A group of ministers and a salesman's organization were holding conventions in the same hotel, and the catering department had to work at top speed serving dinners to both. The salesmen were having spiked watermelon for dessert. But the chef discovered that it was being served to the ministers by mistake. "Quick!" he commanded a waiter. "Bring it back!" The waiter returned, reporting that it was too late. The ministers were already eating the liquor-spiced treat. "Do they like it?" asked the chef. "Don't know," replied the waiter, "but they're putting the seeds in their pockets."
I wonder if they are going home to plant them?! Best watermelon they ever had (LOL) It's important to keep laughing!
The weather and this little story reminded me of the growing season. I was talking to someone, on the phone, the other day and they said between the rain and the warm weather, things are really taking off in his garden. Hopefully it is going to be a good season for produce and people will be blessed as they work their patch of ground.
The Apostle Paul also talks about gardening as an analogy in doing ministry. He states, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-9 NIV)
Paul is saying we all have a part, as a team, ministering for Christ. Some do one thing, some do another thing, and God brings it all together. He is the one that ultimately causes all growth to take place. We “plant” and we “water”. He is the one that brings forth the fruit.
This says several things to me…
Everything counts. Nothing is too small or insignificant. As the old saying goes “Little is much when God is in it.” Church history proves that over and over again!
We all have something to offer. We all have different gifts, talents, resources that we can bring to the table. The key issue is stewardship. How do I view what He has first given to me?
God is looking for willing servants. It is a decision of our will. Gardens will grow but so do weeds. Am I willing to spend time weeding His garden so that it will help in the growth and production process?
We have to be patient. Gardens grow at different rates based on a variety of factors. I think one of the biggest factors in gardening and the Christian life is perseverance – hanging in when we don’t see a lot happening – when our expectations are not being meet. Keep watering! Keep planting! As Paul says, “Do not grow weary of doing good, for in do season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 ESV)
We might not see the harvest or full harvest because we have a limited perspective. However, God sees the full picture! As this verse reminds us, someday in glory God will bring us up to speed. Every investment in the kingdom will bear temporal and eternal fruit. Something awesome to look forward to!
I want to encourage you this day as you “garden for the Lord.” You are a great team. Keep watering and planting away, my friends. May His grace and love empower you!
Keep safe and keep in the love of Jesus – Pastor Ralph
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