2. We looked at a "kernel of wheat" to help transition us from the Parable of the Sower to the study of perseverance. Once the seed of God's Word has been sown in us our ultimate call is to become a seed ourselves by dying to self. We are following Jesus' example when we do this.
John 12:23-26- Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
There are 3 parts to a seed. After a seed is placed in the ground the germ begins to grow. It consumes the endosperm and eventually bursts through the outer bran shell.
We are like a seed in that we have 3 parts:
germ = spirit
endosperm = soul
bran = body
The process of Christian growth starts when we are born-again and God's Holy Spirit comes into our human spirit. As our spirit cooperates with God it begins to consume our soul (mind, will and emotions). Our thoughts change. Our feelings change. Our choices change. This is turn causes us to resist the temptations of the flesh so the life of God can burst forth from us.
3. Strong's Concordance can be used to look up the meanings of the original words in the Bible. An online Bible program that has Strong's Concordance is: https://biblehub.com/ You may need some help navigating the program but it is learn-able, more thorough and much quicker than using the book. Let me know if you need help.
4. A simple English dictionary is helpful to gain insight.
-perseverance: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
The translators of the Bible had a reason for choosing the particular English words they did. So, even if we don't know anything about the original languages, we can glean much by looking up the word in an English dictionary to gain different shades of meaning.
5. A "Prescription for Joy" was shared with us.
Each day for 21 days write down 3 things:
1. Something you are thankful for
2. Something that makes you happy
3. Something you are looking forward to
Please note: You cannot repeat an item. Each one must be new.
Then pick someone to share your list with each day. They will be part of the prescription.
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