‭‭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.

James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬ —- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Click here to watch today’s See You Saturday video as we close out our week on change and seasons. Check out @urbanbrewcoffeehouse if you would like to try the pumpkin spice coffee or dirty chai tea latte that we are drinking.
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Psalms 1:1-3 NIV — Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.

After winter comes spring. Spring is always such a joyous season for me. The temperatures begin to rise and new growth abounds. As I shared yesterday, winter is necessary for spring to occur. Plants must have a season of dormancy in order to spring with new growth. Likewise, you and I have our own winter times so we are able to grow. As today’s featured scripture states, we must meditate on the law of the Lord, day and night, so we may yield fruit and not wither. 

What season are you currently in; summer, fall, winter, or spring? How is God speaking to you in this season? Are you listening and learning as you walk through this season? Take time today to be like a tree planted by a stream of water. Sit still, be quiet, and listen so you will be able to yield fruit for God.

Let’s pray. Thank You God for spring. As I sit at Your feet today, speak to me so I can be Your vessel by yielding fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Psalms 51:10 NIV — Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I do not like being cold. Therefore, winter is not my favorite season. Although it is rare in South Carolina, in some areas, winter brings snow and ice. When I think of winter I think of dark and dismal times. Often I gripe and complain about the weather in winter. Even though I do not enjoy winter, I realize it is a necessary season. Take a moment to click here and read this student friendly article entitled “Why Do We Need Winter?”

The article states that many plants benefit from winter because of the opportunity to be dormant and store up energy for new growth. Take a moment to reflect. Have you ever experienced a winter in the journey of your spiritual life? Has there ever been a season of dormancy for you? Did that dormant season result in new growth? I think our growth after a dormant season is dependent on our attitude and response to our personal winters. What will be your response to the next winter you experience? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for winter. Create in me a new heart so that I may respond with openness to growth during my personal winters. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

James 1:17 NIV — Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Saturday will be the first day of fall 2023. Is fall your favorite season? What comes to mind when you think of fall? In South Carolina fall means having slightly cooler temperatures, leaves beginning to turn colors, and the appearance of yellow butterflies. Click here to read an article about what a yellow butterfly symbolizes in various cultures.

While I love the weather change – the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and the sighting of yellow butterflies fluttering around – at the same time all of those signal for me a flash of sadness. Fall reminds me of the end of my favorite season of summer. Fall also symbolizes a time years ago when my family suffered the loss of the matriarch of our family, my grandmother, who we called Mother. Exactly a week from her funeral, my Uncle Buddy passed away. Both Mother and Uncle Buddy had been living with my family so their deaths greatly impacted each of us. For years, fall brought on a time of sadness for me. However, as I mentioned, now the sadness is just for a flash. Now, as fall approaches, I use the flash of sadness to be a catalyst for a time of thanksgiving. Fall reminds me of the blessings of having Mother and Uncle Buddy in my life and for that I am most thankful. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for fall. As summer leaves and fall begins, I am reminded of all You have blessed me with and I am so thankful. When I see a yellow butterfly, may I be reminded to be an instrument of praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.