Thursday, July 5, 2007

MOONFLOWERS

Moonflower


I just feel so blessed when God speaks to my heart very simply in something I see

It is one of my continual prayers that this verse will describe me: "But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." Matthew 13:16

Mickey planted these Moonflowers recently. Vigorous, climbing vine with purest white, fragrant flowers, up to 6" across, that open from evening until the following noon. Ht. 15'.

Looking at these vines the other day I was struck by the varying height that they had grown. All were planted the same day and yet look at the difference in their growth.
The one to the left is only a few inches tall and yet very full and healthy looking, the one on the right is not as full based and yet has climbed up about 18" on the green stake, the one in the middle has a full base and has not only climbed up the height of the frame but it beginning to spread out to the left.
As I looked at these 3 plants I thought about how we as Christians grow in the Lord. It will be interesting to watch and see which of these Moonflowers is the first to bloom with the beautiful 6" white fragrant flower. Will it be the first one that has shot up so fast? I truthfully have no idea.
I have witnessed Christians that seem to shoot up very rapidly and then die out just as rapidly. I have witnessed Christians that have been slow to grow but put down very strong firm roots and stand firm when the enviable storms or opposition come. I have witnessed a lot in between these two scenarios.
These Moonflowers remind me of the Parable of the Seed recorded in Mark 4:14-20.
"The sower soweth the word. And there are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
I know looking at these Moonflowers made me take note and inspect my fruit. I constantly want to be sure that I'm not letting the things in this world hinder my walk and my growth with my Savior. How about you? How is the seed of the Word growing in your life? We will ALL give an account some day. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:9&10

19 comments:

... said...

great analogy. it's a good reminder not to judge a christian and his/her walk. most of the time we don't know what has made them shoot up or stay at a beginning looking phase. the blooms will be an outwardly sign of their journey. but we don't know what's happening inwardly. and we should be prayerful that they don't wither and die.

Susan said...

Diana - Exactly that would throw us into the spec in the eye category wouldn't it? Don't want to be there either!!!
Susan

Amber said...

Wow! That is so true, GREAT post!

God Bless,
Amber

Mountain Mama said...

great post.
Another interesting thought is that we try so hard to take special care of the weaker plants, to help them 'catch-up' with the strong ones. Father tends us in the same way.

Susan said...

Oh Mt. Mamma I love that!!!! I just love it when we work and speak together as His body :o)
Susan

Momma Roar said...

What an awesome post and I love diana's and mountain mama's thoughts as well. This will be playing in my mind for several days - thank you!

Frazzled Farm Wife said...

I just love the analogies you use...makes me really think about my life.

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

I agree...great analogy!! It's neat to take what God has given us and make a spiritual lesson from it. Thanks for sharing.

Barbara said...

Wonderful. We can hear God speaking constantly in every day things I find, especially through the garden.
I hope your friend is recovering.

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Great post. It is so wonderful when we can feel Gods presence in our everyday life.

Angel ( Angel Mama ) ():)

Ruth said...

Oh, excellent observation and lesson to go with it!! I appreciate your post very much...such a great reminder. I am also curious to see which of the 'natural' vines flowers first.

(I made a new icon to replace the polar bear...but it's still me. =o)

Lyndy said...

Wow Susan great post. As usual you are always a blessing to me.

Hugs, Lyndy

Anonymous said...

So great to read this post. I have a very dear friend going through a tough time right now. I just reminded her how we all heal at different times and speeds as well. God is always present seeing us through. Even though we may look at someone else and want to compare, God is taking us by the hand and guiding us at the speed that suits us best.

Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom. You never cease to amaze me and I love you for it!

MightyMom said...

Preach on girlfriend!! I'm sending a link here to my pastor!! He'll enjoy your sermon. I've never heard of Moonflower, only Morning Glories. I wonder if they'd grow down here??
Thanks for another wonderful and thoughtful post. You are an inspiration!

Maxine said...

Yes! What good analagies! So much food for thought in this post and so true!

Myrna said...

Thank you for giving us all something to think about--AGAIN!

Jenileigh said...

This devotion was amazing! It is so very true. I find myself at different stages of growth. Sometimes shooting up so rapidly only to fall, sometimes slowing growing up and maintaining, sometimes steadily marching on with victory! Thank-you for sharing this. I read it to my husband who is on the road tonight. It was great to share this word together. {{{Susan}}}

(And thank-you so much for the prayers!)

Susan Skitt said...

Yes, Susan, growth is a process. So many times I've wished I'd just "arrive", but God is bring the right amount of sun, rain, and food to "grow us up" in His way. May our roots run deep...

Pen of Jen said...

Susan, I read this yesterday and neglected to leave a comment. I love this post.

I find the moonflowers so reflective. Excellent.

I am so glad that Mickey planted these so you would think of this post:)
Jennifer