LA # 0812
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<||> My Source: http://forthright.antville.org/stories/992789/
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<||> Author: Tim Hall
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<||> File Under: Evangelism
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KEEP ON SOWING
by Tim Hall
It was a disappointing year for corn in my garden.
Though I planted six rows with Silver Queen seeds
just as I've done in the past, there wasn't much
to show for it. Many factors could be cited: rain
at the wrong time, an overgrown chestnut tree that
cast too much shade, seed that might not have been
good, or a lack of effort on the part of the
gardener (I quickly ruled that one out!).
Regardless of the cause, the bottom line was that
we enjoyed only a few ears of fresh corn this
summer.
It's discouraging to see so few tangible results
from our labors. Christian workers know the
feeling. When we try our hardest to teach God's
word but see so few who are interested, we're
tempted to give up. How can we get motivated
again?
The psalmist long ago exhorted God's people with
these words: "Those who sow in tears shall reap in
joy. He who continually goes forth weeping,
bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come
again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
him" (Psalm 126:5,6, NKJV). Christians should make
it a point to read that passage regularly.
There are two words in this text I'll emphasize.
The first is "continually." In my years of
gardening I've learned that one year may be dismal
for certain crops while the following year will be
terrific. The key is to keep planting the seed.
One thing is certain: there will never be growth
if the seed isn't put in the ground.
The second word to note is "doubtless." I can't
use that word when I'm referring to my efforts
alone. But this verse isn't referring to mere
human efforts. In verse 3, the psalmist had said,
"The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we
are glad." If the Lord works with us, we know that
the end will be glorious. His power enables tiny
seeds to penetrate asphalt and stone. In time,
we'll see the fruits of our labors.
Christian, here is a promise God has made for his
people throughout time. Keep on doing the good
that you're able to do. Know that it will
ultimately produce sheaves of blessings. Though we
sow with tears, we shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us!
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in
the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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Read this article online, tell us what you think,
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DRL Note: Some of you have expressed interest in the Bible School Curriculum we are using at North Marshall. Some have reported to me that they are using it in their local works. I have been writing two lessons per week for the adult classes since September of 2003. We have a four-year plan to cover the Bible. My lessons are in the form of a 4-page (usually) handout for the students in the class. It is a 7-part guide to the particular text for the period (includes: Notes/Definitions; Chronology; Summary; Outline; 15 Questions from the text; Practical Applications; and a Seek-A-Word Puzzle from a portion of the text). I make photocopies of the handout on pre-punched paper for class members. Many of our members keep them in a 3-ring binder. All of our Bible classes with the exception of two Adult Classes on Sunday Mornings are studying the same Bible text each Sunday and Wednesday. I sincerely believe this is helpful for furthering discussion of the Bible class material at home. I have now uploaded 129 of these lessons to my BRAND NEW website at http://www.LemmonsAid.net You can reach all 129 of these PDF files at that location from the links table at: BIBLE STUDY GUIDE.
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LEMMONS-AID is intended for members of churches of
Christ and designed to REFRESH the soul, in the spirit of
Romans 14:19; occasionally including a bit of SALT
( Jude 3) to help to preserve our PURITY (Eph 5:25-27).
The Greatest AID that David Lemmons or Anyone Else Can
Give Comes from the Bible. "Happy is he that hath the God
of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God"
(Ps 146:5)
Produced by David Lemmons < David@LemmonsAid.net >
preacher for the North Marshall church of Christ,
Calvert City, KY.
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HELP us, please, grow to 1,000 in 2,003. ThAnKs!
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