The tree
I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God. (verses 9-11)
Read Philippians 1:1-11
The tiny seed was washed, its impurities swept away in cleansing water. The perfect position was chosen for its planting. It would grow into a grand old tree, and therefore its position needed to be carefully considered. Of course, the seed didn’t know of these plans. As time passed it would simply believe that luck and good management controlled its destiny.
The seed became a sapling. It swayed in the breeze. Grasshoppers chewed its fresh new leaves. Growth seemed sporadic. In time the sapling became a tree. Its branches provided shelter for birds and animals. It became the tree which had been envisioned when it was only a seed.
Luck and good management have nothing to do with where you are today. Your creator washed you and planted you. When your faith was young, it was tested in many ways. God was with you, helping you to grow. God is with you still. You are the means by which God gives love to the world. Open your branches and provide shelter and a home for those in need.
Lord, thank you for your planning, guidance and protection. Help me to provide shelter for those in need. Amen.
By Peter Bowmer, in “God’s Assurances for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2004)
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