BEYOND

 “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Breaking

Every

Yoke

Opening

New

Doors

    How do I even begin to communicate the profound lostness I feel? Over the course of the past several months, I have experienced devastating changes in my perception of self, my value and contribution to society and most importantly to the Kingdom of God. I’ll spare you the details here, not because I’m afraid of the details, but because we all have our own stuff to deal with and overcome.

    So, let me just begin with what has inspired me to once again pick up my pen. Friends and family have the ability to ask the hard questions and the persistence to wait for a real answer. It’s because of two such questions I’m writing this response.

“Why haven’t I seen any new posts from Russ?”

“As a Pastor, what would you tell someone facing the situation you’re currently facing?”

    Okay, the truth is, I’m like an old outboard motor that takes more than a light tug on the ripcord to start. Or, an old motorcycle that requires more than one kick on the starter to turn the engine over. No matter what it took, I thank my friends for asking the hard questions and waiting for the answers.

    To the first question the answer is, I didn’t think anyone was listening and I thought no one cared. It’s not like anyone was ringing my phone off the hook offering me a place to minister. The one invitation I did receive was canceled when I called to confirm the time. I simply quit preparing.

    The fact that you asked the question tells me my assumption was incorrect. At least one person was listening. Sorry I dropped the ball, Coach. I’ll try harder and I won’t just walk off the field.

“All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” 

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    God’s grace will reach more and more people. Believing that becomes the command, never give up. That command is the starting point in addressing the advice I would give, if I were leading someone else through a similar situation.

“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭32‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬ (Emphasis Added) 

    Faith is not the denial of physical limitations, it is the acceptance of spiritual reality that is beyond the realm of this world. Breaking every yoke that is holding us back requires complete trust in God’s promises. When we confidently take a stand on those promises, new doors of opportunity are opened in our lives. God’s grace will reach more and more people. Our current condition has no bearing on that fact.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    God cannot be thwarted, dissuaded, or ignored. What He has planned will be established. What He has started will be completed, and what He has accomplished will be noticed. Waiting on new doors to open is difficult but worth the struggle. We just need to remember to follow these simple steps: Ask, Seek, and Knock.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The biggest obstacle I’ve faced is knowing exactly what to ask for, being diligent in my search, and finding the right door upon which to knock. Anyone facing unimaginable difficulties can identify with the feelings of lostness and depression, but only those who have put their trust is God can understand the promise: 

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The good Shepherd left the 99 to find the one. Remember you are the one and He will do anything for you! Are you ready to move beyond your current circumstance? God is able to make that happen!

ORDER

“If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:37-40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ordained 

Revelation 

Delivering 

Exhortation (and) 

Restoration

     Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the use of spiritual gifts within the church has been a frequent conversation in my life over the past few weeks. Michele and I attended a Vacation Bible Extreme at the church where my niece and her family are members. Our goal was to support her ten year-old son, Zak, as he grows in his faith. Once there, we found out the adult version of VBX was their Pastor teaching selected doctrines from scripture. I have found it’s always a good spiritual exercise to reaffirm my doctrinal point of view by examining what others believe.

    With Pentecost Sunday being just a weeks ago, the topic was fresh on my mind. Add to those interactions, an early morning chat with a Pastor friend of mine, I recently was blessed to be a guest minister to his congregation and we were catching up. Let’s just say, there is a need for the teaching ministry in the modern church.

“Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. … So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. … Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. … Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. … For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:20, 22, 26, 29, 33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There can be no mistake in the understanding that God is the author of both creativity and order in everything He has designed. Everything that happens in a meeting of God’s people should be done decently and in order. The Holy Spirit is the authority within every gathering and He makes room in every church service to allow the use of spiritual gifts. The key factors are submission to His leadership, and the flow of ministry. A move of the Holy Spirit will not disrupt, distract, or cause confusion. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to watch over God’s word and perform it.

“so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    God’s design is flawless. In First Corinthians, the chapter that introduces the spiritual gifts available for the common good of the corporate body of Christ and the chapter that outlines their administration within the church are bridged by the “Love” chapter. Everything the Holy Spirit inspires will be motivated by love. Even in correction there is love! Nothing the Holy Spirit reveals will contradict the Bible.

“Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There is a clear pattern and president for biblical authority within the church. There will be situations that test the boundaries of our doctrines and theology, but everything becomes clear when we live by the mandates of scripture. The five-fold ministry is a gift to the church. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are each a necessary aspect of every church. They prepare and protect people for ministry. Training in righteousness and guarding against abuse seems to be increasingly necessary.

“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    A word must be spoken before it can be evaluated, but if it is spoken at a time that brings confusion, or if the speaker has their own agenda, the Bible would identify it as an evil work. In every human endeavor, there are at least three spirits involved. There is the spirit of the devil, the spirit of the individuals involved, and the Holy Spirit of God. Discernment is a necessary gift.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Messages to the church that are ordained by God will bring revelation. It won’t be a “new” truth, but it will be a confirmation or clarification. Delivering those exhortations in respect, decency and following the flow of the service will result in regeneration, restoration and healing for the body of Christ. “The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets.” You don’t walk around in some kind of spiritual trance. You can exercise self control. God is always on time and we should always be in order.

SLOW

 “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Stop

Lashing

Out

Wildly

    I want to make sure I give credit where credit is due; so let me begin by saying this acrostic was at least partially inspired by yesterday’s sermon and the June theme from Pastor Paula’s back to the basics series. Yuma First Assembly started the year 2022 with, Prayer, Love, from Fasting to Feasting, Giving, Going and now, we are focusing on Slowing down all the way to waiting. Pentecost Sunday, we were challenged to wait on the Holy Spirit.

    As I walked into the service, saw the blocks spelling out SLOW, and listened to the message, I thought what a great word. My mind tossed around ideas all day and into the night, but nothing clicked. Then, the next step in my inspiration process fell into place. Years ago, a Pastor gave an extortion to a group of young ministers I was a part of; that exhortation was, “Always listen to your wife!” 

    It may be shocking for some to hear, but I get behind in my devotional reading from time to time. Michele once told me, “Just read the Bible. Your inspiration will come. God will give you the message He wants you to preach.” I woke up at 4:00AM and started reading. Don’t ask how many days worth of Scripture I read, or how many more I need to read to be on track to finish the Bible following this year’s plan, but this message began to fall into place. See honey, I do listen to you.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Waiting and listening to instructions is never fun, nor is it ever easy. How many of us have experienced being pushed to the limit of our patience? I grew up as a “problem child.” Full disclosure, I have experienced both sides of this issue. When I was a child, there was no such thing as a “Timeout,” so correction was a huge part of my life. Now, spanking is out and timeouts are in. Zak, my ten year old nephew, was staying with Michele and me a few years ago, and as you might expect at bedtime a dispute came up.

    How many parents know, down time is the worst time? The exchange went like this: I said, “Zak, brush your teeth and go to bed.” The child continues his activity. Not slowing down, not listening, he had no intention of waiting, listening, or following directions. Granted, he was five at the time. I exercised a little grace, and offered the directions three or four times. Then I said again, “Zak, brush your teeth and go to bed, adding that is the end of the story!” Five-year-old Zak turned to me and said, “This is just the beginning!”

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Learning to slow down and wait is a lifelong lesson. It takes practice and demands trust. Recently Zak was working with Michele on a craft project. Michele told him to spread some paper under the page he was coloring with markers. He followed her instruction with the first project, but when it was complete, he lifted the colored page and said, “See, it doesn't bleed through.” He removed the protective sheets of paper and continued his projects.

    Later Michele asked, “Zak, why is there RED marker all over the table?” Michele took advantage of the teachable moment and explained that as children we don’t always get complete lists of the reasons “Why” things are necessary, but we need to wait, listen, and follow directions.

    I often worry that these personal stories may cause us to miss the spiritual connection. Right now you might be asking, “What do those two illustrations have to do with, Stop Lashing Out Wildly?”

    We all hate waiting. We all want to be in control. We have all experienced attacks in both the physical and spiritual realms. It is God’s desire for all of us to learn the value of waiting. The only way to be victorious is seeking God’s battle plan and strategy. We will only hear God’s answer when we quiet the distractions and wait on His revelation.

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5:17-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    We always run the risk, having faced the enemy before, of thinking we know how to deal with the situation, but God’s word will teach us that God changes His strategy - even when dealing with the same enemy.

“Once more the Philistines raided the valley; so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.” ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭14:13-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Remember Moses? Dealing with a thirsty crowd of Israelites in the desert, two separate occasions two different instructions on how to meet the need. In one place God said, “Strike the rock…” In the other place God said, “Speak to the rock…” What happened when Moses got angry and took matters into his own hands? Doing it wrong always comes with a cost. Moses missed out on entering the promised land. Are we going to pay a price, or are we going to wait on God and enjoy His intended outcome?

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Learning to wait, being able to Stop Lashing Out Wildly comes with some amazing benefits.

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Just to be clear, the emphasis in those scriptures was added. Still the truth is there. God calls each of us to be ready for the battles we are facing. We prepare ourselves in the times we wait in His presence. God gives us every spiritual weapon we need for victory. Put on the armor, wait, listen and follow His directions.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    If we learn the lessons of Pastor Paula’s Back to the Basics series, we will bring honor to the house of the Lord. Mastering those basics will allow us to gather others into the Kingdom of God. Waiting on the Holy Spirit comes with the promise of power from on high. Fresh anointing, and powerful outpouring of spiritual gifts begin with waiting.

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.” ‭‭Ezra‬ ‭7:27-28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

HARVEST

“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Heaven’s

Abundant 

Restorative

Victorious

Existence 

Supplying

Togetherness 

What is the goal of all the planting, watering, and tending God has called us to accomplish? Simply put, the goal is recognition and acceptance of Heaven’s abundant GRACE. The restorative healing power of God’s forgiveness will advance us into a victorious life. Not just a “pie in the sky” fairytale ending, but a truly VICTORIOUS existence that is marked by blessing and fullness.

Fruit of all spiritual variety, blessings that honor and glorify God will become abundant in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit is often representative of water, and Jesus said, His food was to do the will of His Father. God desires to bring healing to this world through us. Scripture teaches that we are the Temple, and that from within us the “Living Water” will flow when we are filled with the Spirit of God.

“In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. … Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭47:1, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ezekiel’s vision may take on a fresh meaning if we look at the symbolism through the focal point of restoration, spiritual growth and healing. The world we live in is READY for a revival. The children of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit gather the harvest. Working in unity is the key that will unlock our success!  For generations the work of planting, watering and tending the crop has been done by others. We are being sent to harvest. 

“You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:37-38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is a blessing to be able to gather the harvest, but we cannot accomplish the task if we are busy chasing our own desires while we put off God’s Kingdom. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve grown tired. I’ve been discouraged and I’ve occasionally taken my eyes off the eternal goal; but God always brings His children back, if we learn the lesson and don’t GIVE UP.

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:7-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Heaven’s Abundant Restorative Victorious Existence is Supplying Togetherness! If I may, I’d like to share an illustration from my life as a public school teacher. This happened pre-pandemic so keep that in mind. It is truly amazing how often I need to be reminded where my attention should be focused. Heaven offers us abundant restoration. God promises all who choose to accept citizenship in His Kingdom a victorious existence. His Spirit is supplying togetherness, even when we feel as if we are falling apart.

Students are always interested in how old I am mostly because my hair is white and in the last few years, getting around has become increasingly difficult. A student asked, “Mr. Garlit, how old are you?”

Not being ashamed of my age, I answered the question. At that point, the student asked, “When are you going to retire?”

Because it was a economics class and I thought the topic could lead into a discussion about making good investments, I answered with, “When I was your age, I thought I’d be retired at 55, but because I didn’t make wise investments, I missed that window and will have to retire at 61 or 62.” I was prepared to talk about investments and retirement savings, but what followed made me laugh so hard I nearly fell out of my chair.

The student responded with, “Mr. Garlit, you should just give up - now. You’re never going to make it.”

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

No matter how many mistakes we’ve made, no matter how many false starts or do overs we’ve gone through, the harvest is ready. God has a plan and purpose in everything. Nothing will stop God from establishing His victory in our lives.

Love is overcoming hate. Blessings outweigh the adversities of life, and redemption is available. Working side by side and arm in arm, we will bring in a harvest of souls. God has ordained and established His promises in us.

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:35-38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The fields are ready for harvesting. God has given us the message of salvation to share. Nations will hear and believe. Working in the harvest is an act of worship. Not that we are earning our blessings. We are simply and completely honoring God.

There is and will be a noticeable difference between the children of God and the world. Praise, worship, glory and honor belong to the Lord. His children will exhibit those attributes. Working in the harvest field inspires reverence toward God. That fact becomes my challenge. How has my life represented Heaven’s Abundant Restorative Victorious Existence is Supplying Togetherness?

“May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭67:5-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We may look back at our lives thinking of hardship and difficulties, but God’s promise is not behind us. God’s promise is before us.

“They that sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭126:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

TEND

““The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Timely

Endurance 

Nurtures

Discipleship

Timing is such a difficult thing to master. When is a response timely? It seems that some ministries get promoted and others get neglected. The same seems true for individuals. Years of my life have been spent in the classroom, and in the pulpit. With the current reality, educational pursuits have taken on more and more of a bent toward social work and counseling. Being timely and encouraging will nourish and build resilience in our friends and family. 

There can never be too much honest encouragement, but when it is not honest, based on accomplishments, and truthful, encouragement can do damage to the overall outcome of discipleship. We all need to be lifted up from time to time. We all need to see ourselves through the eyes of others, and we are all our own worst critics.

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25:11-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When we get the timing right, there is no end to the positive outcomes that will be produced in the lives we are tending. God works in us and we have the awesome ability as well as the responsibility to continually encourage others. What that looks like is different in every situation. God created, appreciates, and honors diversity. The needs we minister to and the encouragement we offer must be crafted by the Holy Spirit to fill individuals with eternal truth. The only non negotiable is sound Kingdom teaching from the word of God.

“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Faith must be tested. Just like trees and plants need to face pressure and resistance to fully develop, our faith and the seeds of truth planted within us are strengthened by the tests we endure. The line from an old Christian song sums it up like this, “And if I never had a problem, I’d never know my God can solve them.”

As we nurture one another, God’s provision of grace, and deliverance is revealed. Consider it an opportunity for joy, fulfillment, and a step toward perfection. Pressure produces diamonds and extreme heat purifies gold.

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Discipleship is a journey not a destination. Spiritual growth is a process not an instantaneous jump into maturity. Tending to the Spiritual growth in a multi-generational Kingdom oriented family requires patience, persistence, and pruning. Patience is cultivated in adversity. Persistence is rooted in confidence and grounded in God’s promises. Pruning is the work of the Holy Spirit as we follow His leading into ALL truth, and allow that truth working through every generation to shape us into the image of Christ.

“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:14-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Don’t be afraid to tend the patch of ground God has given you. As you plant, water and tend to the needs God has blessed you to notice, He will supply and multiply the harvest. God desires to be seen in the lives of His children.

“Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:52‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 

WATER

 “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” ‭‭John‬ ‭7:38-39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wisdom

Authenticates 

Transformation

Encouraging

Regeneration 

It is so difficult to know what to say and when to say it. Recently I was attending a midweek Bible Study. The presenter was going through the lesson and as she was teaching a thought kept running through my mind. I was concerned about a point that I thought she was missing, but didn’t say anything because, I never want to be seen as “that guy”, you know the one. The know it all that can’t allow others to grow at their own pace.

Keeping my mouth shut was a hard lesson that I didn’t learn until college. My classes at that point were all Theology and Religion, mostly New Testament, Pauline epistles. One afternoon I was half asleep during a presentation, when the professor asked me a question. As I proceeded to answer him and cut through what I considered a waste of time, he took that opportunity to teach me a lesson. He said, “Russ, your mind makes leaps. You cut to the answer before the rest of us are finished discussing the question.”

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. … Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. … The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:1, 4, 7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the case of the midweek Bible Study, the presenter eventually got to the point I thought was being missed. The essential question was, “Who is Jesus, and what are you doing with your relationship to Him?”

“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land. … For fools speak foolishness and make evil plans. They practice ungodliness and spread false teachings about the Lord. They deprive the hungry of food and give no water to the thirsty. … But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity. … Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field. And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32:1-2, 6, 8, 16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Planting the seed of God’s plan of salvation is a process. Watering that seed with vital refreshment of wisdom brings us into an authentic righteous relationship with Jesus. As we grow in that relationship, there are actions and attitudes we must get rid of in order to serve God’s purpose in our lives. Our natural reactions undergo a transformation.

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. … Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. … Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. … Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:8, 10, 12, 14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Getting rid of our old nature is more difficult than it sounds. Old habits die hard! Just when we think we have everything under control, life brings us back around to the very thing we, moments before, were convinced we had moved past. 

As we plant, water, tend and harvest in God’s garden of individuals we are often reminded of the struggles we have overcome and we realize that the love of God is the only thing holding us together. Don’t be afraid to plant seeds of faith along your journey. Water those seeds with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience! Never forgetting where we have come from or the things we have overcome by the power of God’s love, will strengthen our confidence as well as encourage others to experience the grace of God through the power of regeneration.

“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:3-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lasting growth takes time. The development of spiritual fruit requires submission to the Holy Spirit. Wisdom only comes with experience. Our responsibility is faithfulness to the message of salvation. Planting seeds of faith is hard work, and watering those seeds takes commitment.

When my wife and I moved into our home, there was a budding lemon tree in the backyard. Not having a green thumb, I neglected that poor tree for months. My in-laws came for an extended visit, and my father in-law nursed that tree back to health. By the end of their visit the tree was flourishing, but when they returned the next year the poor little tree was DEAD. 

The world we live in is a desert if we do not intentionally, purposefully, and regularly water those seeds, they will go the way of my little lemon tree. Natural lessons have a spiritual application. We may not have “green thumbs” when it comes to nature, but God has called us all to be workers in His vineyard. The rewards of a job well done will also grow with our faithfulness.

“The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬