North Santa Rosa

Living With Purpose

Except for communities like Jay, we live in a generation that knows little about farming and agriculture, though we’re heavily dependent upon those who work the land.
I read a story about two young farm kids who were sent out to sow corn in the family garden behind their shed. Their father had already prepared the soil, so their task was a simple one: plant and cover the kernels of corn. However, once out of sight from the house, they opted for a short-cut. They should’ve known better, but they “buried” the kernels in some soft soil beside the path. Their mother and father watched eagerly for the corn to sprout in the garden—until they discovered a small thick patch of corn plants emerging beside the path to the garden. Galatians 6:7 says, “Don’t be misled. You can’t mock the justice of God. You’ll always harvest what you plant.”
Since many people know very little of the process, it isn’t unusual that some words related to farming are misused. People talk about cultivating crops. But the soil itself is what’s cultivated, both in preparation for planting and in tending the crops as they grow.
You can learn a lot from a person who plants and works the field. James 5:7 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” And 2 Corinthians 9:10 says, “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” All people, regardless of vocation are dependent upon God.
There’s a lesson taught in the Bible that reminds me of a fond memory I have of my grandmother. On a hot summer day I spent one of many days at my grandparent’s house. I was seven or eight years-old at the time. My grandfather got up early and headed out to the field on the tractor. My sister and my aunt were preoccupied playing something and it was only me and Grandmaw left to figure out the day. She asked me if I wanted to go gather the eggs. I jumped at the chance and shot out the door. I didn’t run more than 10 yards before a turkey met me around the corner and stopped me in my tracks. So, I ran and jumped up on a picnic table in the back yard, not realizing it could’ve easily flown up there on me! When the coast was clear, I ran back inside and asked Grandmaw to go with me. I told her the story and she laughed and said of course!
As we walked through the yard, she started telling me how she planted this flower, that flower, this plant, that plant, this tree and that tree, and where she was going to plant another bed of flowers. She asked if I wanted to help. This thrilled me because she seemed to know what she was doing and I was eager to learn! She showed me how to till the dirt, throw out the rocks and roots, then in a very succinct way she planted another flower she had dug up from another part of the yard. She watered it with a watering can and said, “That’s it! Now we can watch it grow!”
Grandmaw passed away earlier this year during the winter months, but many of her plants came up again this spring; which is “living proof” that things can grow and return annually with beautiful blooms if you tend the soil the right way in the beginning.
What you plant in the fertile soil of your heart is important. Plant God’s Word in your mind and soul and prepare your heart by opening it up to God’s truth. You can do this by doing a few basic things:
• First, there must be a desire on your part. If we don’t want the Word of God in our hearts, it won’t be there. Everything starts with desire.
• Second, we get prepared by studying the Bible.
• Third, the best way to prepare yourself is by communicating regularly with God in prayer and worship.
When these three things come together in our hearts we are cultivating the “soul” where God’s truth can grow and His wisdom will guide us in the path we need to follow.

Posted by on Jul 5 2015. Filed under Church News, Living With Purpose, Local, Top News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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