Month: January 2013

Witness defined: to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.

When Jesus was still a boy scripture records, “they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.” Conversations within the body are where we can come to compare notes, grow, learn and get better understanding. The Bereans were commended in the bible because they received the message of truth not because of who was speaking but because they examined the scriptures to see if what they were being taught was right.

What we speak to one another is eternal. Our conversations are recorded in heaven. The Word helps us to learn we should be okay to ask questions. When we speak about what we believe, what we think and what we question, there should always be room for conversation. To sit amongst wise counsel is to learn about wisdom. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Now and again in our conversations, questions may arise and it’s our duty and responsibility to handle them with biblical guidance. Jesus Himself encouraged His disciples to ask questions.

Scriptures references from Luke 2:45, Acts 17:11, Pro 4:7

Photo source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Revelation_11_THE_TWO_WITNESSES.JPG

God planted a seed in good soil and watched over it. In time the seed sprouted, growing into a strong sapling tree. The sapling enjoyed the sun, stretching his limbs out to absorb every nutrient while his roots dug deeper into the ground where it had been planted. God had planted the sapling amongst other trees; some having healthy foliage while others appeared to be drier.

Butterflies flew in and out amongst these trees, feeding on the leaves. The butterflies would ask the trees for wisdom; how they managed to stay strong in and out of all seasons. The sapling listened intently to all of these conversations, longing to learn about longevity. The healthy trees spoke of needing to dig deep for water wells and how these would sustain them no matter the season. The trees that looked drier spoke more about the beauty of rain; whenever rain would come, they soaked in its deluge or even the mist. Nothing was more important to them than rain.

When the butterflies came to sit upon the sapling leaves, he questioned them to understand their observations. The butterflies fluttered with excitement to share. The sapling was amazed by the simplicity of their answer. No eggs were left to cocoon upon the dry trees as they could not be trusted to provide sustenance needed for their precious children.

God smiled upon the sapling with His ray of sunshine.

I knew I needed to use the ladder. This ladder had been leaning against the house I loved for a long time, but I was afraid of heights. Overcoming my fears, I climbed the first few rungs wondering if the footing of this ladder was on even ground. Staying still for a long while, I eventually reached out on either side to be sure it would hold, testing its stability. Assured of its firm position I began to brush away dirt clinging to the walls. Years and elements had begun to overlay a dinge, covering its real beauty.

The longer I stood on these few rungs, the more assured I became this ladder would not give way. I felt confident to move higher, continuing to brush away dirt with diligence. In the background I could hear a phone begin to ring. I debated climbing down off the ladder in order to go answer because its ringing was almost agitating. Looking down at my feet I hesitated but remembering how often it was an automated message I dismissed the distraction. Taking my eyes off my feet I looked up once more and continued to brush away the dinge. I could trust my closest friends to come get me if I needed to come down off the ladder.