Planting and Growing Worshipping Caring Churches Globally.
That didn’t work. Ooops, that didn’t go like I thought it would. That reaction hurts. Really, they said that? They did that? Why? Hey, I am pastor/leader around here. I thought that meant something. I think he/she/they have the problem, not me. We could go on phrasing reactive scenar...
For those of you who are in touch with your technical side and are avid bloggers, check out Jamey's latest step up the Technology ladder...A Blog. Right now this consists of his "Jamey's Journal" content, but look forward to photo's, personal updates and the ability to comment on Jam...
Wow, that’s pretty direct. Blunt is maybe more accurate. I’ve heard the statement used in business contexts and it invites listeners to grow their organizations. Usually “growth” involves revenues, or contacts, or production, or sales in general.
I spent last Saturday with a couple heading from Canada to an overseas appointment. I’d tell you where, but the politics of the region they are heading to makes it dicey to even mention it by name. I was impressed with them. No I take that back, I was really impressed with them.
I like viewing the arts. Art varies in the eye of the beholder but I used to really enjoy watching our kids high school choir concerts. They were always good because my kids were singing but sometimes they were just good. I can listen to a symphony but I really prefer watching it as I listen t...
Women's Ministries Articles & Devotionals How Your Garden Grows | How Does Your Garden Grow? |
| Written by Administrator | |
| Friday, 06 February 2009 | |
 How does your Garden Grow? by Sandy Semenyna It's usually a blustery, grey winter day in My husband grunts as I expound on my plans for the yard this season. He knows full well my plans usually mean he will be moving wheelbarrows of dirt, digging holes for shrubs, peeling back sod to make new flower beds and hauling rocks from the pile at the farm where he grew up - never imagining back then that the much hated rocks would be moved again for a more decorative purpose! For some reason, he just doesn't seem as enthused about this whole thing as I am! Sometimes, in the dry winter seasons of our life we have a similar type of "awakening" through reading a great book, listening to an inspiring speaker or being with other growing believers. We get inspired to plant beautiful new things into our lives and long to see the Lord "reworking" our faith to produce fresh growth and a harvest of blessing. Indeed, our desire is to have the best 'spiritual garden' possible and we set out with a vision of "years of lush growth and beauty"! We aren't always ready, however, to deal with the dirt piles, the rocks and the weeds that are also part of that great vision and disappointment and discouragement can quickly set in. In our enthusiasm to grow new and exciting things in our lives, we sometimes forget about the most basic principles for growing in our faith. Let me share with you some "Gardening Tips" as a reminder of how to set up the most ideal of growing conditions in your spiritual life. The First Step - The Seed (see John 3:5-7, John 12:23-26). Our life in Christ can only begin if we are "born again". Jesus talked about the kernel of wheat that must 'die' in order to become a mature plant that produces many seeds. We must be willing to 'die' to our old selfish life and seek to follow and serve our Savior completely if we are to see spiritual growth in our lives. If we cling to our old life and only want to satisfy our wants, we remain as one solitary, unproductive seed.. The Soil (see 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119:11, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:22). Our life in Christ has no where to take root and begin to grow if we're not in a regular habit of getting into the Word of God. We are instructed to read it, hide it in our hearts, be taught by it, trained and disciplined by its instruction and to DO what it says. I recently read a statistic that only 10% of people who claim to be believers have a daily habit of being in the Word! That's disheartening! It sure is tough for a seed to sprout roots inside the package! We need to be daily planted in the fertile soil of God's word! The Water (see Ephesians 6:18, I Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16, Luke 6:28). Every living thing needs water in order to survive. You soon learn that every aspect of our life is affected when our water supply is cut off. So, too, should be our absolute dependence on prayer! The scriptures teach us to be alert, to pray about everything, to pray constantly, fervently, for each other and to even pray for our enemies. Do you thirst for times of prayer? Without it, our souls are limp as an under watered plant. The Light (see Hebrew 12:28,29, John 4:24, I Thessalonians 5:18). God is light. (I John 1:5) Just as every living thing needs water, we also need the light of God's presence. We are welcomed into the presence of God when we lift our hearts in thanksgiving and praise to Him. Our worship needs to be deliberate, frequent, done with other believers and also done in the quiet of our own hearts and homes. The Fence of Protection (see Hebrew 10:25, Ephesians 5:19-21). Some of the most spectacular plants in my garden need special supports to keep them upright and to prevent them from being pounded into the ground in a strong wind or rainstorm. God never intended for us to be on this journey solo. That's why we're instructed to meet with other believers, to encourage and pray for each other, and to be there with each other as a fence of protection. If you're choosing to stay away from other believers you're leaving yourself open to a pounding when the storms of life roll in. Maybe you're even allowing another believer to be pelted down because you weren't there for them in their time of need. I've worked around the soil of my garden long enough to recognize the most miserable weeds at the 2-3 leaf stage. They look so cute and harmless, but I know what they will become and I ruthlessly yank them out whenever I spot them. Consider the aphid. So small, so insignificant, so destructive! We can't afford to let those seemingly harmless little attitudes, habits and activities take root in our spiritual gardens. Recognize them for what they really are and ruthlessly get rid of anything that will ultimately destroy your garden. During a particularly good growing year in my garden (I don't have them every year!) people often come into my yard and say things like, "Oh, I wish my yard looked like yours!" I smile and say, "Thank you", but what I really feel like saying is, "Do you really want a yard like this? Do you have any idea how much work it is to keep my yard looking peaceful and inviting? Would you really like to spend six to eight hours a week weeding, pruning, watering, fertilizing, hauling dirt, setting slug traps and chasing cats out? Beautiful results don't just happen - it's hard work! Oh - and one more thing - I love my work! A beautiful garden takes vision, love, discipline, commitment and time. Don't expect fast results because our spiritual garden also requires these things. Our life in Christ is a long term project, but the rewards are incredible!! As God reveals the things He desires to plant in your life, whether it be raising a family, teaching a Bible study, leading your neighbour to the Lord or giving your life to cross-cultural ministry - you will be glad you dedicated yourself to the "Gardening Basics" so you are ready for a "new planting when the time is right! New, go get your hands dirty! ( |
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