CUT FLOWER CULTURE

 

CUT FLOWER CULTURE Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this Book. For they are not idle words to you: these words are your life. Deuteronomy 32:46-47 In 1962 and 1963, Prayer and Bible reading were banned from school classrooms in the USA due to Supreme Court decisions. In effect, Christianity was severed from our educational systems. A long, slow trend toward secularism and socialism in American society began to take firm hold. American philosopher Will Herberg, coined the term "cut flower culture" in 1951. The metaphor warns that a society which separates its moral principles from its founding cultural or religious roots will eventually wither and die. In his 1951 book, Judaism and Modern Man, Will Herberg described the spiritual rootlessness of modern American and European society. He argued that secularist thinkers attempted to keep the moral principles of Western civilization—such as freedom, justice, and personal dignity—while disengaging them from their scriptural, religious context. "Cut flowers retain their original beauty and fragrance, but only so long as they retain the vitality that they have drawn from their now-severed roots; after that is exhausted, they wither and die." The "cut flower" metaphor suggests that a society can appear beautiful and moral for a time, even after it has severed its connection to its foundational values. However, this vitality is temporary and will not be sustained without the deeper, nourishing roots. THE PHRASE SUGGESTS THAT: Moral principles are not self-sustaining: Ethics and values are not innate and must be supported by a deeper source. Severing roots leads to a slow decay: A society that rejects its traditions and religious history will eventually experience a decline in its moral foundations, even if the effects are not immediately apparent. A society can become spiritually hollow: A society that abandons its spiritual heritage is headed towards spiritual rootlessness. America needs a spiritual renewal. We must recognize the essential value of FAITH in our own personal lives, and acknowledge that our culture cannot move forward successfully without the treasures of the Bible to guide and sustain us.

DAYS OF HEAVEN UPON EARTH

DAYS OF HEAVEN UPON EARTH My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19 It’s a blessed moment when we are born again; when a new heart is created in us after God’s image. But it’s an even more blessed moment when Christ Himself is born in this new heart. It’s as if Christmas happens within us, and we become, in a real sense, living reflections of Christ. This is the deepest and holiest meaning of Christianity. It is expressed in Paul’s prayer for the Galatians: "My little children, for whom I labor again in prayer until Christ is formed in you." There will come an even more glorious time when we will be transformed into His likeness—spirit, soul, and body—when we are made all new in heaven. So let us live, under this inspiring thought, as little imitations of Christ—living His life, not ours. Let our lives show the beauty of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let the world see Christ in us. by A.B. Simpson

 

PEACE; THE HEAVENLY GIFT

 

PEACE; THE HEAVENLY GIFT Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 Peace was one of Paul’s favorite words, even though his life was full of trials, suffering, and hardship. His letters are filled with the theme of peace, despite all the difficulties he endured. PEACE WITH GOD He speaks of different kinds of peace. Here, he mentions “peace with God,” which is the peace that comes from knowing we have been reconciled to God. Sin separates us from Him, but when we repent and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ, we experience this peace. PEACE OF GOD Paul also speaks of “the peace of God,” a peace that surpasses understanding. It’s the peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ, even in the midst of trials. This peace comes from resting in God’s love and trusting Him with all the challenges we face. It’s not something the world can give—it’s a peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit living in us. MY PEACE I GIVE YOU Christ promised this peace when He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” John 14:27 Jesus said that the peace he gives is nothing like any kind of peace that the world offers. His peace is a gift from heaven itself. THE FRUIT OF PEACE Peace is also one of the fruits of the Spirit. This peace becomes so deep-rooted in our very soul that no fierce wind can topple us; because our trust in God has matured our faith and secured us in Him by J.R. Miller

HIS SERVICE, FACE, NAME

 

HIS SERVICE, FACE, NAME No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4 Three precious blessings await us in the glory of heaven… His servants shall serve Him: No other masters will oppress us, and no other service will burden us. We will serve Jesus always, perfectly, without weariness or error. This is heaven for the saints—to serve Christ in all things and be recognized by Him as His faithful servants. They shall see His face: This is what makes service a delight: indeed, it is the reward of serving Him. We shall know our Lord because we will see Him as He is. And, we will know and understand with the same depth, transparency, and completeness that our LORD already knows us. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 His name will be on their foreheads: As they gaze upon their Lord, His name will be engraved on their brows. They will be acknowledged by Him, and they will acknowledge Him. The inner work of Jesus in our lives will now become a lovely outward sign of our relationship with Him. O Lord, give us these three blessings in their beginnings here on earth; so that we may fully possess them in Your eternal kingdom! by Charles H. Spurgeon