Abundance to be Shared

As August nears its end, many gardeners are harvesting the bounty from their backyard gardens. Some friends of ours have an abundance of zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes. This friend actually planted their garden quite late this year. In fact, when they went to purchase the seedlings to plant, the employees at the nursery commented on just how late of a start they were getting. Yet by mid-august there was an abundance of harvest. They have graciously shared some of this delicious produce with us. It was enjoyed and greatly appreciated.
In the spring of each year many people plan and plant a backyard garden with the anticipation of fresh fruits and vegetables to be enjoyed late summer and through the fall. They select how many plants of each variety they want. Preparation of the soil and placement of each plant is determined. Then the plants themselves are purchased, and a further investment is the work of planting these tender young plants. Each garden will contain that which suits the needs and wants of those who do the planting. These are then tended and cared for over the following months.

Planting is important in Scripture. Jesus told a parable of sower who planted seed. (See Matthew 13) The good seed planted in the soil of the heart is the word of God. “As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the Word and grasps and comprehends it; he indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundred times as much as was sown, in another sixty times as much, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:23 AMP) These are crops of the nature of Jesus Christ. His nature includes the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP)

King David was very aware of this need to sow this seed of God’s word. “Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 AMP) He desired the crop of obedience to God’s will and he reaped the title of ‘Man after God’s own Heart’. “…the Lord has sought out [David] a man after His own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14 AMP) He knew the character of God and openly worshipped Him.

The outcome of our actions is determined by choices made at planting time. Out of the seeds sown into our hearts, actions are reaped in our lives. “Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8 AMP) This is evidenced in responses to everyday occurrences. “The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 AMP)

Have you ever felt that you have missed God's timing? It is wise to plan ahead and plant at the proper time. Yet because the season of planting may seemingly be passed, do not give up. God can take any circumstances and turn them around. Jonah fled in the opposite direction yet, when he repented and turned back to obey God’s plan, God still brought repentance and salvation to the people of Nineveh. (See book of Jonah)
The delay of disobedience happens when we are not purposefully tuned to the direction of God’s will. Yet even if one is a little late, there's still value in planting and putting in the work to nurture God’s word in our lives. God can bless the fruit of our labor, even when everything has not been done perfectly. There are many examples throughout Scripture of people who have done wrong and later been used by God. Each chose to turn back to the Lord and replant His word in their hearts and nurture it with obedience. The result was a benefit and nourishment to many.

Whatever stage of life you are in plant seeds of God’s love and nurture them with obedience. You live well and will bring tasty nourishment to those who are hungry in spirit.