new beginnings: living to die, dying to live
January 1st, 2009
“unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” john 12:24
picture this: a seed can’t grow unless it dies. i’m sure we’ve all studied this before (remember grade school?). the embryo of the seed’s gotta die in order to feed whatever it needs to in order for it to sprout (haha ok so it’s been a while since grade school…). but the point is, it’s literally gotta die in order to grow – in order to live. just like us, we have to die, in order to live.
on earth, we learn to practise dying to self, in order to live. dying to our pride, in order to live. dying to our anger, laziness (now a cozy bed on a rainy morning is TERRIBLY tempting..), temptations. dying to the flesh. why? because once we die, we are alive in christ! and finally our quest will be over when we die our physical death, IN ORDER to live eternally in our heavenly home!
we can’t live unless we die.
the most amazing thing about the bible is how oxymoronic it is! so paradoxically true, that to live it out, you just can’t stay normal. it shows you a whole different way. rejoicing in bad times. dying to live. seeing life from God’s perspective. living by faith. humility. selflessness. giving without expecting return. sharing what you have. giving till it hurts.
you can’t dip your toe into this stuff, you gotta be…. consumed!
….happy 2009, everyone!
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:29 am
Love the picture you used! Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog and a very Happy New Year to you too! :-)
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
I echo the previous comment. Happy 2009!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Wow, I love the picture you used. What camera are you using now?
Your post got me thinking. Dying to live. It’s a difficult paradox to grasp, but it’s true indeed! Thanks for the insight! :D
January 5th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
MICHELLE Thank you! Happy new year to you too!
JENNIFER Happy 2009ish, Jennifer! Thanks for dropping by :)
JANIELLE Nikon d40, Janielle! :) What do you use? And yes, it’s so true huh? Now that we know, we have to live it! You’re real welcome. I miss you, though I met you once!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Yup so true – that you gotta be consumed by Him. :) Its hard to live it but once you’re consumed by His truth and Him, and you see the life-changing effects of it, nothing else matters! Glad to find a fellow sister-in-Christ in you! Btw, the cupcakes rock! Its soooo good! Keep up the great work!
January 8th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
JO Me too! I’m so glad you’re experiencing it too in your life. It’s a discipline but so worth it :D And THANKS!!!! Hehehehehe. I was waiting to hear from you! :D Now to find that carrot cake recipe eh! Haven’t tried my to-do one as no carrots in the house :( Hows it on your end?
January 8th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Unfortunately, I haven’t got round to it! Will first have to hunt down the recipe from my friend. :P I’ll be in touch!
January 9th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Jo, mm hmm, me too! If I update this blog on the carrot cake, you’ll know it’s successful :D
January 12th, 2009 at 11:59 am
ah, this post! amen sister! =)
January 12th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
i always accidentally start typing in my password under Website LOL. yes yes! amen amen.
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
:)
May 26th, 2009 at 9:12 am
:D!