Lessons in the Garden

"Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits." Song of Solomon 4:16

Last month, while JeJe was in California, I agreed to the great responsibility of tending to his garden. It was a bit stressful for me. You see, I've never been able to keep any houseplants alive, let alone a whole garden.  

When Elli was born, and the nurse brought her up close for me to see, I was overjoyed at the sight of her. Then I was overwhelmed at the thought of the HUGE responsibility I was just handed--the wellbeing (survival) of another living being.

Praise God for His never ending mercies and grace.

JeJe is a man of simple pleasures. He loves... 
     his Bible
     spending time alone with God
     his family
     a good cup of coffee
     a massage
     sushi
     a nap on Sunday afternoons
     and...
     he really enjoys gardening.

God does nothing from coincidence. I am sure this is a gift from God to go along with His calling on JeJe's life for church planting and developing disciples for Jesus.

God's uprooting of me from my native, “year long summer” season in California--to a country with four seasons and filled with farmland and sheep--was designed by Him to speak many valuable things to me. This has been a place for me to have that extra time that God wants in order to speak to me through my surroundings and circumstances.

Here's what I've been gleaning from this season of JeJe's planting a new garden (and church), and for several weeks my being solely responsible for it.

*It's not ours, its Gods. Its ALL Gods.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm 24:1

• No one will care as deeply about your garden as you do. You put in all the work and hours in clearing out the old dead stuff, burning the chaff, turning the soil, planting, watering, feeding, protecting (especially from insects and preying birds/worms), pruning and caring for the entire well being of your garden.
• The gardener has the greatest knowledge of his garden. He knows the soil, what seeds he has planted (and where). He knows the timing, what thrives best and where in his garden. He knows how to care for the various kinds of species he has planted. Some produce fruit, some flowers, some thorns and well, some just never take root.
• Good soil (foundation) is the most critical component of a fruitful/healthy harvest. The soil has to be turned. The sign of rich soil is worms; they are feeding off all the good nutrients.

He is the chief cornerstone. (Mark 12:10)

• Good seed. JeJe planted two types of seeds for the tomatoes. He was skeptical about one and chose to plant just a few. The other set produces the most amazing tomatoes. They melt in your mouth, and their skin is not tough or plastic-like. Hmmm...
• The gardener must keep a careful eye on the garden, especially the condition of the soil and leaves. If it's dry, he needs to water. If it's too wet, he can oversaturate and drown the plant.
• The gardener provides the best protection of the garden. He knows what predators/feeders are nearby. He observes where they can get in and takes measures to prevent them from entering. Precautions are taken against worms, insects, and more. Along these lines, he wants to protect without using harmful ingredients (such as pesticides) that would taint the quality of the fruit.
• The gardener could use synthetic products to give superior looking produce. However, once you bite into this type of produce, you already know its not what you had hoped for. It lacks the taste and satisfaction of the fruit grown without these measures. Reminds me of how many times JeJe and I have talked about what methods various churches use to draw people in and... “should we try this..?”; JeJe always responds, “God has been building his church for over 2,000 years. He doesnt need our help." He quotes these two verses

"...and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." Matthew 16:18b

"...The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." Mark 12:10

• The gardener knows the results completely depend on God. He causes the sun, rain, and weather to come together to help the crop along (or not...sometimes He wants you to go thru all that process, just to learn).

The garden does require the basic tasks metioned above, as well as patience & perserverence (in prayer as well as in labor) in working and waiting (not picking produce too soon from the vine or watchng some fall to the ground). The ultimate crop is from God's hand. He gets all the glory and thanksgiving.

When the plant yields a beautiful, tasty produce, nothing compares to the satisfaction the gardener gets from being able to eat from that over which he labored over, and savor a quality product. Its even better when we have so much produce we are able to bless others.
Again, nothing compares to produce that comes from a healthy, well cared for garden. Thinking ahead, JeJe will leave some of the produce on the vine to grow big. He then takes the seeds for next years planting.

I'm reminded that this isn't “my” garden. Because I was willing to come alongside and help JeJe with it (I did think to suggest someone else come tend to it, out of fear of killing it off and disappointing JeJe) I, too, have enjoyed eating from its amazing produce.  

Partnering with God is very much the same, in a ministry or work He's calling us to. Be faithful to do the things you know He is asking of you. Ultimately the results are His (and if there arent any, or they are few, praise Him anyway and seek what lessons He is trying to teach you). You will get to enjoy the benefits of being a partaker with Christ. 

What I first thought would be a burdensome task, became a labor of love. I wasnt doing it for anybody other than JeJe--because I love him and know how much the garden means to him. We can carry this into our love and service for the Lord. Everything we do, we do for Him and His approval and glory alone.

We pray for a bountiful harvest that we can enjoy. A harvest that will bless others with healthy produce to enjoy, and fruit/vegetables that will produce good seed for the next season.

I was so happy to welcome JeJe back to his garden.

by Coleen JeJeran, Missionary to Romania

Breathing in His Promises

"There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”  Deuteronomy 1:30-31

Talking to my blue fish has become the norm these days. I appreciate that he’s the kind of guy who’d never leave dirty socks on the floor. And, he never asks things like, “Mommy, why do you laugh like a seal?” He’s such a gentleman.

Every week he graciously swims into my little net to be transferred to clean water.

But, yesterday! He gave the biggest attitude.

He wouldn’t get into the net and it wasn’t funny! If he didn’t want this water, he was welcome to the toilet I scrubbed earlier.

I kept banging around the bowl trying to corner him, “Seriously fish! Trust me. I don’t want you to get sick!”

My heart winced. I was on the verge of being sick, too--spiritually sick. I knew it, and God was getting my attention. I was all bent out of shape over this fish not letting me save it from poop water, while I defiantly swam in my own refuse.

Recently, I expected God to move in a certain way in my life--and He didn’t. I was heartbroken.

It seems I’d rather be submerged in disappointment than be transferred into God’s perspective of my circumstances. I was "over" it. Over praying. Over crying. Over...whelmed.

Still, here was God, trying to rescue me. “Seriously child! Trust me. I don’t want you to get sick!”

God’s love has never failed me. He’s carried me, like "a Father carries a son," out of every "Egypt" and wilderness I’ve faced. Why was I banging my head against the bowl trying to escape rescue?

If I enter into God’s saving net, He’ll raise me up into a pocket of air called the unknown.

Let’s be honest, breathing in the unknown can hurt.

I captured that stubborn fish in the net. He wriggled in desperation, gasping until I plopped him safely into clean water.

When we’re scooped up into God’s purposes, we don’t have to mimic a suffocating fish. If it feels like we can’t breathe, it’s because we’re choking on lies.

Here is the truth: God isn’t going to flush us down the toilet.

We can enter into the unknown, clinging confidently to the known.

We know our God is good!

Abandoning the mire and surrendering to hope elevates us to a new atmosphere. Like those who train to climb Mt. Everest, it will stretch and challenge the lungs of our faith. The air is thin and burns our chest.

Yet, our Father teaches us a new way to breathe. Instead of gasping on lies, we deeply inhale his promises.

One by one.

He loves us. He lifts us higher.

He fights for us. We grow stronger.

He’s with us. We have peace.

Crawl into the palm of his hand. Our tender, mighty God will always deliver us to a place of hope and beauty.

by Jenna Masters

My Shepherd

"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:4

My Shepherd

Old pictures framed in black
The taste of salty tears
Sadness, scars, and brokenness
The vanity of years

That day You reached and saved me
From Satan's stranglehold
Healing, peace, and freedom
The future framed in gold

Oh, God of Angel Armies
Stretch out Your mighty hand
Oh, Spirit, precious Comforter
Give strength and help me stand.

Oh, Shepherd, always faithful
Lead on 'til earth is past
Your rod and staff, they comfort still
And Your firm grip holds fast.

by Peggy Farina

Help in the Storm

"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves." Matthew 14:24

I've been watching the news reports and the pictures from Hurricane Harvey's hit on Texas. I see all the photos of the courageous, kind individuals rescuing people and animals, giving out water and helping provide shelter in the storm. It makes me think the storm may be exactly what America needs. We need to see that in these turbulent times we live in, there still remains some good folks who look past color and social status (and political party) to lend a helping hand to their fellow man.

I think about the storms Jesus used in the lives of the Apostles. They learned many lessons through them as a result. One moment that is forefront in my mind is when Jesus called Peter to walk to Him on the waves of the storm.

"About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. 'Don't be afraid,' He said. 'Take courage. I am here.' Then Peter called to Him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." Matthew 14:25-28

Jesus could have calmed the sea at any moment, but there was a lesson for Peter to learn. Jesus urged him on. He also gave Peter instruction on how to walk on the stormy waves. He needed to not have doubt and just come. I really love that Mathew recorded Jesus' hand was outstretched to help Peter. He only needed to take that first step. He even grabbed Peter when he doubted and began to sink.

"Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me?'  Mathew 14:28-31

Whatever storm you find yourself in, look to Jesus and give Him your hand.

When they (Jesus and Peter) climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped." Matthew 14:32

by Coleen Jejeran, Missionary to Romania

 

His Workmanship

"For we are His workmanship (poema) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."   Ephesians 2:10

We come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of us are married and some are single. Although we live all over the world we can sit and talk to each other about a common love. This common love, our common bond, is that we are children of the Living God, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. He has washed us with the blood He shed on the cross for our sins. He has redeemed us from all manner of sin. Only Jesus loves us unconditionally.

Some of us have led peaceful lives free from pain or shame. Also amongst us are some who have been rescued from a hell so heinous that, when we remember the circumstances, tears well up inside and we tremble. Yet… when we remember WHO we now belong to, a sigh escapes and a silent prayer of gratitude is whispered.

There is nothing in this world that we want more than having every one of our family members and friends come to the saving faith that comes with knowing our Lord. And, when we pray for ourselves, it is to draw ever closer to Him and to give Him the glory in all things.

He has taught us to encourage each other, build one another up, and to share one another's burdens. We pray and then stand back with hands lifted in praise to the Prince of Peace who listens to every word, whether spoken or thought. We are never out of His sight or mind and He sees all that we do. Our names are written on the palms of God’s hands and every tear we cry is put in a bottle. When we fall or think we’ve failed, God is there. He is ever our Father, waiting for us to confess our weakness. He gives us His strength for another day. 

Jesus Christ – Savior – Creator –Shepherd - Redeemer. He is our Righteousness, our Healer, and our Provider. He sanctifies us, leads us, covers us. He is our LORD of Lords and KING of Kings. Nothing is hidden from Him. We will rejoice for all eternity because we know that, while we are frail, Jesus is our strength. When we mourn, Jesus is our comfort. When we celebrate life, Jesus is our song. During our struggles, it is He who gives us peace. When Jesus Christ whispers, "Child," we, who know His voice say, “Yes Lord speak.”

Let’s honor Him today and every day. Let's read the Word of God and teach His words to our children and grandchildren. Let’s share His love with our friends and neighbors in the same way He did by loving them, being kind, and taking the time to sit and just listen.

Yes, my friends, we are His workmanship--His Poem. Let the fragrance of His love for us be the fragrance that we share with each other and, to a world that doesn’t know Him, it is our calling.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19 & 20

by Eve Montano