Spectacular cloud formations over a cotton field in rural Georgia
Photography and Article by Norma Beaird
We were driving down a long country road with beautiful cotton fields, green pastures, ponds, pine trees, cattle and their buddies, the Cattle Egrets. The clouds were particularly fascinating over the perfect rows of planted cotton. Gazing at the vibrant blue skies and green fields becomes an important teaching experience, especially when you think about the physical and spiritual aspects of fields and farms.
The Bible constantly refers to planting and harvesting; sowing and reaping. Whenever I see a cotton or wheat field, I am reminded of verses in the Bible about sowing and reaping, such as:
Galatians 6: 7 - 9
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
These three verses in Galatians are a reminder to everyone of the importance of love, generosity, kindness, patience and honesty. It is important to love people, to treat them with generosity and kindness, to be patient with those who have different opinions and to be honest in our business transactions. It is important to lead a life of holiness before God.
We must not sow to the flesh for the sake of greed, power or material gain. Sowing the seeds of honesty, generosity and holiness will reap a harvest of blessings. Love, kindness and patience will influence friends and confuse an enemy. Corruption and dishonesty, hate and selfishness will result in a spiritual crop failure.
2 Corinthians 9:6
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Whenever I see crops harvested in the fall, at times I am reminded of a spiritual harvest of souls. The Bible reminds us that their are lost souls who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who need to know the peace of forgiveness and the freedom from sin. Planting the seeds of the Gospel will yield changed people, transformed through the redemptive power of God's unconditional love.
God's grace is sufficient for every care and every burden that we may bear. May we be continually reminded of the love of God and His desire for those who are lost and hurting to find the serenity of salvation. May we find faith and hope in the promises of God's Word.
Luke 10: 1 - 12
1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He himself would come.
2 Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest.
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
Margaret Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers
"You Reap What You Sow"
All scriptures are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Copyright 2014, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
