Endogenous: Growth From Deep Within

The Palm Tree

Those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ will be transformed & grow from the inside out.  The Lord Jesus performs a remarkable transformation within us when we abide IN Him.  (John 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:5, 15:6, 15:7, 15:8, 15:9, 15;10)   If I believe in Jesus, I obey Him.  If I say I believe in my marriage to my husband, yet I practice adultery, then it is clear I do not truly believe in the marriage.  Let us be found faithful to Christ.  

He is the author and finisher of our faith, but we are reminded that we must, in fact, continue in the faith. (Hebrews 12:1, 12:2, 12:3)  As verse 3 of Hebrews 12 instructs, we must not faint in our minds, and as Paul instructs Christians in Acts 14:22, we must continue in the faith enduring great tribulation to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven from everlasting to everlasting.  The Lord is faithful to “finish” our faith IF we continue IN the faith.

Just the other day, the Lord shed new light on my understanding of the palm tree, and I shared the information with my husband.  The palm tree is quite unique in that, unlike many other trees, the palm is endogenous.  The palm tree’s growth occurs from deep within the tree  and becomes apparent externally -  this is in contrast  to many other trees that grow from the outside (exogenous).

We discussed how the palm's deep inner growth surely represents the same kind of growth that occurs within followers of Christ.  He transforms us from the inside out.  Within mere seconds of saying this, our 4 year old, who was sitting quietly in the backseat, said, “The heart.”  Now, I love my four year old, but he doesn’t possess that kind of wisdom.   : -)  

We knew the Holy Spirit had shared His Wisdom during our conversation.  It’s a transformed heart that leads to true growth spiritually and outwardly.  The Word of God teaches that our hearts are despicable (Jeremiah 17:9) without the transforming power of Jesus Christ within us.  He is the Word made flesh (John Chapter 1).  Unless that Word takes root and flourishes deep within our hearts - sustaining us, nourishing us, and growing us, we are doomed for damnation.  What a Saviour!  What mercy for God to offer HImself to a dying world.  

We must understand this Truth about the Lord’s Word:  The Truth of God’s Word must penetrate first deep within us; otherwise, our external “works” are superficial and hollow. Empty.  Dead.  If only our ears are tickled, our hearts won’t be transformed. (2 Timothy 4:3)  Messages that make our flesh comfortable will never seep into the core of our hearts.  There will be no true growth from the inside to the outside.  There may be a ‘flashy imitation’ for the world to gawk at, but it is worth nothing in the end.  The inner man will remain the same:  damned.

Is the True Word of God Implanted Deep Within You?

James 1:21

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (Matthew 13:22, 13:23, Luke 8:11)

Are You Growing From The Inside Out Because of The Holy Spirit? Or Are You Performing External Works When There is Really No Internal Transformation Occurring?  These Are Difficult Questions, But We Can’t Afford To Deceive Ourselves.

Psalm 92:12

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

[The Song of Solomon is symbolic of the pure, righteous, and fruit bearing relationship between the Bride (the true Church) and the Groom (Jesus).]

Song of Solomon 7:7   This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.

Song of Solomon 7:8

I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Revelation 7:9-10

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Facts About Palm Trees:  

From BibleStudyTools.com

“Its trunk is straight, tall and unbroken, terminating in a crown of emerald-green plumes, like a diadem of gigantic ostrich-feathers; these leaves are frequently twenty feet in length, droop slightly at the ends, and whisper musically in the breeze. The palm is, in truth, a beautiful and most useful tree. Its fruit is the daily food of millions; its sap furnishes an agreeable wine; the fibres of the base of its leaves are woven into ropes and rigging; its tall stem supplies a valuable timber; its leaves are manufactured into brushes, mats, bags, couches and baskets.”

“There is in the Psalms, (Psalms 92:12 ) the familiar comparison, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree," which suggests a world of illustration whether respect be had to the orderly and regular aspect of the tree, its fruitfulness, the perpetual greenness of its foliage, or the height at which the foliage grows, as far as possible from earth and as near as possible to heaven. Perhaps no point is more worthy of mention, we wish to pursue the comparison, than the elasticity of the fibre of the palm and its determined growth upward even when loaded with weights.”

“To these points of comparison may be added, its principle of growth: it is an endogen, and grows from within.”

From www.sciencedaily.com/terms/tree.htm

“Exogenous trees, which comprise the great majority of modern trees (all conifers, and all broadleaf trees), grow by the addition of new wood outwards, immediately under the bark.”

“Endogenous trees, mainly in the monocotyledons (e.g. palms), grow by addition of new material inwards.”

What author could possibly include such intricate and vast symbolism within a book?  None other than the Creator of all, Lord God Almighty.  My mind cannot possibly fathom the depths of His Book’s Wisdom.  Yet - when His Spirit teaches a portion to me, I am humbled by Who He Is.

Is Your Heart Growing or Decaying?

Hebrews 3:12-1912 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in

departing from the living God.13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Psalm 17:3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Psalm 10:17Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Psalm 19:14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 27:3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 28:3Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Matthew 12:35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Matthew 15:8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Mark 12:30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:33And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Matthew 5:28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Matthew 15: 18-2018 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Whose Will Are You Doing?

Emotions and Personal Attachments

Placing emotions and personal attachments above obedience to the Holy Spirit of God will lead people to Hell.  Our emotions cannot be trusted if the Lord is not our Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).  Emotions can be deceptive, and Satan uses our emotions to manipulate us.  Love, hate, anger, happiness, sexual feelings, confusion - you name any emotion we can possibly “feel” as human beings, and I say be careful; tread cautiously.  

Unchecked emotions can and will control us.  It does not matter what we “feel” if God is not driving us.  Period.  

We may “feel” or “think” we know how to best handle situations, but if God is not the source of our actions, our thoughts, our feelings, then all is for nought.  Nothing. Empty.  Filthy Rags.

Too many times, under the disguise of ‘being a Christian’, we go against God’s will.  

I am convinced man’s attempt to emotionally gauge a situation has led to the birth of various denominations, has led to false teachings, has led to strife, has led to a complete distortion of God’s Holy Standard.

First, God has established His Standard.  In reality, no matter the debates and conjecture of the masses, there is no other standard except God’s Standard.  When we put God’s established way first, every decision we make thereafter is much easier.  

When we place the standards of others first or when we allow ourselves to fluctuate between what God says and what man says, we are bound to be UNfaithful to the Lord along the way.  This type of unfaithfulness is spiritual adultery.  And we know -based on God’s Standard- that adultery is grounds for divorce - be it spiritual or physical.  (Matthew 5:27, 5:28, 5:32, Hebrews 6:8, 2 Peter 2:21, 2:22)

Saul was anointed by God, but his emotions were driven by self, the need to be accepted by others, and his fear of others.  There were dire consequences for Saul.  Let this be a warning for all who profess loyalty to the Lord. (1 Samuel 15:22, 15:23, 15:24, 15:25, 15:35, 1 Samuel 28:15, 1 Samuel 28:6, 28:7, 28:16, 28:17, 28:18, 1 Chronicles 10:13, 10:14)

Solomon, too, was at one time loyal to the Lord, but he was ultimately ruled by his “feelings”.  Great was this man’s sin.  (1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Kings 11:2, 11:3, 11:4, 11:5, 11:6, 11:7, 11:8, 11:9)

Recently, I observed someone I care for do something that was against God’s Standard.  My flesh-led emotions wanted to view it differently than God’s Standard views it.  A decision had to be made on my part.  Would I allow my emotions rule on this matter and bend what God says in His Word, or would I say, “It is written.”

Whose will would I follow?  God’s?  Mine?  Others’?  We must be prepared to choose.  Better yet, we must be prepared to choose God’s Standard every single time.  

If we find ourselves negotiating God’s Standard because our allegiance to man is more important in the moment, we are deeply, deeply deceived.  Our unchecked emotions will even convince us that we are in God’s will.  Beloved, try the spirits.  A comfortable flesh is very deceptive.

How often do we negotiate God’s Standard - distort it or remove parts of it - in order to have people view us in a positive way?  “Oh, she is so nice.”   “She always makes me feel comfortable around her.”  Satan loves to use people’s perception of us in order to manipulate us into doing his bidding.  In other words, we start shaving a little off of God’s Standard here and there - all for the sake of man “appreciating us” and man claiming that we “really love them.”  

Satan is a master puppeteer!  But can we blame all things on Satan?  Can we be honest about an unchecked flesh?  Flesh - if left to its own devices - very readily accepts pride within itself.  Of course, the flesh will never call it “pride.”  Words like meek, humble, friendly, peacemaker, etc. are replacement words used by the flesh to fool us.  

We won’t be fooled by our own flesh if the Holy Spirit rules within us.  

If the flesh is not destroyed (mortified - put to death) by obedience to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13), then we will think ourselves special in the flesh. Beware! We will find ourselves manipulating the Word of God in order to have our flesh flattered by man’s “love” and “adoration” of us. Our flesh will communicate with the flesh of others in order to make people think we are ‘humble’ and that we truly ‘love’ them. Their flesh/ feelings will acknowledge the false ‘humility’ and ‘love’ and be very receptive to it --- especially if it means, they are not being called to turn from their sins nor being pricked in their hearts to beg the Lord’s forgiveness. If their heart does not have to be transformed, their ‘feelings’ will celebrate you. But such a celebration is worth absolutely nothing eternally.    

After the fleshly party and ultimately, at the Judgment, nothing remains from the celebration but the garbage that has continually defiled the hearts of ALL involved.  It’s a pitiful sight to behold.  I weep at this tragedy of corruption!

 

It is written:

Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Mark 6:11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Revelation 2:5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The Question Remains:  Whose Will Are You Doing?

Matthew 7:21

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Waters of Siloam

God places His soldiers right in the middle of enemy territory, and the enemy thinks that he has you surrounded -- that it is just a matter of time before he completely destroys you.

However, the Lord has dug a canal underneath the ground filled with the water of Siloam.  And the Lord is able to quench your thirst even when the enemy and his army surrounds you.  The enemy won't even be aware of the Lord continually filling you with His Holy Spirit.

From the outside, the enemy will presume that it is just a matter of time before your walls crumble and you starve to death.  The enemy won't be aware that on the inside, the waters of Siloam are quenching your thirst -- That from your belly Living Waters flow (John 7:38).  The enemy won't even be aware of the Lord speaking to you - of the Lord showing you what must be done. On the outside the enemy will think the countdown to your demise has begun, not knowing that the Lord's Living Water flows into your encampment freely and fully!  And you are strong because of the Lord's provision.  And you are not going to back down because of it - and you know the Truth because of it!  Hallelujah!

"SILOAM.  The Pool of Siloam, where Jesus sent the blind man to be healed [John 9:7],

was located in the Tyropoeon Valley, at the lower end of Hezekiah's underground conduit (Siloam Tunnel) which brought water into the city from the Gihon Spring (Virgin's Fountain).  'The waters of Shiloah that go softly' (Isaiah 8:6) referred to these waters that flowed through the 1,770-foot tunnel and into this pool called 'Siloam,' because it was just across the Kidron Valley of the village of Siloam.  The pool was much used by the people of Jerusalem, and they considered it sacred" (Thompson Chain Bible, reference # 4436).

"GIHON, now known as the Virgin's Fountain, is an intermittent spring (or fountain) of pure water which bursts forth from deep within the Kidron Valley, east of Jerusalem and just opposite the village of Siloam.  From early times it has been the only known living spring in the environs of Jerusalem.  In fact the city was located on this arid plateau because of the splendid water supply.  The Jebusite inhabitants of Jerusalem dug a deep underground channel or tunnel westward from the fountain, under the walls, and into the city, so that they might draw water without having to go outside the walls; and also to enable them to obtain all the water they needed in time of siege without being exposed to the enemy..." (Thompson Chain Bible, reference #4383). 

May the above revelations bless a brother or sister in the Lord who is surrounded by the enemy.  It doesn't matter what surrounds you; the Holy Spirit will support you from within.

 On February 26th, while at work, the Lord brought a Biblical event to me on two different occasions.  I realized the Lord was trying to show me something, but I didn't know what He was teaching me at that point during the day.  Later that same night, when tucking my 8 year old into bed, the Lord used this child, who knew nothing about the events earlier in the day, to speak truth to me from his children's Bible.  In that moment, I thought, "There it is.  That's what You were  trying to show me, Lord."  In late January or early February, I was preparing to go to sleep, and the Lord spoke to me about Hezekiah.  It was a very clear "God has spoken moment," so I immediately went downstairs and began reading about this king.

The Holy Spirit directed me specifically to one of Hezekiah's struggles with the king of Assyria and the Assyrian king's messenger, Rabshakeh.  This was a profound moment that night because I, too, had been battling with an enemy who was making every attempt to draw people away from the Truth.  Like Rabshakeh, this particular enemy even seemed to speak the same language of the church, falsely appearing to be with them and one of them.  Take the time to read these verses. (Isaiah 36:13, 36:14, 36:15, 36:16, 36:17, 36:18, 36:19, 36:20, 36:21, 36:22). When Hezekiah was  presented with Rabshakeh's threats and false words, King Hezekiah in great anguish went directly into the house of the Lord, seeking direction (Isaiah 37:1, 37:2, 37:3, 37:4).

Ultimately, the Lord's prophet Isaiah spoke to King Hezekiah on this matter:

5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.
6 And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
7 Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

 Praise the Lord for His provision when the enemy speaks blasphemy against the Truth and against those who stand for the Truth!  I shared this regarding Hezekiah because it directly relates to the Pool of Siloam, Gihon and the underground canal dug during the Old Testament time period.  Only the Lord can piece His revelations together so masterfully!  As shared above, on February 26th, the Lord brought me to an event in the Bible twice while at work and later that same night with my 8 year old. And a few weeks before the 26th, the Lord sought to instruct me regarding Hezekiah. On the 26th, while tucking him in, my son led me to the story of Siloam Pool in the New Testament.  In his children's Bible, there was a reference regarding the Pool of Siloam and the king who was responsible for the canal's construction.  It was none other than King Hezekiah.  In that moment, events and revelations spanning weeks were brought to one unified message of Truth by the Holy Spirit.

Picture of my son's Bible page

The story of Hezekiah is vast and spans more than one book in the Bible, but I will include one of the verses demonstrating this king's action that is further echoed in the New Testament when we read the story of the healing waters of Siloam Pool.

2 Chronicles 32:30 - "This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works."   ***(I have added a short YouTube clip on Hezekiah's Tunnel at the end of this blog. Added 3.13.16)***

When the Lord has absolutely shown you the truth on a matter, you are not to return to the lie.  You are to share the truth to those who will receive it.  God willing, they will join you in the Lord's Truth on a particular matter, but we are never to "side with" a lie.  We are never to be "cordial" to the lie.  We are never to pretend it is acceptable to speak or teach the lie.   That same night on February 26th, the Lord brought me to His direction for me, and no doubt His direction for all those who follow Him and accept 'soft waters' from His Spirit of Truth.  Please read Isaiah 8:5 through the end of the chapter.  It is in verse 6 that the Lord begins to describe consequences for those who refuse the waters of Shiloah (Siloam).

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

 The remainder of the chapter describes what those who refuse the waters can expect and what those who are partakers of the water will receive.  There is a distinct difference between the two.  Shame and destruction will pursue those who have rejected the Lord, but the Lord clearly instructs those who follow Him and accept His Spirit.  He tells His people (those who accept the waters of Shiloah) what they are to do and what they are not to do.  Hallelujah!  

Notable Areas:

10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.    [Those who refuse the waters of Shiloah can devise schemes, but they will come to nothing, says the Lord!  Who is God with? There is a clear separation in this chapter.  He is with those who are truly partakers of His Spirit, His Living Water. God will never side with lies, such does not come from His water of Siloam/Shiloah.]

11 For the Lord spake thus to me (the prophet of the Lord and all who are partakers of the waters) with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,  [Those who are of the truth must not join in allegiance with those who refuse the Lord's truth.]

12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.   [A partaker of the Lord's Truth must not join in an UNlawful alliance (confederacy) with those who are serving a lie and teaching a lie.  Do not revere or respect what they revere.  Do not live in terror of what terrifies them.]

13 Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.  [Those who are partaking in the waters of Shiloah must be loyal to the Lord above all.  Revere the Lord.  Fear the Lord.  Be loyal to the Lord above all.]

14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.  [He is our source of strength and protection. Even when surrounded by the enemy, the Lord will provide His water (Spirit) springing forth within us.  There are many, even those who seemingly speak our language (Isaiah 36:13), who are greatly offended by areas of the Lord's Truth.]

15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

[Never mind them.  Let the Lord be your sanctuary.  Let others stumble at the Truth if they refuse to accept it.]

16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. [Wait upon the Lord.  Trust in Him.  He will work through you.]

19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that

peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? [Beware of those who seek to turn you to lies.  Many of today's 'wizards' are wearing normal clothing, even that of a sheep's attire.  Beware of those who refuse to seek the full counsel of God.  We are to seek counsel from the only One who offers complete Truth, the LORD.]

20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  [The Lord has given us a formula for trying spirits.  Look at His Word.  The answers are within the Bible.  Sincerity of heart, prayer, and fasting usher in proper understanding of the Word.]  

21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.  [Those who have refused the waters of Shiloah/Siloam/Holy Spirit will ultimately find themselves cursing God when times grow dark and difficult.]

The Lord has faithfully taught me regarding what true loyalty to Him looks like.  Not having loyalty to Him and His statutes will surely result in eternal separation from Him, but glory to God,  being loyal to Him - although painful in this life -- will reap eternal fellowship with Him in His Holy presence forevermore! (Acts 14:22)

Seek to help those who are misled, but never join them in the lie.  They can come to you, but you must never return to them in thought or acceptance of a lie.

Do not wander from the path of understanding.  There are consequences.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.  ~Proverbs 21:16