Category: Growing

Posted on

The Soil & The Seed

This morning’s blog is a marriage of two thoughts. Complaining is a weed that will stifle our harvest of peace and spiritual growth.

I remember a time that I bought two identical plants. Took them home and repotted them, set them on the watering system so they both got the same amount of water. They sat side by side in the sun. Everything was exactly the same except for the soil and the soil effected the production of the plant.

The Prophet Hosea, the Apostle Paul and Jesus have some important instruction that will help us all to be more fruitful.

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love.
Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’” Hosea 10:12 NLT

You see the plants that I thought were identical had one difference. One had been put in a pot with old, hard soil and the other in a pot with new, fresh soil. Soil makes a difference.

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Matthew 13:3-9 NLT

“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” Matthew 13:20-22 NLT

The problem wasn’t with the seed; it was with the soil. God’s word is the seed, our hearts are the soil.

“ If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” I Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT

Paul is giving strong admonition to the Christians in Corinth. Don’t let the temptation to complain and murmur about your circumstances cause you to stray from the Lord.

Their ancestors had seen all of God’s power when He delivered them from Egypt; crossing the Red Sea; living under the pillar of cloud by day; eating manna from heaven; drinking water from a rock and still they complained and rebelled.

Good word for today. How many times a day do we find ourselves complaining about something? How many times are we trusting in our own strength and not His?

It’s time we break up the hard ground, pull some weeds and give the seed of God’s word room to grow!

Posted on

Shine Jesus, Shine

For years I used to work to be “good enough” for God’s love. I, like a lot of people, wanted people and God to like me and I would work to that end. Leading Bible Studies, singing in the choir, baking cookies, doing all sorts of good works to get people to like me.

I would serve on committees and every place that a volunteer was needed to show the Lord and others my dedication to others to get them to “see” that I had a good heart and was a good Christian.

But one day the Lord instructed me from these verses in I Corinthians 3.

“And you are a house that belongs to God. 10 Like an expert builder I built the foundation of that house. I used the gift that God gave me to do this. Other people are building on that foundation. But everyone should be careful how they build. 11 The foundation that has already been built is Jesus Christ, and no one can build any other foundation. 12 People can build on that foundation using gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw. 13 But the work that each person does will be clearly seen, because the Day will make it plain. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone’s work. 14 If the building they put on the foundation still stands, they will get their reward. 15 But if their building is burned up, they will suffer loss. They will be saved, but it will be like someone escaping from a fire.” I Corinthians 3:9b-15 ERV

I realized I was building with wood, grass and straw. My efforts were exactly that – my efforts. I wasn’t serving people for God’s glory and benefit but for my own. And it never seemed that I was doing enough…

The Father began to reveal to me how much He loved me. He loved me – not my works. It was ok to say “no” to some of the needs and let others fill them. The Father didn’t want me working “for Him” but serving “with Him”.

I didn’t have to earn His love! He loves me unconditionally and in that love I am free to serve because I want to and not because I have too.

It’s when we do that, serving and living life to glorify Him, that we begin to build with gold, silver and precious jewels. When we serve for us we will grow weary and discouraged. We get jealous and judgmental. (Remember Martha being upset because Mary wasn’t “serving”.)

So occasionally I have to inspect my building materials and ask the Lord to build a fire in my soul and burn off what isn’t acceptable. The good thing about gold is that the fire only purifies it – makes it more valuable. It isn’t consumed.

“Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns.” I Peter 1:7 CEV

As I finished writing this, a song we sang in the 1980’s came to mind: Shine Jesus, Shine

“Lord, I come to Your awesome presence
From the shadows into Your radiance
By the blood, I may enter Your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me

[Chorus]
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire…”

My desire is to shine for Him!

Posted on

What to Wear

Have you ever gotten up in the morning and stood in front of your closet wondering what to wear? It’s a dilemma I face from time to time.

In fact, I was thinking about that when I sat down with my coffee and began my Bible reading this morning.

Oh, God’s word is so good!

“Now you are wearing a new life, a life that is new every day. You are growing in your understanding of the one who made you. You are becoming more and more like him. 11 In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, circumcised or not. It doesn’t matter if you speak a different language or even if you are a Scythian. It doesn’t matter if you are a slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he is in all of you.

12 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:10-17 ERV

My closet is never empty when I realize that I am to wear what Christ has provided.

I am to put on my new life which consists of peace, forgiveness, love, kindness, gentleness and patience. It’s the perfect wardrobe for everyday wear or evening wear; summer, autumn, winter and spring.

Becoming more like Christ. He has designed the perfect attire for each day. No need to wonder anymore what you should wear – let Christ clothe you in His righteousness!

Have a great day!

Posted on

God’s Garden

When I was a child, I heard my dad say on a number of occasions, “knee high by the 4th of July”. He was talking about the corn they raised in Iowa on the farm. Years later, Dave and I worked eight summers in Iowa, and the corn would be shoulder high by the 4th of July. There was just something about that black Iowa soil, the humidity and the summer sun.

Not only did the cornfields produce an amazing bounty but the family gardens were abundant with all the vegetables you could possibly desire.

These are the images that came to mind when I was reading in I Corinthians this morning.

” I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God made them sprout and grow. 7 What matters isn’t those who planted or watered, but God who made the plants grow. 8 The one who plants is just as important as the one who waters. And each one will be paid for what they do. 9 Apollos and I work together for God, and you are God’s garden and God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:6-9 CEV

Paul and Apollos had both been teaching the Christians in Corinth about the ways and words of the Lord. Paul didn’t want there to be any division in their midst by considering one teacher more important than the other.

Boy, that happens so much today. I go to this church and we believe this way. You go to another church – and so there is division. That shouldn’t be so. It’s God who makes us grow.

And here’s what He wants to see growing in our lives.

“ But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.” Galatians 5:22-23 ERV

“ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him, now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 ERV

“ You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. 7 You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Colossians 2:6-7 ERV

We are God’s garden. Some plant the seed of God’s word in our hearts, others water it by their teaching and their prayers, but it is God who causes it to grow and produce a harvest. A harvest of grace, knowledge, love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, and understanding.

Those beautiful gardens that I referred to earlier had to be weeded and protected from varmints that wanted to nibble away at the crop. We need to do the same with the seeds that have been planted in our lives.

The harvest that comes isn’t just for our benefit; it will also feed and strengthen those around us so that they can benefit from God’s goodness.

Grow strong and tall and give thanks to the Father for His increase in your life!

Posted on

Foundation of Wisdom

I thank the Lord for my dad. He was a wise man, and I learned many valuable life lessons from him. He left school when he was in the 7th grade to help provide for his family, so his wisdom didn’t come from his education; it came from his experiences and his love of God’s word.

King Solomon, the world’s wisest man, wrote an entire book on wisdom, the book of Proverbs. And he set the premise in the very first chapter.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young...7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT

The word “fear” in verse 7 can also be translated as reverent worship, awe of greatness, and respect. Our foundation for wisdom comes when we reverence and respect God’s word.

I read a quote that went something like this, the foundation of wisdom is knowing how to tell that you are totally clueless, lost and in need of assistance. That pretty much sums up our need for God and His direction.

This teaching on wisdom came as I meditated on Psalm 111 this morning all the while making a correlation with yesterday’s words from Paul, telling us that we are God’s inheritance and that Christ fills those of us who trust in Him.

If we truly believe that we are wise.

“Praise the Lord!
I thank the Lord with all my heart
    in the assembly of his good people.
2 The Lord does wonderful things,
    more than anyone could ask for.
3 The things he does are great and glorious!
    There is no end to his goodness.
4 He does amazing things so that we will remember
    that the Lord is kind and merciful.
5 He gives food to his followers.
    He remembers his agreement forever.
6 He has shown his people how powerful he is
    by giving them the land of other nations.
7 Everything he does is good and fair.
    All his commands can be trusted.
8 His commands will continue forever.
    They must be done with truth and honesty.
9 He rescued his people and made his agreement with them forever.
    His name is awesome and holy.
10 Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord.
    Those who obey him are very wise.
    Praises will be sung to him forever.” Psalm 111 ERV

The book of James says: “If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

As parents and grandparents, we are not limited by our education or lack thereof. We can receive wisdom and share it with those we love by teaching them a love for God’s word and a respect for the Lord.

That is the foundation of wisdom.

Posted on

A New Way of Living

God knows that my life has been varied.

As a child, I grew up in a construction worker’s home. We moved frequently because my dad was a heavy equipment operator and primarily worked on road construction projects. We never had any formal vacations but instead spent our time camping, fishing, hunting and exploring the outdoors. I loved it!

Once Dave and I were married we lived in a beach community for a while, after leaving a more rural life of farming alfalfa and living among working cowboys and ranchers. That was an adjustment.

We have lived in big cities and also so far out in the farmland and country that we said only people who were really close friends or completely lost could find us. All of these experiences changed my life; most of them for the better.

After we retired, we became fulltime Rvers for a few years and now we live in a tiny home. New experiences and adventures have been the course our lives have traveled. But the one thing that has changed our lives most completely was finding out who we are in Christ.

He has designed a life for all of us. And although the location, the people and the day-to-day experiences may vary, the lifestyle is the same for all of us who have a relationship with Him.

“Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. 11 It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12  God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13  Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16  Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:10-17 CEV

There will never be a greater adventure than following Christ. Will it always be easy? No! Will there be challenges and problems to overcome? Yes!

Following Christ will take us to new heights as we faithfully obey – greater joys, giant-slaying victories and a peace that controls our thoughts and keeps us worry fear. This new way of living works for rich and poor, highly educated or not, male or female, those who are free and enslaved.

No matter our occupation or profession. Whatever we say or do, our new way of living has us living in Christ.

Posted on

Following God’s Plan

Twelve years ago today, everything we owned was either in a U-Haul box van or in the back of the Excursion. We said goodbye to neighbors and friends and left Montana for our home in Arizona.

We felt like the children of Israel coming to the Promised Land. We had been marching in the wilderness for more years than we had cared to admit.

Trying to do things our way and not realizing what the Lord was directing us to do was frustrating to say the least. And all the time we “thought” we were following the Lord.

When good things would happen we would give Him glory and when times were tough we were praying and asking His direction. However, many times we would go with the thing that “seemed right” and logical instead of really waiting to see if that’s what He really wanted.

God was always faithful. His arms were always open wide and His love was always unconditional!

We can look back now and see how He did guide us even when we chose the path and how He brought us full circle to bring us Home!

Thank you Father for your faithfulness.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet. 6 I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. 7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” vs 8 KJV

I hear people talk about their “forever” homes. I felt I had a couple of those – once in Idaho, then in Montana and in Rio Rico. Each one felt like the place I would be for the rest of my life.

But God had a different plan. I’m so glad He did!

By moving on, our lives have been enriched by many of you reading this blog. People we would have never met or had a personal contact with. Never have I regretted leaving a place when the Lord was leading the way.

“ Abraham lived in the country that God promised to give him. He lived there like a visitor who did not belong. He did this because he had faith. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who also received the same promise from God. 10 Abraham was waiting for the city[a] that has real foundations. He was waiting for the city that is planned and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 ERV

To quote the words of a song – “This world is not my home”. Just waiting for the city whose ruler and builder is God. The rest of this is temporary, so we live with a heavenly purpose and destiny.

While we are content to be here and doing what the Lord desires, placing greater value on heavenly things will cause us to avoid greed and jealousy.

Following hard after the Lord – the only way!

Posted on

A Pattern for Living II

This morning Dave and I were out the door early with Kim and Austin as we headed for the NASCAR racetrack in Avondale. All the kids and grandkids blessed Dave with a “Ride-A-Long” in a racecar at the track.

So, I missed the morning post. 🙁 As I was reviewing posts for years past, I came across ths one and it seemed so appropriate for the study of the last few days.

When I was a girl my mother sewed most of my clothes. I remember countless times that we headed to the department store or to the fabric store to pour over pages and pages of pattern books. Once we found the perfect pattern, we would go through bolts and bolts of fabric until we found just the perfect material for the project.

What I didn’t realize is that many times the “perfect fabric” was the one that was on sale and would fit into the budget.

Success!

Did you know we have been given a pattern for life? It’s just right and will fit perfectly! There will be no bargain shopping for the right fabric, only the best will do. It has been custom design, no one-size-fits-all type of apparell.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. 2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. 5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. 8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.” Psalm 112 NLT

This is the pattern that the Lord has designed for those who are righteous. Don’t let that word scare you into thinking that this is for someone else and not you. To be righteous is to be in right standing with God. Jesus has made that possible for all of us by His sacrifice on our behalf.

Our pattern has been cut to include a heart that loves God’s word. We are designed to be generous, compassionate and fair in our dealings with others. We trust God and don’t fear bad news. We are confident in God’s provision and protection in every area of life.

We help those in need and are victorious when we face those who would like to do evil to us. We will not be overcome by those seeking to do us harm. God’s word promises that we will be overcomers in this life.

This is God’s pattern for our life. It’s tailor made, only the best will do for a child of Almighty God! Our garment has been sewn and pressed.

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 …Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:10-14 NLT

It’s laid out before us all we have to do is pick it up and put it on.

Posted on

Let’s Be Honest

All I wanted to do this morning was have my coffee and go back to bed. I didn’t want to read my Bible and I only wanted to spend a little time praying. I’m tired, had a restless night and really no motivation for the day.

I looked over at my side table as I was putting my coffee cup down and focused on the beautiful orchid that was beginning to bloom. I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to be diligent. “Just read a little, Let Me do the rest. Let me water and nourish you as you have done with that orchid for the last year”.

Alright Lord. Water me. And He did!

“This is what the Lord Who made you, Who put you together before you were born, Who will help you, says, ‘Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, and you Jeshurun whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land and rivers on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your children, and will bring good to your children’s children. 4 They will grow like grass in the fields, and like poplar trees by the rivers.’” Isaiah 44:2-4 NLV

So many times, we think we have to have great revelation to be growing in Christ. If I don’t read massive amounts of Scripture and spend long hours in prayer, I’m not pleasing God and doing what He wants. But that’s not true.

Like my orchid, which I didn’t even know that I would be able to keep alive, it’s consistency. You see, every Friday for the last year I have put 6 small ice cubes on the soil in the pot. That has been enough to consistently water my plant. I’ve kept it on the table where it receives good sunlight and without any more effort from me it’s blooming.

The consistency of God’s word waters our lives and the light of the Son provides the warmth we need to grow and bloom.

“ I remember the days long ago. I think about all You have done. I think about the work of Your hands. 6 I put out my hands to You. My soul is thirsty for You like a dry land.

7 Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave. 8 Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You. 9 O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.

10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on a straight path. 11 Give me new life, O Lord, because of Your name. Bring me out of trouble because You are right and good.” Psalm 143:5-10 NLV

When we have a thirsty soul, the Lord brings refreshing and with refreshing comes new life.

Now, let’s go out and show the world the beautiful blooms God has created in our lives.

Posted on

A Gnarly Tree…

or as the prophet Isaiah put it, “oaks of righteousness” or the planting of the Lord.

Can you even imagine what this tree has experienced in its life cycle? The winds, the rains, the hurricanes, the drought, the fight to survive and thrive!

I think of trees like this as well as the giant redwoods, the sequoias, massive olive trees and cedars groves when I read what Isaiah, David and the other Old Testament writers refer to when they write about those who are righteous.

The term “righteous” isn’t some unattainable religious goal. No. Simply put it means to be in right standing with God. Righteous is a term that can be applied to all of us who have placed our faith in God.

“ Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 NLV

“But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night. 3 This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.” Psalm 1:2-3 NLV

Isaiah, the prophet, wrote these words about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Jesus spoke these words in a synagogue and it made them so angry they tried to throw Jesus off a cliff. (Luke 4:17-30, read it)

Some people still get angry today when they are told that we have received right standing with God because of what Jesus did.

A life lived in Christ is a life of thriving in the storms. Our roots go deep into His word, our branches sway in the wind, we provide shelter to those in need, comfort to those who are weary.

We become gnarly old trees who have been planted by the Lord and we stand grounded on His word.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress