12-13 -14)

 

Look closely at the hyacinth. Do you see it? On the right side. 

Rebirth springing forth. 

May that be reflected in my life today....as I seek to walk in a manner worth of the gospel, regardless of my circumstances! (Colossians 1:10)

"tes-TEA-mony"

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10, NASB)

Walking worthy? Does your walk match your talk? Many people can easily and eloquently articulate their testimony, quoting scripture at every comma.  But....is it real or...just empty God talk?
Could others discredit your words by seeing the discrepancies in your life.
A tes-TEA-mony of a God-filled life speaks volumes. A changed life. Without self-exalting words.
Changed lives reach out in relationship. Lives that find their significance in the Lord are willing to pour into the lives of others. The fruit which they have cultivated in their own lives, (love joy, peace, patience, kindness....Galatians 5:22) is cultivated in loving ministry of service to others. All of this pleases God.
A cuppa sincere tes-TEA-mony can affirm, challenge, encourage and change lives. Celebrities, with media-hype, gather crowds and promote their views.....but, what people really want is to hear from someone whose words and life speak to the core of their being and touch their heart with truth.

Pour out to others. Let them see the Lord in your life

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
A lifestyle which promotes God, not self, is such a "manner of life." A worthy tes-TEA-mony.

GROWing??

9/29/12 Today’s question is about growth.

How’s your spiritual growth? How does one measure his/her spiritual growth?

Monday’s (9/24) meditation verses (Colossians 1:9-14) give much fodder for querying.

I began in verse 10 asking hard questions? I know what the answers should be, but God….knows the truth.

Ask yourself these spiritual growth indicators, as I did. 

• “Is my walk worthy of the Lord?” 
• Am I pleasing Him? 
• Am I increasing in the knowledge of God?

If the answer to the last one is not a yes, then, according to the pithy punches of Pastor Cole, you might end up too trendy or too rigid and thus end up walking in spiritual circles.

If one doesn’t increase in the knowledge of God he becomes like a ½ baked spiritual casserole. (Huffman, 9/2/12) Not too appetizing is it?

May that thought and the thought of walking in spiritual circles drive each of us to spend more time with Him and in His word so that “growth” might occur.