Dandelions #3
Dandelions were world-famous for their beauty. They were a common and beloved garden flower in Europe and the subject of many poems. I’m reminded of the gospel, loved and so appreciated by so many around the world. How many books and poems express its beauty?
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Give it some thought.
Gary
Dandelions have deep roots in history throughout the ages. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed the flower, and they have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for over a thousand years.
Like the salvation of God, they go back to the beginning and have been a blessing for generations, from Abel to the present.
You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand supported me, and Your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
Give it some thought.
Gary
Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which consists of a species commonly known as dandelions. Amazingly, they have an innate ability to duck when confronted by a lawnmower. They are beautiful as a flower, but a nuisance when spreading seed. Reminds me somewhat of those spreading the gospel. The apostle Paul had this problem with the Galatians when they were confronted by the seeming-downside to something good.
Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
Some love the beauty of the gospel, but not the teaching regarding the Christian’s conduct.
Give it some thought.
Gary
As an adult, peer pressure rears its ugly head when you see your neighbor mow his lawn. It amazes me that as we grow older the influence of others takes on a new paradigm. We never seem to be able to resist the pull of our circumstances which causes us to act in a way that is uncomfortable.
Does the Bible address this phenomenon? Glad you asked.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Give it some thought and never mind the grass.
Gary
In 1969 Elvis Presley sang, “Long Black Limousine”. It was about a young man who expressed the desire to be chauffeured around in one someday. After a godless life, he ended up in one. I should say, his remains got to ride in one. What are your goals for the future?
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.
It is not about whom you’ll be riding with later, but about whom you’re riding with now.
Give it some thought.
Gary
The history of leadership is an interesting study. Both in Biblical history and secular history there have been recordings of more bad leaders than good leaders. Many in our world have lost faith in any leader.
Now the good news is that God has provided a leader for His church who is flawless. He has never sinned and resignation will never be part of His being.
And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent.
And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior.
We will never be disappointed in the One we’ve chosen to lead us, Church.
Give it some thought.
Gary
The young man told his mother, “Mom, if something happens to me, I want you to know I’m ready.” Something did happen and I believe he was ready. I base that on the looks of his Bible and his comments on significant passages. He believed God.
I’ve seen Bibles of religious people who have departed and they look like they never were opened. How does yours look?
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Don’t leave the planet without opening His Word. After all, it’s the manual God ensured we’d have access to. Give it some thought.
Gary