Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Calibration
* Scripture: Paul told Timothy, "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. " 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Living Bible

Discord! I carefully tuned my mandolin with my digital tuner, and started to play with the band. Whoa! Something was very off key, and it was my instrument that was out of tune. I had to get right with the others.
I later found that my tuner was not aligned to the proper tuning pitch, and it threw me way out of tune with the everyone else! And I thought I was 'right on.' Fortunately, I was able to calibrate my tuner with a standard frequency source, and all is well again.
We have to depend on proper calibration and accuracy of many things we encounter in life. Perhaps you have noticed a little seal or sticker on the scales at the checkout counter at the market, or on the pump where you fill your fuel tank. Somebody has checked them all, and assures that the device is accurate.
We have to trust that the "Sealer" is reliable, trustworthy, and has accurate standards by which to judge the equipment that he certifies. What a world this would be if we couldn't depend on the accuracy of anything.
An extra few cents at the pump or scales might not bruise your pocket book very much, but the knowledge that it did so would not likely bring you back to that business again soon. It might compromise your peace of mind, but not endanger your health.
However, when you go to your doctor, and the nurse pops that thermometer into your mouth, you want it to show the exact temperature. Suppose it was only five degrees wrong. Do you think that you would agree that it really didn't matter that much? Not likely! Even a few degrees can make a vital difference. Few people are willing to compromise with such a critical measurement.
On the other hand, you might like it if the bathroom scale reads your weight a little on the low side, but would probably say a few unkind words about a scale that added a little weight. A few pounds incorrect? Well, maybe not enough to matter. Many people have a casual attitude about the effect a few pounds might have on their health. Some ignore blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other vital signs. It is common practice for people to engage in 'pleasurable' activities until it is too late to correct the damage that may result to one's health.
Many people go through life with a casual attitude about other things as well. Consider traffic violations, cheating on any number of endeavors such as scholastic tests, reports, and expense accounts, embezzling from the workplace, or indifferent personal relationships.
Many colleges are now teaching ethical behavior, even to graduate students in Business Administration, because of necessity. We seem to have spawned a society of three-year-olds, whose ethical code is "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine, if I can take it from you."
Yes, there are ethical standards, and moral standards, as well as spiritual standards, which we ignore to our peril. They are a measure of our Godly 'temperature,' and every bit as critical as our body's temperature.
Yes, this is about standards, about references with which to compare and, if necessary, calibration to get "in tune" with the rest of the world. We have a National Bureau of Standards in the USA that maintains the references by which all other measurements are compared, down to the smallest fraction of a second.
We also have the Bible, the Scriptures, the Ten Commandments, with which to measure our lives. We need to assure ourselves that we are equipped for every good work that God has for us by frequent calibration with the Heavenly Standard. Check it often!
July 30, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Good and Faithful Servants
* Scripture: "Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters." Proverbs 25:13, NKJV

Farming is an occupation that is critically dependent upon the weather for successful planting, growing and harvest of crops. A few days delay of planting or harvest can make a big difference in yield, or even cause a total loss or failure of the crop.
Field crops, such as grain, need rain after the planting is finished, during the growing season, but wet fields delay planting.
Too much rain during the growing season is bad, and hail, wind, or even drought can destroy the crop at any stage of growth. Timely, moderate rain is essential, and totally beyond control of the farmer.
Probably no stage of growth of any crop - field, orchard, or vineyard - is more critical than at harvest time. The ripe grain can be flattened by wind or hail. Untimely rain, or, heaven forbid! A snow storm at harvest time is a grower's nightmare.
The little verse from Proverbs 25:13 puzzled me for two reasons. First, I can't imagine any farmer happy about snow on a ripe crop, especially standing grain in the field.
Second, the verse is about harvest time in Israel. I know that they do have snow, but I doubted that it happened often in summer, during the harvest season. I had to check this one out.
And I am glad that I did! It opened up a new insight on living in God's kingdom.
I found that it does indeed snow in Israel, usually only in the depths of winter, and even then the snow quickly melts. Harvest time is usually hot, and intensive manual labor in the fields is hard on the workers. Oh! For a cold drink to slake the thirst of one and all. Enter Mount Hermon, which usually has snow even in the summer time. Snow! The ideal cooler for drinks in a hot, arid climate. No ice houses, no refrigeration equipment. Snow from the mountain in the time of harvest to refresh the soul.
Now notice the rest of that verse. It is not about farming or the harvest at all. It is about messengers, good and faithful servants! (See Matthew 25:21.) About faithful friends, leaders, wives and husbands. Pastors and laity. About you and me, servants one and all.
What an insight we gain when we learn the real purpose of that one little verse. God made all things for good, at the right time, in the right place, in the season of need.
Pray that we all come to embody the qualities of that "good and faithful servant" who refreshes the soul of his masters like a drink cooled by snow in the heat of the summer.
July 23, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Milk and Honey
* Scripture: The Lord said, "So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey." (Exodus 3:8a, NKJV)

Living things come in many forms, from the microscopic, one-celled amoeba to the multi-ton elephant and whale. We all share one common trait (yes, people, too!) We require nourishment to sustain life. We eat.
People can, and do, live almost anywhere. Anywhere that there is an adequate supply of food, that is. This may come as a shock to many urbanites, but supermarkets do not create our food. Food comes from the land, fertile, productive land. The phrase "land flowing with milk and honey" is repeated numerous times in the biblical books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, holding forth the promise of not just a safe haven, but also the promise of a sufficient and sustainable food supply.
The people of the Exodus often complained to Moses and Aaron that their new-found freedom was leading them to starvation. They hungered for the familiar foods of Egypt, even if it meant a return to slavery. In reality, they did not lack food. The Lord provided sustenance to the people in the form of manna and quail. They also had access to meat and milk from the flocks they took with them (See Ex. 12:32.)
The Lord had promised Abraham that his descendants would have a land to call their own, a "land flowing with milk and honey." Moses sent out a band of men, leaders chosen from each tribe, to survey or 'spy out' the land they were to occupy. I find it to be interesting that they did not bring back examples of milk and honey from their foray.
Instead, we read that "they came to the Valley of Eschol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs." (Numbers 13:23, NKJV)
Livestock must have grass to eat, and where there is vegetation wild bees will be found, adding honey to their diet. So, in a sense, they already had their milk and honey. They were, however, strangers and sojourners in the land through which they traveled.
Fertility and fruitfulness were highly valued in Biblical times, indeed, in much of the world even today. Pastures feed the flocks of even a nomadic people. Fruit trees, however, and fields of grain require permanence. No more wandering, no more transportable tent dwellings. A place to call home!
A good and large land, indeed, with the fertility and resources to not only support agriculture, but to also raise families and build a great nation - and to live as God's people.
Many people today have their "milk and honey" - God's word and access to Him - but are like sojurners in the wilderness. They need to find a place to call home, a good, supportive church home, to fully live as God's People.
July 16, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22, NKJV)

A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest is often referred to as an underdog, at least in our English vernacular. The saying apparently originated in the late 19th century with reference to the beaten dog in a dogfight.
Still, there is a certain satisfaction in witnessing the overlord getting their comeuppance, or suffering a downfall.
The long shot, dark horse, weaker one, little guy coming out on top. Especially if we identify with the downtrodden, the victim, the loser, the fall guy, the person who has little status in society, we want to see the underdog win.
Yesterday's underdog is today's champion!
Think David against Goliath; The host of Midianites and Amalekites, numerous as locusts, routed by Gideon and three-hundred men; Joshua destroying the city of Jericho with the blast of trumpets - and the walls came tumbling down!
The underdog often has abilities that are not recognized by the multitudes, while the top dog, the champion, is a proven winner. Goliath was such a champion for the Philistines, outclassing other men in stature, strength and weaponry. A boy, a shepherd lad, found a vital spot in Goliath’s armor. Arrayed in armor, going toe to toe with sword and shield, the outcome may have been different, but David had faced down lions armed with only his sling and stones. His skills and equipment were sufficient to the task.
Skilled leadership is often a critical factor in a winning effort. The coach, the trainer, the ‘spotter’ following the action makes the difference in many sporting events. These Biblical examples could be said to have had such leadership, Out Of This World leadership, in fact.
The Lord may or may not be aligned with the typical underdog, but David, Gideon, and Joshua were following the strategies from on High. The fact that each was more than overwhelmed by the opposition gave credence to the power of God.
The Bible doesn’t use our phrase “underdog.” Little good was ever said about dogs in their society. But a cornerstone has important and positive connotations in ancient and modern times. A cornerstone forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls; a stone ceremonially laid usually at the corner of a foundation to mark the occasion of a building being erected; an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based. It may be called the keystone, mainspring, mainstay, linchpin, bedrock, base, backbone, key, centerpiece, core, heart, center, crux.
Essential; important. Hardly an underdog. But the stone that the builders rejected, now that resembles the underdog. The looser, having little status in the pile of building stones.
Jesus, the Christ, has been compared to such a stone, a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. The stone which the builders rejected. He is the “chief cornerstone; elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” ( 1 Peter 2:6b, NKJV)
Christ is a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God, and precious. Peter writes, “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient . . . “They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they were also appointed.”
(vs. 7a; 8b)
To become a champion, the Top Dog, the competitor must lay aside all bad habits and actions, and concentrate on that which brings perfection. Note that practice does not make perfect; practice makes permanent! So be certain that what you practice is perfect. As Peter wrote, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 1-2)

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Bigger and Better
* Scripture: Jesus said, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." (Matt. 19:30)

Bigger is better! At least in the realm of fruits and vegetables. Everybody wants the prize-winner, the largest variety possible. The seed catalogues cash in on this tendency by showing pictures of a child with a giant pumpkin, so big that she can sit upon it. Maybe it is the dinner-plate sized dahlia that catches the eye of the flower aficionado. The most widely sought treasure of bigness, though, is probably the tomato.
I have read that the tomato is possibly the most widely grown of a things garden. It may be the only edible produce in the garden, tucked into a small bed, staked and trained to take up the least space possible. But BIG! Tomatoes have to be big. Large enough that one slice fills a sandwich. In fact, some of the most popular varieties have big in the name - Big Boy, or even Better Boy.
Big isn't everything, though. The smallest among the tomato family is a tough little rascal, a real survivor. Year after year, I find volunteer cherry tomatoes coming up where they grew the previous year. The seeds endure freezing winter temperatures and otherwise harsh treatment to grow and prosper.
The rich young man probably enjoyed all that society had to offer, and sought to cap it by obtaining eternal life. How had he prepared? He tells Jesus that he had kept all the commandments. Commendable, Jesus said, but sell all that you have, and give to the poor. "Come, follow me." (Mt. 19:21b)
If the rich, who have seemingly been rewarded monetarily as a result of their righteousness, can't make it into heaven, who can be saved?
There are several instances in the New Testament records where disciples have their eyes and hopes set on the higher, more prominent places on the ladder of success.
Peter, who reminds Jesus of the sacrifices the disciples have made, giving up all to follow Him, questions the reward they shall have for this work. Kings and rulers typically reward their closest associates and supporters with well-placed positions and honor.
Honor and prestige is not to be the goal of working for God. That may come, Jesus said, but the least of these shall many times be first, and the sure-fire prize winner shall be the last. The humble, the ones willing to be a servant to all, and not the seekers for the grand and glorious, shall be most precious in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus follows by teaching the Parable of the Laborers in the vineyard (Mt. 20) and concludes by again sharing that the last shall be first; "Many are called, but few chosen."
Sometimes it is better to be a cherry tomato rather than a Big Boy.
July 9, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Thieves
* Scripture: God spoke; Moses wrote, "Thou shalt not steal." Deuteronomy 5:17

Would you believe it?! He had the audacity to call me a thief. It was my tree, and my fruit. I planted it, I cared for it - so what right did he have to call me a thief? Actually, there was plenty of fruit for both of us. Well, maybe blue jays have a limited vocabulary. As far as that bird was concerned, though, it was his territory, and the Lord put the fruit on it for his benefit as well as mine.
Fair enough. Besides, "Thief" is only our approximation of a a bluejay's call. It might just mean "Hey, good buddy" in bird talk. Thinking about the word 'thief' did make me curious about thieves in the Bible, though.
It is obvious that thievery was not an acceptable practice at least as far back as the Exodus. "Thou shalt not steal!" You can not get more explicit than that, can you? Well, maybe. Let's take a look.
In a sense, all of the other commandments hinge on stealing. The First Commandment, of course, states that "You shall not have any other gods before Me." What does that have to do with theft? By worshipping idols, by having other gods (lower case 'g') you are taking the honor and worship that rightfully belongs only to God! Think about it!
Taking the name of God in vain, misusing that Good Name, corrupting it, robs God of the dignity and respect that His Good Name deserves.
The Lord God Himself rested on the seventh day. Are we so desperate that we will attempt to steal even time that the Lord has set aside? That time is intended to enrich our lives, so are we stealing from both God AND ourselves by taking away the worship and rest we are loosing? Not to mention that 'rest' from work for our son, daughter, male servant, female servant, ox, donkey, cattle or even the stranger "within our gates." They deserve that rest - so said the Lord Himself. Are you stealing from them?
We are to honor our parents. That topic is worthy of many a sermon and writing, yet we hear report after report of abuse of parents and senior citizens. Outright taking of possessions is obvious, but theft of honor and respect is doubly odious. This is the 'commandment with a promise': "that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you."
Adultery is an especially messy business. It involves breaking a pledge given in good trust, often leading to a life time of disillusionment and ill will for innocent victims who have lost one of the most precious gifts of God - the loving family unit. Much is written in the Laws concerning sexual relations: start with Leviticus Chapter 18 for more insight.
Surely coveting is not stealing. Well, by definition, to covet is to "wish for enviously, to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another." At what point do wishes become actions? Inordinate desire (covetness) robs the heart of well-being, possibly leading to "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false-witness, blasphemies." (Mt. 15:19)
Jesus also said, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust after her (covet) has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:28, see Adultery)
Thieves are prominent in Paul's list of unrighteous practices: "nor thieves, nor coveteous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (See 1 Corinthians Chapter 6)
What hope, then, is there? The Holy Spirit walks along side us, to guide and enable our 'walk.'
We always have the option of repentance, even to the last moment (although that is risky) as evidenced by the thieves at the crucifixion of our Lord. One repented, and was forgiven at that very moment.
And finally, as in sports, the best offense is a good defense: Guard yourselves from the wiles of the devil by worship, prayer, and meditation.
July 2, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Rich or Poor?
* Scripture: Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . Matthew 6:19-20a, NKJV.

Some of the most interesting words in the English language are spelled with only four letters. The words love and hate convey emotion. Rich and poor typically defines wealth or the absense thereof, but someone could also be in poor health, or rich in blessings.
What do you have? What do you need? If you could have anything you wish, what would you want? Now there are some four letter words to think about!
People who consider themselves to be rich in blessings are probably very much aware of what they have. Wealth and health are nice, but are they the ultimate blessings? Let's get down to the nitty-gritty about things we have, what we truly need, and stuff we want.
Consider the bottom line: Put to the test, what would you, what could you be willing to part with? I have read many commentaries about survivors of disasters stating that they have lost all wordly goods but rejoice that they still have their lives. Survivors count blessings!
Likewise, some who suffer a debilitating accident or illness live to the fullest of their ability. Some, but not all. Who among us are the survivors, and who will sink and go under? We truly do not know until put to the test.
Here are some tests you can try that may help you focus on what you have by giving up some physical attribute for a period of time.
Vision is a blessing, but not all are so endowed. Try doing familiar things with your eyes closed. Can you eat an entire meal, for example, without opening those eyes even once? Take a pair of old or cheap eyeglasses, and mark a black dot in the center of each lens to simulate macular degeneration. Some people have tunnel vision, so curl your fingers to your thumbs, and hold your hands in front of your face like a pair of binoculars. Caution: walking around during these simulations could be hazardous!
Walking. Oh, yes! Plan to spend some time in a wheelchair, using a walker or hobbling about on crutches.
Try doing the simplest of tasks - like buttoning a button or writing - without using your thumb, or while wearing mittens.
Get the picture? If you really, really had to, what could you part with and still be a blessing-counting survivor?
Do you count a loving relationship among your blessings? Someone with whom you can share your blessings, joys and sorrows? Unmeasurable riches!
Now think about the difference between things that you really, truly need, and stuff that you only wish you had!

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings,
See what God hath done. - Oatman
June 25, 2006