The view from the Potting Shed by Ruth Johnson

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name, 

your Kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven."  Matt.6:9-10

As I sit in a comfortable chair outside my ‘spiritual’ potting shed to enjoy the last rays of the summer sun the Lord continues my contemplation of the walled kitchen garden, the emptiness of the beds, and after one fallow year to wonder what seeds will germinate in this one.  

I see that if I want to ensure the seeds that germinate are of the Lord there is a need to discipline myself to always think, speak and act positively.   

What has God seeded in our lives over the years which we are still waiting to come into being?   What deep truths have we forgotten, or hopes we feel have been lost?  I suspect has God put within us many things we either didn't understand at the time, or have no recollection of receiving.  Spoken or read these words are seeds that have entered our brain through our ear or eye gate. Seeds of the Lord’s truth He is wanting to germinate for a time such as this.  He promises nothing is wasted or lost and promises that His Word never returns void.  What about those times when we know things we didn’t know we knew?  Or we see or hear something that gives us a glimpse that God is on our case.  Be encouraged for He has planted and will germinate at the right time the dreams and aspirations that will bring glory to His name.

I’m in one corner of a very large kitchen garden.  Yet despite the shining sun, the peace that pervades the place, it’s empty except for a smattering of tired crops.  Have people given up, forgetting all His benefits, and that He has the ability to use the little we have to create a harvest that will feed a multitude.  

Jesus gave us a prayer to pray.  Surely then it is possible, if we walk in the culture of His Kingdom on a daily basis His Kingdom can come on earth as it is in heaven. This of course involves regular and quality time alone in His Presence, living in His peace and rest, and in joining with His people in a commitment of love, respect, praise, worship and giving thanks, believing when we draw near to Him He draws near to us.

If we create a Kingdom culture in our personal lives, not only do we change, but can change the atmosphere around us.  When that happens collectively the church can become a micro-climate on earth of the Kingdom of heaven, and in our diversity when we are able to work in unity,and He promises to command the blessing.  Thus comes the germination and release of  the abilities, skills and the gifts He ordained within us from the beginning of time.      

It could be that I have sat out in the Son too long, but I feel quite excited by these revelations.