March has arrived! Such an exciting time! Spring is around the corner. The birds are singing louder than usual, their beautiful, insistent chirping beckon us to come out into the light of God’s splendid creation as it prepares new life. Soon crops will be planted, flowers will push up from winter slumber in their dirt beds, trees will bud with the promise of new foliage, and babies of both the human and animal kind will bring us an abundance of joy.
While all God’s creatures are busy sowing their seeds, so we may enjoy the splendor of His beautiful creations, we can be doing the same, so we may bring the good news to our fellow sojourners.
Whether we desire to plant into those we know and love, or strangers we meet along our journey, we need to plant into ourselves first. The way we gain the ability to pour into others is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
Galatians 6:7 reminds us, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” So how are we assured we are sowing the seeds of God?
“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” Isaiah 32:17 NKJV
David Guzik tells us, “When God’s Spirit is poured out among His people, this is what it is like. This means that we shouldn’t be satisfied with what claims to be of the Spirit, but isn’t marked by the fruit of the Spirit. This means that if we lack these things, we can come and ask the LORD to pour out His Spirit upon us.”
If we are filling ourselves with worldly activities and information only, we will not have the peace, quietness and assurance that Jesus demonstrated when He walked the earth. He made a point of spending time with his Father regularly. He took time alone to recharge and commune with God. When we do the same, we will come away with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control…” Galatians 5:22-23, and the effects of righteousness.
To join in the work of righteousness, we also need to be obedient to Him and the Word, walking in His truth, not our own.
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. Psalms 119:1-3 NLT
If we obey the commands of the Lord and walk in integrity, we will soon find ourselves filled with joy and walking in His light.
But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John 3:21 NLT
“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you’. “ Hosea 10:12 NLT
When we seek the Lord and His righteousness our hearts will soften and He will bless us with a new love for ourselves and others. That love will be patient and kind, 1 Corinthians 13:4.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23 NKJV
As John the Baptist said, “He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30 NKJV
If we pursue these fruits through obedience, giving God all the glory for everything He does and all we receive, we will find them.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31 NKJV
This is my prayer for all of us, “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2 NLT
Amen
Happy Spring! Go and sow!
Janice S.