How blessed am I to be able to hang out here in the capital of “the Pearl of Africa” (although I still like Jacksonville much better) with some mighty men of God for the Watoto Conference. I am given the privlege of sharing a room with our our very own Pastor Dixon Changara from Celebration Zimbabwe. I am so excited over the prospect of eventually moving to Zim to work alongside of him. He is an incredible man of God and I am always able to learn from him. We exchanged notes this morning after each spending some time with the Lord. Its so cool how God speaks to each of us through His Word and through each other.

John 12:24-26
 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.  25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
NKJV

Picture a wagonful of grains of wheat. They are all together, side by side keeping each other company. Everyone is happy to be together with their friends and families, yet nothing new is being produced. They will all remain the same, in the same place doing the same thing. But, as verse 24 says (and this is Jesus saying this, not me) that if one falls to the ground and dies, it produces much fruit.

If we are willing to be “covered up” we will grow and begin to produce fruit. A grain of wheat falling to the ground and being covered with dirt puts it into a dark place where there is no one else around. Our lives need to take on this covering if we are to grow and produce fruit for Him. Yes we are in a dark place, covered up and alone, but He is always right there with us. God always knows exactly where we are, He watches over us, waters us and nurtures us as our loving Father while we “die” to ourselves. Dying to ourselves is a requirement for producing “much fruit”. Only then can we be a true and effective witness to others as they see Christ in us.  Even then, we are still “covered” by Him as we continue to walk with Him and grow in Him. People should not see Mike when they are around me, but rather they should see Jesus. The apostle Paul says it best in his letter to the church at Collosae.

Col 3:3-4
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
NKJV

Being covered by Him is the best, the warmest and the safest place we can be.