THE BAREFOOT SERVANT OF THE LIVING GOD

 

When God wants to get our attention, He uses the unexpected.

The Lord oftentimes uses people who are rejected to bring glory to the kingdom and to Himself. Jesus Christ was rejected by many, and yet He became the Savior of the world. The Bible says of Him, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” Luke 20:17.

"It has become a habit that God uses ordinary people to change the course of history. The Bible is filled with these examples.

In fact, the entire book of Acts is a narrative of story after story of how God uses people to shape the world."

"Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were uneducated and untrained (ordinary) men, they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in reply. Acts 4:13-14.

These established leaders of the day were stunned at the boldness of the untrained, unqualified, and ordinary men of God, Peter and John. Their only explanation for what they saw was that their time with Jesus had completely transformed them."

Today, God is waiting for His transformation Spirit to take possession of his church. Because it is only through the Holy Spirit that God is able to finish the work of the gospel in this generation.

Let’s take a moment and go through a small list of some of the unqualified and ordinary men and women God chose to work through in time past to do the most unexpected things.

Noah – He drank too much, but God used him to build the ark to save the world. Genesis 6-9.

Abraham and Sarah – They were an old, washed-up couple whom God used to build a nation. Genesis 11-25.

Joseph – He was an entitled teen who went through God’s classroom of hardship, yet through uuit all, this only helped in the training of him to save both Egypt and Israel. Genesis 37-50.

Moses – Although a humble beginning, he was trained in leadership skills in Egypt for 40 years. Then untrained and retrained by God for 40 years for leadership, to be used by God for 40 years as spokesman and leader to bring God's people out of bondage to the promised land. Read the book of Exodus.

Rahab – She was a prostitute whom God used to help his people overtake Jericho. Joshua 2.

Jonah – He was running from his calling, who God brought back to save Nineveh. Jonah 1-3.

Esther – She was the adopted orphan who became Queen to save Israel. Esther 1-8.

Peter – He was the quitter and had a filthy mouth. who God brought back to help start the church. Matthew 26, John 21, Acts 1-2.

Paul – He was the enemy of God who became the most prolific Servant of the Living God in the New Testament. Acts 7-9.

As you can see, there is literally nothing we can do to disqualify ourselves or another from being a candidate whom God chooses to work through. Today, God is longing to put our name on this list. Yet, this could never happen until we all surrender our all to the will of the Holy Spirit.

Today, I am so happy that God's promises are sure. The Bible says, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:13.

"Christ has promised the gift of the Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We can not use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit, God works in His people “to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given..."

We are told by them of old, "There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting aside self, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God."

"If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through human channels..."

The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amid the unfriendliness of relatives, the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own imperfections and mistakes. A union of divine and human endeavor, a close connection first, last, and ever, with God, the source of all strength—this is absolutely necessary."

The greatest example of GOD THE FATHER using an ordinary servant in an extraordinary way was when Jesus emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity. In human flesh, Jesus was filled by the Holy Spirit without measure. So, in like manner, the HOLY SPIRIT will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for His indwelling. Our Lord Himself has given the command, “Be filled with the Spirit,” and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment."

It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Christ should “all the fulness” dwell; and “in him ye are made full.” Colossians 2:9, 10, R.V.

Today, I would like to share a story that is worth repeating. On October 30th, while on a series of meetings in the Grand Cayman's for the British Overseas Territory Chaplains. Chaplain Bentley Robinson, chaplain of the Grand Cayman Prison, gave an invitation for all the chaplains to come to minister after a long day of meetings to the man's prison.

I was asked to be the speaker. The LORD said speak on the subject of the "VALUE OF A SOUL." This was a prophetic message of prophecy with key texts on Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 24 with a focus on the 12 major signs that shall be seen just before Jesus comes back the second time, and the value of a soul to save from Acts 8:27-39.

While I was getting out of the car to go into the prison, my brand-new shoes, of which I had never worn before, came apart. So I spoke to the chaplain and asked him if I could preach with no shoes on. And he said, "It was ok".

Note, this is the first time this has happened in history in this prison. A preacher standing up in the Grand Cayman Prison chapel to preach to the inmates with no shoes or socks on.  THE BAREFOOT CHAPLAIN.

To God be the glory, His spirit filled the chapel. After the spoken word, ABOUT FIFTEEN MEN GAVE THEIR HEARTS TO THE LORD. SEVEN STOOD TO BE BAPTIST, AND SIX STOOD FOR SPECIAL PRAYER FOR WHEN THEY LEAVE PRISON. GOD IS MOVING IN AN UNUSUAL WAY IN THIS PLACE. KEEP US ALL IN YOUR PRAYERS.

Special thanks goes out to you who are praying for all the British Overseas Territory Chaplains. Yesterday, I asked a teacher of the Bermuda Institute in Bermuda to have the students pray for us. The results are beyond words! God is doing great work in Grand Cayman and throughout the British Overseas Territories and the world.

Thank you for your prayers, and keep holding us up in your prayers. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

By GARDEN MINISTRY

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION

 

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Today, these texts are addressed to young men and you girls; but since God is no respecter of persons, we must conclude that it is addressed to all mankind, and that all classes of people will alike be brought into judgment.

The big question, though, is how do you stand?

"The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives of men will be tested in the judgment. Says the wise man: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

The apostle James admonishes his brethren: “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:12.

"I beheld," says the prophet Daniel, "till thrones were placed, and One that was Ancient of Days did sit: His raiment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool; His throne was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him: thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Daniel 7:9, 10, R.V.

Thus was presented to the prophet's vision the great and solemn day when the characters and the lives of men should pass in review before the Judge of all the earth, and to every man should be rendered "according to his works." The Ancient of Days is God the Father. Says the psalmist: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God." Psalm 90:2. It is He, the source of all being, and the fountain of all law, that is to preside in the judgment. And holy angels as ministers and witnesses, in number "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," attend this great tribunal.

"And, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away." Daniel 7:13, 14. The coming of Christ here described is not His second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of Days in heaven to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom, which will be given Him at the close of His work as a mediator. It is this coming, and not His second advent to the earth, that was foretold in prophecy."

The question today is still the same for all of us. HOW SHALL WE STAND?

May the goodness of God go with you and your family today.

By GARDEN MINISTRY

If you have been blessed, share this devotional.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

On this day, October 22nd, 1844, the event known as the "Great Disappointment" refering to the grief experienced by the 100,000 Millerites who expected Jesus to return occurred.

This date was predicted by William Miller, a Baptist preacher, as the day Jesus will come back in the Second Coming. Miller and his followers, known as Millerites, believed that Jesus would return to Earth on this day based on their interpretations of the biblical prophecies, particularly from the Book of Daniel.

This date was the end of the longest time prophecy in the Bible, found in Daniel 7 and 8. The prophecy begins in 457 B.C. and continued 2,300 years later until 1844. The prophecy includes the exact dates of the beginning of Christ’s ministry at His first advent, of His death upon the cross, and the commencement of His High Priestly work in the Most Holy Place in the Heavenly Sanctuary, as Paul writes about in the book of Hebrews, but not fully understanding the prophecy the work of Jesus was misunderstood.

When the day passed without the expected event, many of the followers were disillusioned and confused, leading to a significant decline in the movement. This event had lasting effects on the religious landscape, contributing to the formation of new religious movements, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Dear friends, looking over the years, it was exactly 180 years ago today ( 22nd of October 1844)  that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ moved from the holy place of the Heavenly sanctuary, and entered the second apartmant, which is the Most Holy Place to carry out the last phase of His work of redemption. This is the work of Judgement, or cleansing of the sanctuary.

Daniel 8:14 says, "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

To the believers in those days. "The great disappointment was not so great as that of the disciples. When the Son of man rode triumphantly into Jerusalem they expected Him to be crowned king.... Yet in a few days these very disciples saw their beloved Master, whom they believed would reign on David's throne, stretched upon the cruel cross above the mocking, taunting Pharisees. Their high hopes were drowned in bitter disappointment, and the darkness of death closed about them. Yet Christ was true to His promises."

Read the prophecy of Revelation 10:9-11. 

"Be encouraged saints, for we have an advocate who is with us. Let’s remain faithful as we try to live according to his plan and share the everlasting gospel of Revelation 14:6-12, and the last day warning with the world."

"WHILE the judgment hour of Revelation 14 is passing, two solemn proclamations are made to men still in probation. And the judgment scene of Daniel 7 is for the very purpose of closing our Lord’s priesthood, and of crowning him King of kings. But the closing work of Christ as priest pertains to the acquittal of his people at his Father’s tribunal, the blotting out of their sins, and the decision accounting them worthy of that world and the resurrection to immortality. Our Lord cannot do this for people in a state of probation. His first work must therefore relate to the righteous dead. And while their cases are severally passing under examination and decision, the living righteous are being prepared for the close of their probation, and for the decision of the investigative judgment by the proclamation of the third angel. This work being accomplished, and the living righteous being accounted worthy to escape the things coming upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of man, our Lord is crowned king, and takes his seat upon the white cloud, with a crown of pure gold upon his head."

"The priesthood of Christ began when he presented himself before the Father at his ascension as our Advocate. It cannot terminate till he has secured the acquittal of his people, and the blotting out of their sins in the investigative judgment. Then his enemies, at his request, will be given him to destroy. His Father shall crown him king upon his throne, saying to him, “Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” Psalm 110:1, 2; Daniel 7:9-14; Psalm 2:6-9; Acts 3:19-21; Isaiah 44:22, 23. His entrance upon the priesthood was marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. John 16:7; Acts 1:4; 2:1-4, 16-18. The blotting out of sins, which terminates his priesthood, brings the people of God to the refreshing, from the presence of the Father, which precedes his act of sending his Son from heaven. Acts 3:19-21."

"As a priest our Lord presents the merits of his blood in behalf of all who come to God through him. Hebrews 7:25. Even the cases of the people of God who lived during the period of the Old Testament, have to be acted upon by Christ as priest. Hebrews 9:15. They can only have redemption through his blood; and the blotting out of their sins can only be effected through his priestly work. Hebrews 9, 10."

"The whole multitude of the redeemed appear before the throne in raiment that has been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:13, 14. The work of our High Priest in behalf of his people involves an immense number of individual cases. He has not only borne the sin of all these, but he makes intercession for them, and finally obtains the blotting out of their sins on showing from the record that they have completed the work of overcoming. Our Lord does not continue in his priestly office to all eternity. When he comes again it is without sin unto salvation. But he does not leave his work unfinished. He brings every part of this immense work to a conclusion before he lays it down."

The following proposition is both reasonable and scriptural:

"There is a period of time at the close of this dispensation devoted to the finishing of the work of human probation, i.e., to the completion of Christ’s work as priest, and of his gospel as the means of salvation."

Read: Revelation 10:7.

The mystery of God is defined in the following passages:
Read: Ephesians 3:3-6.
Read: Colossians 1:26-28.

"The mystery of God is therefore seen to be the work of salvation for fallen man through the gospel of Christ. It is that which unites Jews and Gentiles in one body as fellow-heirs, having Christ in them the hope of glory. The finishing of the mystery of God is the accomplishment of the work of the gospel. This must have a twofold bearing:

1. Upon the priesthood of our Lord, to bring it to a close by completing all its immense work.

2. Upon the preaching of the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, in causing the proclamation of its final closing messages of warning."

"This work is not closed instantaneously, for a space of time is devoted to its completion. And the finishing of this work pertains both to heaven and to earth; to the priesthood of Christ, and the proclamation of his gospel to men. But the priesthood of Christ, as we have seen, is finished at the time when the Ancient of Days sits in judgment; and it is while that judgment is in session that the latest messages of warning are addressed to men. Revelation 14:6-14. We do therefore understand that the period of time devoted to the finishing of the mystery of God is precisely that space occupied by the Father in the work of the investigative judgment."

This is a short video that looks at the events from that day. May GOD bless you.

https://youtu.be/OHokAblgCLg?si=ukglTvf-R6lduP9J

THREE LESSONS FROM THE SEEDBED

The picture of which you are looking at, shows a seedbed that has freshly been planted. 

Today we are looking at two spiritual lessons from the garden, for our every need.

A seedbed or seedling bed is a soil environment set aside in which seeds are planted. This could be a prepared earth, a special prepared hotbed or raised bed garden used to grow seedlings from seed in a controlled environment into larger young plants before transplanting them into a garden or field. 

The seedlings in a seedbed take up less room while small, so the rest of the garden can be used for other purposes while they are developing (or can be covered with cardboard sheeting or mulch to keep down weeds).

The seedbed can start off plants while other parts of the garden have vegetables waiting to mature to harvest.  Once harvested, the seedlings can be transplanted, giving them a head-start for succession planting.

A seedbed should be viewed as the garden nursery, and like young children, the seedlings need extra care and attention to help them thrive. A seedbed is a valuable addition to any productive garden.

THREE LESSONS FROM THE SEEDBED 

Lesson number one:

A seedbed can be likened to an institution or environment where good or evil is produced. Through our involvement, which is our community, we have a part to act in fostering a well-balanced society. But it must begin with you watering and caring for your own selves.

Looking at oir Hotspots in our communities. The main ingredients these seed beds need are love, patience, and our dedication to see that we grow the next generation of  leaders that will carry our country's and the world forward with a Godly vision.

Lessons number two:

An institution or a place where people gather for good or bad can be defined as a seedbed that helps a nation or brings it down. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God's word in the line of gardening and other subjects therein, they would find a solution for every problem that perplex them. Much might be learned from the Old Testament in regard to the labor question and the relief of the poor.

Lesson number three:

In God's plan for Israel of the past, every family had a home on the land, with sufficient ground for tilling, or planting food. Thus were provided both the means and the incentive for a useful, industrious, and self-supporting life. And no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan. To the world's departure from it is owing, to a large degree, the poverty and wretchedness that exist today.

To become poor isn't a crime let's learn how to give. 

Today is GIVING DAY.

The word of the LORD to all today is, "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth." Matthew 5:42; Psalm 37:21.

If you are blessed through this message, share it, and may the goodness of God go with you. 

BY GARDEN MINISTRY

PROVERBS - Part 1 STRENGTH TO FORGE ON

For the next few days, join Garden Ministry as we look at some Proverbs with deep meanings from different parts of the world.

Today, we are looking at a West Africa Proverb.

The split tree still grows.

*Meaning*
A lot is going on in people’s lives. Sometimes, all it takes is one unfortunate event to alter a person’s circumstances for the worst. In fact, the sad reality is that for most people, there’s rarely a moment when one thing or another isn’t going according to plan.

In response to such situations, this quote encourages growth and rebirth even in tough times.

Split trees often find a way of springing back to life. Either one split trunk can grow into two trees, or one of the two splits can choose to flourish on its own.

Much like the split tree, the best thing that you could do is never give up when things seem like they’re falling apart. I know that this is easier said than done. That’s why, in addition to this quote, elders always say, “Hakuna njia panya ya kwenda mahali pa thamani” — this is Swahili for “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

So, it’s neither easy, nor should it be. But if you keep going, one day you’ll wake up, look back at how far you’ve come, and thank God for helping you not quit despite your setbacks.

The Bible reminds us to, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12.

In life, "there are continuous battles to fight, and we are not safe a moment unless we place ourselves under the guardianship of One who gave His own precious life to make it possible for everyone who will believe in Him as the Son of God, while meeting the strain of Satan's varied science, to escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. GOD is fully able, in response to our faith, to unite our human with His divine nature."

As you go through this day, remember, "It is a constant watchfulness to be faithful unto death, to fight the good fight of faith until the warfare is ended and as overcomers we shall receive the crown of life."

Today, may God grant you the strength to forge ahead, no matter what you’re going through. Have a Happy Day.

By GARDEN MINISTRY 

SABBATH FACT - PART 6 - The Principles and the Privilege of Sabbath Keeping

 

THOSE THAT KEEP THE SABBATH ARE A LIVING WITNESS

It is said, "By observing the true Sabbath Christians are ever to bear to the world faithful witness of their knowledge of the true and living God as distinguished from all false gods, for the Lord of the Sabbath is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One exalted above all other gods.” 

WE SHOULD SPEND A PART OF THE SABBATH IN NATURE

“1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. Psalm 19:1-6.

 

“So through the creation we are to become acquainted with the Creator. The book of nature is a great lesson book, which in connection with the Scriptures we are to use in teaching others of His character, and guiding lost sheep back to the fold of God. As the works of God are studied, the Holy Spirit flashes conviction into the mind. It is not the conviction that logical reasoning produces; but unless the mind has become too dark to know God, the eye too dim to see Him, the ear too dull to hear His voice, a deeper meaning is grasped, and the sublime, spiritual truths of the written word are impressed on the heart. . . .

 

Christ’s purpose in parable teaching was in direct line with the purpose of the Sabbath. God gave us the memorial of His creative power, that we might discern Him in the works of His hand. The Sabbath bids us behold in His created works the glory of the Creator. And it was because He desired us to do this that Jesus bound up His precious lessons with the beauty of natural things. On the holy rest day, above all other days, we should study the messages that God has written for us in nature. We should study the Saviour’s parables where He spoke them, in the fields and groves, under the open sky, among the grass and flowers. As we come close to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our hearts of His peace and love. 

CREATIVITY AND THE SABBATH

This is a poster I produced a time ago. It shows my granddaughter Karis Santucci drawing.

 

And Christ has linked His teaching, not only with the day of rest, but with the week of toil. He has wisdom for those who drive the plow and sow the seed. In the plowing and sowing, the tilling and reaping, He teaches us to see an illustration of His work of grace in the heart. So in every line of useful labor and every association of life, He desires us to find a lesson of divine truth. Then our daily toil will no longer absorb our attention and lead us to forget God; it will continually remind us of our Creator and Redeemer. The thought of God will run like a thread of gold through all our homely [common, domestic] cares and occupations. For us the glory of His face will again rest upon the face of nature. We shall ever be learning new lessons of heavenly truth, and growing into the image of His purity. Thus shall we “be taught of the Lord”; and in the lot wherein we are called, we shall “abide with God.” (Isaiah 54:13; 1 Corinthians 7:24.

 

This drawing is by my granddaughter Karis Santucci 

THE SABBATH AND MEDITATION

“We should spend a portion of the Sabbath in religious meditation, and in considering the blessings and wonders of God in his created works, manifested alike amid the rugged mountain scenery, where mountaintop rises above the mountain top, where terrible ravines, and rocks broken apart by the earthquakes, and the lightnings, bear the unmistakable marks of One who has trodden the mountains in his anger; and in the softer aspect of nature, where the lofty trees, the babbling brooks, the green grass and tinted flowers express the love of the Infinite God. When we behold rugged mountains, the lesson of Sinai should be repeated to us, and we should contemplate that scene when Jehovah spoke his law in the hearing of all the vast army of Israel.”

If you are blessed through this message, share it, and may the goodness of God go with you. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY

LESSONS FROM GROW, EAT. AND SAVE GARDENING CLASSES

Today marks a year since the start of the Gaza / Israel war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a security briefing after the government meeting marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.

At the same time, "The French-U.S. proposal for a ceasefire to end fighting in Lebanon remains on the table, with parties continuing to work on it, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.

So far, Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 41,909 Palestinians and wounded 97,303 since October 7, 2023. The number killed in israel or the allies working with israel the number of deaths has not been fully clear.

Today, Hamas' armed wing attacked on Monday Israel's Tel Aviv with a missile salvo, the group said in statement, with the Israeli military saying sirens were sounded in central Israel.

While events are being held to mark the first anniversary of the Middle East conflict, let us pray that God will draw all together to be our brother's keeper and stop the war.

Rosa Parks once said, "To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.”

On a local front to help food security, the GROW, EAT. AND SAVE GARDENING CLASSES have started another free eight-week class. Week two of these garden classes has just passed, and the students are loving the classes.

Things are looking great, at the garden with 64 students doing their part to produce the perfect environment for vegetable growth. We started the practical side of the classes on Thursday, October 3, 2024, and you could feel the love.

We are now moving into the cooler season if you love gardening. This time of the year, you can grow broccoli lettuce, onions, beets, sweet potatoes, and much more from the seed level in your garden.

There are many wonderful lessons in caring for a garden.

1. In the laws of God in nature, effect follows cause with unerring certainty. A dedicated gardener's reaping will testify to what the sowing has been. On the other hand, a slothful worker will be condemned by their own work. The harvest bears witness against them both.

2. As it is in the physical caring of a garden, so it is in spiritual things: the faithfulness of every servant of God is measured by the results of their work. The character of the work, of those who serve God, whether diligent or slothful, is revealed by the harvest. It is thus that the destiny for eternity is decided.

3. In the physical garden, every seed sown produces a harvest of its kind. So it is in the physical and spiritual life. If you sow seeds of compassion, sympathy, and love; we shall reap what we sow. Every characteristic of selfishness, self-love, self-esteem, and every act of self-indulgence, will bring forth a like harvest. He who lives for self is sowing to the flesh, and of the flesh, he will reap corruption.

4. "In the cultivation of the soil the thoughtful workers will find that treasures little dreamed of open up before them. No one can succeed in agriculture or gardening without attention to the laws involved. The special needs of every variety of plant must be studied. Different varieties require different soil and cultivation, and conformity to the laws regulating each is the condition of success."

5. "The attention required in transplanting—so that not even a root fiber is crowded or misplaced—the care of the young plants, pruning, and watering, weeding and controlling pests, not only teach important lessons concerning the development of character, but the work itself is a means of development. Cultivating carefulness, patience, attention to detail, and obedience to law, imparts a most essential training. The constant contact with the mystery of life and the loveliness of nature, as well as the tenderness called forth in ministering to these beautiful objects of God’s creation, tends to quicken the mind and refine and elevate the character. The lessons taught prepare the worker to deal more successfully with other minds."

"God destroys no man. Everyone who is destroyed will have destroyed himself. Everyone who stifles the admonitions of conscience is sowing the seeds of unbelief, and these will produce a sure harvest. By rejecting the first warning from God, Pharaoh of old sowed the seeds of obstinacy, and he reaped obstinacy. God did not compel him to disbelieve. The seed of unbelief which he sowed produced a harvest of its kind. Thus his resistance continued, until he looked upon his devastated land, upon the cold, dead form of his first-born, and the first-born of all in his house and of all the families in his kingdom, until the waters of the sea closed over his horses and his chariots and his men of war. His history is a fearful illustration of the truth of the words that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:7. Did men but realize this, they would be careful what seed they sow.

As the seed sown produces a harvest, and this in turn is sown, the harvest is multiplied. In our relation to others, this law holds true. Every act, every word, is a seed that will bear fruit. Every deed of thoughtful kindness, of obedience, or of self-denial, will reproduce itself in others, and through them in still others. So every act of envy, malice, or dissension is a seed that will spring up in a "root of bitterness" (Heb. 12:15), whereby many shall be defiled. And how much larger number will the "many" poison be? Thus the sowing of good and evil goes on for a time, but there shall be a day of harvest.

Liberality both in spiritual and in temporal things is taught in the lesson of seed sowing. The Lord says, "Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters." Isa. 32:20. "This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Cor. 9:6. To sow beside all waters means a continual imparting of God's gifts. It means giving wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity [p. 86] demand our aid. This will not tend to poverty. "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is with those who are faithful in distributing God's gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. God has promised them a sufficiency that they may continue to give. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Luke 6:38."

As you go through your day, remember, how far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, respectful, patient, and kind with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, respectful to the earth, and even using your hands to grow your own food from the earth. Most of all, be tolerant of those who are weak and work with those who are strong. 

If you are blessed through this message, share it, and may the goodness of God go with you. 

Have a wonderful day.

By GARDEN MINISTRY 

SABBATH FACT – Part 5 - The Essential Worker

The Bible doesn’t give a long list of dos and don’ts for how to keep the Sabbath, but it does provide us with many solid principles to help us understand how to keep the Sabbath day holy.  

 

One of those ways to keep the Sabbath holy is by not working. On this point, the question is asked. Should a person who is an essential worker stop working early enough to keep the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to an hour after sunset on Saturday? 

 

The biblical answer to this question is, "The Fourth Commandment specifically states: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work” (Exodus 20:10). In the next verse, the command connects this with God resting on the seventh day (verse 11).

 

The problem with many people is the interpretation of the answer as to an essential worker.

 

I have written on this before (go back to other Sabbath Facts), yet it needs to be spoken on again. Because of the lack of understanding on this subject. 

 

It is said, "According to the fourth commandment, the Sabbath was dedicated to rest and religious worship. All secular employment was to be suspended, but works of mercy and benevolence were in accordance with the purpose of the Lord. They were not to be limited by time or place. To relieve the afflicted, to comfort the sorrowing is a labor of love that does honor to God's holy day."

 

"The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath. God's holy rest day was made for man, and acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with its intent. God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour's pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day..."

 

In short, If you work in a job where you have to keep law in order, assist a suffering person in your country, or help someone who has to travel to another country, or from another country to your country. That job is an essential service.

 

As you go through your day, remember, "The needs of suffering humanity are never to be neglected. The Saviour, by His example, has shown us that it is right to relieve suffering on the Sabbath."

 

If you are an essential worker in your country, this blog today is dedicated to you. Have a HAPPY DAY. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

 

By GARDEN MINISTRY 

If you have been blessed through these facts, share them. If you would like to leave a comment to us. Go to post a comment on this blog.