What's growing in your garden

Galatians 6:7-10

⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
¹⁰ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

God is an all knowing and all seeing God.  What is done in secret is not kept from him and you will reap what you sow.  If you are a sower of fleshly things, living any way you want, talking any way you want, treating people any way you want and basically just sinning day in and day out, then your end will be corruption.  Sin when it is finished, brings forth death and the only thing that will keep death from having victory over a man and keep him from hell is the blood of Jesus Christ.  Jesus loves you today and he desires fellowship with you.  If you are covered by the blood and become a sower of spiritual things you will reap eternal life and you will also enjoy the harvest of what you are sowing while on this earth.  Sowing spiritual things has rewards that are enjoyed daily.  When you do good for someone that you know can't repay you, you receive a reward of joy from Christ that warms your heart like nothing else can.  When you visit the sick that can't do for themselves, it blesses you in a mighty way.  When you share God's word with a stranger, your work will not go unnoticed by God.  We are taught by these verses that we are not to be weary in well doing, especially for our fellow Christians and this is good but don't let all of your well doing just be among those that are in your church.  Jesus taught us that those that are well need not a physician. 

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

He was sent to save sinners.  We too should be doing our "well doing" among sinners.  When we help a fellow Christian, that is good but if we let our light shine in the world and do good to those not of the faith then we are doing the work Christ would have us do.  These are the works that will draw a sinner to God.  Loving and doing good to those that love us is easy.  God expects more from us, he expects us to love those that don't love us, to help those that can never repay us, to do good to those that don't deserve it.  Our actions may be the only thing they ever know about God and as we are doing good unto others, God is forgiving us daily of all the sins in our lives. 

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

I would like to encourage you today to sow more spiritual seed in your life.  Show love to someone that is down and out, lift them up.  Visit a nursing home and read awhile to someone that can't help themselves.  Just be there for someone when you see them in need.  Begin to let Christ shine forth more day by day and not only will your sins be covered by his blood, but your life will be blessed.  You will see changes in your life such as joy, peace and happiness.  You will begin to enjoy your harvest daily and you will reap life everlasting.   

You must believe

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Having our faith tried teaches us to be patient. God's ways are not our ways and he does things in his own time frame. Many times when we ask something of him, we expect an answer right now, but God, knowing our every need will give the answer when it is best for our good. James goes on in this chapter and tells us exactly why we don't always get what we ask for. He tells us that if any wants wisdom to ask God and it shall be given to him. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. We all know that everyone is not wise. You might say, I ask but I am still not wise. I asked for good health, but I'm still sick. I ask for friendship, but I'm still alone. There is a good reason why you don't receive what you ask God to give you. You are not patient enough to keep faith in him until he gives it. If he doesn't give you what you ask for immediately, your faith begins to dwindle and fail. James goes on to let us know that when we ask anything, we must ask "in faith" and never doubt that God will answer. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. If we doubt that God is able, then we will not receive what we ask for. WE MUST BELIEVE. Lack of faith is the reason our prayers are not answered. Lack of faith is why we are not seeing miracles today like they saw when Jesus walked the earth. Lack of faith is why we are sick. James told the people if you can't have faith, then don't expect God to answer you. James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.Mathew also told us how important having faith was. Because the people from Jesus's hometown knew him and didn't have faith in him, they did not receive their healing.
Mathew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. We must believe that he is. If we can't believe, he won't answer. We hold the key to everything we want. Paul knew this and taught us that if we don't have faith in him, we will never please him.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. If we believe and have faith, he rewards us with answered prayers. He is a rewarder of those that seek him.
I encourage you today to seek him. Read his word and build your faith. He is listening and wants to give you all that you ask for.

There is so much more that can be said about believing and seeing our prayers being answered.  I did a post awhile back with some other thoughts on this.  Click the link to read that post.

Why prayers are not answered

The right path

Mathew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.


13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:


14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.


16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?


Jesus was a living example of how man should live and the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you is still the best way to live. Jesus knew when it was time to turn the other cheek and he also knew when not to. He showed his knowledge in this matter when he threw the people out of God's temple for buying and selling in a holy place. The world today has become so corrupted with sin that it's sometimes hard to know which way to turn. When the laws uphold evil and punish good, we have to look to the word of God for the truth and then stand upon his word. Jesus knew that this would happen. He knew that with the law on the wrong side that the broad way to destruction would be an easy path to take. He also knew that the ones that would stand upon his word and declare his name to be the only way to the Father would still find themselves upon that narrow path leading to life. He left us with a warning: Beware of false prophets. We have so many churches today that have chosen the broad path and accepted sin as being ok. These so called pastors are false prophets and they are leading their sheep straight into the path of hell fire. You can not compromise with the word of God. If a church is teaching anything that doesn't line up with God's word, then they are WRONG. There is no in between, there is no compromise. We must stand upon God's word if we are to stay on the right path. Jesus left no doubt as to how you would know the true men of God from the false prophets. He said you know them by their fruits. If their lives are not reflecting God's word clearly as being the only truth to live by, then they are false prophets and teachers. Jesus knew all about persecution and Paul taught us that if we suffer with him, then we will reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:There is a big difference between persecution and standing up for what is right. We will truly reign with Christ if we suffer persecution with him and just as he threw out the sinners that were in the holy temple doing wrong, he expects us to know when to stand up and say enough is enough.

Satan in the temptor

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We have heard it said all of our lives that God will not put more on you than you are able to bear. I agree that God will not do that, but it is not God that puts our burdens upon us, it is not God that causes our pain, it is not God that causes death and sickness. Sin is the cause of all these things that are so heavy that sometimes we can't bear them. Now let us talk about this scripture. This scripture is so completely taken out of context. First of all, it is used as the reference point for the saying I just spoke about, but you need to remember that temptation is not the same as grief or a burden to heavy to carry. This scripture is talking about temptation. The second thing to remember is that scripture teaches us in James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Satan is the one that is tempting you with evil. Satan is the one that whispers in your ear that nobody will ever know. Satan is the one that causes you to lust after someone that is not your own spouse. Satan is the one that says just try it, you won't become addicted. Are you beginning to see? Satan is the one doing all the tempting. The scripture in Corinthians is letting us know that if we put our faith and trust in God that he will see us through any temptation that is put upon us. If you are a child of God, he will take care of you the same as he took care of Job. Satan caused all of your problems. I urge you today to trust in God. Live for him, put your faith in him and he will always make a way for you. Satan may tempt you with sin, but God will make a way of escape.

Walk with the spirit

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
We as Christians are spirit filled beings living in a fleshly body in a world filled with sin. Our spirit is love and longs for the good things of God but it is constantly at war with our flesh. God gave us the Holy Ghost as a comforter and a guide. We must listen to the spirit when he speaks to our hearts or the flesh will rule over us. If we allow our flesh to rule then sin will manifest itself in our lives, but if we listen to the spirit others will see what we call "fruits of the spirit" being manifest. The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. To have these fruits in our lives brings peace to our lives, but to allow the fruits of the flesh to manifest brings forth sin and sin in the end brings forth death. I would like to encourage you today to live more in the spirit. Paul told us in 1Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. We can do this by keeping a prayer on our mind at all times. We need to read God's word daily, strive for a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and fail not to assembly ourselves together for worship services. All these things help us to walk in the spirit. It's hard sometimes to overcome the flesh. We all fight this battle, but the Holy Ghost will lead you true if you allow him to have his way in your life. My prayer is to encourage you and hope that you seek a closer walk with Christ. May his Holy Spirit lead you forward in your walk with him so that one day you will also reign with him.

The Truth

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Many people believe themselves free spirits, free to come and go and do anything their heart desires that they believe makes them happy. These people have not yet learned the truth, that Jesus Christ is the son of God, the only way to the Father and the only way to be truly FREE. Those that have not turned away from sin and committed their lives to God will never be free because they are a servant to sin. They may not have a physical master but they are still slaves and sin is a tough master to serve. This master (sin) will force them to become drug addicts, alcoholics, child abusers, adulterers, haters, and so much more. This master will never willingly set them free, but when they learn the truth, the truth will set them free. Jesus Christ is the truth and he is able to free you from any sin that has you in bondage. Just as he healed the sick and raised the dead over two thousand years ago, he is able to deliver you today. You simply must believe. I have seen miracles and I know he is able. The bible teaches us in Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. It is as simple as believing. Once you come to know Jesus Christ and begin to have a relationship with him, you will come to realize that you have finally found that peace that you had been searching for. His Holy Spirit puts a peace in your soul like no other and it is truly beyond understanding. Being a child of God doesn't make every problem you face in life go away, but it makes the problems dim in comparison to him. He always makes a way for his children where there seems to be no way. Being a child of God brings JOY to the soul and PEACE to the mind. As I write to you all this morning my heart is flooded with love for you and a longing to see souls saved and set free from sin. My prayer is that you come to know the TRUTH so that you may be set FREE.

God hates sin, but he loves the sinner

1 John 4:20-21 KJV
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

This is a very powerful part of God's word. Many people take this type of scripture and without truly understanding God's love will let themselves become a victim of the hate in the world. You have to read all of... God's word and apply it all to your life in order to be a true Christian. You have to understand that God hates sin. He is pure love and won't look upon it. 

Habakkuk 1:13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and 

canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

The Bible also teaches us that there are things that God even hates. One thing he hates is hands that shed innocent blood. I would not want to be the person that performed millions of abortions and have to stand before him one day in judgement. There is nothing more innocent than an unborn child. 

Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
As you can see from just a few other scriptures. It is possible to love your brother and still hate the sin that he may be committing. We should truly love every other human that walks this earth with a Godly love. We should be able to sincerely pray for their souls to be saved, but no where in God's word have I ever read that we have to love sin, that we have to tolerate sin, that we have to accept sin. God's word teaches us to lay aside sin and seek after him and his word.
1 Peter 2-1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

One Way

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 KJV
The sole purpose for Christ birth was to reconcile mankind back to God. Sin separated man and God in the Garden of Eden, but through Christ we have the opportunity of forgiveness for our sins. Through Christ we have the opportunity to be what God made us to be from the beginning. Man may teach that there are many ways to God. Man may teach that all religions lead to the same god, but that is a lie and the bible teaches us to beware of false prophets and teachers. There is only ONE WAY that man can be reconciled to God and that is through Jesus Christ. There is only one true God and that is the Great "I AM", the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and the word teaches us in 

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

If you listen to the word of man, you will find yourself on a path to destruction and one end up in a hell that was created for the devil and his angels. I choose to stand upon the word of God. If what man teaches doesn't line up with what the word of God says, then man is wrong.

He sees the blood

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 KJV
It is a wonderful feeling to know that we serve a God that only sees one of his children when he looks upon our face. He doesn't see color, he doesn't see race, he sees the blood of his precious son, Jesus. We all pray for peace and wish the world could love one another. There is only one thing that will ever make that possible, it's the blood of Jesus. He shed his blood for the salvation of the world and his blood is the only thing that will unite the world. If you have applied the blood of Christ to your life, then you are my brother or sister. Nothing else about you or me matters. If we are truly Christians then we are covered by the blood and we will love one another. I am thankful for the blood this morning because without it, there is no remission of sin. To those that are not covered by the blood, I pray that you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior before it's too late. This world is in a turmoil and sometimes it seems that things will never be any better and the truth is that they may not, but with Jesus beside us we have a blessed hope of tomorrow and more than that, we have a hope of a future with him as he promised in his word.

Under his wings

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Psalm 118:5-6 KJV
Many times I find myself worrying about what is going on in the world today, but then I hear that still small voice whisper, I won't let you fall. I am so thankful to know that I have the Lord with me. His word tells me in: Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. I am looking for the day when I see my Jesus. One day soon he is going to step our on the clouds of glory and his children are going to be called up to meet him in the clouds. Until that day, his word will sustain me. There is power in his word. His word is alive and it will lift up a sorrowful soul. If you find yourself in troubled times, run to the rock. Jesus Christ is that ROCK of salvation. He will hide you under his wings. Psalm 57:1
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Psalm 91:4
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. This teaches me that God's children will stand back and see the wrath of God, but they will not be a part of it.

Will he see the blood?

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Titus 2:11-12 KJV

This is a wonderful word and a person could take this one verse and write a book. It says so much about what a true Christian should be. Unfortunately in today's world it is hard sometimes to tell a Christian from anyone else in the world. My son will tell you quickly that it's all about the blood and it's all about Jesus. When God passed over the children of Israel and spared their firstborn in Egypt, he had them put the blood on the outside of the door posts. When he passed by and saw the blood, the ones inside the house lived. He was looking for the blood.

God tells us in his word that we are to come out from among the world and be a separated people. It's a wonderful thing to have the blood of Jesus applied to our hearts and it's true that God looks upon the hearts of man and knows our very thoughts. But if we are living like the world, dressing like the world, talking like the world, are we so covered up by the world that he can't even see the blood when he looks at us. When he looks at us, he is looking for the blood. It matters how we dress, how we talk, how we think, and what we do to others in this world. Just like the children of Israel in Egypt, we must apply the blood. It matters what's on the outside, it's the first thing God sees when he looks upon us. When he looks at you, Does he see the blood or does he see the world? I pray he sees the blood.

I am praying that 2016 brings me into a closer relationship with Christ. That when you look at me you see the blood that has been applied to my life. It's all about Jesus and it's all about the blood that he shed to save someone like me. I am nothing without him.