July 15, 2012

    Attentive Harvesting     

Luke 8: 4 - 18

Luke

One day Jesus told this story to a large crowd that had gathered from may towns to hear him:  "A farmer went out to plant some seed.  As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds came and ate it.  Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock.  This seed began to grow, but soon it withered and died for lack of moisture.  Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades.  Still other seed fell on fertile soil.  This seed grew and produced a crop one hundred times as much as had been planted."  When he had said this, he called out, "Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!"

His disciples asked him what the story meant.  He replied, "You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God.  But I am using these stories to conceal everything about it from outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:  'They see what I do, but they don't really see; they hear what I say, but they don't understand.'

"This is the meaning of the story:  The seed is God's message.  The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the message, but then the Devil comes and steals it away and prevents them from believing and being saved.  The rocky soil represents those who hear the message with joy.  But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep.  They believe for a while, but they wilt when the hot winds of testing blow.  The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the message, but all to quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life.  And so they never grow into maturity.  But the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people who hear God's message, cling to it, and steadily produce a huge harvest. 

"No one would light a lamp and then cover it up or put it under a bed.  No, lamps are mounted in the open, where they can be seen by those entering the house.  For everything that is hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light and made plain to all.  So be sure to pay attention to what you hear.  To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given.  But to those who are not listening, even what they think they have will be taken away from them."  

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Thoughts.....

Did you wake up this morning and say "Good morning, Lord!", or did you say, "Good Lord, it's morning."?  Often times the bear gets us before we get the bear.  I woke up joy filled to know that the Lord gave me yet another day of life.  I started the day full of vim and vigor.  Now I feel the peace of the Lord.  I could just be tired because I've been busy already, but I prefer to look at the positive aspect deep within.  So though I know joy, I have peace.  Do you?  Try the Lord on for size this morning.  See how warm and cozy he feels in your heart.  Embracing, wouldn't you say?

Todays lesson may be lengthy so snuggle in.  On the other hand, the Lord may fool us and give it to us briefed this morning.  Let's see where he takes us, shall we? 

Let me start by saying that often times verses 16-18, so called the 'lllustration of the Lamp', is separated from the rest of verses 4-15.  But in looking closely, verse 15 does not end with a quotation, so the intent is for these to be a complete text.  Understandably so, as you will see....I hope.

The first paragraph goes into detail about planting seeds, crop bearing, harvesting....so it would seem.  But Jesus spoke in parables.  In paragraph 2 he says that he is using these stories....parables....to conceal everything from outsiders, so that Scriptures might be fulfilled stating, 'They see what I do, but they don't really see; they hear what I say, but they don't understand.'  I'm thinking this is a goofy way to present the Gospel message.  I mean, why go so far as to quote Isaiah, who surely didn't know the Gospel, as Jesus hadn't been born?  Ah.....but for prophecy.  Here, it is fulfilled.  The importance of that is to show the validity of Jesus and the Gospel message.

The Old Testament prophets heard and expected, but the New Testament people KNOW that Jesus is Lord.  The Messiah came....he is Jesus.  He is the way, the truth, and the light.  And in these scriptures we learn God's plan.....to be saved and become mature attentive harvesters.  In this passage, he separates the men from the boys, so to speak.  The women from the girls, too.  He does this showing that as we mature as Christians, we will become discerning.  Know who you associate with, know who you are talking to, know who needs more, know who needs him period, so we know how to present him and represent him from within....and how to live our lives fully with him.

Here are some other thoughts.  Verse 5:  A farmer [could represent a Christian sharing the story....an everyday Christian....someone called to preach the Gospel....we are ALL called] went out to plant some seed [tell others about Jesus and the salvation message]. As he scattered it across his field [told the story], some seed fell on a foothpath [someone listening, but not potentially opened to hearing], where it was stepped on [disinterested person, perhaps someone who mocked, definitely disregarded the message] and the birds came and ate it [Satan's assigns or those not of Christ....really no difference....only one edge on the top of the fence....brushed it away].  Lesson:  Go back through this door again....later, but take someone else with you.  Pray for them.  

Verse 6:  Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock [person willing to listen, maybe hardhearted at the core].  This seed began to grow [person may have had hope of salvation], but soon it withered and died for lack of moisture [no one showed this person how to find Jesus in Scripture or helped them continue to be fed and grow]."  Talkers, not walkers.  Found, but lost.  Lesson:  you can't just say 'here is Jesus' and walk off.  You must water....show them the Bible, teach them to study, feed them the Word, immerse them with Jesus.....be sure they are baptized.  Keep going in this door.  Pray for them.

Verse 7:  Other seed fell among thorns that shot up [friends and family that were not Christians who were opposed to them being taken from them and their crowd] and choked out the tender blades [badgered already weakened individual to not believe].  Could these folks also be the arrogant, lofty ones in church who think them better than others, who find joy lording over others instead of humbling themselves to THE Lord to help others?   Lesson:  Some you can go back through the door with, some you just need to pray for.  Maybe someone else will be better able to plant the seed.  Maybe you were sent to rebuke.  These folks definitely need prayer for healing, safety, protection, etc.  Pray for them.

Verse 8:  Still other seed fell on fertile soil [Ah....those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, who cling to him daily....some with every breath].  This seed grew and produced a crop one hundred times as much as had been planted [Those of us who preach the Gospel, teach the Gospel, share the Gospel, pray for others, uplift, water, baptise, embrace, lead to the Word, help them and others grow, as they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior....and help them to go to him at their end time.]  The farmers (fishers of men), seed planters, growers, pickers, nutritionists, green grocers, marketers, if you will.....planters, feeders, nurturers, waterers, reapers, sowers.  Always go through this door as helpers for the harvest.  Pray for them. 

Jesus goes on to explain the previous a little differently than I.

"This is the meaning of the story:  The seed is God's message.  The seed that fell on the hard path (correlates to verse 5) represents those who hear the message, but then the Devil comes and steals it away and prevents them from believing and being saved.  The rocky soil (correlates to verse 6) represents those who hear the message with joy.  But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep.  They believe for a while, but they wilt when the hot winds of testing blow.  The thorny ground (correlates to verse 7) represents those who hear and accept the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life.  And so they never grow into maturity.  But the good soil (correlates with verse 8) represents honest, good hearted people, who hear God's message, cling to it, and steadily produce a huge harvest." 

So get from this that a Christian is someone who hears and listens, accepts the salvation message, receives Jesus and the Gospel message with joy, believes forever, stands up to testing, doesn't let the world get in the way of their spiritual life, grows into maturity, is honest, good hearted, continuing to listen to God's message, clings to it and does everything necessary to harvest others into the Kingdom of God.  And keeps the light on, as we continue to learn in the next paragraph.

Jesus goes on to tell us that we shouldn't then hide in our Christianity.  We shouldn't just say "Yeah, I have Jesus" and then go be alone with him all the time.  Yes, we should spend alone time with him, but we should also come away from that moment to introduce him to others, embrace and uplift them.  We should show who we are as Christians and not hide in the prayer closet.  How else will they learn the new us...who we've become IN Christ and with him?  How else can they learn the 'why' of getting to know him, if our lives don't change, if we are they same after as before?  That's not to say we may not have always been loving or kind before, but as a Christian, you know there is a difference.  If you are not a Christian yet, please understand that whoever you are, whatever you do, will be brought into the light of Jesus love and illumined like never before.  And once you've accepted Jesus into your life, golly gee, you are never going to be the same....you will be healed, uplifted to new heights of love and glory.  Please consider accepting him into your heart, your life today.  Know that I will be praying for you. 

Jesus also goes on to say that we are to pay attention to what you hear [about the Gospel message...how to live it].  He says to those who are open to his teaching, more understanding will be given.  I can tell you that everytime I read Scripture I learn something new...like pulling back layers.  Ooooooh.....like a good multi-layer chocolate cake with different fillings.  Oh, my goodness and it's National Ice Cream Day today.......yearn. Yummmmmmm.  Anyway, as I was saying....as we grow in Christ, we mature in our understanding, as he uncovers the layers of years of life-living to heal us and fill us anew, with greater understandings of how to live life right.  How to help others become Christians, not just by how we live, but by what we do, how we follow his lead, how we, with him, step out on the journey following him....his lead.  

The light within will be illumined.  Some may not be able to handle it.  You may be ostracized, not believed, not accepted in his name, attacked.....all those things that Jesus went through, you can expect as well.  So why become a Christian?  Because your sins will be forgiven.  You will be set apart from the 'bad guys', and become one of the 'good guys'.  You will be given the opportunity to receive eternal life.  And you will be helping others have the same along with you, as you share, and others' receive, the Gospel message, so your new support group...those who you now choose to surround yourself with....will become filled with, per the Apostle Paul as he told the Galatians:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as you, and they, allow the Holy Spirit to control your lives.  "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nautre to his cross and crucified them there.  If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every [say EVERY] part of our lives.  Let us not [say NOT] become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another."  Gal 5: 24-26  "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death.  But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.  So don't get tired of doing what is good.  Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."  Gal 6: 8-10. 

The lesson today......be mature attentive harvesters!                                 

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Let Us Pray

Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.  Please forgive me of my sins.  Having accepted you as my Lord and Savior, I choose to practice and live 'Attentive Harvesting' with you.  Please take me by the hand and lead me on.  I will read Scriptures more, study more to show myself approved, speak your name, your cause....salvation....to others I meet.  I will show them your way.  I will live your way, so they may see you in me.  I will pray I receive eternal life, as I show you that I am a 'real' Christian in thought, word, and deed.  Let me not leave many things left undone.  There have been times I have not loved you with my whole heart nor loved my neighbor as myself.  Please forgive me.  Help me to do better, live better, love better.  Help me become a mature attentive harvester.  It's time.  It's not enough to just live the Gospel, I must share the Gospel and bring others to you....in this life....and lead them to an eternal life as the next.  'This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine'....not just for you, but for the world to see, that they may see you in me and know that I am yours....and you are mine.  I love you and I know you love me.  I am so grateful that you paid the ransom for my life.....that you knit me in my mother's womb.  I am ready to be raised up to soar on Eagle's wings with you, Lord.  You have a miracle for me.....for my future and to share with others.  Manifest it now, Lord, please.  I'm ready.  I've been harvesting in many ways.  May it always and only be for you.  Thank you, Lord 'for putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing over all the foolish and frivolous and weak things you can't help seeing there'....and loving me still.  I am so grateful.  Please open the hearts and the minds of those you will be placing in my life for me to share you with.  Please open the hearts and minds of those who are Christians already, so to have them help me prayerfully and financially in this endeavor.  Right now, Lord, I wish to receive all that Holy Spirit needs to give me to fulfill your will for my life, as I continue on the path of becoming a mature attentive harvester.  Build me up, Lord.  Embrace me fully.  Give me a little nudge to get me going, but don't leave my side.  I know the journey leads forward on....let's go.  Thanks for trusting me.....now give me grace....sincerely.  Keep me humble and loving always.  I love you......thanks again.  Amen.            

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Now and always, the Church of the Holy Spirit needs your support.  I pray you will find it in your heart to give today.

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you! 

BesidesBesid   

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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