Writer
Potts Pages - Planting Seeds
September 22, 2016
Every autumn when I was a preschool teacher I always told the story of Johnny Appleseed. Remember him? It is often thought that he was a legend or a fictional character, but he was a real person named John Chapman.
The legend of Johnny Appleseed had him randomly throwing seeds where ever he went, Chapman was much more methodical. He was a skilled nurseryman and businessman, but there was another part to this man. He was known to carry his Bible and preach to the people he came in contact with in his travels. After all, he did know a thing or two about planting seeds.
This is what we are called as Christians to do, plant seeds. Many times we may never see the results of our witness this side of heaven. We are just called to plant seeds. The first seed we think about is the plan of salvation. We need to know how to share that Jesus died to save us from our sins and that he rose again to give us eternal life. All we have to do is to confess that we are sinners, believe that he is the only way to salvation, ask him to forgive us and accept him as our Savior. When we share this message of the gospel, God has the power to cultivate it into a life changed for eternity.
There are other seeds that we plant along our way. We need to plant the seed of hope. There is so much negativity and hopelessness in our world today. So many people just need someone to come along beside them and let them know they are not alone. Many times they just need someone to listen. A smile, a hug or an encouraging word can go a long way to alleviate hopelessness.
Let’s also practice planting seeds of kindness. A kind word or deed reminds people that there is still good in the world. It is sometimes such a little thing on the part of the person doing the kindness but is such a big thing to the recipient. If there is an opportunity, we should always accompany our kind deeds with the message that we love them because God loves them.
An apple seed comes in a tiny package but holds the potential to become a fruit producing tree. Don’t be discouraged if you think your seeds are small. Just plant lots of them, leave the results to God and watch your orchard grow.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) (NIV)
The legend of Johnny Appleseed had him randomly throwing seeds where ever he went, Chapman was much more methodical. He was a skilled nurseryman and businessman, but there was another part to this man. He was known to carry his Bible and preach to the people he came in contact with in his travels. After all, he did know a thing or two about planting seeds.
This is what we are called as Christians to do, plant seeds. Many times we may never see the results of our witness this side of heaven. We are just called to plant seeds. The first seed we think about is the plan of salvation. We need to know how to share that Jesus died to save us from our sins and that he rose again to give us eternal life. All we have to do is to confess that we are sinners, believe that he is the only way to salvation, ask him to forgive us and accept him as our Savior. When we share this message of the gospel, God has the power to cultivate it into a life changed for eternity.
There are other seeds that we plant along our way. We need to plant the seed of hope. There is so much negativity and hopelessness in our world today. So many people just need someone to come along beside them and let them know they are not alone. Many times they just need someone to listen. A smile, a hug or an encouraging word can go a long way to alleviate hopelessness.
Let’s also practice planting seeds of kindness. A kind word or deed reminds people that there is still good in the world. It is sometimes such a little thing on the part of the person doing the kindness but is such a big thing to the recipient. If there is an opportunity, we should always accompany our kind deeds with the message that we love them because God loves them.
An apple seed comes in a tiny package but holds the potential to become a fruit producing tree. Don’t be discouraged if you think your seeds are small. Just plant lots of them, leave the results to God and watch your orchard grow.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) (NIV)
Sue
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Post a Comment
Posted on: September 23, 2016
Great blog! It helps to remind me ponder the simple things in life and be thankful for them. Also, I share with others the lessons I am reminded of from this blog.