"In like a lamb, out like a lion," the quote goes. It describes an early spring that comes in deceptively warm and mild and leaves with thrashing storms. I wish this picture showed the sheets of rain coming down today. The old timers here in the Sierra foothills recommend never planting a garden until after the forth week of April because of unexpected downpours and freezes. I know, I know, you folks back east are probably grinning at this Californian's definition of a downpour, but for most of April it has been gloriously sunny and just too tempting to get out there and plant my vegetable garden. I happily put in crookneck squash, canteloupe, watermelon, asparagus, artichokes and cukes. They are battered to the ground and covered with mud at this point. - But it seemed so right - it was sunny. I thought I was safe.
How like sin that is. It beckons, disguised as a sweet lamb, sunny days, and the false promise that things will always be like this. Then it turns on us, battering, soiling, even killing us. Before our horrified eyes it turns to the roaring lion, slinking around the earth to see who he might devour and we find ourselves in it's powerful jaws, unable to escape.
How thankful we are that the Savior, the TRUE Lamb, made a way for us. Papa wrote the following and it lifts my heart with thanksgiving and praise:
"The conquest of the gospel can break any chain, set free any captive, release any prisoner, dispel any darkness and save any soul.... The confusion, chaos, crime, and infidelity of this day are just the groanings and travailings of the struggle for men's souls. Christ has broken the shackles that hold us, the gates of death have been torn off their hinges that we many be free!"
Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions, Vol @ Pg 268
Just as I sorely wish I had escaped the consequences of not listening to those who know, and instead followed their planting directions for my poor garden, - - we can escape the consequences of doing it "MY WAY" in life (for they are grave,) by listening to the God who knows and following His directions given in His Word. While I can replant my garden, the future of our eternal souls depends on doing things "GOD'S WAY" through salvation in Jesus Christ. - And the joyful thing is, that His way is ALWAYS the best way!"
Dear Lord, I am so grateful for Your priceless gift of salvation. Please show me where I can plant it in a soul today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Blessings, Patti
Classic Christianity
How like sin that is. It beckons, disguised as a sweet lamb, sunny days, and the false promise that things will always be like this. Then it turns on us, battering, soiling, even killing us. Before our horrified eyes it turns to the roaring lion, slinking around the earth to see who he might devour and we find ourselves in it's powerful jaws, unable to escape.
How thankful we are that the Savior, the TRUE Lamb, made a way for us. Papa wrote the following and it lifts my heart with thanksgiving and praise:
"The conquest of the gospel can break any chain, set free any captive, release any prisoner, dispel any darkness and save any soul.... The confusion, chaos, crime, and infidelity of this day are just the groanings and travailings of the struggle for men's souls. Christ has broken the shackles that hold us, the gates of death have been torn off their hinges that we many be free!"
Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions, Vol @ Pg 268
Just as I sorely wish I had escaped the consequences of not listening to those who know, and instead followed their planting directions for my poor garden, - - we can escape the consequences of doing it "MY WAY" in life (for they are grave,) by listening to the God who knows and following His directions given in His Word. While I can replant my garden, the future of our eternal souls depends on doing things "GOD'S WAY" through salvation in Jesus Christ. - And the joyful thing is, that His way is ALWAYS the best way!"
Dear Lord, I am so grateful for Your priceless gift of salvation. Please show me where I can plant it in a soul today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Blessings, Patti
Classic Christianity
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