Especially for You
"Earth Is Not Our Home," by Ruth Bell Graham
In Psalm 37:35, David marvels at the wicked "spreading himself like a green bay tree" (KJV). Young's Literal Translation puts it: "as a green native plant."
We have a schefflera plant, or umbrella tree, in our living room. Because it is not native to where we live, it makes a nice houseplant, growing to 10 feet tall at most. But in a tropical climate such as Florida or Australia, it can grow to 40 feet.
Why should we wonder, then, when we Christians struggle? We are not native plants. The earth is not our home, and we can expect to have rough times. Our Lord promised us that. But we also have this promise: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12, NIV).
from the March 2009 issue of "Decision" magazine
"Earth Is Not Our Home," by Ruth Bell Graham
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DonateWe have a schefflera plant, or umbrella tree, in our living room. Because it is not native to where we live, it makes a nice houseplant, growing to 10 feet tall at most. But in a tropical climate such as Florida or Australia, it can grow to 40 feet.
Why should we wonder, then, when we Christians struggle? We are not native plants. The earth is not our home, and we can expect to have rough times. Our Lord promised us that. But we also have this promise: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12, NIV).
Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Bell Graham was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham and mother of five children. Born to missionary parents in China, Ruth faithfully supported her husband throughout his ministry, raising their children in his absences. Ruth was also a poet and author, and published a number of books. Visit the Ruth Bell Graham Memorial Web site»
Bible verse marked NIV is taken by permission from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, Colorado Springs, Colorado. ©Ruth Bell GrahamRuth Bell Graham was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham and mother of five children. Born to missionary parents in China, Ruth faithfully supported her husband throughout his ministry, raising their children in his absences. Ruth was also a poet and author, and published a number of books. Visit the Ruth Bell Graham Memorial Web site»
from the March 2009 issue of "Decision" magazine
