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Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Growth of a Seed

The story unfolds with a man who planted two gardens. He planted the best seeds in the garden closest to his house that had the correct balance of sun and shade. The seeds of lesser quality were planted in a mountainous area that would not receive any care except to remove weeds once a week. As the seeds from the first garden grew, he became less interested in the other garden. Excitedly, he looked at the sprouts growing into plants. The man became fixated on the prized garden, watering it, adding fertilizer, and diligently pulling weeds. He started thinking of the great harvest of vegetables soon to come due to his time and effort.

After one month of seeing the progress of the first garden, he decided that he didn’t need the second garden. But out of curiosity, he decided to take the long walk, anticipating the seeds died due to his lack of care. Yet, when he looked at the neglected garden the plants had grown three times the size of the garden he cared for every day. What the man failed to realize is the mountainous garden contained fertile soil with an abundance of natural nutrients. The plants thrived from the warmth of the sun’s rays and the intermittent rains that fell on that area caused the neglected garden to flourish.

We plant the seeds of habits, hobbies, relationships, and self-seeking desires in our garden of life, which receives the majority of our time. Our best efforts are directed toward the earthly things that count as nothing to further the kingdom of God. Not only do all Christians have the assignment of witnessing to those who need the gospel, comforting those in despair, and providing for those in need, we are required to witness every day!

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

God desires for us to plant the seeds of Jesus’ love and the plan of redemption. Once we do our part, the light from Christ will shine on the new believers and the Holy Spirit will water their souls. The decision to serve God is not one of neglect. We do not have the privilege of choosing the time slots or days we will witness. Just as employers require their full-time staff to work a minimum of 40 hours, Christians are spiritual workers who have the responsibility of sowing seeds seven days a week.

God never asks us to do the impossible, He always provides direction and the method to complete our assignment. God has given us advanced technology to sow seeds. We can use our social media accounts to witness or begin prayer chats. Using our cell phones, we can pray and speak words of encouragement to those who are sick and discouraged. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual assignment, and give you discernment, and wisdom.

Loving and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior requires us to follow His example, in humility, we surrender our will and become His workers.

“He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Bible Study: Matthew chapters 9 and 28

Prayer: Lord we desire to fulfill our spiritual assignment. We pray for the anointing, power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Preparing for the Unexpected is Possible

Achieving optimal health takes discipline and concerted effort. For the mind and body to maintain homeostasis, we must intentionally choose healthy foods, avoid unnecessary distractions, push ourselves to move our bodies [walking is simple with great results] and get sufficient rest. While our best efforts do not guarantee a life without illnesses or disease, at least our Immune system has the strength and resilience to effectively fight against the unexpected onset of sickness. And for those with chronic illnesses, we must care for our bodies like newborn babes to prevent a sudden onset of illness from escalating into a health crisis.

So that covers the human body’s mental, emotional, and physical components. But how do we achieve optimal spiritual growth and development? And how can we prepare for unexpected suffering?

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

First, we acknowledge that our lives will include unexpected hardships that we cannot control or prevent. The way to prepare for the unexpected is to maintain a strong relationship with Jesus Christ every day. Sadly, when peaceful times are present, many become lax in their commitment to daily worship [prayer and study of the Scriptures].

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

God gives every person the spiritual gift of a little faith. Most of us find it easier to use faith [and trust] in the secular activities of daily living as opposed to using our faith spiritually. We have faith the employer will give us our salary on time, the business transactions we engage in are legitimate, and we certainly rely on faith and trust in our marital and family relationships. Yet, we falter when faced with spiritual battles because our relationship with Christ is inconsistent, which results in having little to no faith and trust in God.

“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

FTO: Faith, Trust, and Obedience are the keys to spiritual preparation for the unexpected. Faith and trust in God are daily spiritual activities that require intentional practice and strenuous human effort. Each of us can testify of the raging internal war of giving in to sinful desires versus obedience to God’s will and plans for our lives. Obedience requires constant prayer and rebuking our heart’s desires to avoid temptation.

Our minds can be trained to focus on Jesus. Reflecting on our past challenges and victories reminds us that God’s Divine Intervention always brings us victory.

Faith and trust in God give us the confidence and courage to keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter if our circumstances appear impossible. They are impossible for human resolution. Yet, we are not anxious or worried. Jesus promises us peace in peaceful times as well as unexpected storms when we maintain our connection to Him. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Humility, the Fruit of Obedience: The character trait of humility requires us to fight against our carnal nature—our carnal desires are always self-centered. Jesus lived to please God, His Father. Christ prayed daily, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” Praying the prayer of humility changes our posture before God. A humble heart acknowledges God’s omnipotence by giving Him reverence, honor, and glory. Not only do we receive the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit who gives us wisdom, discernment, and strength, God promises when, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

Stay in Jesus’ presence by abiding in Him through unceasing prayer, and learn God’s promises which reinforce our faith. Remember, our spiritual connection is kept active 24/7 by the Holy Spirit unless we choose to turn away from God.

Prayer: God, we thank You for the Spiritual Team of the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and our guardian angels who are ready to comfort, heal, and deliver us from the unexpected hardships of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.