A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Monday,
August 23,
2021
Sunflowers pop up all over our flower gardens
due to the birds dropping the seeds here and there. At
times we consider them to be weeds and pull them out,
but when they stand tall and show their happy face they
are invited to be among the rest of the flowers.
(click on photo
to enlarge)
"An
Enemy Did This"
Message summary: We must follow some good advice I recall as a child when we had a vegetable garden in our backyard. Mom would remind us "You’ve got to keep up with the weeds".
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?” He replied, “An enemy did this” (Matthew 13:27b, 28a).
Brooksyne is a diligent home gardener. At this phase of life it's mostly flowers since we can get vegetables in abundance at roadside stands which we have right here on Kraybill Church Road on an Amish farm. She's still planting this season since she enjoys bringing life back to the deeply discounted flowers now available including perennials which will grow back next year. Although we've had a lot of rain the last several days she normally waters daily.
For many years
we have enjoyed sharing photos of her flowers and our
landscaping. She also has an herb garden with basil,
parsley, rosemary, chives, also several tomato and pepper
plants that are edible, although not as beautiful.
One of
the necessary and least desirable duties is weeding. I help
her some but I must admit I find weeding very frustrating. After all they always come back, so why bother! I did recently spray for weeds using my new
battery powered sprayer but I used a general herbicide that
kills everything so I kept the spray off her flowers!
A reality in both crop farming and home gardening is the importance of weed control. This is a fundamental truth in Christian discipleship as well. The Bible uses weeds to illustrate hindrances to our spiritual growth as Christians. In the parable of the sower Jesus emphasized His plan that the seed of His word be fruitful in His followers. But some seed was sown among the thorns (analogous to weeds), which choked the Word just as it was developing.
Although the Parable of the Sower is the most familiar of the “Kingdom” parables in Matthew 13 there’s a second, less familiar parable called the parable of the weeds, which begins in verse 24. It speaks of a landowner who sowed good seed in his field, but while he slept his enemy came in and sowed weeds. Later when the weeds appeared beside the intended crop his servants asked two questions:
The landowner answered the second question, “An enemy did this". Later, in explaining the parable Christ plainly says, “The enemy that sowed them is the devil” (v. 39). Indeed, this enemy continues his dastardly work in individual hearts and his destructive forces are visible in family units, in nations and in the world overall. Even churches are susceptible to the devil's weed seeding! We must follow some good advice I recall as a child when we had a vegetable garden in our backyard. Mom would remind us "You’ve got to keep up with the weeds".
Now I don’t attribute the weeds in our flower and vegetable gardens to a literal enemy, but they’re sure a reminder of the truth of this parable. Today, may God help each of us as we continue to overcome the work of our archenemy in keeping up with the “weeds.” In our Christian journey there is always going to be an ensuing battle with our enemy, but we can be encouraged as we contemplate the verse that reminds us that we are more than conquerors; “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Just like the
persistent weeds, our enemy is ever on the attack
trying to choke out the Word of God. Father, we
thank You that we can go on the offensive
recognizing that we can do all things through Christ
who gives us strength. Help us to be vigilant in
sin’s fierce war remembering that the crown awaits
the conquest as You lead us by Your glorious
might. Help us to do our part in keeping up
with the weeds. Amen.
One of
the necessary and least desirable duties is weeding. I help
her some but I must admit I find weeding very frustrating. After all they always come back, so why bother! I did recently spray for weeds using my new
battery powered sprayer but I used a general herbicide that
kills everything so I kept the spray off her flowers!A reality in both crop farming and home gardening is the importance of weed control. This is a fundamental truth in Christian discipleship as well. The Bible uses weeds to illustrate hindrances to our spiritual growth as Christians. In the parable of the sower Jesus emphasized His plan that the seed of His word be fruitful in His followers. But some seed was sown among the thorns (analogous to weeds), which choked the Word just as it was developing.
Although the Parable of the Sower is the most familiar of the “Kingdom” parables in Matthew 13 there’s a second, less familiar parable called the parable of the weeds, which begins in verse 24. It speaks of a landowner who sowed good seed in his field, but while he slept his enemy came in and sowed weeds. Later when the weeds appeared beside the intended crop his servants asked two questions:
1) “Sir,
didn’t you sow good seed in your field?” Now I am
pretty sure they knew the answer to this question was
“yes”. They were just baffled by the appearance and reason
for the weeds. Certainly the deficiency was not in the
quality of the seed, for in this parable the landowner
represents God who always sows good seed.
2) “Where then did the weeds come from?” Isn’t that the very question we often raise in our own lives even in the midst of God’s working in our hearts? The answer in the parable as stated by the landowner expresses a vital truth.
2) “Where then did the weeds come from?” Isn’t that the very question we often raise in our own lives even in the midst of God’s working in our hearts? The answer in the parable as stated by the landowner expresses a vital truth.
The landowner answered the second question, “An enemy did this". Later, in explaining the parable Christ plainly says, “The enemy that sowed them is the devil” (v. 39). Indeed, this enemy continues his dastardly work in individual hearts and his destructive forces are visible in family units, in nations and in the world overall. Even churches are susceptible to the devil's weed seeding! We must follow some good advice I recall as a child when we had a vegetable garden in our backyard. Mom would remind us "You’ve got to keep up with the weeds".
Now I don’t attribute the weeds in our flower and vegetable gardens to a literal enemy, but they’re sure a reminder of the truth of this parable. Today, may God help each of us as we continue to overcome the work of our archenemy in keeping up with the “weeds.” In our Christian journey there is always going to be an ensuing battle with our enemy, but we can be encouraged as we contemplate the verse that reminds us that we are more than conquerors; “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Just like the
persistent weeds, our enemy is ever on the attack
trying to choke out the Word of God. Father, we
thank You that we can go on the offensive
recognizing that we can do all things through Christ
who gives us strength. Help us to be vigilant in
sin’s fierce war remembering that the crown awaits
the conquest as You lead us by Your glorious
might. Help us to do our part in keeping up
with the weeds. Amen.Note:
I find it instructive to apply this text as I seek
to understand and make sense of all the deeply
disturbing events taking place in our nation and
world right now. As Martin Luther wrote, "But still
our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe". This is
true not only of individuals but of nations.
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"I Will Trust My Savior Jesus" Video CityAlight
"I Will Trust My Savior Jesus" Video CityAlight
I
will trust my Savior Jesus
When my darkest doubts befall
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
Seems the hardest thing of all
When my darkest doubts befall
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
Seems the hardest thing of all
We were especially blessed yesterday
by the selection of music at our church and how
our pastor addressed the current world
situations. This video is cued to a Scripture
reading at the beginning at two songs; "King of
Kings" and "There Is A King" followed by the
message. Video
Brooksyne's
Note: Should you choose to listen to
the video from Calvary Church I'd like to
highlight a couple stanzas from the two songs
included on the video. I was deeply moved in my
spirit as the following stanza was sung in
"There is a King" in light of current events.
"There
is a King"
It
won't be long we will behold Him
And
every tear He'll wipe away
We'll
be at home the war will be over
Soon
we will meet our Savior face to face
When
we sing "King of Kings" the following stanza
stands out that speaks of Christ's resurrection.
The songwriter gives us a pictorial view that I
can't remember ever singing in other hymns,
choruses or other contemporary songs. It's a
subject matter not often referenced in sermons
or books, not even at Easter. I'm speaking of
when the "dead rose from their tombs" at the
time of the earthquake following Christ's
death: "The tombs were opened, and
many bodies of the saints who had fallen
asleep were raised; and coming out of the
tombs after His resurrection they entered the
holy city and appeared to many." (Matthew
27:52,53).
"King
of Kings"
And
the morning that You rose
All of Heaven held its breath
'Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who'd come
All of Heaven held its breath
'Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who'd come
To
the Father are restored
Early
this summer we put together a Gazebo from a kit.
This summer we have been enjoying a lot of meals
and time outside. Here's a night-time photo with
our blooming Hydrangea tree in the background.
Saturday
morning we had our friends Ken and Audrey over
for breakfast. For most of our 45 years of
marriage we invited friends over for dinner, but
we've come to really enjoy Saturday morning
breakfasts in recent years. We often refer to
Audrey's as one of our companies we serve in
Lebanon so it was delightful to have them over
for fellowship. Audrey and Ken grow beautiful
flower gardens so it was fun to walk through our
yard and talk about the flowers we're growing
this year. Also, our main entree, "Jalapeno
Quiche" was very well received. I've shared the
recipe with so many people over the years at
their request so I will include recipe. Even
though it has jalapeno jam the sweetness
balances the spicy taste and is popular with
those who don't eat spicy foods.
Jalapeno Quiche
(A delicious recipe using pepper
jam. It is very easy to prepare and is a crowd
pleaser even for those who don’t usually
like spicy foods.)
1 C. Hot Pepper Jam
2# shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 C. Hot Pepper Jam
2# shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: Chopped bacon, ground
sausage or chorizo
10-12 eggs, beaten
Chili powder, salt & pepper
In 9X13 dish spread 3/4 C. melted jelly over bottom (heat jam in microwave for easier spreading.)
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over top of jelly.
Beat eggs, season with chili powder, salt and pepper (to taste). Also add about 1/2 C. meat to egg mixture if you choose to add it. 1/4 C. jam should also be stirred into eggs.
Pour evenly on top of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 40 minutes until browned on top. Let it sit for five or more minutes for easy cutting. Freezes very nicely and reheats in microwave.
10-12 eggs, beaten
Chili powder, salt & pepper
In 9X13 dish spread 3/4 C. melted jelly over bottom (heat jam in microwave for easier spreading.)
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over top of jelly.
Beat eggs, season with chili powder, salt and pepper (to taste). Also add about 1/2 C. meat to egg mixture if you choose to add it. 1/4 C. jam should also be stirred into eggs.
Pour evenly on top of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 40 minutes until browned on top. Let it sit for five or more minutes for easy cutting. Freezes very nicely and reheats in microwave.
Finally
today:
Congratulations
to our friends Jesse and Anna Ruth at the Old
Windmill Farm. Their farm just won
this award from Trip Advisor. This
achievement celebrates businesses that
consistently deliver fantastic experiences
to travelers around the globe, having earned
great traveler reviews
on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. We
get blessed reading the reviews!
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a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
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Weber".Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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