Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then it shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory,” “O death, where is your sting? O hades, where is your victory?”

The most populous group of inhabitants of the earth undergo a most amazing transformation during their life cycle. Literally, a change- over in form, or metamorphosis. While the word can refer to any change in form, structure, or substance, including that of certain rocks under heat and pressure, we are more apt to observe the metamorphosis of insects. Or at least the results of that miraculous transformation from the pupa to adult stage.
I found a brown, fibrous cocoon in the woodpile and brought it inside to show my grandchildren. I forgot about it until it emerged as a large, pale green moth - a luna moth. Perhaps you have seen the animated version in a television commercial for a sleep-inducing medication.
I placed the moth on one of my amaryllis flowers near the window, and waited. It just remained there, clinging to that flower for several days. I was fortunate enough to see it finally take flight one evening, rising to a blade of the ceiling fan. Unlike the animated insect, which seems to float gracefully and sleepily through the air, the real moth moves with a very rapid beating of the wings. It clung there for some time, leaving only after depositing a number of eggs, the ultimate purpose in this brief phase of its life cycle.
I was reminded of the passage in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians about change, mysterious change, from our mortal to our immortal form.
We, like that moth, traverse this earth in our mortal form. Paul devotes several paragraphs of this letter to moral implications of Christ’s resurrection. He speaks of the grain, the seed, the form that God gives a body as He pleases. (vs. 38) Our human body is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
Paul compares the first man, Adam, to the second man, the Lord. We bear the image of the ‘man of dust.’ Those who are in Christ shall also bear the image of the Heavenly Man. That is Paul’s mystery - we shall make that transformation, that all-changing transformation, even as Christ was transformed. Our business is not to just be a speck of dust, to go from dust to dust, but to endeavor to leave behind us seeds (or eggs) that will metamorphose into new life in the spirit. Yes, we may leave behind us mortal seed, but flesh and blood does not - Paul says, “Cannot” - inherit the kingdom of God.
I found a reminder in that brief flight of that moth that I witnessed. We, too, must rise to that level of the form of the Heavenly Man, not just in anticipating the immortal form, but during this mortal phase also. That is, we must strive to attain the form of the Christ in the flesh, and, as Paul further writes, “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
April 29, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: "Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9, NKJV

I place the two slightly curved pieces of wood between my fingers, positioning them carefully with my thumb and little finger lightly cradling them, and give my wrist a sharp snap. If I have done it correctly, they will respond with a bright 'click.'
They are called 'bones' -a type of percussion musical instrument, used to accompany a peppy tune with a clack-clickety-clack . . . If you know how to do it!
I am not a very good "bone player," but I have tried to learn the technique to carry on the tradition of the grandfather and uncle who bequeathed the 'bones' to me.
Simple, huh? Take two pieces of wood, place them between your fingers, and give them a shake. Hah! I enjoy handing them to people, especially students at the schools where our band sometimes provides demonstrations of old time instruments, and watching them try to imitate even my simple example.
I find that there are three typical responses to my offer to help them become a bone player: Some refuse to even touch them. Others make a half-hearted attempt, and hand them back.. And a few, a very few, make a serious attempt at mastering the technique.
Isn't that just like life?
You've done it; I do it all of the time in my "Seeds" writings. The Bible is full of proverbs and pithy sayings, of sympathetic Psalms, of parables and prayers. We offer advice on things to do, ways to solve a problem, how to overcome life's dilemmas, and fully expect them to get it 'right off the bat'. "Here, just do this, and you will be "playing along" in no time! R-I-G-H-T ! ! !
Desire plays a large role in learning something new, of course. Many people have a burning desire, but never move beyond the "wannabe" stage. Their dreams are never fulfilled. It is like sitting in a car, but never starting the engine. Keep in mind the axiom that, "If all you ever do is what you have always done, all you will ever get is what you have always got."
First, people must be willing to accept instruction without feeling that it is a rebuke or an unkindly act, an intrusion into their private lives. They must be an open vessel, ready (and wanting) to be filled.
Second, they must feel a need to learn, to make a change in their lives, before anything will make a difference, whether coming from you, or I, or the Bible. We might call this "conviction," the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth. A truly life-changing conviction often comes only when harsh reality strips away all other choices.
Finally, empowerment makes learning possible. It's like turning on the switch, or shifting into drive. The goal or destination beckons, the pathway to achievement is illuminated, and the process of learning begins.
January 14, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Change
* Scripture: Jesus said, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17, NKJV)

Did you set your clock back as the calendar rolled over from 2005 to 2006? No, they haven’t been playing with Daylight Savings Time - this time, anyway. The keepers of the official universal clock added a leap-second at the end of 2005.
That’s right - your year just became longer by one second, according to the folks who keep track of such matters. The truth is, the solid old earth under our feet gets a bit wobbly sometimes, and the speed of rotation shifts a little. Over time, that tiny bit of change adds up, throwing off the precise calculation of celestial affairs.
You wouldn’t want the clock to gradually creep ahead until it didn't become daylight until nearly noon, would you? Granted that it will take a while for that to happen, but even a few seconds is too much for rocket scientists and astronomers, people who talk billions of miles and millionth parts of seconds.
While the clock may be brought into alignment with the universe and bring order out of chaos, so to speak, not everyone is thrilled with such precision. Many people still haven’t figured out how to get the clock on their VCR to quit flashing "12:00" let alone synchronize every clock and watch for which they are responsible. That’s why inventors are building devices, such as cell phones and GPS systems, that automatically set themselves to the universal standard clock.
But what about those gadgets that are not set up to be automatic? Think about the brouhaha about Y2K - you know, the end of time as we know it, because all those ancient devices built for the 20th Century couldn’t cope with - Gasp! - a millennial leap.
Messing around with things like clocks and calendars can create a lot of problems. Even little things, as small as a second, cause some people to get their ire up, mostly, as it turns out, over needless worries.
So imagine what happens when one generation tries to change something that previous generations consider to be sacrosanct. Absolute; untouchable! Like the order of the church’s worship service. Or new people in the church leadership group.
Yes. I’m talking about the birth of Jesus. A millennial change of the first order. Not everyone liked the changes His coming brought about; many still refute both the event, and the rationale for such a drastic modification of the way people relate to God.
As with the leap second, the problem was not a celestial one. The Heavenly standard is quite precise, thank you. It’s an earthly problem. Some adjustments needed to be made. Somebody had to do it.
So God sent His Son into the world that the world through Him might be saved.
January 1, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Transfer Knowledge
* Scripture: Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that ‘seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’” Mark 4:11-12, NKJV

I have acquired a variety of different stringed musical instruments since I first learned to play a ukulele, years and years ago. My collection includes instruments like the mountain (lap) dulcimer, which is easy to play, even for a beginner, to the guitar and violin, which require a lot of work and practice to achieve proficiency. .
. Each instrument is slightly different when it comes down to playing well, yet all have many principles in common. They all have strings, of course, tuned so as to produce a certain pitch note on the musical scale. The number of strings and tunings vary, as well as the size and layout of the fingerboard. Many instruments have metal frets to mark the note locations; the violin family does not. But a tuned string is a tuned string, and simple tunes can be played on any instrument, once you are familiar with the musical scale.
It seems to amaze people that I can pick up any of my instruments and play an easy tune like “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”
The reason that I can do that is not because I am super talented, but because I use what I know about one instrument and apply that knowledge to another.
That is the principle of the parable, the teaching story that Jesus used well to illustrate the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus often began with an earthly topic or subject with which the listeners were familiar, such as a lamp, a shepherd, or a fruit tree, and applied that knowledge to heavenly things. Those who were willing to make the comparison between earthly things and heavenly truths gained a greater understanding of God’s kingdom. Some, however, were either not willing nor able to make that ‘leap’ of understanding, that transfer of knowledge, that would bring them inside to God’s truths.
I sometimes show a person how easy it is to play “Mary Had A Little Lamb” on one of my instruments, and offer them the instrument, only to have them react as if I had handed them a live snake! They have no desire to even try. Strange - the shunning of knowledge!
Perhaps Jesus was experiencing this same phenomena. Some people just don’t want to think about making any changes in their lifestyle, whether it is a health issue in this world, or spiritual truths about God’s kingdom in the eternity to come.
Sad. So many left ‘outside’ because they see, but do not perceive, and hear but do not understand - and have no desire to change.
March 27, 2005

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Solomon wrote, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.”Ecclesiastes 12:1, NIV

“School Days, School Days -Readin', and Ritin', and 'Rithmetic” - the so-called 3 Rs, the basics of education. There have been many changes in the educational process since the early 1900’s. Reading and writing may be called “Language Arts,” for example, and mathematic skills are necessary for mastery of many advanced courses.
Gone are the days when “typing” was a high-school level course for those preparing for secretarial or business careers. Students now learn “keyboarding” in elementary grades. Why? The prevalence of computer technology has made keyboarding as much a part of even elementary education as the 3 R’s.
Children experience many changes as they start back to school, hopefully in another grade. Different subjects, different teachers, perhaps different buildings. They grow, require new clothing, acquire new dimensions to their personality. Children usually adapt to these changes more easily than their parents, who are prone to unnecessary worry.
Adults likewise experience change, perhaps not as dramatically as in their youth, but the changes are there. We will experience change more often than death or taxes; something that is with us throughout this earthly life.
Consider Ecclesiastes, twelfth chapter. Solomon describes old age (vs. 5) and advises youth to remember the Creator, now, “ while you are young” (vs.1, 6). In other words, in a world of constant change, look to that which is unchanging! All is futile, says the Preacher, utterly futile. (Ecc. 12:8 Living Bible) The New English Bible translates the word as “emptiness.” The Preachers’ review of his life brings the realization that striving after things is indeed futile, vanity, emptiness. He had experienced about everything a person could want, and did not find satisfaction there. His final recommendation? “Fear God, and obey His commandments, for this is the entire duty of man.” In the end, it is not our neighbors, nor our family, nor the church that will be our final judge. “For God will judge us for everything that we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad.” (vs.13,14.)
While people may see the good deeds we do, and the gifts we give, God sees our motives. Does it come from a love of God, as the widow who gave her mite to the collection (Mark 12:41-44), or from love of keeping up appearances as the Pharisees were doing? Jesus compared us to trees that bear fruit. Also remember, it is the MATURE tree that bears fruit. Change is normal; change is expected if we would go toward maturity. The most dramatic change we can ever make is repentance (Matthew 4:17).
August 24, 2003

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

"'One thing you lack,' Jesus told the rich young man. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the mans face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth." (Read Mark 10 :17-31.)
One of the speakers at a conference on Intensive Grazing that my wife and I attended is an authority on animal behavior. Bud Williams uses a no stress method of animal handling, working with the natural instincts of the animals. Some of his methods seem strange, but they work - if you follow them! In an article in the May issue of "The Stockman Grassfarmer" Bud says, "Animals learn very fast. People don't. Most ranchers don't want you to teach them something new. They want you to show them how they can keep doing what they are doing and have a different result."
That same philosophy can be applied to people in a lot of situations. Both John the Baptizer and Jesus dealt with people who wanted assurance that they could continue doing what they were doing, and yet enter the kingdom of heaven. John preached repentance (Matthew 3:2). Jesus preached repentance (Matthew 4:17). Repentance is not just feeling bad or sorry about something you have done, but, "To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins." (American Heritage Dictionary)
Because it involves making a change in ones attitude or behavior, true repentance is not always easy. Jesus speaks to this point in Mark 10:27 - With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. These same disciples, who were astonished at Jesus doctrine, were indeed changed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter summed up his first sermon by saying, Repent, and be baptized . . . in the Name of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38
5/18/97

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Readin, and Ritin, and Rithmetic - the so-called 3 Rs, School Days -The Basics of education. A quaint saying, but more reminiscent of schools of the first half of this century than of schools today.
Change - Something that we will experience more often then death or taxes; something that is with us throughout this earthly life. Children experience it as they start back to school, hopefully in another grade. Different subjects, different teachers, perhaps different buildings. They grow, require new clothing, acquire new dimensions to their personality. Adults, likewise change, perhaps not as dramatically as in their youth, but the changes are there. Shakespeare, in one of his plays, describes life from babyhood, to adulthood, to old age. The topic of our Bible study this past Wednesday evolved to Ecclesiastes, twelfth chapter. All is futile, says the Preacher, utterly futile. (Ecc. 12:8 Living Bible) . Solomon describes old age (vs. 5) and advises youth to remember the Creator, now, while you are young (vs. 6). In other words, in a world of constant change, look to that which is unchanging!
Does Ecclesiastes really mean what it says, that everything is futile? No, not really! The Preachers review of his life brings the realization that striving after things is indeed futile. He had experienced about everything a person could want, and did not find satisfaction there. His final recommendation? Fear God, and obey His commandments, for this is the entire duty of man. In the end, it is not our neighbors, nor our family, nor the church that will be our final judge. For God will judge us for everything that we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad. (vs.13,14.)
We must be careful on that point, however! While people may see the good deeds we do, and the gifts we give, God sees our motives. Does it come from a love of God, as the widow who gave her mite to the collection (Mark 12:41-44), or from love of keeping up appearances as the Pharisees were doing? Remember, the fruit does not bear the tree; Jesus compared us to trees that bear fruit. Also remember, it is the MATURE tree that bears fruit. Change is normal; change is expected if we would go toward maturity. The most dramatic change we can ever make is repentance (Matthew 4:17).
8/31/97