This Week’s Chapters: Luke 12 – 16
Pastor Alan Morton
The Bible contains so many verses that help me focus my life. Luke 13 v18 – 21 are some of my favourites.
The Kingdom of God is compared to a mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds, which when planted becomes a tree, a resting place or refuge for birds. This image is such an encouragement … and challenge. Maturity means growth with strength, reaching out in every direction, allowing people close, becoming a support for others. The focus is not on how small we start out, but how much we grow, our capacity.
What we have inside us is bursting to be given expression, to find an outlet into someone’s life. Trees are natural resting places. So are we … for people. Our peace is attractive to others; our love draws them close; our joy is infectious. People love to be around those who are solid, secure, grounded. It gives them a sense of security.
The Kingdom of God is also compared to yeast which is worked into flour to produce dough. The whole batch is transformed by its presence and qualities.
This speaks of the transforming effect I can expect to have on others, that my faith is productive. What I am stops others from remaining as they are. I may not be the most obvious person around, the most outgoing, the cleverest, but I am the most influential! Situations change because of me. Miracles are only a prayer away.
Both images express the fun side of our walk with Jesus. The effect we have on others around us. Our relationship with Jesus is so powerful. The overflowing life that cannot be contained, it has to affect others. It is life! Life always overcomes death.
Breathing Daily with God is an opportunity for the Pastors to share their thoughts on the chapters we have been reading in our daily bible reading plan.Email this to a friend | Add A Comment | Bookmark | Subscribe
3 Comments So Far
- Ann Bowes
- Pastor Alan
- April Hewitt
Dear Pastor Alan
What a breath of fresh air. That word is so true. When the river of God is overflowing through us and touching others, well it’s the greatest thrill of life, to give life.
We become like magnets. People cannot help themselves but are drawn to LIFE, His life. Wow as I type this out I can feel the anointing of the indwelling Christ. He is risen in my life and every believer. What a priviledge. What an honour. Christ in me, flowing from me and touching a hurting world. Today I was at the funeral of my younger sister. She was a drug addict. I was not allowed to speak to the people who came to my sister Gloria’s funeral, but I prayed as I do every day 1Peter 3:4 I will let this gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in Your sight eminate from me to all I meet today”.
A young woman came up to me an alcoholic and asked if I remembered her. She was my sister’s best friend. She said I still have the Bible that you gave me and have brought it with me. She asked if she could ring me as she wanted to come to church again.
As I held her in my arms I felt the love of God overwhelm me for this lost child.
As I looked around I saw so much addiction and faces that where so full of hurt and pain. It blew me away. Thank you dear Pastor Alan for that powerful word. Let us go and give out of the overflow of our hearts to those who are hurting.
Bless you
Ann Bowes
posted March 26, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Wow Anne! The overflowing life is certainly being expressed in you. It is unfortunately all too common for people to ignore the reality of that life until tragedy hits. But all the more reason for us to still be there, full of peace & grace, when they do reach out for comfort & hope.
What a blessing you are!
posted March 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM
This word is so true and like a new song to my heart!
I love the the visual that I see of the mustard seed and the tree and providing refuge! It reminds me of a book that I started to pen when I was around 13 years old about trees and how we can compare them to people. The ones that are planted in rough terrain or at the edge of a road grow to be all twisted and bitter and fighting to stay up, yet the ones that are planted in fields with lots of open space to grow are the ones that are deep rooted and grow up and out with beautiful branches - that are inviting to both nature and people. There was a huge oak tree that was so big that it covered 3 of the Shires, hence the name Shire Oaks, its branches provided refuge over 3 huge areas.
posted March 31, 2008 at 07:50 AM
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