Devo Week 28 - Discerning the Unseen Realm
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16
Plantings of the Lord - Trees of Truth
As long as the sun rises and seasons change, a gardener’s work is never finished. The gardener’s goal is not for his plantings to stay a seed or a young plant but to become a fruitful tree. The same is true spiritually. Plantings of the Lord are expected to grow, always progressing toward maturity. If they are not, we must discern why.
WHO IS FOR US
God the great Gardener is always working in the gardens of our hearts. He is both our savior and purifier. He promises to carry to completion the good work He began in us until the coming of the Lord Jesus. (Phil. 1:6)
The Apostle Paul affirmed this saying he labored that Christ would be fully formed in us. His goal was to see followers of Christ become like ‘oaks of righteousness.’ (Col. 1:26-28, Is. 61:1-5) These are trees of integrity, good from the inside out. They are the image of strength, fullness, fruitfulness, and firmness.
Spiritually, ‘oaks of righteousness’ are followers of Jesus who are in right relationship with God and others. Christ’s likeness can be seen in and through them which becomes a firm testimony to those who don’t know the Lord yet. (I Pet. 2:12) The foundation of their life is righteousness in Christ. (II Tim. 2:19)
WHO IS AGAINST US
Spiritual warfare targets righteousness and our testimony. Like pests on plants, both our sin and demonic influences seek to destroy the plantings of the Lord. It is none other than the life of Christ that these pests are after. They seek to eat and devour healthy growth. Like a locust, cankerworm or disease, they will seek to destroy their beauty and devour the insides.
We must be alert to these pests and guard against them. This is done by living a life of confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Remember: Jesus overcame the world, the flesh and the devil and intends to do this both in and through us. God is after redeeming the nations and destroying the works of the enemy.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
Lord, alert us to the work of pests in and around our lives. Pour out Your Holy Spirit conforming us to the image of Christ and drive out any pests that seek to devour His life in us. Help us to be quick to repent of sin. Lord, make us plantings that bear witness to Your work in our lives so that those around us will be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.