I had been given an avocado tree over a year ago that was growing in a flowerpot. It had grown to about 7 feet tall and I had planned to put it into a bigger pot this spring. It could not survive in colder temperatures so when it got below 40 degrees I took it in the garage. Well, this last winter the temperatures plunged below 20 degrees and even though I put it in the garage with a small heater it still was too cold, and it got severely damaged. All of the leaves fell off and over fifty percent of the stalk turned black, I didn't give up on it though; I cut away the dead and put it in a bigger pot with Miracle Grow potting soil, making sure it received water and sunshine. These last couple of weeks I have noticed that it is coming back to life with new leaves starting to form from what was left of the stalk. It was as if I witnessed something dead coming to life.

This reminds me of what happens to a life that is touched by the power and grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the giver of life, and He gives it freely to anyone who believes in Him as God's Son. 1 John 5:11 reminds us that "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son". This person who is spiritually dead has the promise of becoming spiritually alive if they will surrender their life to Jesus Christ.

The big question today is, are you dead or alive? The good news is that if you have no spiritual life, you can have it today.

Pastor Steve Lane

New Beginnings Community Church