THE TENACIOUS LEAVES

I love the spring.  It is my favorite time of  year. It alway reminds me of resurrection life. As sap begins to flow up through the barren tree, before you realize it, the dead tree of winter is flourishing with beautiful blossoms and green leaves.

The other day I was out walking and I observed the most unusual tree. New buds were appearing and yet there were still an abundance of dry dead leaves on it's branches.  I thought to myself, "Why are those dry, dead leaves SO TENACIOUSLY STILL hanging on. Didn't they know that their old life was over?  The winter was harsh, icy cold, and with heavy winds.The leaves should have been shaken off by now."

Then I thought, "What if this tree represented my new life in Christ and the dead leaves my old sin habits still holding on? What if I am fixing my eyes more on the dead leaves instead of Jesus?  What if I am deceived trying to prefect the flesh instead of believing I am a new creation in Christ? 

The good news is we are born again to a newness of life. We should    not be deceived trying to change ourselves. We are dead in Christ. He not only died for us but He died as us. His death on the cross is our death too and His resurrection is our new life in Him. "Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Him".  Jesus will lead us into all righteousness.  He loves us and is transforming us into His image and likeness.

This tree was once dead in the middle of winter, but new life has sprung forth in all its beauty. We were once dead in our trespasses and sin, but "By grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not of our own doing; it is a gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one can boast."  Ephesians 2:8,9.  The only difference is that we, as believers, will never die.  Jesus Christ is the Tree of Life, in us and because Christ lives, we live also in Him  Our lives become an expression of His beauty, day by day. Our bodies will go to dust, but our soul and born again spirit will live with  Him forever. To God be the glory.

THE CHALLENGE OF HEARING GOD'S VOICE

To be still and to hear God's voice is a daily challenge.  There seems to be always some noise around us, whether it is the television, the cell phone ringing, a baby crying or children fighting. Perhaps, you are at work, and it is an overwhelming day, full of demands and dead lines to keep.  People are upset,
anxiety is high and there is no time to be still and know He is God.

I believe the Lord has good news for us.  We can practice the presence of God.  By faith the Holy Spirit has quickened our once dead spirit to newness of life. We can hear God 's voice.  It is our minds that are full of continuous chatter that keep us from hearing. Our minds need to submit to the Lord's voice in our inner new man as the Holy Spirit renews our minds.

I think we will be amazed how His presence within us will speak.   His voice is speaking to our inner new man all the time, if we will only stop and listen.  He has wisdom for every situation.  Our Lord is a master problem solver.

The Lyrics to this song, I believe will encourage your soul and strengthen your heart.  Be still, today, my friend and hear God's voice for you.