Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:35:39 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Sept. 26); BP: Jer. 31; RBTTY: Gal. 5; Isaiah 1-2
September 26 &n bsp; “As A Watered Garden”
&n bsp; Jeremiah 31:12b
In Christ we find our reason for being and the fullness of life and joy.
A garden is a wonderful, tangible expression of the cooperative relationship that exists between God and man. Although the gardener (or farmer as the case may be) is the one who has to prepare the soil, plant the seed and cultivate the crop by de-weeding, watering, fertilizing, etc., it is still the God the Father Who “gives the increase” (I Cor. 3:7).
Again, we know it is man who “labors by the sweat of his/her brow” (Gen. 3:19) to help ready the garden/field for harvest; however, once again, it is our Creator Who has instilled with the seeds the inherent ability to germinate. . .provided the soil and her nutrients in which the seed/plant must grow. . .and the sunshine and rain so needed (in the right combinations) to help produce the long-awaited harvest fruits.
Thus, today’s Manna is a delightful one for those who enjoy “laboring together with God” (I Cor. 3:9) in a garden or agrarian environment. Although one who always has bountiful vegetable or flower gardens is said to have a “green thumb,” the fact remains that they always have “dirty fingernails”—for producing such results requires long, hard hours of manual labor and continual hope for the desired results.
And, so it is with our “soul being as a watered garden.” We know the soil for “God’s Garden” is the heart and the Seed is His Word. The Sower is the Holy Spirit working through the preacher/teacher/witness who faithfully “sows” (shares) it (Mt. 13:1-23). And, when the Seed is fertilized by faith and watered with tears, new life will break forth, producing “fruits of righteousness” (Phil. 1:11) and the delectable “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23) instead of the rotten “fruits of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21).
We should note this Garden is a “watered one,” which shows “insistent intentionality”—i.e., purposeful planning, preparation and provisions. The One overseeing this Garden doesn’t leave anything to accident or coincidence; instead, great care has been given to insuring an adequate water supply, even during times of drought.
Isn’t this a wonderful thought, Pilgrim?
Assuredly it is. Has not our Lord told us that the one who “delights in His Law by meditating on it day and night shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season—and his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he does shall prosper” (Ps. 1:2-3; Jer. 17:7-8)? And, did not Jesus tell the guilt-ridden Samaritan woman at the well that He’d cause “living water to spring up into everlasting life to anyone who’d drink from His well” (Jn. 4:14)? Glory!!
Therefore, we should rejoice today that the God of the universe has seen fit to choose us as His “well-watered Garden” and loves us with His own version of T.L.C. (Tender-loving Christ). Hallelujah!! May we “abide in Him” today, knowing it’s impossible to “bear fruit” any other way (Jn. 15:1-7).
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