The Seed & The Soil (Part 2)

Harvest: (n) the season when ripened crops are gathered. (v) to gather (a crop or the like); reap. 

"And the farmer said to the potato; 'plant ya now, dig ya later'."

Gateway to the Farm

art by Vincent Van Gogh

"If you are too lazy too plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest."

-Proverbs 20:4

Yesterday as I finished part one of The Seed and The Soil I left with the reader a couple of questions that were on my mind. As I spent the day reflecting my main purpose was to evaluate, identify and acknowledge the areas of my life where I'm experiencing less than God's strength and power; the areas where my path is taking me across rocky, thorny and hardened terrain. I also wanted to acknowledge the area(s) where I'm on good soil and experiencing a bountiful harvest.

In both cases I wanted to know why I'm experiencing what I'm experiencing.

After a day's worth of reflection and some time in prayer I believe God gave me the answer.

It was during my time watering the grass and flowers early this morning that it became as clear to me as a cloudless day at the beach; the kind of clarity that enables a beach-goer to see where the water meets the sky.

Life at its best is like a clear day at the beach...

...we see everything

It was obedience.

Obedience to God's precepts and will for my life.

Obedience to Him is the key to all of the success and joy I experience in my life and disobedience is the key that unlocks all of the failure, misery and pain in my life.

 

Are there times in all of our lives that we will experience pain, trial and tribulation while being obedient? You bet. But many times we are our worst enemy, and when we review whatever troubles we find ourselves in financially, relationally, professionally, personally, physically, emotionally and spiritually it is because there was some form of disobedience on our part.

 

For the believer disobedience separates us from having fellowship with God because we know that disobedience is always viewed as sin in God's eyes. Disobedience doesn't eliminate our eternal salvation, but it does separate us from God's blessing and power in our lives. As I have it heard many times: choose to sin; choose to suffer.

 

Disobedience robs us of our peace and our peace is everything.

And if disobedience steals 'our' peace then obedience is what grants us God's favor in 'our' lives.

Obedience is the key.

Obedience

This past Sunday Pastor Ken shared with us an insightful question his 14 year old son Jackson (a freshman in high school) ask while on their family vacation. Jackson asks his dad... "Why do you think our church has grown so much in the last year?"

What a question for a young man to ask his Dad. I have tears in my eyes when I think about the direction this young man is going. To see a child maturing into a young man that has a mind that displays discernment and has such quality of thought is a beautiful thing.

A beautiful thing indeed.

And as beautiful as Jackson's question was his father's reply was just as beautiful, and truthful. Pastor Ken stated as he replied to his son; "It is the Gracious Favor of God and the working behind the scenes and under the surface for a long time that has caused the growth of Cypress."

And everyone said... Amen.

Again, obedience is the key; obedient to His Will, His Way and His Word.

Amen.

When one reflects on Ken's reply we realize that God will always do His part, but it is incumbent upon us, His children, to do our part. My mother has said more than a few times; "I can't help someone that isn't willing to help themselves."

We all have a part to play. 

A vital one.

When we "dig" a little deeper we realize that based on Ken's thoughts this past Sunday and God's word that one should always look beneath the soil to gain understanding and wisdom. We need to dig deeper. Beneath the soil we can observe what usually happens behind the scenes that facilitate growth and the "fruit" in our lives.

Charles Stanley always says; "You reap what you so, more than you sow; later than you sow."

We will always reap a harvest that is in direct proportion to what we sow.

It is a fact of life that is true in every facet of our life.

The principle is undeniable... and true.

The Harvest 1882

art by Camille Pissarro

Below let me share three observations from Pastor Ken that are ever present beneath the soil.

1. The Sower gives what he has & models who he is.

Yesterday we discussed the receiver and the four types of soil in Matthew 13:3..."Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed." But before we can identify with the soil we have to have seed. The key here is that if you don't possess the seed, it is difficult and impossible to sow it into the lives of others. When you think about it I can't teach Japanese to anyone because I don't speak, or understand, Japanese. I don't know Japanese. A parent can't teach the Gospel and share God's tender mercy and His saving grace with their children if they don't know and have a personal relationship with God themselves. The principle in all aspects of living to God's plan begins with me, with you, experiencing it before I, we, can pass it on. Again, I can't give, you can't give, what I, you, don't have. Finally, many of you've heard the saying; "you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time." At the end of the day, we model who we are. In our comings and goings and are so called meaningless interactions with others we display who we truly are. When we close the garage door and spend time privately with our family is who we truly are. When we entertain thoughts in private and conduct ourselves in certain ways when no one is looking is who we truly are.

Reflect.

Truly, who are you?

If you can't answer that question right now you can before the day is over. You can answer it in the next two minutes.

Accept Christ into your heart and life.

Do it right now.

The greatest aspect of being a believer and a follower of Christ is that shows us that WE, THAT YOU, THAT I, CAN CHANGE.

2 Corinthians 5:17 states: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."

Want change; get Christ.

Want a seed to sow; a seed that sows goodness in the life of you, your family and friends... Get Christ.

Want to know who you are, what you believe in and what your purpose is while living here on this earth... then get Christ. John 14:6 shares with us Jesus' belief and truth; "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

He is the way. 

He is the truth. 

He is life; life at its fullest. 

And He is waiting for you.

Ask yourself two questions today:

• Are you satisfied with the seed you carry and spread?
• How are you known?

2. Big things often start small as in a seed or an idea.

In the late 1800's a guy by the name of Henry Ford had an idea. He wanted to improve transportation. From that seed of desire to change the status quo in transportation he developed the vision for an automobile. On October 1,1908 the Model T was unveiled. 

Henry Ford was only 45.

Henry Ford (1888 - 25 yrs old)

Every great invention starts as a small idea, a very small seed, that when watered with determination and desire and planted with vision and focus, then, and only then, can it, will it, grow and blossom into something wonderful for all to see and something that can make a difference in others lives. If you are a parent think about what you just read. We as parents all have that small seed that needs to watered with all the same ingredients that Ford used to build his dream car. And though his invention changed the way we travel today the responsibility we entertain with our children is far more important. It is far greater.

Remember, whether you have a seed of faith or seed of bitterness within you it only has one option and that option is to grow. It may lay dormant for days, weeks, months or even years, but eventually it will spring into life for everyone to see. What is inside of you will always come out. Always. And our family and children are the first to see it.

But with everything I just said there is hope.

Don't give up, don't ever give up.

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

-Matthew 17:20 

A mustard seed of faith is all we need to change our circumstance, situation and our lives.

A mustard seed.

Now that is some serious hope. 

3. Comparison and uniqueness of planting vs. scattering.

When one observes someone scattering something they soon realize that much is "throw" out there with the hope something, or someone, catches it. This scattering is often done with little thought and preparation. I often have parented this way. And I can tell you it doesn't work. When we scatter we lack purpose and this truth is no different than the parable of the seed being thrown on the four different soils.

When we move beyond scattering and into planting we immediately become more strategic, more intentional; more purposeful.

Proverbs 31: 16-18 states: "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."  Do you think the women that Solomon was talking about knew that she would be in God's word for millions upon millions to read about until the end of time?

You reap what you sow, more than you sow; later than you sow. 

Sometimes the greater the sow the greater and long lasting the harvest is that often times is beyond our scope of time to see the true impact of the initial sowing. 

Please read that again.

So very, very true.

Remember, when you plant you become more intentional and focused, and when we plant we should always do it with the anticipation of what will happen down the road.

A harvest.

In closing, a very good friend of mine named Jen sent me a message on facebook yesterday; "Your blog keeps getting better with every update. Love it and good job!" she said. As I reread those "13" words tears began to stream down my face. Jen has been a great friend for some time and truly knew me, saw me, at my lowest point. She saw the dysfunction of promiscuity, an irresponsible lifestyle and over all waywardness in my life. My language was bad and my attitude was even worse; my behavior was poor and my faith was anemic. 

I was lost. 

And it was with those "13" words Jen encouraged me, encouraged me to continue what I do; write. She reminded me that what I do when I write is what God wants me to do. When I'm writing I'm truly in the center of His will for my life. And with those "13" words Jen shared with me she directly, and indirectly, acknowledged the fact that she sees the transformation that has occurred in my life. Have I failed? Yes. I failed yesterday and I failed miserably last week. But God still remains faithful and He has a work He wants to do in, through and for me. In Psalms 69 David shares with the reader the many misgivings, failures and fears he has only to state in verse 13: "But I keep right on praying to you, Lord, HOPING THIS IS THE TIME YOU WILL SHOW ME FAVOR."

Thank you Jen for your encouraging words... I love you.

And thank you GOD FOR NOT GIVING UP ON ME AND blessing me a bountiful harvest in so many different areas of my life, and reassuring me with your word and wisdom that in the areas of my life that are being robbed of your fullest potential for me, because of my disobedience, that you will remain patient with me and faithful to me.

No words can express the gratitude I feel as I type these words knowing that you, God, and you alone, are for me and not against me in every area, every nook and cranny and every facet of my life.

Thank you again for your patience and faithfulness you have shown me.

Thank you.

And please bless the seed that is your word and your good news in my life; please bless my soil so it can grow something beautiful.

"Lord help me become all you want me to be and to remember it always begins small and grows from there."

And everyone said... Amen.

sbb 20.7.11

2291

Word of God Speak . MercyMe

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The Seed & The Soil (Part 1)

Agriculture: the science, art, or occupation concerned with cultivating land, raising crops, and feeding, breeding, and raising livestock; farming.

 "Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed."

-Matthew 13:3

The Old Farm 

In Tom Brokaw's book "The Greatest Generation" he describes a generation that grew up in America during the Great Depression and went on to fight in World War II. In his book the journalist Brokaw lamented the values, the strength, and the contribution of a generation that put their country, family and others first. The broadcaster and journalist wrote in his 1998 book, "it is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced." He argued that these men and women fought not for fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. And when they returned from war they rebuilt America into a superpower. 

They fought to protect American and they fought to rebuild America. 

The greatest generation was made up of many different people, but one of the truest signs of America's patience and strength was the farmer.

Farmers like Houston Pannell.

Houston Pannell was a member of the 'Greatest Generation'; a group of men and women that die at the rate of a 1,000-plus per day.

Houston Pannell died in September of 2010.

Below is an excerpt written by  Hembree Brandon  in Western Farm Press entitled "America's Greatest Generation of Farmers"

Except for his time in the U.S. Army, he was a farmer his entire life, rooted in the small community of Ellistown in northeast Mississippi. He started with pretty much nothing, and through hard work and saving (not to mention an innate knack for horse trading), managed to gradually acquire land that resulted in a fairly sizable farming operation.

All, of course, with the unflagging support of his wife, Sue, who herself had known firsthand the back-aching, long days of dragging a cotton sack down the rows, but still managed, as their farm grew, to keep house, look after children, tend a garden, can and freeze a bountiful store of things she’d grown, cultivate masses of gorgeous flowers, and set a heaping table, including to-die-for cakes, pies, cobblers, and banana pudding. They were married for 66 years.

Because he grew up and lived in a cotton-based agriculture, Houston grew and loved cotton, although he also had beans and corn. He was a good farmer, a good citizen, and as was attested by the hundreds who came for visitation and filled the church for his funeral, a good man.

The Greatest Generation is made up of people like Houston Pannell; good men and good women who did what was needed to be done with little fanfare or praise.

They just did what they had to do. 

And they often did their best.

Doing our best is vital and paramount to sustainable growth and success in our lives. Doing our best enables us to experience life at its fullest and aids us into becoming of value to everyone we come in contact with.

This past Sunday Pastor Ken Murphy spoke on the topic of doing our best, asking those in attendance: "How do you achieve the best of what God wants for you in your personal life, family life and professional life."

The sermon was the beginning of a sermon series entitled Agriculture 1.0 based on God's word in Matthew 13:1-9; the story of the farmer scattering seed.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. ² Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. ³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

-Matthew 13:1-9

The obvious interpretation of this parable is that four types of people are described by the four different paths; paths with soils that were hardened, rocky, full of thorns and productive.

Let me explain further.

Hardened: The first path that the seed was scattered on was one of hardened soil and because of this the birds snatched the seed away quickly. Many times if we are not careful our hearts can become hardened like dry soil and lack the ability to recognize and accept something good that is surrounding us. Remember, a path is usually how you get from one destination to another and like going from destination to destination we can live life on a path that is just living for one big event to the next big event missing everything in between. Couple that short sighted living with a harden heart to God's daily mercies and grace, and it becomes easy to lose sight of God's day by day faithfulness & miss what God had planned for us. Our hearts must be fertile soil for us to be able to acknowledge, entertain and accept God's best for us while we walk this path called "life's journey".

Rocky: The rocky path is depicted as a soil that produces a quick sprout but fizzles out and dies quickly thereafter. This soil represents those who jump in quickly to different tasks but do not follow through and finish to completion. We have all met people like this in our lives. Some reside in our family, neighborhood, place of employment and church. And if we're to be honest with ourselves and examine closer we too will see that we have been that very person; a person that is characterized by no visible depth of character or spiritual roots. I must admit there have been times in my life that "no depth" was the order of the day and it was during those times that my priorities were out of wack and true direction was lacking. It was, and still can be, a miserable place to live. It affects everything and everyone around you.

Thorns: A thorny path with soil full of weeds might be the most destructive of all. Thorns have the ability to choke out any good. Often times the path that is full of thorns is also full of weeds and vines. Vines, unlike weeds, can be beautiful, but they also can be destructive if not monitored. In the book "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay he describes the vines of our lives this way: 

"Everything fits Peekay. Nothing is unexplained. Nature is a chain reaction. One thing follows the other; everything is dependent on something else. The smallest is as important as the largest. 'See,' he would say, pointing to a tiny vine curled around a sapling, 'that is a stinkwood sapling which can grow thirty meters, but the vine will win and the tree will be chocked to death long before it will ever see the sky.'

He would often use an analogy from nature. 'Ja, Peekay, always in life the idea starts small, it is only a sapling idea, but the vines will come and they will try to choke your idea so it cannot grow and it will die and you will never know you had a big idea so big it could have grown thirty meters through the dark canopy of leaves and touche the face of the sky.' He looked at me and continued. 'The vines are people who are afraid of originality, of new thinking. Most people you encounter will be vines; when you are young plant they are very dangerous." His piercing blue eyes looked into mine. 'Always listen to yourself, Peekay. It is better to be wrong than to simply follow convention. If you are wrong, no matter, you have learned something and you will grow stronger. If you are right, you have taken another step toward a fulfilling life'." 

The one thing that I learned is that if, and when, some areas of life are going well, other areas can be experiencing failure and because of that misery can creep up like weeds, and if those areas are left unattended they have the ability to choke the life out of all the good things that are going on in our lives. Also, people can become weeds in our lives with their discouraging spirit and disqualifying tongue. They can speak anxiety and stress, negative thinking and doubt into our lives just to name a few. Listen for God only; He will direct us to good soil. 

His soil. 

Good Soil: Good soil, like good decisions, can, and will, produce a crop of 100 / 60 / 30 fold. We all have the ability to be "good soil" for others and to live in "good soil" ourselves. The decision is ours and the joyful experiences that go along with it are ours too.

As I reflect on this passage of scripture and it's message I realize that it's not as simple as defining and acknowledging the four different paths one can take, and the soil we can tread upon, because I can think of certain areas of my life which may fit one category and another area which may fall into a different category. Many times I feel strong about my faith only to fail miserably in another area that I thought I had moved past. I start out with vitality and strength only to fizzle and die when the heat of temptation pours its heat on me bringing me to the realization that my roots aren't as deep as I once thought and that I'm more immature than I am mature. Or there are other times that my heart is hard to another's need and I miss the blessing that God had prepared for me and the other person. And then there are the times that I allow myself to be surrounded by weeds and vines only to have my thoughts and beliefs sabotaged, albeit for a short time, but nevertheless still sabotaged.

I'm going to end here and finish tomorrow. 

Tomorrow I will discuss three observations beneath the soil.

But for the balance of today I'm going to reflect upon what categories of life I am walking down. Is it the rocky path, a thorny path or a hardened path? And in what area of my life am I doing it? I also want to identify the good soil in my life and ask myself what am I doing in those areas that I'm experiencing the goodness of God's favor?

Then I'm going to pray for His direction, discernment and forgiveness.

And then I'm going to pray for God's favor in every area of my life and on every path I take.

I hope you do the same today.

sbb 19.7.11

1883
Pink Houses  .  John Cougar Mellencamp
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A Child's Anger (re-post 7.18.10)

 Below is a piece I wrote in 2000 and publicly shared on mybabyroc last July 18th. when I reread the words my thought immediately go to Caylee Marie Anthony. There is so much that I have on my mind concerning the events surrounding this precious little girl and her horrific fate, but I want to let my feelings subside and reflect on the total situation. I know there is something I can learn from this tragedy.

Caylee Marie Anthony

 "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

-Psalms 127:3-5

 A Child's Anger

Provoke: to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex.

As parents there is no bigger responsibility than raising our children. They are but entrusted to our care for such a short time, and though the "diaper stage" seems to go on forever, and the teenage years try our patience's, we as parents, have been wonderfully (and perfectly) blessed to have them in our lives. In the words of Jerry McGuire; "they complete us".

Well, he actually said; "you complete me", but you know what I mean.

With this wonderful gift comes a huge responsibility. The responsibility is so grand that, as everyone reading this knows, I will not even attempt to tackle such an exhaustive list. Plus, with the amount of failure that I have entertained in this area I'm better served being brief. 

As I said the list is long in the responsibility area when it comes to our children. Singer and song writer Sting's words come to mind often when contemplating my duty when he pointed out the difference between a weapon and a child; stating that "a permit is needed for a gun, but not for this responsibility".

It should be the other way around.

One of the biggest areas that we as parents have a profound effect upon our children is in the area of their emotional well being. We can't always make our children happy, but we can be the cause of much consternation in their life if we're not careful. Ephesians 4:6 states; "And now you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with discipline and instruction approved by the Lord."

I believe there are times that our children are going to be mad or upset with us when we have to tell them no in order to protect them, or when we have to discipline them for poor behavior. Proverbs 29: 15 says; "To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child."  Proverbs 29:17 states; "Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind."  I believe both of those verses, and I also believe it's important that we realize that their "happiness and peace of mind" is just as important as ours. 

Each one of us as parents have the ability, and are very capable if we're not careful, to crush our child's spirit and produce resentment within them by treating them unfairly. 

Discipline is different than punishment. One protects the child, the other promotes our anger. One will "ultimately" make the child feel better, the other makes us, the parent, feel better for the moment. 

Discipline is about the child; punishment is about the parent.

Below is a list I wrote in my journal, dated June 30, 2000, that I believe are ways we can provoke our child's anger. Please allow me to share.

10 Ways to Provoke Your Child's Anger:

1. Over Protection...too much of anything is not a good thing. Don't hover.
2. Favoritism...kids can tell which child is the "apple of your eye". The irony is that this unfair and poor behavior produces resentment in the others towards the "one" that you so desperately want to love and protect. Love them all...they deserve it. Read the story about Joseph in the Old Testament.
3. Unrealistic Expectations...short of being criminal or immoral; dishonest or cruel, the only expectation we should have for them is to fulfill their destiny in being all that they can truly be. It's their life...not ours.
4. Over Indulgence...if you give them everything now this will become the standard in their future. Is that really fair to their future spouse (or spouses)? We aren't supposed to get everything we want for a reason...we can't handle. One doesn't have to look any further than young superstar actors, musicians and athletes.
5. Discouragement...we will discourage our children every time if we lack understanding concerning their situation...try to see things from their point of view. You don't have to agree with them, but you will build their trust and gain their respect if you honestly try to identify with where they are coming from. Also, discouragement is produced when there is too much or not enough discipline...think about it. Always ask yourself...is this discipline or punishment?
6. Failing to sacrifice for them... Webster defines sacrifice as "the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim." I really can't add anything to that...either you are or you're not...only you know. There were times that my needs were more important than my children's needs. I ask you...who was the child then?
7. Not letting them fail...Look for progression, not perfection. Besides we weren't created or made equipped to protect them from failure. Remember, some failures are a good thing.
8. Neglect....physically, spiritually, financially, mentally, emotionally and relationally. All of these areas are important. Also,  a lack of "consistent" discipline is neglect.
9. Abusive words...if you abuse your children verbally either grow up or give them to someone else because you are not doing them any good.
10. Physical Abuse...I can't even utter the words on how I feel about this topic.

At the end of the day, we all have a role to play. Children are commanded to obey their parents, and we as parents, are admonished to protect our "heavenly gifts" every day.

Every single day.

As I was watching the British Open early this morning the commentator Paul Azinger commented about the advice he once received from his late mentor that has since past. The advice that was passed onto him was this; "the best dreams are experienced with our eyes wide open." These times are supposed to be the best times in our children's lives. This is not a dress rehearsal...they only get one childhood and they are watching us with "eyes wide open" everyday. They are depending upon us to do right by them and trusting us to do the right thing. Let's do our best to help produce a childhood that is reminiscent of a wonderful dream, not create a nightmare.

Let's not disappoint them.

Remember, it is important to bloom where you are planted and our children are planted squarely, and firmly, in our garden...let's make sure our garden turns out beautiful for everyone to see and enjoy.

 

Perfection

...go find your kids right now and look them in straight in the eye and tell them that you love them. If they are no longer living at home with you call them and tell them that you love them...go ahead and do it...do it now.

You and child will both be happy you did.

sbb  18.7.10   

1137  

God Bless The Child  .  Lou Rawls

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