The following is an excerpt taken partly from one of my books Come to the Garden:
I learned the importance of having a purpose in life. Jesus gave you and me a marvelous mission to tell others of him,“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:16).
I learned that I must make adequate preparation before planting a garden. This is especially so when teaching God’s word. Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
I learned that I can plant the seeds and water them, but I’m not in control. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7). As I labor on this earth, I must remember who is truly in control of all things.
I learned that seeds usually come up in their own good time. We must trust that after planting the seed of God’s word in the hearts of others, it will sprout according to God’s will (Luke 8:4-8).
I learned that while laboring in the garden, singing about Jesus makes a body feel better. Paul spoke of the spiritual boost that comes with singing, when he instructed that we should “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” We should “sing and make melody in our heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
I learned that young people and older people work beautifully together. As we work together, laboring in the Kingdom of God, we see the value in each, and we esteem each other highly. Paul wrote, “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).
I learned the value of hard work. Everyone should feel useful and needed. Paul told the Corinthians, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
I learned that working together in the garden develops a cooperative attitude, a spirit of unity. Not much is accomplished unless we work in harmony. As part of the body of Christ, let us endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
I learned the value of being a good steward of all God has given me. Jesus taught this in his parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
I learned that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. A discontented, argumentative person is just a person who is not at work. Paul warned of those women who, in their idleness, turned into “gossips and busybodies” (1 Timothy 5:13).
I learned that I reap what I sow. My actions have consequences. I cannot reap life eternal if I spread the seeds of unrighteousness. Paul warned the Galatians, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:9).
I learned that even against great odds, a scraggly plant can survive and flourish with a little TLC and people are that way too. So I will try not to give up quickly, but pour on more Christian love and care. Scripture reminds us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
I learned that in delicate gardens, one must tread lightly. There are times when it is wise to keep my mouth shut. The song writer, David, said it this way, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
I learned that dead leaves and branches must be pruned. In our lives, evil companions and evil, negative thoughts must be pruned. The Hebrew writer said, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Paul said we should “put to death” the fleshly desires that make us focus on earthly things (Colossians 3:2-9). But, “Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report . . . meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
I learned that gardens can be a source of healing for mind and soul. In truth, the events which began to unfold in the Garden of Gethsemane did just that! “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
I learned that God takes ugly things and transforms them into a work of beauty. If we’re patient, He will do the same with all of the ugly things that creep into our lives. Paul wrote these comforting words “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God . . .” (Romans 8:28).
I learned of the personal satisfaction that comes with a job well done. I imagine how grand it will be to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. ” (Matthew 25:21).
Today’s Verse: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:1-3).
By Teresa Hampton
Note: the book Come to the Garden may be found at publishingdesigns.com
Audios available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com