Gardening is a wonderful reminder of what Scripture teaches. It’s really no wonder Jesus used it as a metaphor so often. For over 10 years we’ve planted a garden. We love to eat fresh veggies and Rachel does a lot of canning so we can enjoy the harvest all year long.
This year has been a hard year for many Indiana gardeners and our garden has seemed dismal compared to previous years. Thankfully, we didn’t experience the flooding that impacted so many, but because of hard and frequent rains our garden has suffered.
Too much spring rain meant late planting. Too much summer rain meant plants rot before producing. Weeds are hard to control because the conditions make it difficult to get out and take care of them. Even the quality of the harvest has been impacted by too much water. Even though we have been diligent to plant- we must trust God to bring the harvest.
Curtis was teaching 1 Corinthians 3 at our Sunday Evening study. We were reminded God brings the increase (1. Cor. 3:8) This is true for our vegetable garden and is also true of our ministry. We plant, and we water- but we trust the Lord for the increase.
Are you looking for a beloved family member to return to the Lord? Or to receive Christ for the first time? Be faithful in sowing seeds of Gospel Truth.
Are you wanting to see growth in faith in a particular area of your own life? Sow seeds of the spiritual disciplines (regular bible reading, prayer and worship).
We can trust God to bring the increase. When things outside of our control don’t make sense we can trust God that His plans are best. He is with us in the waiting.
Prayer Points:
- This week Curtis begins a Masters program with Ascent Seminary. He will be working on a Master of Arts in Biblical Leadership which is a 3 year program geared towards pastors and those already in ministry. Please be praying that God will grow Curtis in ways that will make him an even better leader/pastor through this program.
- Rachel begins a new Ladies Bible Study on Sept. 10th. They will be studying the book of Titus.
- Rachel began counseling last week with another new young woman. Please be praying for healing for this young woman.
- Our Mid-week Program for kids will begin in Sept. as well. Please be praying specifically for kids who come from unchurched families.
Be a part of the Rhoadarmer’s Ministry Team
Curtis and Rachel Rhoadarmer
Indiana