Springtime resurrection

Yesterday I was  tidying up some papers in my workroom and came across  several things that I had written when I was living in our previous home.  Today has been a very dark  rainy day, as have been the last thirty . y.. y... y.... y something days, so I thought I would post one of the articles I had written back then, which speaks  about looking forward to both physical and spiritual brighter days.  I called it 'Springtime resurrection'.
 

 

Springtime!  What a perfect example of resurrection.  I look at the cherry tree in my garden at that time of year and see life that has lain hidden for months shoot forth in new form from the branches of the tree that has stood firm through Winter's harshness protecting all that lay within.  How clearly it reveals to me the protection of the Lord as I struggle to live the life of a Christian in this world, endeavouring to run and win the race that is set before me. 


I am being formed in Christ, being created in the image of the One within whom I rest, as I learn God's ways.  I am encouraged through all that I see in this example of nature's time of renewal as the branches start to sprout buds which in their turn become both leaves and blossom which will play their individual parts in the tree bearing fruit and reproducing, and I am captivated by the fact that the parent tree has given the protection from the elements that is essential before this new creation can emerge.
 

 

Just as the new life began to form in the darkest season, so too did Jesus enter into my life at its darkest time.  Just as the life of the tree is within  the new creation that it will form and the new creation lies within  the tree at its most vulnerable stage in Winter, and even when Spring arrives must stay connected to live, so too a Christian must hide in Christ at a very young age and stay connected, even when mature, to live. 
 

 

In the book of John, ch.11 v.25 Jesus says that He is the resurrection and the life, and it is belief in Him that causes one to have that 'life'.  In the same way that the tree contains every thing within itself to protect and bring forth its own new life, Jesus has within Himself, through the Word of God, everything that will protect us from the world's destructive influence, and that will conform us to His image.


If God is for me

If God is for me who can be my foe?
that the Master loves me is all I need to know
Can tribulation, trial and fear
make me give up hope when my Lord is near
can worldly woes and misery
keep me tightly bound when I've been set free?
No, God the Father heard my cry

long ago He sent His Son to die
The perfect, spotless lamb was slain
to free man from sin's filth and pain
and now this sin - my enemy
always crouching at my door
at Jesus' name must bow the knee
and trouble me no more

 

 

Throughout the Winter, though the elements may pound against my cherry tree, the forming of the new branches that will appear in the Spring goes on within.  So too if I remain within the protection of Christ the tree of life, being nurtured by His substance, I shall attain that resurrection from the death of my sinful state and be conformed into His sinless image, just as my loving Heavenly Father has desired.


I say a prayer to Jesus

I say a prayer to Jesus

to the One who always hears
to the Holy One of Isra-el
who wipes away all tears
Great reader of hearts 
and Spirit of truth
guide us dear Lord
in our days of youth
My prayer is for wisdom
to know what is right
Oh send us the fire
to lighten our night

Make our pathways straight Lord
teach us to lean on You 
lead us by Your Spirit Lord
with Your word so pure and true
We love You Lord as children
who love a Father dear
we cry to You to comfort us and know that You will hear
We know the world is treacherous in this the evil day
so guide our feet dear Father along the narrow way
One thing we've known for certain from the day of our rebirth
is that He who lives within us is greater than he that is on this earth


  'I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.   He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes that it will be even more fruitful.   You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.   Remain in me, as I also remain in you.   No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.   Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.   I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;  apart from me you can do nothing.    If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.   If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.    This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.'     John ch. 15 vs.1-8