Seeds For Thinking

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

* Ready To Dine
* Scripture: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20, NKJV

I had noticed the additional bit of greenery in the flower bed by the driveway, and made a mental note that some weeding was in order. No rush, since it had been unduly dry for more than a week, and even the weeds were in standby mode. Then, it happened. Rain! We really needed that moisture for the crops and pastures.
The result was amazing! My bit of greenery put on a burst of growth that more than doubled its size overnight. It was ready, it was willing, and made the most of the opportunity to put on a spurt of growth.
I have a continuous battle with this grassy plant that invades my yard and garden. Even the tiniest bit of root will develop a new plant. Never-the-less, I have to admire its tenacity. When a favorable condition comes its way, it is ready to grow. And multiply. By root and also by seed.
Would that those of the Christian persuasion were so ready and willing!
Think for a moment about the similarities and differences between those plants waiting for the rain (moisture) and the persons (anyone) on the other side of the door when Jesus comes knocking.
Are we ready? Are we anticipating the knock, in faith believing that it will come? Or are we so busily involved in a myriad of activities that we really don't want to be bothered by someone knocking at the door? Almost persuaded that it is worth the effort to check, perhaps, but not quite?
Suppose, now, that the plants took the same attitude. The rains come, delivering the moisture that is vital to life and growth, but they pull in their roots and refuse to take in the moisture. " Knock, knock. Hel-o-oo? It's me, the rain. Anybody home? If you open the door, I will come in and nourish you."
No, I think we need to be more like the plants, in this case, ready to participate in the interaction between the visitor and the host.
Read the passage from Revelation again, taking in the part that follows the knock. What will Jesus do when the door is opened? Well, yes, come in. But note that He doesn't say, "Pizza delivery." He is not bringing the goodies, the way that I read it. He will come in and dine! That is, if we have the table set in anticipation of His visit. The meal is ready. A special fellowship awaits, bringing joy to the guest and joy to the host.
If we are fully prepared to dine when the knock comes.
August 20, 2006

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

* Support Systems
* Scripture: Paul wrote, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11, NKJV

We do many things without thinking about them. Breathing, for instance. Most of the time I give no thought to breathing at all, but I can control it to a certain extent, like when the doctor says, "Take a deep breath and hold it." Automatic breathing is probably a good thing, considering how often I forget things any more.
Likewise, we seldom give thought to the many people who provide services for us, because we do not personally see them at work. People who operate and maintain the electrical power system, for example, or gas, water, and the "tele' services. We notice when the system goes down, but even then little thought is given to the many people behind the service technicians who come to our neighborhood.
Few people are able to totally sustain their lives without input from others along the way. Our clothing, our food, the tools we use and the companionship we enjoy require us to look beyond ourselves to discover the many relationships that seldom enter our thoughts.
Consider, then, the armor worn by a soldier such as Paul describes in his letter to the Ephesians. Find a picture of a completely equipped soldier if you can, or a knight from the middle ages. You will see that the "whole armor" that Paul recommends is quite complex, made up of many pieces, all held together by laces, belting and straps. It is highly unlikely that the soldier could put on a full suit of armor by himself, let alone possess the skills needed to build it.
There would be several levels of metal workers, from the miner of ore, to the smelter and refiner, and the fabricator of parts. The sword maker was and still is a specialist in the trade. Leather working passes through several stages, as well.
Was the fully armored soldier thinking of all of these people as he moved forward into battle? Probably no more than we think of all the people who have contributed to the spiritual armor with which we should equip ourselves: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the Word of God.
Have we alone equipped ourselves? Are we standing alone? By no means! Praise God, we stand shoulder to shoulder with countless numbers of "Christian Soldiers," following the saints who have preceded us and sacrificed for us. We owe what we have and hold dear to parents, teachers, pastors and preachers, refiners and fabricators of the spiritual armor with which we go forth.
Paul adds, "Praying always with all prayer a supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints -" (Ephesians 6:18, NKJV)
June 4, 2006