August 31, 2007

The other day I looked at my table and there were peaches, figs, apples, almonds, tomatoes, eggplant and grapes – all from my garden. I savor lunches in the summer!

Harvest is so rewarding. We literally get to enjoy the fruit of our labor. The same is true in the world of spiritual realities.

Jesus told his disciples to get out there, the fruit is ready. And that’s where He wants loving followers today. As I learned from being gone 4 weeks this summer, if you wait too long to harvest, you’ve missed out all together.

I’m having to learn that I don’t grow God’s harvest. He does. I can assist with a safe, nurturing environment in which God can work His miracles, but the growth is not my work
So some principles I’ve learned from my garden. These apply to our witness. (Just in case you’re a little slow today)

I can’t recognize ripe fruit unless I walk in the garden.
In God’s garden, fruit is always ripening.
I can’t be afraid to wield a knife.

“Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest.” John 4:35

Rejoicing in hope,
Pastor Steve