My friend, may I ask you a question? Does God reveal that we are a work completed overnight?. Or, is it something that is ongoing? Does He, as the faithful gardener, dig, weed, till and transplants in the gardens of our hearts?
My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day. I’m M. Clifford Brunner?
When we moved to Beech Springs years ago, we arrived in a valley that was full of trees, trees and more trees. There was practically no lawn because the trees shaded it out. The trees fenced in the house and driveway so that there was scant room or resource with which to do much in the way of landscaping. That was to my liking, however. There would be little need for tiller, spade and wheelbarrow here. I could focus on making wood and the necessary improvements that were needed inside the house. Puttering with flowerbeds was tedious and, as opposed to making wood, slow in demonstrating any visible progress. That is, of course, until the elms around Beech Springs began to succumb to disease. Suddenly spaces were opened; spaces that beckoned my wife Holly to plant a sunflower here or nestle a poppy there. It wasn't long before a Rototiller and a wheelbarrow appeared on my gift list.
I've often thought how like those flowerbeds you and I are as we daily walk in grace. It takes work to get us ready for growth in grace. And, sometimes, the results aren't so immediately visible. But, over time, the work and effort pay off. The flowers bloom and fade and come back again the next year that much more brilliant and bountiful.
Here's a story: Phillips Brooks was a very busy pastor, yet he always seemed relaxed and unburdened, willing to take time for anyone in need. Shortly before he died, someone asked him the secret of his strength and serenity. In a heartfelt response, Brooks credited his still-growing relationship with Christ. He responded, "The more I have thought it over, the more sure it has seemed to me that these last years have had a peace and fullness which there did not used to be. It is a deeper knowledge and truer love of Christ I cannot tell you how personal this grows to me. He is here. He knows me and I know Him. It is the most real thing in the world. And every day makes it more real. And one wonders with delight what it will grow to as the years go on." (Our Daily Bread, October 14, 1994)
God promises to "sanctify" us "by the truth" (John 17:17) in our daily, walk with Him. That is, He will make us holy, set apart and cleansed through Christ Jesus. He doesn't tell us that it is a work completed overnight, however. It is something that is ongoing like my wife tending those flowerbeds. As the faithful gardener He digs, weeds, tills and transplants in the gardens of our hearts; then, when day is done, we are known to Him perfectly, as we continue to grow in our knowledge of Him. It won't happen overnight nor should it. Some of the best flowerbeds are those that are never finished.
We pray. Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord that You make us holy, set apart and cleansed through Christ Jesus. You, O Lord, don’t tell us, however, that it’s a work completed overnight. It’s something that is ongoing like my wife tending those flowerbeds. As the faithful gardener You dig, weed, till and transplant in the gardens of our hearts; then, when day is done, we are known to You perfectly, as we continue to grow in our knowledge of You. Forgive us when we are impatient as we ought to know that It won't happen overnight nor do You want it that way; because some of the best flowerbeds are those that are never finished. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to "This Passing Day!"
<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.