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Today's Bible Verse:

"Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life." (Ezekiel 37:4b-5)

 

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Destined to Bloom. Kingdom of Power, Part 6

In Medieval times, orchards were often planted in the castle's cemetery.

This may seem strange to us, but where else could they plant these? In case of attack, the nobles didn't want to see their groves destroyed by their enemies! The fortified walls protected their prized possessions, and the dead didn't mind being surrounded by orchards!

We discovered this interesting fact when we visited the Citadel of Namur in Belgium. It's quite impressive to walk among the tombs in the shade of the fruit-bearing orchards! And what powerful symbolism is portrayed in such an endeavor! The roots of these trees push deep down into the kingdom of the dead, feeding on the nutrients of that ground. This gives the tree what it needs to grow and grow, until it reaches the sky. The trees literally come alive once they are graced by the sun and the abundance of rain provided from above. No wonder they produce abundant fruit!

We, too, can blossom, even though we may feel completely dead inside. Just like that seed planted amidst the graves, which has to die in order to grow and reach the heavens, we, too, have to die. We have to let go of the control of our meager life before we can become truly alive! (See John 10:10). We don't have to remain totally defeated and discouraged. The Kingdom of our Heavenly Father is a Kingdom of power that can transform our lives. We can go from our "dead" states to blooming in the glory of God. But we have to be willing to let go, without ever wanting to turn back.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." (Matthew 13:31-32, NIV2)

Are you destitute, having absolutely no possessions? Are you beyond hope, lost in the labyrinth of life? Have you come to a dead end, with no way out? You may be able to identify yourself with the tiny mustard seed which is considered to be the "tiniest of all seeds". It, too, has nothing. But what happens when it is planted and it lets go of control? It becomes glorious! Its fruit becomes nectar to all who taste it! It even provides shelter for other members of God's creation!

You, too, can be like that tiny seed! Let yourselves be planted in God's orchard, and you, too, will become glorious in God's sight, providing the "nectar" of hope to all those around you. True, this can only be done if you are willing to let go of your pride, if you will surrender all you have to God and let God transform you.

Just imagine this: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20b, NIV2)

You will be able to move mountains!

It only takes one tiny small seed . . .

Rob Chaffart

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