‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV — For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.‬‬

In tobacco farming, there were many different jobs. When it came time for curing the tobacco leaves there were handlers, usually young girls, who would gather 3-4 leaves for bundling. The stringers, usually grown women, would string the bundles onto the tobacco sticks. The hangers, usually adult men, would hang the sticks across tier poles inside the barn.

Today’s key verse tells us God will work in each of us to fulfill His purpose. No matter how little or big the job is, each job is important. As you work today, remember that God has a purpose for you. There is someone who depends on what you do. You are important.

When asked what harvest means, a friend who works in Resource Management responded: “‘A time in which fruits of one’s labor combined with forces that he or she prays for, but doesn’t control, culminates in a bounty that can either be fruitful or less than desired, but either way appreciated. A quote from Jim Rohn says you should ‘Get good at planting in the Spring or begging in the Fall.’”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for willing me to work my Earthly job. Help me to remember that I am important. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭92‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT — For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.

Harvesting requires a process. Tobacco starts in seed form. Once the tobacco seeds have matured, they are transplanted to the tobacco fields. 

In reading today’s key verse, let’s envision being planted in God’s house in seed form. As we grow and mature we are planted in the mission field, to flourish and grow God’s Kingdom. Take a minute to evaluate your Christian maturity. Are you in seed form? Are you planted and flourishing? 

A retired farmer who grew many things said tobacco was a crop he could depend on, and his sister agreed. “A harvest meant the production of tobacco, cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat. It was picking vegetables. Then getting it all to the market. Did we make a profit or lose it? Tobacco was always the most profitable.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for being patient with me as I mature spiritually. I desire to be profitable for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

There are many preparation steps in harvesting tobacco before the plants have matured. First, the seeds are planted in beds so they are protected from the elements. In the beds, they will hopefully sprout and grow strong. Once matured they are cut and tied together in bundles.

Today’s key verse reminds us we are never fully mature. Just like crops, we can grow daily. A Christian life doesn’t mean we will be protected from the elements, but with God, we can persevere and grow through life’s challenges.

When I think of harvest, it is easy for me to see the result and not the hard work and production behind the result. I had the pleasure of asking a few friends and family about what harvest means to them. I will share their thoughts with you throughout the remaining week.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for making me complete. I desire to grow and mature wherever You plant me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬ — The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Last week Deborah talked about seasons. As I pondered the questions, I thought about Fall in upstate South Carolina. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, seeing the leaves change, are a few of my favorites. This past year we have been blessed with visiting our son in Clemson, South Carolina throughout the different seasons. On a recent trip, we had the pleasure of touring the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum. We were intrigued to see the tobacco exhibit since my husband’s family farmed tobacco for their livelihood.

According to Merriam-Webster, harvest is a season for gathering crops. Suckerin is a part of the harvest process, where suckers are removed from the tobacco plants so the existing leaves remain healthy and discourage new growth. Let’s think about that process in comparison with our own spiritual journey. 

In reading today’s key verse, I want us to get back to simplicity. God’s word is refreshing for our souls. He has already given us a foundation to live by. We as humans tend to complicate life. Although farming itself was and still isn’t simple, the farmers kept things simple by following a trustworthy process. We too should keep things simple by following God’s word for He is trustworthy.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for our farmers and their families that still provide for us today. I pray that You bless them with an abundant harvest. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Notice the the beautiful boundary line in Ray’s photo. Join us for See You Saturday by clicking the link. We share on boundary lines and our circle of control.

Isaiah 60:1 NIV — Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

Do you think you’re not worthy? Well, the glory of the Lord is upon you, shining brightly. It would be easy to think we are unworthy when life is full of ants and brokenness, right? 

I am here to encourage you that the Lord rises upon you. As you arise to this day and your present situation, remember that God picked you to shine His light. He knew I would have a really overwhelming few months. He saw my negativity and ungrateful heart. He still loves me unconditionally and is the source of my strength and joy. 

I encourage you to worship with “Rejoice” by Andrew Ripp. Some of the lyrics sing: “Until I rise like the morning. Wake up in the arms of glory to finally see the sun above the pouring rain.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for rising upon me. Thank You for calling me worthy and redeemed. Help me remain in You and rise above my situations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalms 92:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible — The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon.

With God, we can thrive in every situation. We are no different than the palm trees. I encourage you to read the full chapter surrounding today’s verse: Psalm 92: 1-15 HCSB

Did you notice that we thrive in God’s courts and bear fruit in old age? First, we need to plant ourselves in God’s courts, then we must remain there. We also need to stay on guard because Satan isn’t going to want us to stay there. I admit, it is hard to remain when you’re on Day 6 of Living With Ants. Like Home Defense bug spray, we must intentionally and proactively remain to thrive. Thankfully on Day 7, the ants were evicted. I think God was making sure He had my attention and kept me laughing.

Let’s pray. Dear God, For You have made me rejoice oh Lord, by what You have done. I will shout for joy because of the works of Your hands. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen (Psalms 92:4).