Fw: GOD'S PLANTING
Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>
Part 3b, God's Planting
Isaiah 61:3, "That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified."
God is glorified when He sees the fruit of His planting in our lives. Our families are blessed when they experience the aroma that flows into our homes because of the graces God is working in our lives. The world around us is enriched when they smell the heavenly fragrance.
In Song of Solomon 4:10-15 God paints another delightful picture of the fragrances that delight His heart and with which He also wants us to touch the world. He says to us, "How much better than wine is your love, and the scent of your perfumes than all spices! The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon." This fragrance is delightful to Him because it is the fruit of His planting.
Let's look at the specific plantings God talks about…
An orchard of pomegranates
Pomegranates speak of fruitfulness. God longs for fruitfulness in our lives. In John 15 He tells us that He takes away the branches that are not bearing fruit. And those that bear fruit, He prunes in order that they will bring forth more fruit! And if we really want to glorify the Lord, we have to bring forth much fruit!
This fruit is His planting. It doesn't belong to the old life. There were no pomegranates in Egypt, which speaks of the old life of the flesh and the world. The pomegranates belong to the new life of Canaan. (Deuteronomy 8:8) We are to put off the old man and put on the new man, which is filled with the fruits of righteousness.
The pomegranate is filled with seeds and therefore able to reproduce itself into multitudes of new plants. The fruits and graces God is working in our lives, we should seek to plant and reproduce in our children's lives and those we have the privilege to influence.
Do you notice that God does not talk about one pomegranate, but an orchard of pomegranates? The Hebrew word for orchard should be translated 'paradise, park, or pleasure ground.' God wants a paradise of pomegranates flowing from our lives.
Pleasant fruits
Is there a pleasant atmosphere in our home? Do people feel comfortable? The Hebrew word is 'meged' which means 'precious or valuable'. Are their valuable fruits of righteousness growing in your home? Are there precious 'olive plants' growing up around the table?
Fragrant Henna
This is a useful plant. In ancient times they used the henna flowers as bath salts! It was also used for dyeing to orange or bright yellow as it still is today. It changes the drab to look like sunshine. Is the atmosphere in your home rather dismal? Allow the Holy Spirit to shine in with the sunshine of His presence. Even in the midst of dreary times, God wants to fill us with His fragrance so we can bring sunshine and refreshing to our families and those we meet and speak to each day.
We'll talk about more trees in the garden next week.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
"Oh Father, you are the God of fruitfulness. Save me from becoming withered and dried up. Please work the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to be like the pomegranate that is filled with seeds. Anoint me to sow the seeds of your truth, love, faith and wisdom into my family and others round about. Amen."
AFFIRMATION:
I want to be more fruitful. I am ready for pruning!
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