Not Without Help

It takes a very special sort of person to plant seed in the midst of a drought. However, over the past few weeks that’s exactly what a lot of farmers and ranchers in South Texas have done, not knowing if rain was on its way or not. For the past few days we’ve had a couple of drizzles, nothing to write home about, but this morning we awoke to thunder and pouring down rain. It’s been a long time since that’s happened and as it is a faith builder, it’s by no means a drought breaker. Most are praying right now that this is the beginning of a good thing, and the rains, that have eluded our part of the country for nearly two years, will return, blessing the land once again with life and prosperity.
In a Bible class of three-year-olds, the teacher asked, “And who was Matthew?” There was no answer. She then asked, “Well then, who was John? Certainly you remember him.” Still no answer. “Now children, you’re letting me down”, prodded the teacher, “surely someone knows who Peter was. Don’t be shy, speak up.” A soft quivering voice came from the rear of the room, “I fink he wuz a wabbit.”
The following is a poem by Ruby Leonard, a member of our congregation. It is entitled, Beautiful Feet. Beautiful are the feet, that carry God’s word; A message more precious, than this world ever heard. None of the greatest monuments, of any mans’ endeavor; Can compare with the word of God, whose message will last forever. The seeds that we are planting, deep in the hearts of men; Will yield the greatest treasure, when told and told again. The fields are white for reaping, so gather while we can; Keep working while the sun shines bright, across this fertile land. With joy we continue our labor, our feet happy as we go; Praising God with songs and hymns, He protects from the strongest foe. Let’s take the message everywhere, wherever we may roam; Until our work on earth is finished, and Jesus calls us home. Thank-You, Ruby.
[1 Corinthians 3: 1-17] A well-known author displays a photograph in his office so he can see it daily. The framed picture is quite simple. It is of a turtle sitting atop a fencepost. Although not be obvious to most, the author valued the photo because it reminded him of a lesson he learned long ago: “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he had some help.” A turtle simply does not have the physical ability to scale a fencepost, coming to rest atop it, all by himself. It is equally impossible for man to get into heaven without help. It took men like Peter and Paul, Timothy and Titus, along with the rest of those chosen by Jesus, to travel about the known world of the first century planting the seed, the Word of God (Luke 8:11), into the hearts of men. Today, it still takes a very special sort of person to continually plant that seed and nurture it, not knowing if it will ever grow. But, with God’s help, it does. Any farmer will tell you, preparing the ground and planting the seed doesn’t produce a crop. The seed must be watered and protected from damaging weeds and bugs. Yet the farmer will readily admit, it is God who produces the growth. So it is with the Word of God. Preachers, teachers and evangelists are constantly planting and watering, but without God there can be no growth. Eternal life can only come through the Word of God, Jesus. (John 1: 1-14) I can have the seed planted in my heart and have others teach me of God, but if I do not live God’s will, my spirit will not grow to maturity. I thank God for men like Vurel Vick.