When I first began my blog (way back in 2019!), in one of my first pieces, I mentioned a few quotes, which are applicable for now: Growth is the only evidence of life by John Henry Oswald and Growth itself contains the germ happiness by Lord Alfred Tennyson. The main quote was Great oaks from little acorns grow by Geoffrey Chaucer. Of course there are many around pertaining to growth, but as I was writing, I remembered these. Seeing the above picture and remembering these quotes, it made me think how important it is to remain rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus. This is with regards to us being individuals in our own rights, our professions and our spiritual selves. The more rooted we become the harder it is for us to be deterred, knocked over, moved, or swayed from what our end goals are, or for what we have been called to do. As human beings, with no interaction with others, we will not know how to have conversations or be able to relate to others. The individual will; have no people skills; be unable to look into the eyes of others as they speak; and are not sincerely able to relate to others problems. I have seen examples of this with regards to people (who are or believe they are) higher up the social ladder. People become stats rather than ones of flesh and blood. There’s no attempt at true connection or understanding, at a deeper level.
Becoming a child of the Most High God, if you don’t give yourselves enough nutrients, you’ll grow very slowly. You won’t be able to spiritually thrive, as much as you’d be able to if you were reading enough of God’s Word. Whilst reading, you’re finding out as much about Him as possible. What must be understood is the only person that requires evidence of your thoughts is the Most High God. Remember He is an all-seeing God, so He knows the intents of your heart. No matter what you do and why, He knows. That is why I have an issue with people being scared into giving their lives to The Lord, their reason has to be truth, rather than being scared. If anyone has got this far in reading this, please comment on my way of thinking. As it says in the Word, iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Correct my way of thinking, if need be. That being said, it also says I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). I may have mentally clarified things whilst writing (lol), as once the hellfire has been vocally shared, maybe the increase can be obtained! Your concept of God and His Word is a starter. The Holy Bible is a compilation of Books and Words inspired by the Most High God to the Churches; a set of people who, for all intents and purposes, are people who love the Most High God but are experiencing difficulties in their walk. Very much like us. We love the Most High God but, at times we have problems with living a life that totally reflects Him and the way we should be. This happened throughout the Holy Bible, however, the Old Testament had Jesus Christ concealed BUT within the New Testament He was revealed! Without Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection we wouldn’t have had the Holy Spirit. Our spirit should now connect with the Holy Spirit, so we can receive guidance and strength. Paul says:-
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.
15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.
17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;
23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.
24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?
25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 7:14-25 (NIV)
The lockdown will have been a time of strengthening for some and a time of weakening for others. Just as in a garden you have various shrubs, trees and flowers, it’s the same for people in this world. We all have different needs and requirements; what may be needed for one person, may not be needed for another. Don’t allow yourself to wither away; unable to grow; unable to converse and have interactions with others or be afraid to seek help. This goes for whether you are a believer in God or not! As the roots try to move into areas where they will get what they need to become established, grasp for all you need by reading books, the internet and conversations, which may be online via email, Facebook, FaceTime, Instagram, Messenger, SMS, WhatsApp or even face-to-face interaction (lockdown lifting permitting!). Apparently, the lockdown will be over shortly, but it’s not too late. The world we’re facing, as of now, is very different to what we have ever experienced before. Don’t be afraid, you’re not alone!
When a plant or tree is initially planted, the roots can be weak and easily destroyed. The life troubles for humans, and a tree, can sweep in like a flood and the soil (life) can be waterlogged. The strength of the tree or individual, can be small in size, can cause death and the tree or individual will not be able to function at its full capacity. Its leaves will begin to wilt and it will be possible to see or feel that something is wrong. Spiritually, we can wilt and wain, if we stay away from the Word and we are not functioning under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need to keep the connection open and flowing, so we do not wither because we are not being nourished. Those not under the guidance of the Holy Spirit may feel as though they are in total isolation; insufficient air, light and water, which are some of the nutrients required for growth. For a tree, or child of the Most High God, growth may occur, but at a slow pace; depending on how deeply (or not) they are embedded into the soil. If it’s not too deep, damage will take place. The environment can make it almost impossible for them to grow and increase. As a child of God, our watering and feeding is the Word and fellowship with like-minded individuals. If there is not enough, death or stagnancy will occur. However, we all have our season where we will flourish; begin to thrive; there will be an increase; there will be anointing; and that will cause an abundance and fruit. The question is how quickly do you want to grow, thrive and function at your full potential or is it our choice to make? I ask this because in the Book of Jonah, we see that he tried to escape but had a job to do and was brought right back to do it. Therefore, let nothing hold you back!
As a Christian, a healthy growth occurs by feeding with the Word of God. The Bible verse says, with a lack of knowledge, people perish (Hosea 4:6). If things of God are not being sought, no growth will take place. We should seek Godly knowledge. As John Henry Oswald said, growth is the evidence of life. It should be possible to see evidence/ assurance/substance of what has been done in your life. Backed up by scripture:-
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
Hebrews 11:1 (AMPC)
You will be known by your fruit:-
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:16 (NIV)
With regards to growth containing the germ happiness, as per the previously mentioned quote by Lord Alfred Tennyson, in the right environment it is able to multiply; as a germ would. This can be achieved by communing with God; by praying, worshipping, reading His Word, listening to Pastors or Evangelists preach the Word, going to the right Church to be fed, fellowshipping with other Ambassadors of Christ/followers of Christ/children of the Most High God. Whilst doing these things you will know you’re not on your own. Having appropriate friends around you is so much help, as it assists with lifting you up when you are down. As well as reading the Holy Bible, you can also read other books about God, so you can gain a greater understanding. Please ensure it’s recommended by a reliable source! These things will help you no matter the stage of your walk. As you’ll need to receive these things, others will need it too, which is why it’s important to have a network of like-minded people to converse with. Once we become established in life we will bear fruit. As it is in the physical world, it’s the same within the spiritual. In the workplace, there is usually room to grow or for promotion; it’s even possible for you to retrain others or move to another department. Within the spiritual realm, there is room for things to be revealed to you and the possibilities are endless. How so? You may ask. If you only believe. It’s as simple as just believing. Once the Word is more ingrained in you, that belief will become knowledge: We know what we know!
Salvation has nothing to do with what we can do but, what God has already done for us. Instead we should be thankful, joyful and praise and worship Him, because it has been made easier. When Elohim hayyim looks down He sees not us and our sins but He sees the Blood of His Son who was wounded for all our wrongs. When Jesus Christ said ‘It is finished’, He had partially done what He was sent to do. There is nothing more needed (apart from His resurrection).
The source of our happiness and joy is through Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ, Son of David; the soon coming King!. Many recognise their love for God, declare their wish to change by reciting the prayer of salvation and then go on to life as normal rather than having a new normal. Once you have given your life to God, there is a newness in life, awaiting you. You should want that and be ready to take hold of it, with both hands. Scripture says:-
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMPC)
Geoffrey Chaucer said, Great oaks from little acorns grow but the Most High God expounds on the properties of the ‘great oak’. You can be strong, magnificent, distinguished for uprightness and most of all have right standing with Him!
To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 (AMPC)
Unapologetically Marcia 