ARISE: 2018
Terry R. Baughman
“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’” (Matthew 13:31-32 NIV).
The miracle of life is contained in every seed and is replicated in every life form. Creation’s design intended development, growth, and maturity in every species. All things were made for life. The curse of sin introduced the concept of death and decay. God still enables His creation to live and empowers created beings to survive the curse and be transformed for everlasting life.
Inherent in the seed is the potential for life and the possibility of growth. Not only does birth and life emerge from the seed, but the purpose of the growth is found in multiplication through reproduction. The reproductive potential of all lifeforms is what insures the sustainability of the species. Reproduction is an essential evidence of a living thing, one of the seven life processes. It is not an anomaly or a rare consequence of life, but reproduction is vital to our destiny the fulfillment of our purpose.
Just as vital is another of the seven life processes: growth. Growth is natural to humans as it is to all lifeforms. Various species develop and grow at different paces and in different places. Humans have tremendous ability to adapt to changing environments and conditions and yet continue to fulfill their life processes. Growth is in our DNA and survival is our passion.
As the tiny seed develops and grows so will we. As much as our physical beings are designed for growth, so is our spiritual creation. God did not design us to find fulfillment merely in our existence, but in our potential for producing something bigger than ourselves and beyond our own capacity. We were made for eternity and designed to influence the growth of the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ parables He used the growth of the mustard seed to demonstrate remarkable growth and anticipated expansion.
God has not designed the church for minuscule progress nor for incremental markers of development. We were planned for growth. It is to be expected as naturally as green grass grows on a warm spring day. Growth will occur.
The growth Jesus promised is not just normal expected increase of development, but exponential returns on the investment in the Kingdom of God. We can expect incredible increase and productivity. This is the potential the tiny seed that develops into a great tree that many others will find a resting place in its maturity.
Let us arise with expectation. Let us pour ourselves into the promise of our potential. This is our day and our opportunity for expansion. It is a season of growth.
Arise and grow!
Scripture:
“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build …” (Nehemiah 2:20).
Terry R. Baughman
“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’” (Matthew 13:31-32 NIV).
The miracle of life is contained in every seed and is replicated in every life form. Creation’s design intended development, growth, and maturity in every species. All things were made for life. The curse of sin introduced the concept of death and decay. God still enables His creation to live and empowers created beings to survive the curse and be transformed for everlasting life.
Inherent in the seed is the potential for life and the possibility of growth. Not only does birth and life emerge from the seed, but the purpose of the growth is found in multiplication through reproduction. The reproductive potential of all lifeforms is what insures the sustainability of the species. Reproduction is an essential evidence of a living thing, one of the seven life processes. It is not an anomaly or a rare consequence of life, but reproduction is vital to our destiny the fulfillment of our purpose.
Just as vital is another of the seven life processes: growth. Growth is natural to humans as it is to all lifeforms. Various species develop and grow at different paces and in different places. Humans have tremendous ability to adapt to changing environments and conditions and yet continue to fulfill their life processes. Growth is in our DNA and survival is our passion.
As the tiny seed develops and grows so will we. As much as our physical beings are designed for growth, so is our spiritual creation. God did not design us to find fulfillment merely in our existence, but in our potential for producing something bigger than ourselves and beyond our own capacity. We were made for eternity and designed to influence the growth of the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ parables He used the growth of the mustard seed to demonstrate remarkable growth and anticipated expansion.
God has not designed the church for minuscule progress nor for incremental markers of development. We were planned for growth. It is to be expected as naturally as green grass grows on a warm spring day. Growth will occur.
The growth Jesus promised is not just normal expected increase of development, but exponential returns on the investment in the Kingdom of God. We can expect incredible increase and productivity. This is the potential the tiny seed that develops into a great tree that many others will find a resting place in its maturity.
Let us arise with expectation. Let us pour ourselves into the promise of our potential. This is our day and our opportunity for expansion. It is a season of growth.
Arise and grow!
Scripture:
“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build …” (Nehemiah 2:20).
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