In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 ESV
This is where we make our debut, my Friend — humble beginnings, would you agree? Our Creator GOD formed us out of the earth. Have you gone outside lately and scooped up a generous handful of soil? It’s not particularly attractive — nothing extraordinary about dirt. It’s even equal to the stuff on the bottom of your shoes. And they make things for that so you don’t track it into your home.
Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. Genesis 1:11. NLT
Our Heavenly Father, spoke to the seeds He made — He told them to multiply and bear the fruit of their design. He spoke to the seeds. I’d say that’s beyond powerful. Any thoughts? The last time I held seedlings in my palms my prayer went something like: “Lord, please don’t let them die.”
My grandfather was a great gardener. He would take me into his massive garden (it appeared that way to a 5 year old) and teach me how to plant beans, how to identify good fruit … he even had me mowing his sloped lawn with a push-mower (some of you will need to Google that). He grew sugar cane, figs, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, squash … I didn’t really appreciate it at the time. Now, I’m wishing I had that green hand of his for my own garden.
The Lord of all creation simply spoke — and it happened. What amazes me is that He spoke to dirt and it yielded exactly what He commanded. Did that make it hallowed ground? Was the earth then regarded as holy — as He is holy?
The seeds that are planted in my life … the desire to walk closer with my Savior and know Him more … the visions of leaving a legacy of Christ after I’m in paradise … will these take root and continue to thrive and bear fruit after me? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to water them regularly so that the roots begin to dig deep? What about those seeds that cause me to bear good fruit in the here and now — for both the good in my life and for the benefit of others? The fruit that will show the Goodness of the Master Gardener …
- What kinds of seeds have you been planting in your garden?
If I remember anything, it’s the importance of the pruning and nourishment. Even my dad taught me to put down good nutrients into the soil — manure is good stuff.
Ironic how something so smelly and unpleasant to experience can be the primary source of a healthy crop. And it had to be laid down by hand. As a child, I was floored to find out what manure really was! Of course, there’s also that pruning that has to occur. I argued that it ‘hurt’ the plant to be cut back; I mean, why would cutting something back result in it becoming stronger and healthy? Made no sense to this child.
As an adult that is a Child of GOD, I totally get it. All the stinky circumstances and the cutting back of branches actually promotes the health and longevity of the plant. It may not be pleasant, and it will likely be inconvenient. But my Master Gardener says, ‘trust Me, it’s for your good.’
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV
So I have to take inventory of my own yard for a moment … are my roots healthy? After all, it’s the roots that reach down for the water that keeps the plant living. Are my roots receiving living water from the One Who freely gives? Am I allowing the heat of the sun to create food from within? Sometimes that heat can feel overwhelming; but it would not be good for me to isolate in the shade. Are the weeds of worldly influences stunting my growth?
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
Pollution is all around us and impossible to avoid. However, we can take precautionary measures to ensure that we won’t be affected by it. Those seeds of depression, anxiety, insecurity, discouragement, defeat, failure, bitterness, anger, resentment, jealousy, envy, revenge, hatred, covetousness … just to name a few. They don’t have to take root in our soil, Friend. But we will have to allow the Lord of our garden to till the soil to bring up the good that is deposited deep within. The Holy Spirit will continue to rain down wisdom and discernment so that we cultivate this hallowed ground and bear good fruit.
- Sit still for a moment. Ask the Lord to show you what needs to be pruned and removed from your hallowed ground.
- Record these things in your Bible or journal so that you can continue to pray over them.
- Connect with a trusted friend that will help you remain accountable for your actions.
A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit. Matthew 7:18-20 CSB
I would be remiss to not mention the importance of clean practices in your garden. We’ve all heard and read of the ravaging devastation that poison and chemicals can leave upon the earth for generations. Just as we are careful to not inject poison into our earthly space, we must guard our spiritual garden from being infiltrated by deadly invasions of anything not in alignment with the Word of GOD. Period. This will assure good fruit through the generations to follow. Messy gardens and yards can be ‘fixed,’ but when you can do the preventative maintenance, you’re saving yourself tons of heartache.
Keep good company, Sister, and you will avoid inviting trouble in your garden. Protect your space and your good crops.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 