God's Garden - Pt. 2

 

When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. (Genesis 2:5-9 ESV).

 

The cultivation and care for living, growing things is grounded deeply in the soul of who we are as created beings in God’s garden. In the beginning God planted us human beings in his perfect garden. Previous verses from the creation story make clear that God is the original gardener. He created the vegetation—seed-bearing plants, trees that have fruit with seeds, shrubs, and all kinds of trees. From the beginning, God intended this first garden to produce food for all kinds of creatures and humankind year after year. And, as the context of our reading goes on to explain, God planted people in that first garden “to work it and take care of it” (v. 15). This suits us because we are from God, created in his image to be like him, and we are also from the ground. We might even say that gardening, working and caring for growing things, is in our bones. Cultivating the gifts of God for the glory of God is what we are meant for.

 

Gardening involves cultivating, planting, watering, pruning, protecting, harvesting, and much more. When we are drawn to the world of soil, plants, and trees, it is no coincidence. We’re designed to care for the earth, other creatures, and each other. Cultivation is rooted in our beginning and continual thriving in God’s garden. We should also take care of the spiritual nature of our “garden.”

 

So much of the time we allow our lives to become cluttered with the “weeds” of worry, anxiety, envy, or anger. These emotions can be helpful if they point us to the ultimate Gardner and renew our trust in His plan and purpose for every experience or circumstance in our lives. Renew your commitment to trust God’s plan for your life. He has you placed just where you belong in this vast creation of His working everything to your good!

 

God's Garden - Pt. 1

 

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:22-31 ESV).

 

Today’s reading gives me a starting point in which I may encourage and affirm each of us in our daily lives. It is typically used to exhort others to refrain from worry and anxiety. However, I want to begin by looking at a reference of Jesus tucked in the midst of this teaching about “God’s Garden.” Notice His reference to the “lilies of the field”. They are beautiful, “yet they neither toil nor spin” (v. 27). God simply made them beautiful! That’s our beginning point today.

 

The picture attached today is taken in the spring of the year at Cades Cove, which is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Those of you who know me also know this is an annual spot for Mary and I. While I did not take this photo I have seen this display of God’s creative wonder many times. I have often wanted to duplicate this display in my own gardens. Of course that has not been accomplished. My “green thumb” is really more “tea green” (which is recognized as the lightest shade of green known). Mary’s dad, Bruce Perry, was a professor of horticulture at Texas A&M and responsible for the development and breeding of many varieties of tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables, notably including the Vidalia Onion. He could grow anything. While he tried to instruct me, I was not a good student!

 

My interest did run deep, however. In large part that was because Jesus used many examples from nature to make important points in his teaching. As Jesus sits on a mountainside teaching his fickle followers and the distractible crowd, his sharp eyes light on the splendor of nearby wild flowers. Considering them, Jesus makes a stunning comparison that produces a simple and profound life lesson. In God’s garden, fretting and wearisome work are not only unnecessary but are actually a counter-productive insult flung in the face of our caring Creator. If God renders such beauty from nature, will he not care for you? In the following days, we’ll follow Jesus’ counsel to “consider” how we grow and are being formed in God’s garden. Although you may not feel at home in an actual garden, the beauty and glory of life have deep roots in our souls, which need to find their home in the Lord.

 

Talking Season

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV).

 

It seems that we have entered another peak of what I often call “talking season.” You know, it’s that time in our calendar when there are lots of people talking, but few who are saying anything with hope and encouragement for the future. I do not know who took the photo accompanying today’s devotional, but it perfectly describes how I feel at times when I’m listening or reading various folks in their response to the various circumstances of our world. I often think it would be nice to be able to simply reach out and shut their mouths before anything else comes out.

 

Knowing that is not possible, perhaps a simple list from the Scripture might be helpful to all of us as we think about the nature and character of our speech. The Apostle Paul gives us some clear instruction:

 

§  First, we should speak words of encouragement. When someone tells me I am doing a good job, that I am on the right track, that I have done something important, their words strengthen me for accomplishing more good things. “Atta-boys” are always more welcome than correction.

 

§  Second, sincere compliments build us up. When people say that I gave a wise answer to their question, that my example was an inspiration to them, or that somehow I changed the course of their life, I rejoice in knowing God is at work through me.

 

§  Third, thanksgiving must always be a part of our vocabulary. Read the first few verses of the Apostle Paul’s letters to churches and individuals. Quite often, after he wishes them grace and peace, he thanks God for them. There were several difficulties Paul wanted to straighten out with the church in Corinth, but he still expressed gratitude for the spiritual gifts they were using. He encouraged them with promises of God’s faithfulness.

 

Use your words to build up. Apply grace liberally in your communications with others.

 

Happy Birthday, Mary!

 

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12 ESV).

 

If it is true that Solomon wrote Proverbs, as I believe it to be along with many other theologians, then we must understand a critical element within these wonderful words of wisdom. Proverbs itself declares that these words were taught to the writer by his mother. If indeed Solomon is the author that would mean Bathsheba was the teacher. I find that incredibly revealing given the history of her life with her husband David. Certainly we cannot lay blame at her feet for all that took place in the events that followed David’s sin with her; however, we must also recognize the depth of understanding she possessed and passed on to her son, Solomon. I suppose what I am saying is that though not perfect, she was an example for all of us.

 

And, that thought brings me to today’s celebration of Mary’s birthday. I often speak so highly of her that I think people might believe I think she is perfect. Well, to me she is; however, I am also aware that no one of us is perfect. It is in the imperfection that I see the design of God in our relationship. Without her I would be so incomplete. Too often the compliments and accolades come to me without recognizing that without her, I could do nothing at all. That is and continues to be God’s design. I shudder to think of where I might have been without her. “An excellent wife who can find?” (v. 10) is the question posed by Solomon. Well, I have the answer… I can and did!

 

Today Mary is celebrating her 34^th anniversary of her 39^th birthday (you do the math… I’m not that dumb to publicly write it). For nearly 53 years of those we have been married. There have been times of challenge and hardship, victory and peace; and, always there has been a sense in which I have know she is the one in whom I can always trust. The picture included with this devotional was taken in one of our favorite spots. It is the entrance to The Village in Gatlinburg. I cannot tell you how many photos I have of her on this very bench through the decades. I can tell you this most recent one reminds me of how blessed I am to have such a partner to walk through life with.

 

My prayer for each of you is that you have such a partner in your life! Perfection is not the goal… wisdom is! Happy Birthday, Mary!

 

Standing in Love

 

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:27-30 ESV).

 

Sometimes Christians appear a little shaky. Some lash out at critics. In some cases, because of fears that a “culture war” might cause trouble for the church, some Christians urge people to engage in hardball politics to try to get their way. Make no mistake: Paul tells the Philippians to stand firm and not to compromise the gospel. We have enemies to face. But we have to face them in a way that is consistent with the gospel and with Jesus, who willingly suffered rather than lash out in anger. “Don’t be scared of those who oppose you,” Paul says, in effect; “fear is for uncertain people. But if we are certain that we have already won the victory in Jesus, then we have nothing to fear, and our confidence proves to our enemies that they have already lost!”

 

These verses from Philippians deliver a daunting challenge. For Paul’s first readers, this was not easy to do in the Roman Empire, where hostility toward the church became state policy. Nobody would want to suffer. Yet Paul says that suffering was “granted” to the Philippians, as though it was a gift. That’s the way Paul saw it. To suffer for Jesus and like Jesus— well, that’s a gift. And it helps the world see Jesus more clearly than if we try to inflict suffering on others because of our fears.

 

All of this is tempered with an understanding of our responsibility and opportunity to love others the way Jesus did. As infuriating as other people and their beliefs may be to us, we have this “gift” to be able to respond with equal parts of grace-giving and truth-telling, all done in the hope and expectation that the Holy Spirit will use our actions and words to bring glory to God and redeem a fallen world. Much of what I see today from the church has no love or grace mixed in with their truth. That is not the way of the Lord.

 

Divided Love

 

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:19-26 ESV).

 

After Faith and Logan’s graduation ceremony last week Mary and I rode home with them. Their car was parked closer to the stadium than Kyle’s and it made more sense to ride with them. It was delightful to be stuck in the traffic of the hundreds of folks trying to exit the parking lot. Faith had a great playlist going on the radio; the conversation was lovely and full of the joy of accomplishment and friends. I couldn’t have been happier than to be there at that moment. We talked about everything and nothing in specific. To be grandparents with them was a great joy. After a bit, Faith said, “Well, Grandpa, you made it.” I laughed a bit and recognized that thought was rooted in the uncertainty of life, especially for someone who has had some health issues over the past three years.

 

Our reading today gives us some insight into the mind of the apostle as he faces the nearing end of his life. Paul had never been with Jesus like the other apostles, most of whom had been Jesus’ disciples. He met Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus (cf. Acts 9). And he was eager to experience having full life with Christ in his presence forever. Yet he loved the life he had here on earth, and he loved the Philippians and all others who needed to hear about and grow in the love of Christ. So Paul was torn, and he sensed that his going to be with Jesus would wait. He hoped to return to Philippi to enjoy the people’s fellowship and deepen their faith.

 

Paul lays out his heart here for all to see. And what we see is his love for God, love for Jesus, love for the gospel, and love for sisters and brothers in the church. An old song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Certainly we see Paul’s Christlikeness in his lavish love. By Paul’s example, we see again the importance of love for God and love for neighbor at the center of his life. Jesus stated that these two summarize the whole will of God. I am so glad to have “made it” to this point… but I also look forward to really making it into eternity with Jesus!

Thoughtful Love

 

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 ESV).

 

I usually imagine the Apostle Paul pacing from wall to wall in his dimly lit cell while imprisoned in Rome dictating his letters to the churches to one of his faithful friends speaking extemporaneously, rapid fire at a pace nearly impossible to keep up with. However, our reading today comes from one of his letters that seems to be dictated slowly with thoughtfulness. It is as if he is reminiscing and the memories he recalls brings feeling of love and appreciation to his situation allowing him to speak with tenderness and great depth. In just three verses today we find deep insight. Yes, Paul is thankful for the Philip­pians, but thanksgiving is not his only prayer. He also wants their love to abound. He is not thinking about some sentimental, greeting-card kind of love, but a thoughtful, giving kind of love.

 

For the Christian, love is more than sentiment. It also involves depth of insight, discernment, and the ability to figure out what is best in a given situation. It prompts us to ask, “What will help me be the most transparent to Jesus when I encounter this or that situation?” We don’t typically associate love with a furrowed brow as we figure out the most fitting way to act. But Christ-like love involves exactly that kind of thoughtfulness. The goal is to produce spiritual fruit that reflects Jesus and also points others in his direction.

 

When we read that God “so loved the world (John 3:16),” we know that God’s plan of salvation was behind that divine love. Yes, such love did involve warmth and ardor, but God’s working out of our salvation required a lot of holy discernment too. Do we think it was easy to solve our sin problem? It cost the life of God’s only Son! As we are called to love, we are also called to the God-like activity of fruitful hard thinking so that in all things we will bring glory to God in Christ. From what I have seen and experienced from some, this kind of love is far from our thoughts. We must be thoughtful in our love and its expression. This is the way God loves us. Let’s follow that example in all we say and do.