LET'S GET BACK TO COUNTRY LIVING

On September 29th, while it was early in the morning, I went out to help a student from the GROW, EAT, AND SAVE GARDENING CLASSES with her garden. What a time it was! When I finished, she was overjoyed and grateful. Then gave me a box containing some chicken eggs. After, I was on my way home to get ready to meet the needs of the day. 

As I was getting ready at home, this message came up. "2026's Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) May Be Higher Than Expected." The message went on to say, "Here are three reasons not to celebrate.

1.

Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year, and we all will be affected. 

2.

So far, projections are calling for a 2.7% COLA in 2026, which would be higher than 2025's COLA of 2.5%.

3.

Even if next year's COLA is more generous, retirees may not enjoy the large income boost they're expecting."

As I was thinking about what I just read. The Spirit of the LIVING GOD said to me, "Here is the plan to break economic strangling. To break the 'high cost of living' is primarily through principles of simplicity, self-sacrifice, and economy, advocating for a life of honest labor and prudent spending rather than luxury and display. 

Stop living above your means. An extravagant lifestyle leads to unhappiness and a loss of true joy, while a life of service, simplicity, and faith in God's provision offers true contentment and spiritual richness. 

Track the spending of your household for a month or two. You may be surprised by the amounts spent on smaller fun purchases. Looking over receipts may give you a better idea about where you can cut back in order to live within your means. Watch out for the dangers of greed and the dangers of seeking to keep up your appearances. Because this led to dissatisfaction, anxiety, sickness, fear, and an early death." 

What a download of information for the needs of the world and our local economy.  

Think about it, an expensive dwelling, elaborate furnishings, display, luxury, and ease do not furnish the conditions essential to a happy, useful life. Jesus came to this earth to accomplish the greatest work ever accomplished among men. He came as God’s ambassador to show us how to live so as to secure life’s best results. 

What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son? A secluded home in the Galilean hills; a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor; a life of simplicity; daily conflict with difficulty and hardship; self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service; the hour of study at His mother’s side, with the open scroll of Scripture; the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley; the holy ministries of nature; the study of creation and providence; and the soul’s communion with God,—these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus...

Better than any other inheritance of wealth you can give to your children will be the gift of a healthy body, a sound mind, and a noble character. Those who understand what constitutes life’s true success will be wise betimes. They will keep in view life’s best things in their choice of a home. 

Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be seen, where the sights and sounds frequently suggest thoughts of evil, where turmoil and confusion bring weariness and disquietude, go where you can look upon the works of God. Find the rest in the beauty, quietude, and peace of nature. Let your eyes rest on the green fields, the groves, and the hills. Look up to the blue sky, unobscured by the city’s dust and smoke, and breathe the invigorating air of heaven. Go apart from the distractions and dissipations of city life, you can give your children your companionship, where you can teach them to learn of God through His works, and train them for lives of integrity and usefulness."

Today, let us focus our minds on GOD, and others first. As it is said, "A life centered on service to others and love for God provides a secure foundation and a sure guide, unlike worldly pursuits."

In life, "supporting another person's success will never ruin yours."

 According to the prophecy of the Bible, a day of poverty is coming upon this world, and there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. The phrase "there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation" is a direct quote from Daniel 12:1 in the Bible, referring to a future time of immense distress. This is not a message of doom and gloom, but a message of hope.

"Daniel 12:1 refers to a future "time of trouble" when Jesus ceases His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, and the wicked are left without restraint. This will be a period of great distress and affliction for God's people, but all those whose names are written in God's book will be delivered. The "standing up of Michael" (Christ) signifies the moment of their salvation, marking the end of probation and the coming of God's kingdom."

"When the third angel’s message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received “the latter rain,” “the ... refreshing ... from the presence of the Lord,” and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God.” Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, “It is done.” ...

When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.

Those only who have clean hands and pure hearts will stand in that trying time.... Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure."

My friend, be not fearful, God has promised that if we serve Him to the best of our ability, He will sustain us, Amen.. I will not fear for the future except I forget the way the Lord has led me in my past history. May GOD bless you and your family. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings 

By GARDEN MINISTRY 

GOD'S TIMING

The phrase "God's timing is remarkable" is a common expression reflecting the belief that God orchestrates events and circumstances to occur at a divine, perfect moment, often leading to positive outcomes or growth, even when these moments are delayed from a human perspective. 

Todays message is for that person who has been seeking God for a breakthrough or an answer to their prayers. The Bible teaches that God doesn’t always answer our prayers immediately, but He does answer prayer! The biblical story of Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child, Isaac, for 25 years, is a test of faith.

 

In Genesis 12:1-4, God makes his first promise to Abraham (then Abram) about giving him many descendants and a homeland.

In Genesis 15, God reaffirms His promise to Abraham, indicating that a son born to him will be his heir.

In Genesis 16, Sarah, finding her wait for a child too long, and suggests that Abraham have a child with her maidservant, Hagar, which leads to the birth of Ishmael. And the big problems we have had through history, and are still having in the Middle East today.

In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abraham and Sarah, changing their names and promising them a son named Isaac, who will be the heir to the covenant.

In Genesis 18, Visiting angels inform Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son, and Sarah laughs in disbelief.

In Genesis 21, after many years of waiting, Sarah, at the age of 90, gives birth to Isaac, and God answers their request and His plan ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the promise in a perfectly timed way, despite their aging and disbelief. 

Another example of God’s timing is the story of Joseph, where God used his suffering and imprisonment in Egypt to prepare him to save his family and the Israelites. Genesis 37:2 to Genesis 41:46. These two stories and many more in the Bible demonstrate that God's delays are not denials but part of a larger, purposeful plan. 

 

Although God is too wise to err and too good to withhold any true good, His answers may not be instant but will come when they are most needed and best for the individual. 

 

God always answers fervent prayers from an honest heart, though not always immediately or in the way a person expects. God's wisdom dictates His timing and answers, which may be delayed for the petitioner's benefit or for a greater good that serves His purposes. Therefore, believers are encouraged to wait patiently and trust His wisdom, rather than demanding their wishes be fulfilled on their own terms. 

 

Looking at God’s timing, the Bible says, "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4, 5.

 

"In heaven’s council, the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.... Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer....

 

The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depriving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity, He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty, crime, and violence. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost.... It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world.

 

With intense interest, the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise to see if He would sweep away the inhabitants of the earth.... But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it.... At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled.

 

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory."

 

God's timing is perfect, and waiting on His timing builds faith, patience, and reliance on Him. While human understanding may be limited, God's timing is designed to prepare individuals, sometimes by delaying a request to allow for personal growth, and it is crucial to trust His perfect wisdom over one's own desires. Therefore, the advice is to patiently wait for God's perfect plan, rather than rushing to fulfill one's own expectations. 

 

There are three reasons for waiting on God's timing in all things.

 

1.

 Preparation: 

 

God may delay fulfilling a request to prepare a person for it. 

 

2.

Personal Growth: 

 

The period of waiting can be a spiritual journey that builds patience, character, and a deeper trust in God.

 

3.

Divine Wisdom: 

 

God's ways and thoughts are not our ways or thoughts, and His perfect timing ensures that His plans, though different from our expectations, will ultimately work for our good. 

 

Lastly, the Bible encourages all men to "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14.

 

Waiting on the Lord is not passive idleness, but an active expression of trust and reliance on God's promises, strength, and perfect timing. 

 

Waiting on the Lord encourages a daily, humble communion with God through prayer, fellowship, and service, allowing His divine power to refresh the soul and strengthen the heart as you serve others with a smile in your waiting. Have a wonderful day. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

The Bible encourages all to give thanks to God for all things. This same expression should also be the sentiments of our hearts to God for allowing us to be blessed with the gifts and talents of others.

"While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,—the great mercy and love of God,—we should have more faith and greater joy."

Today, I would like to express my love and gratitude to several organizations and individuals who have been, and continue to be, a blessing to the people of Bermuda.

The link at the bottom was posted in the local newspaper on Saturday, September 13, on behalf of the committee that worked on the Hurricane Fabian memorial this year. 

Nothing tends more to promote the health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father’s house? May we all take a moment today to thank God for the blessings in our lives. 

Click on the link:

https://www.royalgazette.com/letters-to-the-editor/opinion/article/20250913/letter-to-the-editor-appreciation-for-a-wonderful-memorial/

Have a Happy Day. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings

GARDEN MINISTRY