JUNE 11 – God's garden

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.   As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.   Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.   But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.   Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.   Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.   Whoever has ears, let them hear” - Matthew 13: 3-9

Everywhere you look at the moment, gardens are beginning to burst with colour. Shrubs, borders, and vege' patches in neighbour's gardens are competing for the best display. But, have you noticed how gardening has changed? At one time it was unheard of to mix flowers and vegetables in the border arrangement. Now, they happily rub leaves with each other, leaving us rubbing our eyes and wondering, 'Is that an Alium, or is it an onion?' 'Is that an over-sized rock plant, or an ornamental cabbage?' I was thinking about this when I came across the following by an unknown author -

In growing a healthy, fruit-bearing church, try this plan....

Plant three rows of squash -

Squash gossip

Squash criticism

Squash indifference

Plant seven rows of peas -

Prayer

Promptness

Perseverance

Politeness

Preparedness

Purity

Patience

Plant seven heads of lettuce -

Let us be unselfish and loyal

Let us be faithful to duty

Let us search the Scriptures

Let us not be weary in well-doing

Let us be obedient in all things

Let us be truthful

No garden is complete without turnips -

Turn up for church

Turn up for prayer meetings and Bible Study

Turn up with a smile, even when things are difficult

Turn up with determination to do your best in God's service.

“After planting, may you grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)” And may you reap rich results.

Our music choice today is “Sow Mercy” - Gaither's Vocal Band