March 18 Devotion

Seedling recruitment after fire arises from a previously dormant seed bank in the soil and first seems to play a cruial role in germination. This is from a scientific article outlining the process by which forest firest play an integral role in the continuation of a species. Without the first and the heat produced during such a blaze, the seed simply stays buried in the ground, never living up to its role in the world.

• "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)
• John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:16)

Too often we lay dormant. Buried under work, pleasure, guilt… Perfect specimens, made by God. Created to love Him above all else and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But we stay hidden from view, our potential unrealized and our willingness to branch out to others unstirred. We fail to germinate.

This Lenten season, may we be so close to Christ that the flames of his glory scorch our souls and the heat from His presence in our lives allows us to grow in a way that will lead to a life of love, a life of service, and life everlasting.

Steve Matthews

Evening Prayer:

Dear God,
By the power of the fire of your Holy Spirit, ignite our souls with a desire to live up to your will, that as we mature in faithful service to you, we will branch out and produce fruit, sowing seeds in your Kingdom.
Amen.

Jeff Taylor