Devotions From Calvary

BY PASTOR GREG A. STEINKE 

Green Thumb

This year, many have planted gardens with the expectation of enjoying the fruits they will produce. I remember years ago living in North Carolina when, during the days of my college training, I put out a large garden. Rows of green beans, corn, squash, watermelon, peppers and tomatoes. For me, this was a dream and we always enjoyed gardens. However, for our kids, it was the chore of the week to pull the weeds in between the rows. Yet, we all enjoyed the produce, the wonderful bounty that each plant brought forth. 

Though I am not an amateur in gardening, I certainly am not a pro either. However, I have discovered the basics by which we can see some good results in the garden. A solid soil foundation is essential, and we were able to incorporate fertilizer into the dirt to provide it with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. We also ensured that it was well-watered, especially during the dry weeks of summer in North Carolina. It was as if we could hear the garden sigh with relief when the water was turned on, and in the midnight hours, almost hear the plants as they began to grow. Before long, we noticed the vegetables begin to sprout and form into what they were supposed to be.

I want you to understand that for the Christian, without proper ground and water, the growth that is expected by the Lord will be hindered. We read in the Book of Psalms in Chapter One verse Three, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” In the prior verses, we noticed that it is not speaking about a plant, but a person. This individual is someone who is a true believer in Christ, being born again by the Spirit of God into the Family of God. However, with every newborn, there is a growth process, and in all reality, a growth expectation. 

This individual needs to begin the process of growing in Christ, growing not just to exist, but growing to bring fruit. I think of what Peter mentioned in his book,1Peter 2:2: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” This means that the only way a true Christian can grow is by the pure milk and nutrients of God’s Word. 

The Psalmist mentioned that this person is to be like a tree planted. That means stable, grounded, and steadfast in Christ. Unmovable in truth and strong in the Lord. That planting is not done by the tree (or the individual in this case), but it is done by the LORD Himself. It is only through and by Christ that we are saved and planted. But the growth does not come naturally; it must be accompanied by feeding and absorbing God’s word. Just like the tree that is planted by the rivers of water, drawing its nutrients from the rich soil and water, we are to draw our nutrients in our Christian life by the wonderful nutrients of God’s word. The question then proposed is, are we doing this? The only way to know is just as you look at your garden and see the growth and fruit being produced, we can look at our life and see if we are growing in Christ and manifesting the working of His word in our life. You and I can have the “Green Thumb” of Christianity by being planted in Christ and drawing from His Word that which can help you grow.

Pastor Steinke

Calvary Baptist Church

1045 Monroe Concord Rd.

Troy, Ohio 45373