DUNG IT!

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it  

Luke 13:8 (KJV)

How often have I read this parable and not seen the lesson?

A certain man planted a fig tree.  He liked figs, and wanted a ready supply in his own backyard.   But it takes three to five years for the tree to mature and produce fruit.

For three years he looked for fruit and found none, so he told his gardener to cut it down.  But the gardener had a strategy to “encourage” the tree to produce fruit:  “Dig about it and dung it.”

“Dig about it” is pruning the roots to stimulate new growth of the part that feeds the tree.  

“Dung it” is literally throwing manure around the base of the tree, which will provide nourishment for the roots and also stimulate growth.

I know what dung is.  I know where it comes from.  But I don’t put it in the same category as Miracle-Gro®.

However, if I‘m slow to produce fruit in living for God, He may prescribe “pruning and dung-ing” to encourage my spiritual growth.  Pruning sounds painful—it’s not a haircut.  He’s cutting away stuff that gets in the way of my living for Him.  Dung is fertilizer (nourishment) to help me grow closer to Him and actually produce fruit for His kingdom. 

Dung is seriously unpleasant—the negative things in my life which prod me to draw near to God to seek His will and His way.

Dear Lord, at my advanced age, I am finally seeing that You do have a plan for my life, and will prune and dung me as needed to become the person You designed me to be.

© 2020     Sarah F. Strachan

IN JESUS NAME

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Matthew 21:22 (NABRE)

I am part of a few church groups and we keep each other in prayer, communicating via mass text. It's a wonderful thing, but at times, it can also be overwhelming.

Through social media, we can pray for people halfway across the world and are able to reach more people in a short amount of time. My news feed becomes filled with prayer requests most of the time. I always try to stop and pray right then for each request, ending, "In Jesus Name." Saying this so frequently can seem robotic, automatic and can sound without feeling. When this happens, I wonder if the constant use of Jesus' name loses it's special meaning and power. But aren't we suppose to pray in Jesus' name? He promised us if we ask anything in His name, believing, it will be ours.

So how do we keep the fervor of mentioning His name at the end of our prayers? By spending alone time with Him and in His Word. Only when we do this will we refresh our prayer life with renewed vigor. Prayer life is like a muscle. If you do not exercise it, weakness can result. Exercising the muscle will make it stronger, energetic and create more stamina. It is the same with our prayer life.

If we are to further God's kingdom on earth, our "prayer muscles" have to be in healthy shape. After all, there are billions of people to pray for so let's roll up our sleeves!

Lord, let us not grow weary in praying for others, In Jesus Name. Amen.

©2019 Maritza Mejias-Ditzenberger

NEW BEGINNINGS

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11 (NAS)

A New Year can be an exciting time to consider new beginnings. You might remember an idea you thought about in the past, but never pursued. Perhaps this year will be different and you will try something completely new.

For several years, I have wanted to start my own home business. I have done some research and have an idea. Rather costly and time-consuming training will need to be done. I have read about and listened to interviews with those who have already started their own business. I can see a springboard to launch mine, but I have not taken any action yet.

Is there a new idea God has put on your heart? Has He been leading you to join a Bible study group or seek another job opportunity? Do you need some training or more education to pursue your dream? Are you fearful of change or reluctant to get started?

Seek God and trust Him for guidance and wisdom. Ask Him if this is the right time for you to begin a new venture. God has a plan for our lives and work for us to do. He wants to give us a future and a hope, so consider stepping out in faith and making a fresh start. Then, leave the results to God.

Father, thank You for a New Year filled with Your hopes and dreams for a new beginning for each of us. Thank You for the way You revealed Your love by sending Your Son to redeem us.

© 2019 Diane E. Hussey

NEEDING DIRECTION

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

At sixty years old, I fled an abusive marriage; moved alone to a new town, seventy-seven miles away from my original residence. Rescuers had given me furniture and the courts were in my favor, so I had a little income.

Weeks later, in my new home near my daughter and her family, I complained because my TV channels were different—couldn't find favorite programs. Then while driving around, I got lost. I didn't know the area and I was totally confused. I called my daughter, requesting she trace the call and find out where I was.

Later, I dropped into a chair, totally whipped by my circumstances and tears filled my eyes. I wanted to go home. But I didn't want to go back to him. Confusion and sadness became my daily companion.

I prayed, "Oh Lord, you've delivered me from the lawyers, from the financial struggles and have brought me to this new safe place. Grant me wisdom and show me the way."

I talked with a Christian Counsellor, and my friend. After I shared all my facts, she advised. "You're not homesick for him, you are homesick for the familiar,  Make a point of getting to know all your home town, make notes for your TV and buy something new for your home, making it all yours.

I put sticky notes on the TV remote. My daughter and I went furniture shopping and bought a curio cabinet and I unpacked all my knick knacks and figurines. Then I decided I'd start with one new road a week and travel from one end of town to the other. 

Victoriously, the Lord and I conquered my new path.

Thank You, Lord, nothing is impossible for You. Amen and amen.

Ⓒ 2019 Lois Gosley

GOD WILL OPEN THE DOOR

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. 

Matthew 7:7 (RSV)

My father was a strong, hardworking business man. He loved his work and his family. I had just begun working as a public-school teacher when my father was diagnosed with cancer. I watched him struggle into the late stages of this disease as my loving mother and younger siblings fought daily against his burden. I prayed for God's direction.

I spent time with the Lord explaining my worries and inability to carry the physical and mental burdens, coupled with my teaching responsibilities. I felt like my hands were tied. I asked the Lord to give my mother respite, my father peace and me direction.

"I'm young, Lord," I said. "Let me carry most of the load for them."

The Lord spoke softly to me. "You ask, and  you will receive. You are young and able. I will give you the strength physically, mentally and emotionally to help your parents. I will help you carry the load."

My prayers were answered. My busy schedule opened up enough for me to be with my family and help. My worry dissipated, my energy level soared, and the Most-High God brought me peace.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for always being there. You are always available when we ask for Your help. Amen

Ⓒ2019 Christy Struben

CELEBRATE!

 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

A nine-year-old child is impressionable, but truth is powerful, even at that age. Seventy-three years ago these verses were part of my instruction as our family celebrated Christmas. A couple of months later it led to my baptism.

 

Consider the power of the scene this passage relates. It was just an ordinary night. A group of shepherds were tending their sheep as usual. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them. What did the angel look like? It must have been glorious and full of light. The angel’s first concern was that they would be frightened, so he assured them he was bringing good news—even joyous news.

 

The heavenly news was that tonight, in a town near them, a Savior has been born. This Savior was none other than the Christ, the Promised One, the Messiah for whom the people of Israel had been waiting for centuries.

 

As soon as the news was delivered, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel and praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Their celebration must have been awesome to behold!

 

How many years have you experienced the great joy that Christ brings? Though you can’t see them, know that the heavenly hosts are still celebrating. Let’s join them in spirit this season as we all give glory to God in the highest.

 

Lord Jesus, happy birthday! What a wonderful, joyous Savior you are!

DEPENDING ON GOD

". . . And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." 

Isaiah 30:21 (RSV)

When I accepted the job of children's director of Community Bible Study, I felt totally inadequate. One morning as I collected the felt Bible characters, paints and brushes, craft paper, glue and Cheerios for manna, I felt overwhelmed with all my new responsibilities.

I toted my overloaded shopping bag to the car, sat behind the wheel ready to leave when I remembered I had forgotten the large poster boards containing the memory verse. I withdraw my key from the ignition, unlocked the house and returned with the poster boars.

After starting the car again, I realized I forgot my lunch. One more time I dashed into the house.

Totally frustrated, I collapsed my head onto the steering wheel and moaned, "Dear Lord, I'm not qualified for this job." Just then I remembered the above verse and felt God say, "I haven't let you forget anything yet, have I?"

Now, after ten years on the job, I know my adequacy is from God. I pray first, make a list, and ask God to check it. Today is the tomorrow you prayed for yesterday.

Dear Lord, Thank you there is never a job to great or too small that You and I can't handle together. Amen.

Ⓒ 2019  Lois Gosley