Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Groundbreaker (Re-post)

I have heard it over the last several days. The reverberations of a chain saw wielded by the strong hands of workers in my next-door neighbors yard. They are busy slicing through hard and soft wood trees readying the land for their expanded garden. These are not new trees. Some must be years old and deeply rooted in the land. All being removed to break up ground that has long been covered with roots, rocks, and the shade of the woods. But boy, they have plans for some delicious sounding summer vegetables. I can't wait to see the bountiful by-product of all this work later this year.

It reminded me of a verse in God's word that teaches us to "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12.


I have chewed and chewed, as my dear friend Ann recommends, on this verse the past few days. What is the "unplowed ground" in my own life? As I have asked HIM the Lord has shown me much in my life that I need to "break up" in preparation for His harvest. The massive roots of unhealthy thinking and the deceit of the enemy which huddle just beneath the surface. The pebbles, rocks, and sometimes boulders of sin that crowd me and prevent HIS good fruit from growing to its fullness. And the shady areas of comfort and complacency that keep me from stepping into the fullness of His light.

So I begin to break up the ground. With His word. Replacing the enemy's lies with HIS truth. Removing the rocks of sin with THE ROCK of Ages. And stepping out of my settledness and into the adventure certain to be heated at times, but ready for an abundance of HIS fruit! I'm ready for a good tilling, planting, and a harvest with an abundance of His righteousness. Rain on me Lord!

Praise HIM!

17 comments:

duopastorale said...

Thanks, I feel encouraged. Maybe the dryness we sometimes feel is a wake up call to do a bit of digging over and prepare ourselves for the rain of the Spirit.

Greg C said...

I am ready to plant some new seeds as well. I am expecting a great harvest this year. I have read the passages you suggested. Thank you and praise God. You visited my blog too early. I just posted for the day. Please come back. I am chewing myself this morning. :)

Barbara said...

Replacing the enemy's lies with the truth - the only way to live.

I can understand the excitement of the snow when you see it so little. Similar here in the South East thanks to the Gulf Stream but I am sure we see it more than you.

Lisa said...

Kim, what a beautiful post full of vision and clarity. Thanks for taking that wonderful verse and putting such perfect imagery to it! I'm going to link to it from my blog!

Lots of love,
Elisa

Angie said...

Amen, sister. It's the only sure way I have found to bring down lies and strongholds. Excellent analogy! I love that post of Ann's too. It stays with me. This one will as well.

Blessings,
Angie

Kim S in SC said...

To all of you dear blogging friends: Nothing better than a good soaking by HIM! Thank you for your insights and for visiting here today. Praise HIM!
Elisa: I am honored to have you link to this post!

Big Dreamer said...

Wow, that is pretty powerful! My "garden" sure needs some repairs! This post is a huge encouragement!

inspired said...

rain on me to Lord \0/

Kim S in SC said...

Big Dreamer: I am so glad you visited. I am praying with and for you!
Inspired: A big Amen!

God's girl said...

Amen. Rain on me Lord!
Great post. I love that verse.
Blessings,
Angela

TO BECOME said...

Your post was very moving and convicting. Thank you so much. I will try to remember the truth that you taught today. May they grow in all of us. connie from Texas

Thanks for all your encouraging visits to my blog. connie from Texas

a woman who is said...

I am tracking with you Kim. Let the rain come, and the soil of my heart be softened and ready.

Heather said...

There are always things that I know I struggle with and have to watch out for, but it is so wise to occassionally take inventory and look for those hidden roots that I am not always aware of. Thanks for the good thoughts today!

Kim S in SC said...

Angela: Thank you for visiting!
Connie: Thank you for your encouragement! I love your visits!
A Woman Who Is: I love your comment about the soil being ready!
Heather: I'm so glad you were here today! You are so right, we always need to take a fresh look for any subtle roots!
Thank you all for visiting!

Maggie Ann said...

Oh thats good!

Maria Owens said...

I loved this before, and I love it now! Thank you, dear friend.

Maria Owens said...

I loved this before, and I love it now! Thank you, dear friend.

"Weighting" on the Lord

Let this be a place of encouragement for you in your own walk!