Discrimination leads to Elimination

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 22^nd letter:

Text for the day: Galatians 3:28

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.

Our Theme for the day: Discrimination leads to Elimination

A few weeks ago I had gone to see a friend who was very sick. After ten minutes with him, he said to me, Elder all you hear on the news these days is nothing but issues with no solutions, or answers. I must admit, he was just about right with his statement. We can all agree if you have been around for the pass twenty five years that more Issues have arose than we can find answer. In every quarter of the world is some kind of issue. Issues in our family, schools, Governments, and sad to say even in the church, we live in a world filled with issues, and it’s not getting any better. But that is only one thing of the story, there is another concern that is calling for the prayers of the servants of God, and that is the spirit of discrimination. Although laws or legislations of Governments prohibit discrimination it is still going on. In some areas such as employments and training centers or some families, discrimination is shown to ethnic groups, on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age and disability. In other areas, discrimination covers areas such as education, social security, and healthcare, access to goods and services and housing.

What does discrimination mean? Both direct and indirect discrimination are covered by the rules. Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another in a comparable situation because of their racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. An example of direct discrimination is a job advert which says "no disabled people need apply." However, in reality discrimination often takes more subtle forms. That is why indirect discrimination is also covered. This occurs when an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice would disadvantage people on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation unless the practice can be objectively justified by a legitimate aim. An example of indirect discrimination is requiring all people who apply for a certain job to sit a test in a particular language, even though that language is not necessary for the job. The test might exclude more people who have a different mother tongue. By the EU's anti-discrimination policy

The Bible teaches that God disapproves of discrimination, as His called out people he has appointed us firstly, to lift high the name of Jesus. And secondly to treat all man equal, and as a brother or sister. The book of Colossians 3:11 says, “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. He loved us, and as Gods blood brought children we should love all man.

Finally, anything that lessens physical strength enfeebles the mind and makes it less capable of discriminating between right or wrong. COL 346 by Ellen G. White

The apostle Peter understood the relation between the mind and the body and raised his voice in warning to his brethren: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from freshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11). Many regard this text as a warning against licentiousness only; but it has a broader meaning. It forbids every injurious gratification of appetite or passion. Every perverted appetite becomes a warring lust. Appetite was given us for a good purpose, not to become the minister of death by being perverted, and thus degenerating into "lusts which war against the soul." What is clouding your mind today, and causing you to have issues and a spirit of discrimination? As Gods servant, we can only serve from a pure heart. If you have problems in this area of your life today remember Jesus your elder brother is praying for you. For if we do not overcome discrimination it will leads to our Elimination form heaven.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for the spirit of anti-discrimination in a world filled with issues.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

MIND OVER MATTER

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 21^st letter:

Text for the day: Isaiah 35:4

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Our Theme for the day: MIND OVER MATTER

When I was young, my late mother, (Mrs. Grace E. Bean Santucci), would tell my siblings and me if we were going through a problem, “it’s just a mind over matter”. Friends we are living in a world of fear where people are so fearful. But the servants of God should not be fearful or live in fear. According to “1 John 4:18 which says, there in no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love”. Today, mankind are in need of fearless servants of God, who understand that there is a God in heaven who will strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, “Isaiah 35:3”. If we put more time in serving those around us from a heart of love then worrying about the problems, then there would be less time to be fearful. The mind takes on a new energy through the power of the Holy Spirit and added angels, when you are emerge in service for others. Weakness is turned to strength, in the act of service to others. And the lack of confidents is turned into full confidents, or being fully assured.

It seems that my mother knew something, and I, as one of her ten children have been most grateful for her wisdom. Science is echoing my mother’s sentiments, by telling us that to secure a strong, well-balanced mind; both the mental and the physical powers must be exercised and developed. Yes it’s just a mind over matter, stop being fearful when problems come because worry kills.

This leads me to my second point, there is an intimate relation between the mind and the body, and in order to reach a high standard of moral and intellectual attainment, the laws that control our physical being must be heeded. Without physical exercise, no one can have a sound constitution and vigorous health; and the servant of God who has a well-regulated time set aside for labor, will secure a strong active mind, and a noble character. Today let us seek to preserve the full vigor of all our powers for the accomplishment of the work before us. Whatever detracts from physical vigor will weaken your mental effort. Hence we need to see that every practice unfavorable to the health of the body should be resolutely shunned.

In the word of the apostle Paul he said, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." We cannot maintain consecration to God and yet injure our health by the willful indulgence of a wrong habit. Self-denial is one of the conditions, not only of admission into the service of Christ, but of continuance therein. Christ Himself declared, in unmistakable language, the conditions of discipleship: "If any man will come after me, let him deny him-self, and take up his cross, and follow me." There is a road that leads to spiritual immaturity, fear, and finally death of the servant of God. And that road is selfishness.

As a servant of God, you shall face problems today; but it’s not the problem that shall make you today, but how you handle it. Finally, I give you my late mothers saying to my siblings and me, “it’s just a mind over matter”. Precious hours of probation are spent, God-given means squandered, to please the eye or to gratify the appetite. Custom holds thousands in bondage to the earthly and sensual. Many are willing captives of fear; they desire no better portion. Remember, the problems in our lives are just a mind over matter.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for those who are living in fear, that they may see that it’s just a mind over matter

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

Seasonal Food

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 20^th letter:

Text for the day: 1 Peter 1:12

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

Our Theme for the day: Seasonal Food

It is often said that present truths are testing truths. To accept them has required more faith than is possessed by the nominal follower of God. Have you notice lately, that the majority of people who profess religion are willing to accept the truths that require no sacrifice of ease or pleasure? But when a testing truth is presented, a truth that to accept would mean to stand alone, the vast majority refuse to face it and walk away. The Bible speaks of these special messages of truth under the name of “present truth”. Like a parent who gives instructions to a child for today, this is liken to present truth, yesterdays instruction was for yesterday, which is liken to past truth. Although yesterday’s word is good, it is not present truth for the child today. In Genesis Chapter 6 and 7 the Bible speaks of a coming flood, which was a special truth for a special time, this was a present truth.

But in the days of Moses, God’s message to Noah for the people of his day was not a testing or present truth to him. So it was in the days of John the Baptist, he was given a message of present truth for the generation of his day, and not for Moses. His message could not be preached to the generation before, or the generation after him, for it would not have been a testing truth or present truth. The great fundamental truths of the Bible such as the state of the dead, the suffering, and redemption of Christ, may and should be preached at any time. However, present truths cannot always be preached, for they are not always true, and therefore are not always in season. They are seasonal.

No message of present truth has ever been permitted by God before the due date. But has the time arrived for an awakening of meat in due season, known as present truth? I would have to say yes, and this is the reason why. As every message of present truth has always included in it all the truths that had been revealed before it was presented, so it will be with God’s last or present day message, every truth that has been revealed to man will be included. Matthew 24:44-45 say’s, Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

This food in do season is present truth; it is seasonal food, which includes the message of the soon coming of Jesus, and a preparation to meet Him in peace. This food in do season in our day will entail a call to the judgment, for we are living in the judgment hour. This food in do season, which is present truth, will entail the message of the fall of Babylon as the popular massagers, reject Bible truths and persecute God’s people for shearing it. And finally, this food in due season, which is present truth, will show a contrast with those who keep the commandments of God, and those who will eventually have the mark of the beast. As a servant of God today you must ask your self these questions, am I a commandment keeper, or a commandment breaker? Not that the law of God will save you, it can’t, only Jesus saves. But do I love Jesus with all my heart that what ever he asks of me I will do? As servant of God today, you must continue to point out the right, and speak the truth in love even if you are not popular. You are not called to speak or live a popular message, but an unpopular one, which is present truth. This week-end let us find someway of which we can unite our community’s, and look to be prepared for further service in the Lord. Don’t Give Up. Look Up!

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for faithfulness in the servants of God in the speaking of present truth.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

Walk in the light

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 19^th letter:

Text for the day: John 12:35

Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.

Our Theme for the day: Walk in the light

As we look back through History, we see that there are only a few time’s of great significance were there was need for a message of hope. Woody Allen once said, "More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction”. But is this true? The Bible teaches that there is another path, which is the path of hope.

Today we need wisdom to choose correctly. All the truth that is to be brought to the attention of men in these last days is to come forth from the scriptures. It’s not the message of hope from the past we need; they only serve for our ensample and for our learning upon which the ends of the world has come. But what is needed today is present truth, which is a message of hope, which will propel mankind into the future and a face to face experience with their maker and God.

In the book “Our Times and their Meaning” written by Caarlyle B. Haynes 1929 he said, “The great fundamental truths of the Bible are for all ages and all people. They apply to men in every condition and circumstance of life, and in every generation of the world’s history. But it’s not the general truths of salvation by faith which the world is in need of, but its present truth which we need. Such special truths are of vital importance to this generation, for it will give us hope for tomorrow. Such special truths are of vital importance to the generation to which, they are revealed. Upon a right relation to them will depend, the salvation of those to whom they presented. When the time comes for the presentation of such a special message of truth, then the fundamentals of divine truth fall under a special setting of the special message. To reject the gospel in this special setting is to reject salvation”. (Page 11)

Finally, the light of the truth of God is shining all around us, but to have the light that has been revealed in our past, and use that as an excuse for why we have rejected present truth, is to reject Jesus who sent it. Today God is calling us to walk in the light of present truth; it is not enough to say we possess the light of our past. We must walk in the light of Gods word for today called pasted truth. The light of Gods word is moving onward, and he, who fails to walk in it, is left in darkness and knowing not whither they go. May God bless you today as you walk in the light, and point others to the same light.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for a willingness on the part of both light briers, and light hearers, to walk in the light.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

THE GREATEST NEED

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 18^th letter:

Text for the day: Zechariah 10:1

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

Our Theme for the day: THE GREATEST NEED

When Anne Rouse Sudduth gathered 12 women in her living room in April 2006, it wasn’t to discuss the latest novel on Oprah’s book club list over cheesecake. Determined to pool their skills, energy and financial resources, they formed the “Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle”, to make a difference in southern New Hampshire’s Seacoast region. These ladies’s where not content to simply write a check for a local charity, they decided to give as a way of becoming engaged in emerging community issues. Through a collective giving and grassroots action they decided to work toward their goal. But most importantly, founder Rouse Sudduth noted that the giving circle members wanted to connect with like-minded people to practice community leadership.

We live in a world of great need, but what is the greatest need of the church today? Money, health, more theory about the Bible? I guess the list could go on and on and on. But the truth of the matter is, the greatest need of the church or the person of God today is not more theory about the truth, but a greater fullness of the Holy Spirit. It is not the quest for more light of the word as to the duty of the servant of God, but more power to do what is known to be the duty of the servant of God. As God's servants in a modern world, it is not more theory about the message given in Revelation 14:6-12 that we need, but the power of the spirit to preach it. When one looks at this text, HE IS quick to see that it is not one but three messages in one.

Let us look at these messages found in Revelation 14:6-12. ⁶And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, ⁷Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. ⁸And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. ⁹And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ¹⁰The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ¹¹And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.¹²Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (King James Version)

When was the last time you heard or spoke to someone about these important messages for these last days? Over the next few days we shall look at this message point by point. Finally, it is evident that there is a great need for a deeper spirituality and more fervent zeal among the servants of God, all must readily admit. The Apostolic power which came at Pentecost, though freely promised, is far from being fully realized. With many so called servants of God, it is a theory rather than a living experience.

You are called to be God’s watchman, and as His watchman you need the heavenly anointing. People are looking at you today, but the question is, what are they seeing and or more importantly what are they hearing? Speak to the dead bones in the valley of life today in the spirit of God that your work is not in vain.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for the power of the spirit in the servants of God, to preach the word.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

The marks of the Christian

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 17^th letter:

Text for the day: Isaiah 43:11

I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.

Our Theme for the day: The marks of the Christian

Man by nature is “without strength,” he is a captive of Satan and a slave to sin. He is able to conquer the sea, land, and a part of space, but though able to subdue kingdoms and conquer the forces of nature, he is unable to conquer himself. He cannot of himself restrain his own passions and impulses. He stands by himself a slave and lawful captive to sin. As Servants of God, He has called you to speak peace and deliverance to the troubled and burdened souls enslaved by sin. It is your duty to be a Christian in the highest sense of the word "Christ like”. Your influence, and your touch reaches to a far higher level then you think, you vibrate life unto life, or death unto death to mankind. It is through the unseen lines that attract you to other minds with which you are brought in contact that may, if you are in constant connection with God, leave impressions that will make you a savor of life unto life. if you are selfish, if you are self-exalted, if you are worldly-minded, no matter what your position, no matter what your experience has been, or how much you know, if you are not having the law of kindness on your lips, sweet fragrance of love springing from your heart, you can do nothing as it ought to be done. Kindness and love and courtesy are the marks of the Christian. In our association with each other today, let it be ever remembered that there are chapters in the experience of others that are sealed from mortal eyes. In our business today remember that there are sad histories that are written in the books of heaven but are sacredly guarded from prying eyes of the people you meet in the way. In the lives of the people you speak to today there stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, arising in the very homes, that day by day sap the courage, the faith, the confidence, until the very manhood seems to fall to ruins. But Jesus knows it all and He never forgets, that is why He has called you. To such, words of kindness and of affection are welcome as the smile of angels; a strong, helpful grasp of the hand of a true friend is worth more than gold and silver. In the spirit of true Christ likeness, ask God to help you show forth honest expression of a sister, or brother, or friend, given in genuine simplicity, for only this has power to open the door of hearts which need the fragrance of a Saviours love.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for the marks of the Christian through acts of kindness, love and courtesy.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

It's Harvest Time

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 16^th letter:

Text for the day: Matthew 9:36

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Our Theme for the day: It’s Harvest Time

The Laborers’ International Union of North America is one of the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union representing public service employees. The LIUNA members are on the forefront of the construction industry, a sector that is a powerhouse of 12 million workers producing 5 percent of the USA’s, economic output. With a half-million strong, they are united through collective bargaining agreements which help them earn a family supporting pay, good benefits and the opportunity for advancement and better lives. But with the demand of more work, there comes the call for more laborers. In the day of Jesus, this call for laborers became evident to the point of Jesus admonishing His followers to pray for more that the work may be finish. The book of Matthew begins the account of Jesus third Galilean tour, which was conducted during the winter of A.D. 29-30. Little is said of the events on the tour itself, but that this was a preparatory lesson to send them out two by two and apply the principles they had observed in the ministry of Jesus. As servants and leaders in the call to minister to others, there comes a time when you need to expand yourself in ministry. This brings us to a very important question, "Why would Jesus do this expansion or enlargement of Himself now?" The answer can be found in Matthew 9:37, which says,"Then He said to His disciples, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few."

Notice Jesus' opening statement in verse 36 of the same chapter, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd”.

If there ever was a lesson of which we should learn, this is it, “It is only as the demand increase, that more laborers are needed”. Life is like this, when there are but few laborers to reap an abundant harvest much good grain will inevitably be lost, but were there are laborers equal to the task the harvest is abundantly good, and saved. Thus far there had been only one gospel harvest crew in the field gathering in the grain of the kingdom, and it was time for them to lay broader plans, for a greater work.

There is another lesson in this story. Up until this point, the leaders in Israel did not see the need for more laborers. Not that there were no schools of training for service and laborers, but their schools prepared them for an earthly work and not a heavenly one. They were also trained to look good in the standards of the world, and to forget their preparation for service in kingdom building and a heavenly home.

The disciples were also of the same mind preparing for an earthly ministry and the time had finally, come for Jesus to open to them the need of laborers in service for others. Finally, in verse 38 Jesus said to them, “Pray ye therefore." We ought to also pray. It is not that God is unconcerned or unaware of the need of more laborers, ----------. The disciples were to make this need the object of prayer in order that the Lord of the Harvest might have an opportunity to bring to their own minds a conviction of their personal responsibility, and help them to help others to see the urgency and need of the harvest.

For the most part, prayer is designed not to inform God of what He would otherwise not know or to prevail upon Him to do what He would otherwise not do, but to condition our own hearts and minds to cooperate with Him. We should pray, and then go forth in faith to cooperate with God in answer to our prayers. Like the twelve disciples whom Jesus sent out and commanded, He speaks to you and me today saying, “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you goon your journey, preach saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead. Cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely you should give. As servants of God we are provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in our money belts. Nor bag for our journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

“Now whatever city or town you enter then inquire who in it is worthy, and then abide there until you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, "It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that city, Matthew 10:5-15! Just like it was in the days of the disciples, it is in our day. Today God is looking for laborers to work His fields, but only laborers who are willing to go through the preparatory training of His supervision for kingdom building. Today don’t allow anything or anybody to pull you away from his field of harvest and service.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for laborers to help reap the harvest in this harvest time.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

The call to be established for servant-hood

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 15th letter:

Text for the day: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.

Our Theme for the day: The call to be established for servant-hood


As I have been observing for the last year and a half the needs of the community’s, I have seen that in order for the people of God to become more current in ministry in this age, they will need to make some big changes. It is also clear, not all love change, but change most happen if we are moving ahead. In these days most people when they hear the word change they run from it, but change within it’s self, is not bad if it’s with the right motive. Today the cry is going froth, we need godly men and woman, leaders, and servant providers who are community minded, and practically educated to lead mankind into a love for God and there neighbour. This valuable insight into the practical needs of the world will better help all who are called to serve. There is nothing that the world needs so much as knowledge of the gospel's saving power revealed in Christ like lives through acts of community service. This is clearly seen in the books of the four gospels where we see, for three and a half years the disciples had before them the wonderful example of Jesus. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestations of His power in behalf of the sick and afflicted. When the time came for Him to leave them, He gave them grace and power to carry forward His work in His name. They were to shed abroad the light of His gospel through acts of love and healing. This work which the disciples did, we also are called to do. Every Child of God is called to be a servant in sympathy and compassion; we are to minister to those in need of help in good times and bad time. The Saviour identifies Himself with every child of humanity and came to help them all, rich and poor, black and white, free and bound. So it is today God calls upon His followers not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them, but to do their part in the community and church, and seek them, and lead them, to life eternal only found in Jesus Christ. We are all apart of the great web of humanity, and heaven looks upon us as brothers to sinners as well as to saints. God has blessed you if you’re reading this, and to all that He has given you, it makes only a advantage over another be it education, refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, and religious experience, that we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. In closing, he who becomes a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. This week-end let us find someway of which we can unite our community’s, and look to be prepared for further service in the Lord. Don’t Give Up. Look Up!

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray to be established for servant-hood.



Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.



If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: gardenministry.blogspot.com

Some with eyes see nothing

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.

Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

This is the 14^th letter:

Text for the day: Matthew 20:30-34

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, what will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Our Theme for the day: Some with eyes see nothing

We have all heard it said that maintaining an active lifestyle is a beneficial practice in order to maintain good health. But did you know that our muscles which enable our every movement, needs to be frequently used to stay functional. You've heard of atrophy; it's what happens to unused muscles over time. But what is atrophy; it is the muscles become weak, unstable, decrease in mass and respond poorly to nerve impulses. But you say to me, we carefully keep our bodies in good shape, but do you? There are some very special muscles that are frequently neglected, yet you ask where can these special muscles be found? In our eyes, that's right, your eyes have muscles too, and just like every other muscle in your body, they require exercise. This may come as a surprise to you today, but it’s true. Now you’re saying to yourself I use my eyes every day and at all times, but are they getting all the exercise they need? Now think, how hard are your eyes working? As your eyes scroll through line after line of internet text, they're really not being utilized to their full extent. Considering the way the human eye works in that it takes in an image, and then flips it upside-down so that you and I can see it right side up. It is clear that this is a wonder of wonders. In the Bible light is liken to righteousness, and darkness is liken sin, or to those who have accepted Christ they have spiritually sight verse’s those still living in sin are spiritually blind. It is only when the sinner feels the need of a Saviour that his heart goes after the One who can help him. When Jesus walked among men, it was the sick that wanted a physician. The poor, the afflicted and distressed, followed after Him, to receive the help and comfort which they could not find elsewhere. Blind Bartimaeus is waiting by the wayside; he has waited long to meet Christ. Throngs of people who possess their sight are passing to and fro, but they have no desire to see Jesus. One look of faith would touch His heart of love, and bring them the blessings of His grace; but they know not the sickness and poverty of their souls, and they feel no need of Christ. Not so with the poor blind man. His only hope is in Jesus. As he waits and watches, he hears the tread of many feet, and he eagerly inquires, what means this noise of travel? The by-standers answer that "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by." With the eagerness of intense desire, he cries, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" They try to silence him, but he cries the more vehemently, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" This appeal is heard. His persevering faith is rewarded. Not only is physical sight restored, but the eyes of his understanding are opened. In Christ he sees his Redeemer, and the Sun of Righteousness shines into his soul. All who feel their need of Christ as did blind Bartimaeus, and who will be as earnest and determined as he was, will, like him, receive the blessing which they crave. The afflicted, suffering ones who sought Christ as their helper, were charmed with the divine perfection, the beauty of holiness, that shone forth in His character. But the Pharisees could see no beauty in Him that they should desire Him. His simple attire, and humble life, devoid of outward show, rendered Him to them as a root out of dry ground. As servants in the Lord how do you see Jesus, do you see him with the eagerness of intense and desire as when you first saw Him like blind Bartimaeus, or do you see Him with no beauty as the Pharisees. Today, don’t allow even blindness to keep you from seeing Jesus, or some-one seeing Jesus in you.

Our Prayer for today:

Please join us as we pray for the reopening of sight to the spiritually blind.

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

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