Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt
I can see a lot of my mom’s qualities in my life. Having ten children, she had a very nurturing side to her. I’ve noticed that I have that in me. I love to watch things grow. I love to help and watch Christians grow in their faith. That is probably why I have created and head up a very large Small Group system of hundreds of groups at our church. I love to watch and help people grow in walking out their leadership abilities. That is probably why I love to teach our Leadership Development Classes and minister to the men at our monthly Manhood Breakfast. I love to watch my garden grow. That is probably why I have a very large flower garden. When I am working in the garden, I am continually reminded of Bible principles that strengthen my faith.
Satan is always trying to plant seeds of fear in our heart. Its by design. He would rather have you have faith in fearful thoughts than have faith in
God’s promises. Why? Because your faith is what brings forth its crop. When you allow weed-seeds of fear to grow in your mind and heart, then fear, discouragement, and hopelessness are the crops you will reap. Then it will take work to dig and cast out these weeds. What does a heart with weed seeds planted in it look like? Jeremiah 17:5-6 reveals this
saying, “This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust
in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives.”
When you plant good seeds in good soil (a heart that loves and trusts God and puts faith and expectation in His promises) then you will reap a good crop. Hosea 10:12 (NLT) says, “I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.”
My gardening reminds me what I should meditate on. I should meditate on and grow faith in God’s promises. What I should not allow in my heart – the negative circumstances that pop up daily that are weeds of fear that try to undermine my faith. I dig them out and cast them into a pile to be burned or discarded. If I keep my heart good soil, and profess and pray God’s promises over my life and others, I will see my harvest and I will become like that tree planted by the river that stays green and is not bothered by heat or long months of drought.
God’s Word is the seed to be planted in the soil of the riverbank of our heart. Prayer that develops trust and faith become the roots to grow down deep. Remember today that the promise He promised you is this: Deut. 28:6-7 (NLT) “You will be blessed wherever you go, both in coming and in going.”The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! “ How is that for sinking your roots into?
In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
I am blessed today after reading your message. It really touched me. I enjoy your devotions Pastor Tim, do you have them available in a book format? I would like to share them with others and also read them over & over myself. God Bless you.
Hi Beth, I have not published a book yet but am thinking about it. I get asked that question a fair amount. If I do, I will let my readers know about it. You can go back to the archives if you’d like and there is plenty there to read and encourage you! Thanks for your kind and gracious words. God bless you,
Pastor Tim
Thank you, Pastor Tim, I can relate very much to your devotional, especially as I have worked outside all my life in gardens and on the land! We are continually trying to keep crops and plants weed and disease free, it is exactly the same with our human minds, our thoughts can run wild if they are not checked. Sometimes I can have a problem and it can seem huge, but when I look through the eyes of Jesus through faith in God, the problems dissolve, as I know all things are possible for those who believe.
On another note, I like the sound of your small groups, it sounds very similar to the cell groups that we had in my old church (Kensington Temple). It was a pleasure and privilege to watch and encourage people to walk into their full destiny and to see lives totally turned around, through the power of God. I miss that church, it was a great season.
Enjoy your day Pastor Tim.
Roy
Thanks Roy! People that work in the soil, understand these principles easily! And if they know God, they see Him in them. Did you used to live in England before Australia?
Thank you for your reply Pastor Tim, I’m very grateful that I see the beauty all around me. Incidentally, Tim, have always lived in England’s green and pleasant land!
Enjoy your day.
Roy, how did I get it in my head that you had moved to Australia? Sorry about that! I do know you love the beauty of God’s creation. Everything is just beginning to grow here and it gets more beautiful by the day! It’s my favorite time of the year! God bless you!