NextGenKent

In part two of this discussion of What is in a seed, I decided to research a little about the  effects of a seed's environment . Here are some things I learned. 1. When a seed grows in an alternate environment and survives, it is said it has  adapted.  How many times have you adapted? Whether we like it or not, adapting is a part of life. Our attitude about it is something we can control. 2. Some seeds planted in harsher environments, and live, can have its DNA restructured to become a hardier plant for that environment in the future. This is simply fascinating! It reminds of what James tells us in those first few verses in his opening chapter about counting it all joy because of those trials and what they produce! 3. The seed within the fruit of a plant gains information from its “mother” about what she experienced in her environment to better suit it for the next generation (this is called maternal environment effects).  Experiences modify the DNA  a...

Several years ago I partnered with a pastor in Kokomo, Indiana and will never forget something he said in one of our staff meetings. He talked about topics, and sermons series, and what he had been meditating on. Then he said, "Like, what's in a seed? I can't get my head around that." Apparently such statements hit me at my core and challenge me to try and figure it out too. Almost ten years I have been trying to get my head around that subject too: What's in a seed? The Bible has many things to say about seeds, harvesting, reaping, and leaving behind. Genesis 1:29 “every seed is for you” --God created every kind of seed and their purpose;  Genesis 3:15   “between your seed and her seed”--the fruit of the womb, children, are referred as seeds;  Genesis 8:22 “ seedtime and harvest … will never cease”--as long as there is an Earth. So, I wondered about the intended environment for a seed--about the soil or a womb.  I believe there are some things we...

What is one thing in your life that took you A LOT of preparation? In Joshua 3, we see a leader in need of being esteemed, a way needing known, and a river needing crossed over. However, the  main purpose in Joshua chapter 3 is really about trusting God (as usual), but not in a usual way! There is a sequence to preparing. We have to go through first grade before 2nd grade, and learn to add before we can multiply. God gives Joshua and his people a 3 days’ rest time and Israel's leaders give specific instructions (activities with their reasons) about crossing over this last obstacle fore the entering the Promised Land to the people, including a focal point (ark). Why? They haven’t been this way so they need to know The Way.  They receive God's promise from their leader unesteemed leader and are then commanded “consecrate yourselves!” Joshua gives the Word of God to the people and the people obey and all comes together because the people were able to crossover --an...

If you had one wish to grow as a Christian, what would it be? At this point in my Christian walk it would be to always be filled with the Spirit to overflowing.  Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul says, "I  want to share this with you who are in the kingdom of our Master: never return to living the Gentile way of life—like those outside the kingdom." This passage talks about “a way of life” which Paul calls “a walk.” This passage states the differences between Christians and non-Christians in the way they “walk.”  Some people think that there are no differences between Christians and non-Christians other than beliefs. Some think the only difference is Christians are forgiven (also false). This passage refutes both of those beliefs.  How would you describe the “nations/Gentile” way of living in your own words? Do you know anyone living a “Gentile way of life?" Paul describes the Gentile-way as walking around in the futility of their mind (useless thou...

Exodus 2:11 One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. 12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” 14 He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” 15 When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well. "One day, when Moses had grown up;" whatever that means, he came to point where he was different; he was his own man now, he saw things differently, FELT THINGS DIFFERENTL...

THE GLORY SHINE –or- SON-TANNED ON the 10 th of September, we remember Moses’ descent from Mt. Sinai.  What once came with glory, a glory that was displayed on Moses’ face--a radiance that disabled people from looking Moses in the eye--not only came to an end but was drained of its glory because something better was to come along: the permanent ministry of the Holy Spirit in working righteousness. Let’s not forget why Moses’ face shone = because he had spoken to the LORD. The people could not look intently into Moses’ face so he put a veil over his face so people would not be afraid to come near him; but when he spoke with God he would take the veil away. In  Exodus 34:28-35, we read that Moses wasn't even aware that his face had become "radiant" ["horned" = to push with horns, so there was a radiant quality that pushed]. And so it is with us. We can hope in this "pushy glory" because it is eternal yet present with us—we are experiencing som...

15 Invaluable Laws of Growth I am committed to life-long learning and I hope you are too. Learning and growth does not end when you receive your university degree or obtain a particular position. Learning is crucial and critical to realize our leadership potential. You need to be intentionally engaged to grow in your leadership through continued learning.   Potential is a powerful word; it looks forward with optimism and is filled with hope. Potential has its promises and hints at greatness. To reach your potential you must grow. This book seeks to help you along that path--the pathway towards understanding how personal growth works and towards helping you become a more effective individual, parent, leader, and child of God! Which of these 'Laws that Govern Your Growth' fit you right now? Growth Doesn’t Just Happen You Must Know Yourself To Grow Yourself You Must See Value In Yourself To Add Value To Yourself Learning To Pause Allows Growth To Catch Up With You...