THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 5) (Occupy till I come)

 

 

 

This is the 121^st letter:

 

Text for the day: Luke 19:12-13 (King James Version)

He said therefore, a certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

 

 

Our Theme for the day: THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 5) (Occupy till I come) 

 

Do you have a need for shelter, food, and water? On the other hand you may have all these things at your home. Most people would agree that these are the main things that bring a measure of life in our world today, or that it is in desperation off. Will their ever be a day when all will be well forever more? How does the homeless really fit into the plans of the haves? What goes through the mind of those who have not? To help us appreciate those who have not, Jesus spake these words as a guest in Zacchaeus the tax collector’s house after the healing of blind Bartimaeus. As Jesus opened his mouth He spake this parable, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” [Luke 19:12-13]  

This parable and that of the Ten Virgins are similar in many respects, but there are also great dissimilarities. Through this parable Jesus was teaching that He will remain away for a considerable period of time before He returns to reward His faithful ones. This parable also teaches that it may be but a few years until our life's history shall close, but we must occupy until Jesus comes. Christ would have everyone educate himself to calmly contemplate His second appearing. All are to search the Word of God daily, but not neglect present duties. Christ declared that when He comes some of His waiting people will be engaged in business transactions. Some will be sowing in the field, others reaping and gathering in the harvest, and others grinding at the mill.

It is not God's will that His elect shall abandon life's duties and responsibilities and give themselves up to idle contemplation, by living in a religious dream. Yet some who have only shoes on their feet, and cloths on their backs, or no place to call home because of disaster or trial will be cared for. The Bible says, their bread and water will be sure. [Isaiah 33:16]  Many don’t think about it, but today could be our last day on earth. On the other hand we may be doing well by the statistics of the world, but the next minute our life could change for the worse. Just ask the people of Haiti and they will tell you that the rich where doing their thing, and the poor where trying to coup with life. But on Tuesday January 12, 2010 every thing changed for all.

Through an earthquake the rich and poor were all brought to the same level. We may never know but we must all be ready. Jesus speaking through his servant said, We should watch, work and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us on earth. This is what Jesus meant when He said Occupy till I come. Our only safety in life is not in money or the stuff in our homes, or in our bags if we live on the streets. Our only safety is in Jesus, and in doing our part each day as it comes. Working, watching, waiting, is a duty from God that serves as a blessing for every moment of our lives. It helps us to rely on the strength of Him who was dead and who is alive again, who lives forevermore, and that is Jesus. In your planning as servant leaders, make no calculation for months or years to come; these are not yours, but God’s. What God has given to us on a daily basis is to come to Him in morning and evening consecration, or worship. One brief day is given to us, so we must live as if it were our last on earth, work during its hours, and lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate.

 

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Lord teach us how to occupy according to your will, in Jesus name Amen. 1 Prayer Request Pray for Linda Nxumalo and his wife that God will keep them during the lost of their grandmother who was there for him like a mother. They are with the Soweto Gospel Choir so they will be unable to go back home to South Africa for the Funeral. Also news has come that their home was broken into and money stolen. ……………………………………………………………………….   We are into our 32nd week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   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: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

 

THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 4) (Other First)

 

 

 

This is the 120^th letter:

 

Text for the day: Proverbs 13:7

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

 

 

Our Theme for the day: THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 4) (Other First) 

 

The Greek Orthodox Christians believe that a powerful approach to learning to love one another is to practice putting others first. You can begin with your own family, close friends and coworkers. As you try to understand the needs of others, you will find that a person who you don’t know, may become the very one to help you grow. As the family reaches out to other families, they become a community. As the community reaches out to other communities they become a country. As countries reach out and put others countries first, than there will be love all over the world. Putting others first, weakens the negative aspect of our ego-centeredness and opens deeper relationships with others. We may not fully understand it, but there is a rippling effect that begins when you put others first. As your relationships grow, you will see those who you put first, also putting others first.

There is another blessing that comes to them that put others first. As your love ripples outward, you will find yourself growing closer to God and men. So, begin this practice with those who are farthest from you, and begin to consider their needs before you insist on your own. In the words of Ottiwell Simmons J.P, “Doing for others is the greatest thing you can ever do.”  Most people don’t think about others, they find themselves in them self, which leads to a spirit of being puffed up by their ego. Most people also see the world based on what they like and dislike. They think everyone has to have the same hopes and fears, likes and dislikes. Too often they expect others to behave just like them, but when they don’t they are over-looked or forgotten. Our world, communities, families, and people are in a conflict, because we have forgot to put others first. This is the reality of the world we live in.

Today, let us try to put others first. This may be new for you, but ask God to help you appreciate the likes and dislikes of others. Open up your eyes and look at things from their perspective, and give a helping hand. The ability to put others first demands patience and a calm controlled mind. Of ourselves we do not naturally possess these qualities, we need Jesus. Putting others first does not mean that you become a door mat, or a person open to abuse. Kevin Pierpont of Michigan is right when he says, “Putting others first firstly means that we give to God’s work to advance his purposes. Secondly, putting others first means that we give to support the advancement of the Gospel. Thirdly, putting others first also means that we are to be attentive to those in need and give our best to help those in need. God has place inside of us to learn love through acts of kindness, may he help us learn it today.

 

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Father, we come to thee in Jesus name seeking for change in   the way we see others. Help us learn to accept others first, that we   may shear good ideas, even if they are different from our own.   1 Prayer Request Praise God for the willingness by so many to help the people of Haiti. ……………………………………………………………………….   We are into our 32nd week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   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: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

 

THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 3) (Blow the Trumpet)

 

 

This is the 119^th letter:

 

Text for the day: Isaiah 58:1

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

 

 

Our Theme for the day: THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 3) (Blow the Trumpet)

 

This morning as I got up, I was impressed by the Lord to look at Isaiah 58:1. It could be said by many that this chapter holds the key to all the ills of our countries. It is also said by some theologians that this chapter is of the highest importance to the child of God, as it deals not so much with the sins of the world as those of God’s people. The prophet is addressing commandment keepers, not unbelievers. While a false prophet will prophesy smooth things, it is the function of a true prophet, or teacher of the word of God to, “declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sins.” (Micah 3:8). This the prophet does in this chapter. It should be borne in mind, however, that no one will derive any benefit from this chapter who misapplies the council, or just rebuke it. It is easy to see the application of a rebuke to another person then to once self. The work of a true servant leader is not an easy one.

 Sin must be rebuked, even if it’s in your own family, or church. There should not be any favorites. We live in a world were the human tendency is to spare. But the message of God is plain; “Spare not.” Secondly, let all receive with humility the messages of the Lord from his messengers. The mind is not naturally open to receive spiritual nourishment, if left to its own way, it will refuse every spiritual enlightenment God sends its way. This is where spiritual teachers come in; they are the arms of God to rap to the soul with love. It’s through that love, that the carnal mind is open to the word of God, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit. The day in which we live, calls for every servant leader or child of God to set their trumpet to their mouth and blow it by the power of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah seeing our day said, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1).

This message by Isaiah is a message of reconciliation and peace at a time when there was great wickedness’ and no peace. But a call to repentance cannot be effective unless it is set froth clearly what men must do about sin in their lives (Ezekiel 13:10-16). The call to reconciliation and peace is a call to reformation and to decisive action, (Joel 2:12-13). Leaders who fail to draw a clear line between right and wrong, that the people may understand the principles involved, are blind servant leaders of the blind” (Matt. 15:14; Luke 6:39; Matt.  23:16). Like Judah, many Christians outwardly profess to be following the Lord, but inwardly they are far from Him. We live in a time of external forms of religion, but neglected the basic principles. We take great pride in fasting and prayer, observing the Sabbath and keeping sacred feasts. We take great pride in offerings, baptisms, and attending solemn assemblies, while engaging in every form of iniquity, (Isaiah 1:11-15). Let’s face it, many profess Christians love the light, but chose to live in darkness, (Matthew 6:19-23). They want the world, but hope to have heaven too. They long to enjoy the privileges of obedience, but unwilling, disinclined to shoulder it’s responsibilities, (Matthew 21:23-32). These are what the Bible calls hypocrites.

Lastly, The prophet Joel speaking to this same point admonishes all servants of God to blow their trumpets. But where are they called to blow it?  

Blow you the trumpet in Zion, (in the bible heaven is called Zion, Jerusalem and the mountain upon which it sits is called Zion (Ps. 48:2), and the people of God is called Zion).  “Sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; The word of the Lord says the day of the Lord is, “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” (Joel 2:1-2)

The call to reconciliation and peace is a call to reformation and to decisive action is also a call back to the old paths.

 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said we will not hearken. Jeremiah 6:16-17.

We are called to tell the people that God is not happy to see the death of the wicked. “Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).

Note, up until this point we see the prophets and teachers of the word blowing the trumpets. But a day is coming when God shall tell His angels to blow their trumpets in the earth.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. {Matthew 24:30-31). Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

According to1 Corinthians 15:52 Jesus will come,

 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. May God bless you as you lift up your trumpet!

 

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Lord, awaken every blood brought child of yours to sound their trumpet today,   in Jesus name, Amen.     2 Prayer Request Marc "I need someone to pray for me as i have anxiety and need to have prayer." ……………………………………………………………………………………. Vicki, 45, Mt. Vernon, Georgia "My husband and I have suffered many financial setbacks recently and all we seem to do is argue. I am so afraid he is going to give up  on our marriage. I truly believe that God wants us to stay married. Please pray for God to speak to our hearts and soften them to honor the vows we made before Him.  Please pray that we will stay in the will of God. Thank You."    We are into our 32th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   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: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

 

THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 2) COME OUT

 

 

This is the 118^th letter:

 

Text for the day: Matthew 6:24 (King James Version)

 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

Our Theme for the day: THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Part 2) (Come out)

 

Can a follower of Jesus serve two masters? This is the big question that is sounding and resounding across Christendom today. You may not be verbally asking this question or be among those who are thinking about the likes of serving or want to serve more than one master. But sad to say, there are some who claim to be Christians who are still hanging on or gone back to their old life style, of having more then one master which they look up to. Jesus speaking to this matter said one day, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” It is impossible to serve two masters than it is to focus the sight intently upon two things at one time. To attempt to serve God with a divided heart is to be unstable (James 1:8).

The day in which we live, calls for Christians who cannot accept the role of being one influence among many. If the Holy Spirits influence is present in the life of the child of God, it would supremely control all other influences, bringing the life into harmony with its principles. There is no neutral position as a Christian, and God has not called us to be an undercover Christian neither…… Darkness and light cannot occupy the same space at the same moment of time. It is impossible to serve both God and mammon because their demands are irreconcilable. Those that serve other gods are its slaves, and do it’s bidding in spite of themselves (Romans 6:16). Those who begin their Christian life by being half and half will at last be found enlisted on the enemy’s side, what ever may have been their first intentions. This is the result of serving God and mammon.  

Those who are double minded are Satan’s best allies, and all who are loyal to God and the truth must stand firmly for the right because it is right. To yoke up with those who are unconsecrated to God is impossible. You may recover yourselves from the snare of the enemy, but are bruised and wounded, and your experience is dwarfed. On the other hand there are some Christians who believe that it’s OK to be apart of a Lodge activity. But God’s word is still the same, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? Or what communion hath light with darkness? Or what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

This text refers not only to the marriage of Christians with the ungodly only, which is forbidden by God, but to all alliances in which the parties are brought into intimate association, and in which there is need of harmony in spirit and action. There are those who question whether it is right for Christians to belong to the Free Masons and other secret societies. Again the Lord declares through the prophet Isaiah: "Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Isaiah. 8:9-13).

Lastly, if we are Christians at all, we must be Christians everywhere, and must consider and heed the counsel given to make us Christians according to the standard of God's Word, and be not apart of these confederacy. Today God is longing for His watchman to stand and be counted among those who are giving the trumpet a certain sound. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air, there are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (1 Corinthians 14:8-11)

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Lord, turn us back to thee today in true worship, in Jesus name, Amen.     3 Prayer Request Lyza, 24, Philippines "My husband is going to take the nursing board exam this coming November 29 & 30. Please pray for his success. Thank you very much!" ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Rachel, 34, Bakersfield, CA "I just ask for prayer because I have been feeling depressed. I am not sure what it is but I feel empty inside and can't stop crying. I don't like the way it feels. I need God’s help" ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Duane & Shirl, Bermuda     As we awake this morning I ask for the support of your prayers for my   wife and her family due to the untimely death of her brother last evening   who died at home in his sleep, but God is still on the throne and we are   thankful and give him all glory, honor and praise for nothing takes him by   surprise. One of the greatest gifts God has given us is good friends and   family like you who are strong support systems that we get to stand tall   with in any hour of crisis that may come up and to let you know that we   are always available when you need us as well.   Thanks again with much love and appreciation.

We are into our 29^th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with

new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual

muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help

some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also.

Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at,

http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to

share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers.

So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped

you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?

 

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:

http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/

 

Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual

faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for

your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment,

go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment,

follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how

little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our

faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods

riches Blessings.