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MONDAY • MARCH 30John 12:24 (NIV)Churchill, Nature and God“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”Flying into Churchill was a new experience for us. It was a long flight,as Churchill is situated quite north on the cold shores of Hudson Bay. Lindaand I were going to minister in counseling, music and present a workshop onabuse issues.We arrived a day early, hoping to take in some of God’s untouched creation.On the first evening, we were picked up on boats to see beluga whales.We saw them jumping and dancing around our little outdoor motorboats.Then, further out around the bay, we saw two large polar bears hanging outon the rocks, lazily enjoying the evening sun. We also noticed plant life allaround, with food for the smaller animals and for the birds to feed on andstore up for the winter. As the sun went down, the cold air chilled us, remindingus that winter’s harsh roar was near. Everything would be frozen solidand appear dead. The plant life would die and snow would cover everything.What is so amazing is how new life comes even after the cold, bitter andextremely harsh blast of winter. No matter how hard the winter freeze, springeventually follows. The beluga whales return, plants sprout new growth andpolar bears emerge from their dens.This reminds me of God. When we think there is no hope and death haswon, life suddenly and beautifully comes forth. In fact, John declares in hisGospel letter that it is only when a seed dies that “more” new life can come:“… but its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of newlives” (John 12:24, NLT).What makes this all possible? It is the life, death and resurrection ofJesus Christ! Even nature itself illustrates the good news of the Gospel. Thecycle of nature reminds us every year of what God has done on the cross.During this Lenten season, may you once again meditate on and enjoythe power of the resurrection. When the cold blasts of winter hit your life andall things may seem to be dead and hopeless, remember that God is at workand new life will come!Dear God, Thank You for the ultimate power of the resurrection. Thank Youthat when things in our lives seem to be dead and hopeless, You bring newlife. And Lord, thank You for showing us that it is when we die to ourselvesthat You truly bring new life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Rick MartinManitoba, Canada48