Another Lesson from the Garden

It looked a little different but nevertheless I continued to tend to it. I watered it, just like its neighboring vegetation. It grew tall and strong. It even looked healthier than the ones near it.

I decided to take a closer look and sure enough it was healthy. Its strength was evident in its now thick stem. Its been a few weeks. Why hasn’t it produced fruit? It kind of looks like it could be a banana pepper plant, but I think I only planted 2 this year.

I go inside the house a get some sturdy yarn to tie it up. It seems it needs some help standing tall because its laying out all over my garden box. So, I tie it. Then I tie it some more to ensure it will continue to flourish.

As I sit outside I began to look around and noticed some weeds popping up behind my garden. At a closer look, the familiarity was startling. The weeds look like an immature replica of what I just propped up!

I called my husband outside and asked, “does this plant that I just bundled up and propped with yarn look like a weed?”

No sooner than he said, “yes”, I ran inside and got the scissors. Cut it down! It’s good for nothing! But don’t pull the good pepper plant with this imposter!

Wow, I need to get some gardening lessons! I was feeding the enemy, the destroyer of the fruit! This weed was reducing productivity and it had invaded a third of the garden box. The thick stem was evidence of its aggressive growth. If I had waited any longer I might have lost the upcoming fruit.

I need to be more alert and pay closer attention! No more sunbathing, I need to do more gardening! 

Proverbs 24:30-34

I went past the field of a sluggard,
past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.

God bless you!~Liz

Vibrations

What do you sound like? What is vibrating around you or better said from within you?

Yesterday I was worshipping the Lord and singing the song “I exalt thee” as I was getting ready to make lunch. This had never happened to me before. I guess because of the position I was standing in the episode became more noticeable to me.

I had a frying pan in my hand and as I was singing the sound seemed to be “caught” by the metal pan and I felt the song I was singing in my hand. It was a chilling beautiful experience.

Immediately, the Holy Spirit spoke and said this is the way it should be wherever you go! WOW, no matter where our feet tread the sound that should be emanating from us should be a sound that turns others to the Lord. It should cause those around us to feel the heart of worship. Those who encounter us should be able to catch and enter the atmosphere of praise. In all we do, those who meet us should be drawn into the presence of the Lord.

I actually felt it. It was so lovely and simple. And it drew me in closer.

We are like tuning forks. Those that “bump” into us should be able to tune into an atmosphere of worship. Yes, all of us who bear his Name!

Resonate his beauty! Vibrate and let those around you feel the atmosphere change.

We represent the King and he has called us to worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving (Psalm 100)

God Blessyou!~Liz

The Story of the Table

“I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud
And your sins like a heavy mist.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 (AMP)

The table had been around for a very long time. Built by skilled hands, a Craftsman in his own right; the table looked beautiful!

All finished, he brushes his hand over the top and he is pleased with his work.

As time passed, the color began to change. Memories of the first stain is forever embedded in the wood.

While distracted and not focusing there was spillage that changed the surface. It would never look the same again. It was marred but nevertheless the table stood upright.

Throughout the years there were carvings on it, scars from the years of its life. Nevertheless, the table stood.

If you look closely you can even see the years of wear and tear ingrained in the wood. Times of laughter and tears of sadness all recorded by the table.

The wedding is coming, and we need a table. We can't possibly use this old, beat-up thing! This is a wedding for royalty. We need elegance and beauty not old and blemished.

The Servant arrives. He is gentle and skilled with his hands.

He has come to serve, his reputation precedes him and his wisdom has always been admired.
He exams the wood. His hands begin to touch the surface. He can feel every scratch and deep crevasse that were sewn in over the years. As the examination continues his hands are caught in the rugged wood. Pierced, he begins to bleed. His own blood now applied over every stain previously accumulated throughout the lifetime of the table.

The wedding date is here! You can hear the Servant say, “I’ll get the tablecloth”.

This table still stands.

He continues, “The table will be used today, what it needs is a covering.”

He brings out the handcrafted white cloth from his tethered bag. This will be used for this special occasion.

It’s pure white. It drapes over the table and as the gentle breeze reaches the corners, the edges flow creating a gentle dance in the wind.

It has covered every stain, scar and all that marred this beautiful work of art that the Craftsman made.

Dressed in white, the table is ready.

No one noticed. The servants blood was now on the table as well.

The table still stands.

Redeemed by the Servant, the table stands at the Wedding Banquet. 

God bless you!~Liz