THE LATEST FROM TIM SPYKSTRA:
To The Place Where I Belong
A 31-Day Devotional on John 13-17
THE LATEST FROM TIM SPYKSTRA:
To The Place Where I Belong
A 31-Day Devotional on John 13-17
Remember The Gardener has Returned
Lilac bushes bursting forth with purple blooms, tulips dawning beautiful hues, green overtaking the dead brown grass of winter, all signs of the new life of Spring. Spring has always been a favorite season for me as the death of winter is forced to surrender to the mysterious power of life from death.
No wonder the Father chose this season before the creation of the world for the Resurrection of His Son. It is a season of hope and anticipation as the spell of winters gloom gives way to longer days filled brilliant light that awakens life. If you live in places where clouds and cold dominate much of the winter months you know the joy of this season.
It is so good for us to be reminded spiritually that because of the Resurrection the long winter rule of Satan has come to an end as The Gardner broke forth from the tomb to plant a new garden which will one day over take the entire earth. He did what our first parents failed to do as they chose to listen to the lie of the enemy.
I realize some who read this might think we are still in the dark of winter, or perhaps thought Spring had arrived and then a massive wintry storm hit once again delivering a crushing blow. If we put our hope in the god of politics, money, people, or stuff, we will end up trapped in the gloominess of winter.
Those who remember and truly believe The Gardener has come and believe He is busy tending to His precious garden and expanding it daily, can claim Spring has come and experience hope and joy. As the Scripture states, “Behold I’m making all things new,” (Rev. 21:5). The One who said these words is Jesus. And it is Jesus who sits on the throne directing and expanding His Kingdom.
Sometimes believers find themselves listening to the lie that things are getting worse as our enemy has a great PR department. But The Word explicitly states that His Garden Kingdom IS taking over hearts through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. And don’t forget what the prophets boldly declared:
“The earth will be filled with knowledge of the glory of God as the water covers the sea.” Hab. 2:14, Isa. 11:9
The prophets were proclaiming a new Spring would come at the Resurrection which would make dead hearts come alive as the Father’s glorious love poured out upon them. Take some time to see how God’s creation is bursting forth. Listen to the voice of His Spirit. Spring has come. Yes, there will be spiritual snow storms, tornados, and violent weather at times. But what started at the empty tomb cannot be stopped. His Glorious Loving Reign is engulfing hearts throughout the world.
Be encouraged. Join the Gardener! Know without a doubt that His beautiful garden is expanding. He is reminding you of this message of Joyful Hope…. an unstoppable Spring has arrived! Now go and take this good news with you!
