Ineke’s Garden

Ineke’s Garden

by Ineke Cornish

Having moved to a new location, we have undertaken an extensive garden makeover to remove diseased trees, and rejuvenate tired and neglected garden beds and lawns.

The process was very involved. 

First we had to analyse such things as:

• ·       The slope of land,
• ·       The soil condition,
• ·       The drainage,
• ·       Light and shading,
• ·       And exposure to wind etc.

Secondly we had to map out our plans for the proposed new layout.  We also needed to decide on what we wanted out new garden to achieve. What was its new purpose, and how would it best enhance the environment or suit our lifestyle?

Having all the necessary information, we began the process of selecting and purchasing trees, shrubs and flowers; and then came the planting and nurturing of them.  Our new garden is now evolving and flourishing, with birds, bees and butterflies as regular welcome visitors.

Throughout this process I reflected that gardening has a number of similarities to the Christian life.

We might often be tempted to think our lives and circumstances are a matter of chance or luck, but even as each plant is carefully selected to grow to its potential, and in a particular place in the garden; so the Lord has placed each one of us where we can be most productive for Him.

 Nothing is left to chance when our lives are yielded to Him.

 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11. NKJV)

Roots are most important to the health and well-being of a plant.  Shallow roots are often the downfall of healthy looking plants, and will not withstand harsh conditions. To achieve the best results plants must be planted in deep, well- watered and fertile soil.

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches about a sower sowing seed in various soils, and the resultant crops. He goes on to explain that this represents the kingdom of God, and how it is received by various individuals.

Unless we put down deep roots by “feeding” on God’s word, and living closely with Him, we too will find it hard to withstand the trials of life.

The care of a garden is ongoing, with watering, feeding and pruning, which must all be done regularly, if the garden is to thrive. 

Similarly the Lord provides and cares for us through out every aspect of our lives.

 John 15, gives a very helpful illustration about this. 

 ‘I am the vine and you are the branches, he who abides in Me and I in Him bears much fruit.’ (John 15:5. NKJV)

Are we producing good fruit, spreading the good news and enabling ourselves and others to grow?

The passage however goes on to warn us that if we are not ‘in the vine’ producing fruit, we will be cut off.  We cannot ignore these warnings; if we aren’t trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, we face eternal consequences.

The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23.NKJV)

Don’t leave your life to chance, make sure you accept His offer today and be assured of your destiny.

A Message from the Grave

A Message from the Grave

By

Mark

Jesus told the following story:

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence.

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Abraham saith unto him, they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

And he said, nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

And he said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Luke 16:19-31.

Notice the last verse!  

Jesus rose from the dead 3 days after he was tortured and killed.

In 1Corinthians 15:3-8, the Apostle Paul reported that the resurrected Jesus had appeared to Peter, then the twelve disciples, then more than 500 people, many who were still alive when he was writing to the Corinthians.

Jesus appeared to these people over 12 separate occasions, all except for Paul, within a 40 day period following the crucifixion.

Three times Jesus offered himself to be touched.  Twice he showed the scars from his crucifixion.

Three times he ate a meal with his disciples.

Four times witnesses responded to their encounter with Jesus by worshipping him.

The Apostle Paul encountered he risen Christ on the road to Damascus, where the apostle was going to persecute the church there.  SeeActs 9:1-19.

What further proof does a person need!

Once again look at the following two verses!

30 And he said, nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

He who has ears let him here!