HARVEST
TIME:
kNOWING WHEN
SEEDTIME AND HARVEST
Genesis 8:22
Growing up as a ‘farm boy,’ harvest time was essential to my family’s wellbeing. While most of my peers awaited the long days of summer and the relaxation that it brought, I understood that my mornings would begin before the crack of dawn and end as the sun faded into the night’s sky. Although there were countless days that I wanted to sleep in, there was one thing certainly clear: the hours of cultivating, planting and watering were necessary in order to manifest a bountiful harvest.
In 2008, Pastor Hezekiah Walker released a song entitled “Faithful Is Our God.” A portion of the song states:
"I'm reaping the harvest God promised me
Take back what the devil stole from me
And I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all
Yes, I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all."
As emotionally-charged as these lyrics sound, life has afforded me the opportunity to see that many time life’s harvests aren’t stolen by the devil but are rather given away because we lack a spiritual ‘green thumb.’ In order to maximize your harvest for 2014 and beyond, here are 3 areas to consider….
Cultivation
By definition, cultivation is simply the preparation of land for crops or gardening. Its during this process that anything harmful to the harvest is removed from the soil in which the seed will be planted. We all have issues, some big and others small. In this season, we cannot afford to lose another harvest because we have not rid our lives of the ‘spiritual weeds’ of unforgiveness, malice, strife, envy or greed. To maximize your harvest, you must begin to cultivate (develop) your spiritual gifts and walk in the fruits of your labor.
Planting
The bible clearly tells us ‘..for whatsoever one sows, that will he also reap,’ (Galatians 6:7). What seeds are you planting daily? Are they seeds of discord and dysfunction or rather those of grace and gratitude? Careful attention must be paid to ensure that good seed is planted on good ground.
Watering
Once we truly begin to cultivate our gifts and plant good seeds, we cannot forget to water them. Water gives life and provides the perfect conditions for maximum growth. The Holy Spirit is represented through the use of water time and time again in the Holy Writ. His purpose is twofold. First, He used to reverse the effects of dryness and barrenness . Secondly, the Holy Spirit is used to restore areas of our lives that have been lost. Its imperative in this season that we should understand and embrace the Word of God and begin ushering the Holy Spirit into our daily lives.
Don’t let another season of barrenness pass you buy. You are positioned to reap the harvest that God and promised you and your family. Don’t waste another moment beloved….. Harvest time is NOW!
By Assistant Pastor Xaviar Frederick