by Terrence Clark CLC (review)
The Sweetest Watermelon I had my first piece of watermelon Sunday, for the season, not including pieces in a fruit salad a week before. I was a little disappointed last year, never really finding that right sweet melon like those I remember so dearly as a youth, raised on my grandfather farm. Watermelons were one of his produce. A close cousin, Daniel and I used to help out harvesting the melon field across from my house. Granddad told us that we were free to eat any cracked melons because they could not be sold. Two teenage boys, not mischievous, but more so exaggerating grandfather’s words, would assure that the melons that we wanted would turn up cracked. “Dan, look at this one,” I yell followed by--- “Oops” and the sound of a large watermelon hitting the ground. We would be impressed by the largest melons as if they had some kind of special sweetness more than the smaller ones. Perhaps these were the ones that hid a special juice that would enhance our taste buds and we would taste something that no other humans had. Tasting fresh produce from the field was always like that. It was like eating a piece of life itself. Straight from the vine was as if eating sunlight, oxygen and part of the bio—eco system. It made whatever the veggie or fruit (and the Creator) all that much more appreciated. I don’t think we (my cousin and I) were far off that truth, an early revelation perhaps of knowledge to come. Watermelons which are 92% water, I believe were designed to grow in summer and warmer climates to aid in hydration of the regional people. And if this is not credible, research proves that watermelon not only lowers blood pressure but is loaded with vitamins. The reality is that every region of the earth has a plant, vegetable or fruit that is known to be the sustainer of the people. And once explorers and researcher find out of their existence that plant is often exploited (in a good way) allowing its essence to benefit mankind everywhere. In the autumn of the year, my father harvested sweet potatoes which we ate a lot in the fall and winter. I didn’t know then the multiple health benefits latent in the tuberous root. Strawberries and blueberries grew wild on our street and in the woods. We ate freely not knowing that their goodness went deeper than taste. As it is in the biological world that He created, God Almighty has a similar, but greater substance (and revelation of that substance) that transitions all realms, biological or physiological, psychological, spiritual, financial, and sociological. Jesus Christ who proceeds out from God, in the Good News of John 15:1-7, calls himself the True Vine. John 15 (TLB) 15 “I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. 2 He lops off every branch that doesn’t produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. 3 He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you. 4 Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. 5 “Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing. 6 If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned. 7 But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!8 My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father. I hear people all the time looking for answers in life. Many casually or religiously look at Jesus as if he was just the veggie in the market that you only buy for a special meal---like cranberries, to only be served with the turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah talks of a balm in Gilead. Gilead was a region where medicinal and restorative ointments would come from. It was also the place from where some of the great prophets hailed. The question had arisen to answer Israel need for deliverance. “Is there not a balm in Gilead? In other words, hasn’t God been faithful to provide you with help, a cure, restoration, resolve, refreshing, and deliverance. However, it was they who had rejected him. Jeremiah 8:21, 22…For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken; I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me. 22Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored The reference to the balm points also to Jesus Christ (the living cure) who was the coming Messiah, not only for the Jewish people, but for all mankind. This Christ as we know has come. He, The Vine, was hung on a tree. He rose again making himself available to all. His life restores the worst affected of sin, sickness, disease, despair, hurt, loneliness and lack. The benefits he brings is eternal life. I will stay expecting of the sweetest watermelons this year. In fact, I have actually prayed that this will be that type of year---a sweet watermelon year. However, my hope lives in the sweetness of The Vine living in me. He is the one time dose and daily application all in one. And his taste forever, my soul is satisfied. I remember the song by Louisa M. R. Stead 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus | Louisa M. R. Stead 1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!” o Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 2. Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood; And in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace. 4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. For the complete story read the article Ancient Cures--Balm of Gilead from the Voice of One Online. |
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Consider making and investment into this ministry to help as we reach the world with the good news. Terrence Clark is ordained Christian minister assisting multiple churches and ministries. He is the Chief Editor of VoiceCNC.com and is also a Certified Christian Life Coach—helping people to Win, Overcome, and Advance in the kingdom of God. For Life Coaching or to have Rev. Clark speak at your church or event email us at Vof1@aol.com or call (856) 728-0777 |