[Jesus said] “A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.”

Devotion based on Mark 4:26-28

Every spring, we see the miracle of growth. It’s not Mother Nature, but the hand of the almighty God, maker and preserver of all things.

Miraculous growth takes place also in the human heart. The growth-maker again is God, specifically the Holy Spirit. The result is the creation and preservation of Christian faith, as evidenced by words and deeds of Christian love.

You can’t see faith, but genuine Christian faith demonstrates itself by its emerging fruits, which look out for others instead of the natural “me-first.” Simple good manners—like saying a genuine “Thanks!” instead of thanklessly grabbing for things, can be a fruit of faith. Seizing opportunities to perform little kindnesses like providing a meal for a fellow Christian, caring

Let’s not forget, though, that growth potential lies not in the human heart but in the seed of the gospel planted and watered there. Unlike drought-caused restrictions on watering lawns and gardens, there dare be no withholding of the gracious water of life applied and reapplied to the soul with the gospel. The power to produce fruit lies in the gospel and nowhere else. And, as always, to God’s name be honor and praise!

Prayer: