AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
October 2019
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Signs Following Faith10/5/2019  Signs Following Faith
MIRACLES IN THE MAKING Terry R. Baughman “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17–18). Preaching the Word of God inspires faith! It is life-giving and transformative. Not only does the Word inspire our hearts and illuminate our understanding, it also renews our spirit and ignites faith in God for miracles, signs, and wonders. Mark recorded a simple conjunction between faith and what will be a natural response to it, “And these signs will follow those who believe.” He declared deliverance from demonic oppression, gifts of the Spirit, power over personal danger, and miracles of healing would begin to happen when believers experience salvation. When people respond to the Gospel message miracles begin to occur in their lives. As Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). When the Word goes forth with the Spirit’s anointing the response is powerful and the results are phenomenal. Salvation is the greatest miracle and most notable result. Mark declared, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Our greatest admiration should be in response to the witness of a soul being saved and a life transformed. When Philip preached the message of Jesus Christ in Samaria there were amazing miracles of healing and deliverance, “For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed” (Acts 8:7). Their response of faith caused many to be baptized and prepared to receive the Holy Spirit when Peter and John came from Jerusalem. That is when Simon, the sorcerer, was more amazed with the visible demonstration of miracles and tongues than with the transformation of the Spirit. He was rebuffed for his desire to purchase the power rather than to receive the New Birth experience by faith. These miracles were not intended to be sensational results just to provoke admiration or to bring attention to the recipient, but to lead them to full salvation along with the others who witnessed these events. The demonstration of signs alone do not necessarily cause people to believe. They may be impressed, awed, or even curious to know more, but still unbelieving. Jesus performed many signs and miracles, yet there were many people who saw the signs who remained skeptical and unconvinced of His Deity. John observed, “Although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: ‘Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’” (John 12:37–38 and quoting Isaiah 53:1). There must be more than signs. Faith must be born in the heart of the hearer to turn from sin and seek the Savior. The power of the Spirit will be revealed in the New Birth experience. As Peter explained, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). As believers we can confidently expect miraculous signs of the Spirit’s work and engage the supernatural in our witness. Pray expectantly. Speak confidently. Live purposefully. Anything is possible and everything is available, “These signs will follow those who believe!” Theme passage: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord …, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit?” (Hebrews 2:3–4).
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The Supreme One9/29/2019  The Supreme One
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:9–11 NIV). Corporations spend thousands, even millions of dollars on their brand and shaping public perception of their organizations. From their logos, to slogans, to advertising jingles, they purposefully plan their strategies to promote their brand identity and create a positive perception of their businesses. It is vital to their success and their profit line that their image reflects favorable impressions on the population. Financial institutions want to exude stability and solvency. Insurance companies want inspire security through their ability to provide protection. Sports enterprises want to project strength, endurance, and a winning reputation of association with championship. Successful brands find a common basis in a recognizable name and the perception they inspire. Certain names have a ring of excellence, like Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, or Rolex. Other names invoke pride and superiority above others. Think Rolls Royce, Ritz-Carlton, or Swarovski. Strength and security are often associated with some names like Brinks, Gibraltar, or Fort Knox. More recently technology brands vie for top recognition and dominance in the marketplace. Names like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have become universally recognized. Though brands and corporate identities rise and fall there is one name that remains superior to every other. Only one has withstood the test of time and remains unwaveringly trustworthy, highly valued, and ultimately superior. There is one name that stands above every name that is named. That name is Jesus! Jesus is supreme in position. His is the name above all others. Paul said, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9 NIV). He declared Jesus Christ to the highest authority, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” (Colossians 1:17–19 NIV. Also, see 2:9–10). Jesus is supreme in power. Again Paul wrote, “What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:19–21). Jesus is supreme in praise. The sacrifice of His life to provide redemption for all humanity requires the adoration of heaven and earth. John wrote, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12). The Psalmist declared that the Lord alone is the name worthy of praise, “That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18). Salvation’s name is Jesus and He alone is worthy of praise! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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His Name is Power9/22/2019  His Name is Power
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’ … by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole” (Acts 4:7, 10). An outstanding miracle took place just outside the most notable gate of the Temple, the Beautiful Gate. According to historians it was a majestic gate seventy-five feet high. It was likely to have been made of bronze with an overlay of silver and gold. It was an impressive background for the miracle that took place in Acts, chapter three. A man who had been lame all of his life, forty years, was assisted to a place near the Beautiful gate every day to beg for the coins that worshippers might drop in his hands on their way into the Temple. This man in abject poverty sat in the shadows of the opulent gate which glittered with silver and gold. Significantly, as Peter and John passed the man on their way to the Temple, Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). Immediately the man was healed. He was assisted up on his feet for the first time in his life and he began leaping and rejoicing with new strength in his legs and a praise on his lips as they moved into the Temple with great demonstration. The miracle caused quite a stir among the religious devout. For such a common and well-known feature as the lame man outside the Temple to be suddenly absent due to his complete healing certainly created a buzz of speculation. “Who did it? When did it happen? How did they do it?” These were some of the questions that were being asked. Some looked at Peter and John as though they had some holy anointing or special powers within themselves. Peter was quick to disavow their own ability to perform miracles, but readily confessed that it was through the power of the resurrected Jesus, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16). The power for performing the miraculous is in the name of Jesus. Signs and wonders were accomplished by the disciples, but all were quick to acknowledge that their power was only through the name of Jesus. The same authority is resident in the life of every believer today. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do .… If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:12–14). Every indication is that healing, miracles, signs and wonders will be accomplished in the church community and in our interaction with others. Peter went on to establish that in the name of Jesus there is power for salvation. From his inaugural message at the birth of the church in Acts 2 he established the necessity of speaking the name of Jesus. He instructed the repentant, “Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). He told the religious leaders who questioned them after the healing of the lame man, salvation comes in the name of Jesus. He said, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). In the house of Cornelius, Peter preached a similar message, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, … To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:38, 43). His name holds all power. Jesus is Salvation’s Name! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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Mighty to Save9/15/2019  Mighty to Save
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). Some have posited the question, “Can God create a rock so big that He cannot move it?” In the question they create a circular reasoning that if God cannot make or move such a rock then there must be limits to His power and definition of His ability. The angel that appeared to Mary and proclaimed her spiritual conception to bring the Messiah into the world said, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Not only did the angel predict that Mary, a virgin, would have a miraculous birth, he also announced the miraculous birth of John the Baptist who would be born to elderly parents who were beyond child-bearing years. Suffice it to say that miracles are plentiful in the story of God. There is nothing that He cannot do and if we try to use philosophy or faulty reasoning to deny His power we alone will end up missing out on the demonstration of the miraculous. Jesus came into the world with a clear purpose and a defined objective. He came to, “Save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Not only was His goal to save, but He was motivated by love. “God so loved the world” that He came. He promised that those who believe, “In Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He loved the world. He came to save, and He continues to provide life to all those who turn to Him in faith. He is our loving and powerful Savior! Anyone can promise protection and some may assure us of continual security from life’s unexpected problems. However, no one else is able to assure eternal life and deliverance from sin. Those promises can only be kept by one who has the authority over the grave and the power to restore us to righteousness. Only God can redeem us from the guilt of our sins, forgive us for our transgressions, and give us hope for an eternity with Him in Heaven. We have the privilege of proclaiming His message to all who are lost. The Gospel is powerful. It is His story of His death, burial, and resurrection. The One who died took on the guilt and burden of sin to finish it. We accept His provision and His substitution by faith when we ask His forgiveness of sins through the act of repentance. He is the one who was buried in a borrowed tomb. It would not be a permanent dwelling place, just a three day occupation. We identify with His death when we call on the name of Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism. Just as Christ rose from the grave we rise from the waters to receive His Holy Spirit and the new life He brings. Paul said, “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:4–5). We leave the old life behind and the stain of sin buried in the watery grave. In Christ we have life and we live in the power of His resurrection. We have hope because He is mighty to save! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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The Seeking Savior9/8/2019  The Seeking Savior
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Luke is the only Gospel writer to give us the three stories of lost things: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In the first two stories the one suffering loss goes to great lengths to find that which was lost and to restore the property. In the story of the lost son the grieving father awaits the return of the prodigal. There is a lesson, or maybe several lessons, in the correlation of the biblical tales. The Good Shepherd was concerned about every sheep and He numbered them, remembered them, and was concerned about the one that was lost and alone facing the danger of night. Ninety-Nine sheep were accounted for and safely collected in the fold. They were secured, but one was missing. The shepherd retraced their steps and sought carefully in the deepening darkness. He listened for the cry of the sheep and looked in ravines and among the thickets until he finally found it. He carried him home with a light heart and a gladdened gait. Once the lost one was safely in the fold he called friends together to share in his joy. The woman who lost the silver coin was distraught over the loss and set about to find the missing item. While it may not have seemed to be so valuable to others it was very important to the woman. She swept floors, moved furniture, carefully looking in every crack and corner until she finally found the missing coin. Again, she was so joyful over the recovery she had to celebrate with others and called friends to come together for a party over her good fortune. In the final story there was a departure from the plot line. A father’s son asked for an advance on his inheritance so that he might live it up and enjoy life in the present. The grieving father obliged the errant son and gave him what he had coming. The boy left home and lived it up, until the money ran out and friends were gone. When the son came to the realization of his folly and awakened to his mistake he was far from home, hungry, and alone. In this story, the father did not chase or seek for him; he simply waited at home and watched with a wistful eye down the path that took his son away. Only when the lone figure of the returning prodigal appeared on the trail did the father run to meet him in a joyful reunion. In both the lost sheep and the lost coin there was joyful celebration over their return. Jesus said, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). Equally, the father wanted to celebrate over the return over the lost son. He prepared a feast and invited many to come and welcome the prodigal home. He exclaimed, “‘For this beloved son of mine was once dead, but now he’s alive again. Once he was lost, but now he is found!’ And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy” (Luke 15:24 TPT). Whether Jesus seeks the lost sheep, the thing of value, or awaits the return of the errant child, He is still concerned about restoration and rejoices when the lost is returned. Those who feel His heartbeat and understand His passion will also celebrate when the lost is reunited with the Father. Our desire must be one with His. Our compassion for the lost must motivate us to join in the search for the lost ones and bring them back into the fold. Jesus is still seeking the lost and willing to save. “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). That is His ultimate purpose, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). His love is constant and His purpose unchanging. Together, let us seek and find the lost. Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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The Name of Jesus9/1/2019  The Name of Jesus
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1–2). The ministry of Jesus began with clear purpose and His intention was made known through His reading from the prophets. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18–19). These passages in Isaiah were read in the synagogue of Nazareth after the launch of His ministry. It was His application that caught the attention of the crowd and caused many to reject His words, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Regardless of their response His message was clear; He was the one that was prophesied to come and bring salvation to those who called on His name. Isaiah said, “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted’” (Isaiah 12:2–4). The prophet predicted a joyous day of salvation and made the inexorable connection with the Name of the Lord. Salvation came in His name and His name became salvation! An angel appeared to Joseph and instructed Him concerning the child that Mary would bear, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The Savior was coming and His name declared His mission, Yahweh Saves! Jesus came to bring the good news of hope, healing, and the restoration of broken relationships. He came to bring release from bondage, vision for the blinded, and freedom for the oppressed. Salvation brings all these benefits and makes everything right in our relationship with God. All the benefits of His provision were made possible through the authority of His Name! The name of Jesus is the ultimate authority and everything is possible through Him. Paul wrote, “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” (Philippians 2:9–10). His name is efficient for salvation. Paul also said, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). For these reasons it is easy to see the importance of His name in baptism. Peter responded and the other apostles agreed when the question came, “What must we do?” (Acts 2:37). He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The instruction and examples are clear. Everyone baptized in the New Testament church were all baptized in the name of Jesus Christ … the saving Name of the Lord! So what is Salvation’s name? It is Jesus! Take on His name in baptism. Call on His name. Paul wrote, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Paul himself was baptized after the command of Ananias, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Call on His name today! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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Urgency in the Reaping8/25/2019  Urgency in the Reaping
PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35). The late hour and the immensity of the harvest demand participation of all available workers. There is no excuse for loitering in the marketplace. There should be no lack of employment when there is no end to the resources available and no shortage of opportunities for engagement. The harvest is the entire focus of our vision and the obsession of all activity. It is possible that we have talked of this day so long we may fail to recognize when the moment of fulfillment has arrived. We have discussed methods and procedures in preparation for the day of harvest, but never considered the immensity of the increase and our total inability to produce enough workers to process the reaping. The church of the end time can identify with the landowner at the center of the parable of the workers in the marketplace. He found himself seeking workers for his fields throughout the day. From early morning to late afternoon he returned to the market in hopes of finding someone to work the harvest and reap the plentiful produce. Finally, in desperation to beat the darkness in the final hour before sunset he returned to seek more workers. It was recorded that the landowner, “found others standing idle” (Matthew 20:6). Though they complained that no one had hired them He immediately contracted with this last crew, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive” (Matthew 20:7). It is the hour of desperation. There is urgency in the harvest. Now is the time for reaping. We must not allow any to be wasted. It’s time to enlist the idle; conscript the lazy; employ the excuse-maker. Anyone who is able can be used. Anyone willing can assist. Maybe it is time for another visit to the marketplace. Look for the hangouts, the places where the unemployed and unmotivated recline. Find those who for whatever reason have failed to find their place in the field. Motivate them. Persuade them. Convince them to help in the harvest. Our day is the final hour. It is the time of eleventh hour urgency. Paul’s call is our cry, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Never has the Gospel been so relevant and the message so necessary. Jesus predicted, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). This is the time for which we have waited, the moment of which we have dreamed. We war against the ticking clock and impending darkness. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). The darkness mocks our efforts and sunset screams, “It’s over,” but we are not done. The night is not here yet. While there is any time left we will strain to see in the dusk and reach for more until there is no more light. We cannot stop the clock but we can enlist workers, encourage laborers, and join the reapers in the fields. It is all hands on deck. It is time for a concerted effort to evangelize; unite the forces for prayer; teach, train, and advance the kingdom of God by every means possible. This is an emergency. There is urgency in the reaping! Scripture: “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
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Patience in the Process8/18/2019  Patience in the Process
PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:8–9). So, we sow. Then we water. Now we wait. Farming is not for the anxious or the impulsive individuals. It requires patience. Growth takes time. Maturity does not emerge overnight, nor does fruit develop in an instant. That is not to imply that the farmer does nothing while awaiting the time for harvest. There is always something to do. Equipment often needs repair, servicing, and cleaning. Fences need mending and buildings require maintenance. There is a never ending to-do list of projects. The harvest, however, necessitates a hands off season of just waiting. Sometimes the rows can be plowed or weeds removed, but the plants that are growing toward harvest cannot be disturbed lest their health should be compromised and their fruitfulness be thwarted. Growth is quite natural and will come at the rate it is designed to produce. Growing is a process and it is continual. Some varieties grow rapidly and develop their fruit within days, while others take years to reach maturity. We all enjoy the reaping and the benefits of harvest, but there’s a whole lot of waiting in-between times. Harvest is not just the fruit of our labor and the produce of what we have sown. We can also reap a harvest where others have sown. Jesus announced to the disciples who were with Him in Samaria, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” Then, He continued to explain the process, “One sows and another reaps. … I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors” (John 4:35; 37–38). We are all part of the process. Whether sowing or reaping, watering or weeding, we are all participants in the harvest of eternity. Matthew recorded the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The landowner went into the marketplace seeking workers early in the morning. He hired them and put them to work. Then, he returned for more workers by mid-morning. Obviously, there was a bumper crop and an abundant harvest that demanded more workers. Again, he returned at noon and in the afternoon. Each time he contracted more workers to bring in the harvest. Finally, in the last hour of daylight, he returned to the market and pled for more workers; even paying them a full day’s wage just to help get the harvest in before it was too late. (See Matthew 20:1–16.) God has brought us into the eleventh hour ministry of the Kingdom of God. While many have labored long and hard throughout the day, and many workers have joined the force of believers, we know that this generation is vested with the greatest responsibility of all. We must arise to the challenge of the final reaping, the harvest of souls in the last hours of opportunity. We must continue to sow more seed, water and tend the field God has given us. When the seed is in the ground and the watering is being accomplished, we will wait for the moment of fulfillment and the emergence of the harvest. Let us practice patience in the process. We must wait when it is time to wait, but eagerly launch into the harvest when the fruit is ready. Recognize when the fields are ready for reaping. Now is the time and today is our day. We have waited with patience, now let us reap the everlasting harvest! Scripture: “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
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Watering Dirt8/11/2019  Watering Dirt
PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. … For we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 9). Anyone who has planted a garden or even stuck a bean in a pot of potting soil had this experience, watching and watering dirt. The seeds are covered. The dirt is carefully raked over the shallow grave where the seed will perish and never be seen again. For the beginner learning the principles of agriculture and horticulture this period of time after the planting is the most anxious. Some may question: “Will it grow?” “How long should I wait?” “Is the seed viable?” “Will I ever see anything grow from this dirt?” Watering dirt may seem like a futile task. After all, it is just dirt. The sun shines on it and drys out the water that was carefully applied earlier. As the dirt drys it needs more water, but not too much water. Again, the questions: “How much water is enough?” “How much water is too much?” So, the gardener learns to believe in the process. Preparation of the soil is important and may take some time. Planting can be done quickly, but the next stage is the most difficult. Water and wait. Water and wait. In each of the synoptic gospels the parable of the sower is repeated. Jesus shared the parable and the interpretation with His disciples. The focus was on the different types of soil and their ability to produce growth of the seed. Some soils were shallow and rocky and could not retain sufficient water, so the tender new plant withered and died in the hot sun. Other seeds fell on the unprepared soil of the harden footpath. There was no place to root so no growth took place. Perhaps birds picked up the uncovered seed to supplement their diet. Among the thorns there was no place for a small plant to survive and increase was dwarfed. It was only in the good soil that growth and harvest took place. There is no problem with the seed. Jesus said the seed is the Word of God. It is good seed and it will bring forth in its season. When the soil is prepared and the seed is sown all we need to do is … water and wait! Jesus spoke of the seed as that which dies in the dirt. He said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24). The death of the seed is as important to the harvest as the growth of the new plant. The dying seed is absorbed into the emerging life of a resurrected in a living plant. The water is vital to the process. Water provides the moisture that softens the outer shell and brings life to the tiny kernel that hold the destiny of a new life within it. Some of our efforts seem pointless, even wasted. We water and we see nothing happening on the surface. Yet we water in faith, believing for the eventual evidence of life that shall emerge from the dampened soil. We pour into the lives of others in anticipation of growth and fruitfulness. Sometimes we wait and wonder if the fruitful season will ever come, but that is not our responsibility. We plant. We water. God gives the increase. We stare in faith at barren soil, but we labor in hope that something good will result from our efforts. We are workers together with God. We do our part and rest in faith that He will complete what He has started out to do. Keep pouring into the lives of others. We never know when new life from the seed is going to emerge and growth will begin to spring up. Until then, keep on watering dirt! Scripture: “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
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Sowing the Seed8/3/2019  PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST
Terry R. Baughman “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. … Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:6, 10). A fundamental principle of Scripture and of nature is that one will reap what has been sown. Anyone familiar with gardening, farming, or agriculture understands the principle well. Whatever produce is desired requires the same kind of seed in the beginning stage as expected in the final outcome. Whether it is corn, potatoes, strawberries or peaches the first stage is the planting, cultivating, watering, and waiting for the appropriate stages of growth, maturity and reaping. From Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the sower and the soils (Luke 8:5–10), to Paul’s analogy of sowing in death and reaping in resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35–38; 42–44), there is an abundance of biblical illustrations relating to the process of planting and harvest. These stories connect with us because we all enjoy the produce of agriculture and benefit from the principles of growth. They are easily understandable and convey the kernel of truth. Paul said, “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV). Though this is often quoted in a negative context, it may also be applied to a positive promise. If good things are sown we can expect a harvest of like kind. If love and kindness are planted, goodness and mercy will follow. The harvest is the anticipated outcome. Produce comes in the fulfillment of the growing season. Planting is never performed for practice and sowing is not the end of good deeds. There is always an expectation of growth, development, fruition, and harvest. Planting is not in vain and produce is never a surprise; it is expected. Can we sow the seeds of spiritual increase with faith for the eventual return? Can we confidently toil in the Lord’s vineyard with the assurance that we will drink from the fruit of our labor? Planting requires faith. When the seed is placed in the ground we can no longer see it. We may wonder if anything is happening, if growth is beginning, or if we have lost our investment in the dirt. Dirt is cheap. It is abundant. It has no food value and we wonder if it has what it takes to bring for the young plant. We must have faith in what we cannot see. Faith is “the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). That is what makes it faith. The power is in the seed, but the power will never be released until the seed goes into the dirt, until it dies, and until it emerges in a whole new manifestation. God has placed the power in the seed to become what it is destined to be. “What you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body” (1 Corinthians 15:36–38). Planting takes time, but the seed requires even more time. We must patiently wait for the outcome. While we wait we continue to plant. We don’t dig up the field we have already planted, but we move on to another field, another opportunity, another plot of dirt with fresh seed and the faith to know something is going on beneath the surface. “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10). We are planning on an increase. We are planting for the harvest. Scripture: “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7). |
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