Refuel

"SEEDS" 

During the April 18th Refuel Worship Service, Marie Humphrey brought a Spring-time message on “Seeds”. Here are some notes from the message:

PLANTING:
♦Beware of beautiful flowers that have shallow roots. The more we want to grow, the more we have to go deep. Let the roots of God’s Word grow deep in your life.
♦Planting just doesn’t happen naturally. It requires effort and time.
♦What you plant in one season will flower in another season. It’s important to plant the right seeds and plant wisely.

1st STAGE: A SEED PLANTED IN US:
♦John 12:24 says, “unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” This is speaking of Jesus.
♦Has the seed of God been planted in you? It is planted at the time of salvation.

2nd STAGE: GROWTH
♦Even Jesus grew. Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man.” He grew in all areas.
♦Maturity is mandatory, not an option, for a Christian.
♦Parts of growth: (1) we have to die to ourselves – let the desires of God grow in us or the desires of the flesh will take over; (2) we have to allow ourselves to get deeper in the Word – even though it might be hard at first, as you grow in Christ you will realize how essential it is to spend time with Him everyday just as plants need water.
♦”The truest thing about us is our desire for God.”
♦”There is nothing more beautiful that a woman who has spent time with God.” God wants to touch the deepest desires of our heart but we need to spend time with Him to allow that to happen.
♦It takes the rain to result in growth. There will be cold, rainy days. It is through the water of our life that God is doing a work that will produce a flower later. Psalms 126:5-6 says those who plant in tears shall reap shouts of joy.
♦”Time with God is a necessity, not an option.”

3rd STAGE: GROWTH IS FROM GOD
♦Growth is not of ourselves, it is from God. It is God who plants the desires in us to grow. He draws us to Him.
♦All the power is inside of us – the Holy Spirit is inside of us.

4th STAGE: WE ARE CALLED TO PLANT SEEDS
♦Some plant, some water but God receives the increase.
♦We plant everyday. Are you planting bitterness, anger, fear, etc.? Or are you planting the seeds of love, forgiveness, etc.? God wants us to plant good seeds. Since we are planting everyday, we need to make them good seeds.
♦”Get yourself off your mind.” Plant seeds that are beyond yourself – seeds that build into the lives of others.

CHALLENGE:
♦Change your schedule to make time for God. God is calling, “come unto me.” When you make time for God, you have more time…..you have more patience…..you show more love.
♦Look at each day as an opportunity to plant good seeds.