The Divine Harvest: Planting for Eternity

 


The Divine Harvest: Planting for Eternity

​Galatians 6:7-10

​"Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith."


​My Reflection

​The will of the Holy Spirit is in constant opposition to our sinful desires. The two are on opposite sides of the spiritual battle. We desire evil; the Holy Spirit desires good. We tend to be destructive; God’s Holy Spirit is productive.

​It is so easy to ignite our wrong desires. However, when we have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us, it is much harder to ignite our sinful nature, as the Spirit works to help us bring that nature under control. Without the Holy Spirit, it is hard to stifle our sinful nature; yet, when we ask Him to live within us, it becomes much easier to recognize and overcome it. As humans, it is easy to be self-centered. God’s Holy Spirit leads us to be giving of ourselves, being His hands and feet to serve His people.

​Many of us never realize how oppressive and possessive our sinful nature is. Thank You, Jesus, that Your Holy Spirit is liberating and nurturing. Without our Triune God, we become decadent—falling into a state of moral, cultural, or artistic decline characterized by excessive self-indulgence or corruption. With the Fruit of the Spirit, we are uplifting—cheerful, inspiring, and improving the moods and spirits of others.

​Our natural human nature is sinful, but the Holy Spirit guides us toward His holiness. Our sinful nature leads to death, while God’s plan for us is everlasting life. If we follow Him, we must believe and obey His instructions, all because God wants to bless us and someday bring us home to Him.

​Never get discouraged when the folks you are trying to help fall by the wayside. Remember, sometimes we are just seed planters. The seeds we plant may fall on deaf ears, deafened by the noise of Satan. Just remember: if we are planting the seeds of God, we will not harvest pumpkins! We may not see the harvest immediately, as it may need to go through a few storms before the seed finds good soil and takes root. I always like to imagine that someday in heaven, someone will walk up to me and say, "Thank you. The seed you planted did not grow in the season you planted it, but it never withered and died; it kept sprouting until it finally took hold!" Amen! How wonderful it will be to hear that someone we thought we failed actually grew—they just needed a little more "Son" shine! Amen!

​My Thoughts

​ The contrast between "decay" and "growth." Sin is naturally possessive. It wants to own us and shrink our world down to just our own desires. But the Spirit is expansive.

​Remember we are not "harvesting pumpkins." God’s DNA is in the seeds we plant. If you plant a word of kindness or a prayer, the "fruit" will always be of God, even if the timing is hidden from our eyes. We provide the labor; He provides the "Son" shine.

​A Prayer for the Planter

​Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being workers in Your garden. When we feel weary or discouraged because we cannot see the green shoots of growth, remind us that the roots are growing deep beneath the soil. Help us to keep planting with love, knowing that no seed planted in Your name is ever wasted. Let us be your hands and feet today. We ask this in Jesus' precious name, Amen.

​The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen!

​BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN.

BOBBA

Love, Penny

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