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Susannah’s Garden, by Debbie Macomber, 2021 edition, mira
Back on Blossom Street, by Debbie Macomber, 2007, MIRA (Harlequin)
Another heart-warming story about Lydia and the friends she makes in her knitting classes. This time they are knitting prayer shawls. Each person is participating for a different reason and plans to use the shawl for a different purpose.
As they knit together, bonds form between them. Gradually their stories emerge and develop. They support one another in their struggles.
Chapters alternate between three Points of View: Lydia, Alix, and Colette. I met Lydia and Alix in the first book of the series. Although I haven’t read books 2 and 3, I didn’t notice anything missing as I picked up on their lives. This may be partly because of Macomber’s writing style. She ensures each story stands alone by subtly filling in bits of backstory. Colette is going through a complex period in her life, lending some intrigue to the story.
Macomber expertly integrates spiritual life lessons into the raw events of life like they happen, without glossing over actions, thoughts, feelings, and words. This is what I love about her writing. Plus, Blossom Street is in Seattle, not too far south of Western Canada where I live, so I can relate to the west-coast climate and culture she describes. Women of all ages are included among the characters, as well as the men in their lives. Themes are secrets, pregnancy, weddings, accidents, forgiving, bonding, death, and trust, interspersed with joys of life such as tea, seafood, and ocean breezes.
To learn more about Debbie Macomber and her novels, visit www.DebbieMacomber.com.
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To read other reviews on Goodreads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5630440775.
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Dancing in the Rain; Stories to Shelter the Soul, 2023. ISBN: 978-1-7361780-6-5
Dancing in the Rain is an anthology of five stories.
Each story in Dancing in the Rain features an experience of cleansing rain that renews the soul. Candace West writes ‘McDonald’s Farm’. Eleanor Bertin writes ‘Who Sends the Rain?’. Angela D. Meyer writes ‘Rekindling Her Dream’. Deb Elkink writes ‘Clanging Symbols’, and Sara Davison writes ‘The Poppy’.
Each of the stories in Dancing in the Rain could be a separate book, and the e-book took me longer than expected to read through. I had been expecting shorter novellas. The authors are a group of writers who have published several anthologies together in the past.
Five writers, Five unique styles
Each author has her own distinct writing style. Although all the stories feature rain as a cleansing, renewing experience, there isn’t a lot of further commonality. Settings range from Vancouver Canada to places in the States, to Japan. Writing styles range from light and easy to follow to relatively heavy and more serious. Forgiveness, hope, and second chances are threads that link the stories.
As a Canadian writer myself, I was interested in the fact that there are Canadian authors and settings included in the anthology. I was already Facebook friends with Deb Elkink. Her story particularly stood out to me because it is based in Japan in the 1970s and is centered around cross-cultural experiences. As a traveler, ESL instructor and international homestay host, I could relate to the interesting differences in cultural thinking and symbolism. Whereas that story occurs in Japan, the others are all in North America.
Anthologies provide an opportunity to get to know new authors. I found each story appealing in its own unique way.
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To read more reviews on Goodreads click here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607578317
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Buttermilk Chicken
I like the buttermilk chicken at Montana’s so much I decided to try making some at home. No buttermilk in the fridge, no problem.
Pour a half inch of milk in a flat baking dish and add a tablespoon or so of vinegar. Stir it up a bit.
Spread out boneless thighs to soak in the buttermilk for an hour or two, turning them over once or twice.
Pour some flour into a plastic bag and add barbecue chicken spices. If you don’t have a spice mix, try cayenne pepper (depending how hot you like it) or paprika and salt.
Shake the chicken pieces one at a time in the bag, holding the top tightly closed.
Meanwhile, preheat a half inch of olive or other cooking oil in a pan on medium. Add the chicken and cook for a half hour or so on med-low, turning several times until cooked through and the coating is crunchy.
Mine turned out tender and tasty 😋. Hope yours does too.
Instead of wasting the chicken-soaked buttermilk and flavourful flour mixture, once the chicken has been fried and removed from the pan, on low heat, stirring constantly, gradually add to the residual oil together with potato water. Mmm, delicious gravy.
Okay, so now you know why I’m fat 😏.
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In the SHADOW of the RIVER, by Ann H. Gabhart, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
In the shadow of the river, the mystery of Jacci’s life plays out.
The mystery of Jacci Reed’s life plays out in the shadow of the river. Who is she, and where did she come from? Her true identity is really a mystery, to be revealed gradually in the shadow of the river.
Gabe Kingston becomes her protector from the first time they meet, under scary circumstances, when he is 13 and she’s one brave five-year-old.
I love this intriguing tale set in the late 1800s on the rivers of southern states. Before the time of roads and automobiles, paddlewheel boats transported people and goods and even entertainment from one town to another along rivers and tributaries.
Families, such as they were, worked and lived on these boats. Not a fancy life, though in some respects romantic and adventurous.
Characters come to life in the shadow of the river.
Ann Gabhart brings characters alive so readers can experience riverboat life and its dangers and joys in the shadow of the river. Not everyone is cut out for such a lifestyle, unmoored from a land address. But the people running the boats become family, some for the season, others for a lifetime. And you know how families are. Some members likeable, some not always, and some with a mysterious past. Who to trust?
As in previous books by Ann Gabhart, she excels in writing characters and setting, and intriguing plots keep you reading. I find the pacing comfortable, easy to follow, and not confusing. In the dark shadows, characters find strength in turning to God and trusting their lives to Him.
Thanks to Revell for sending me this beautiful paperback for my honest review.
Learn more about Ann Gabhart and her writing at www.annhgabhart.com.
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One more link; click on this one to see what your reader friends on Goodreads say: Pearl Fredericksen’s review of In the Shadow of the River | Goodreads
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the SWINDLER’S DAUGHTER, by Stephenia H. McGee, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
The swindler’s daughter never even knew he was still alive.
The swindler’s daughter never knew him. In fact, her high society mother always claimed to be a widow.
Suddenly Lillian Doyle is sent to a small country town to claim an inheritance from him. Mid-twenties and away from her mother for the first time in her life. People staring at her fashionable clothing and taking her propriety as pretense.
What kind of person had her father been? And what is the nature of her inheritance? Furthermore, how will she fit in (or not) with her father’s family and their close friends, whose manners, thoughts, and ways are so different from hers?
Such strange choices the swindler’s daughter must now make.
The swindler’s daughter doesn’t have a clue what she’s been plunged into, but her life is turned upside down. Will she choose to return to a pretentious high society life in Atlanta, or fall in love with these sincere, straightforward, country people? What are the dangers?
Will she be seen as herself, or as a pretentious city woman, or as the swindler’s daughter?
In the context of Historical Fiction concerning smuggling moonshine during prohibition, Stephenia McGee portrays a complex picture of the times and the consequences of prohibition on families. Interwoven into the story is a romantic thread of attraction and love developing between two opposites, as well as a clear spiritual message about trusting God and waiting on Him in prayer.
Roles of mothers.
How apropos, with three mothers playing important roles in the story, that the book is being published right around Mother’s Day. Since my sons weren’t with me that afternoon, I enjoyed sitting on the beach reading, inspired to be a godly, steady, influencing force in the lives of those around me like Jonah Peterson’s mother, Melanie.
Thanks to Revell for sending me this delightful book so I could write my unbiased review. Stephenia H. McGee has a unique voice with pacing that’s easy to follow, and an amusing sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Learn more about the author at www.stepheniamcgee.com. Click here to find out more about the book and to purchase: https://amzn.to/3BAmtMt. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Counterfeit Love, by Crystal Caudill, 2022, Kregel Publications
Counterfeit love is worse than counterfeit money.
Counterfeit love is an even worse farce than counterfeit money. It’s a crime against one’s own heart. Why would anyone do that? Perhaps for security?
Theresa finds she must question her motives and her heart when she realizes that the man she has promised to marry is not the man she truly loves. But the one she still loves has repeatedly told her there is no future for them. So, what’s a gal to do?
And WHY has God put her in this situation? If God truly loved her, would he have allowed her parents to die? And many more fates that befall her? Is there anyone at all she can trust? Must she fight all her battles alone? Can she still believe in God even if he continually seems to fail her?
Counterfeit money was common. If you need money, why not just print some?
This novel, on the surface, centers around counterfeit money–a real thing in 1884 Cincinnati, where the story takes place. Hidden danger and intrigue keep you flipping pages as characters escape one danger after another right to the end. But what really gets you pondering are the dangers of the heart.
And in case you didn’t take time while reading to consider such reflections, Crystal Caudill includes a list of discussion questions. They’d be perfect for a book club, or to sift through soul stuff during your own quiet meditations.
The writing
I love Crystal Caudill’s writer’s voice. It’s easy to follow and keeps the story moving. Her descriptions are unique, and she throws in good words, like ‘catarrh’ and ‘thwack’. “Catarrh or not, she could no longer delay the completion of her commissions.” “Something large thwacked her back…”
She appeals to animal lovers with Theresa’s odd menagerie, from Cordon Bleu the chicken to Tipsy the three-legged goat. However, though Theresa finds comfort in her animals, readers may not. I won’t give away spoilers by divulging their fate. It’s no worse, though, than the fate of some of the human characters. The story reads like a thriller movie. Verging briefly on horror before returning to scenes of tender, self-sacrificing protection between characters, and yes, even some swoony love scenes.
Crystal Caudill is a very personable author, who loves to connect with readers. Find out more about her and her writing at www.crystalcaudill.com/books.
My thanks for this beautiful paperback, which I had the good fortune to win through a give-away for Caudill’s newsletter subscribers. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and hope to read the other two in the series.
To preview or order this book, or the series of three, click here: Counterfeit Love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Second Time Around, by Melody Carlson, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
Second time around for this old decrepit shop
Should there be a second time around for Mallory’s grandmother’s decrepit but quaint shop and suite above? It was too charming not to keep. Mallory Farrell, an interior designer, saw potential.
Besides, this place held nostalgic memories for her. Her grandmother must have left it to her for a reason.
But the whole seaside village was losing interest to tourists in favor of more appealing towns. Apathy had taken hold among the residents. And Grayson Matthews had already dreamed up a new mall as a revitalization scheme. It was going to be right here if she would sell him the building so he could tear it down.
What! Tear it down? No, no, no. That caused Mallory to dig in her heels. She saw romance in the old building. A peculiar definition of romance that she’d once found. She wrote it in calligraphy, framed it, and hung it on the wall.
Romance: A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement. Remoteness from everyday life.
I won’t spoil the story for you by telling you what happens to Mallory’s romantic, Parisian vision for the village. You’ll have to read it for yourself if you want to know. I’ll just tell you that I enjoyed very much being transported into Mallory’s world. Melody Carlson describes vividly the scenes and emotions of the characters.
Second time around for Mallory
I could relate to Mallory, a divorced mother of adult children, trying her best to make a go of her life. The seemingly insurmountable challenges she faces. Difficulties with people and how she handles them with a godly perspective, a combination of prayer, kindness, and drawing the line where necessary.
Thank you to Revell for choosing me to review this beautiful paperback. It’s always a pleasure to share my honest opinions and feedback. I would recommend the book to people who like interior decorating and charming shops in seaside villages. And Mallory’s peculiar definition of romance.
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Click here: Pearl Fredericksen’s review of Second Time Around | Goodreads to see my review and others on goodreads.
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The Cross Before Him; Simplified English discussion prompts based on Mark 10:32-34
The meaning of the cross
When you see a cross what do you think about? What does it mean to you? Where do we see crosses?
At the time of Jesus, about 2,000 years ago, the cross was the worst form of execution, used for terrible criminals. When they saw a cross beside the road it caused feelings of fear, humiliation, horror, shame, and disgust.
It seems almost beyond explanation then that the cross became the symbol that Christians wear around their neck, tattoo on their arms, and display in their places of worship. But the cross was where Jesus died, and so because of our love for Him and what He did, we cling to the cross as a symbol of our faith, instead of rejecting it as something offensive.
The cross before him
Jesus told his disciples many times that he was going to be killed. His friend Mark wrote about it. He said:
Jesus… began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed… Mark 8:31(ESV)
“He was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him…”
Mark 9:31(ESV)
Jesus was walking ahead of them. Those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him…” Mark 10:32–34(ESV)
How did he know about the cross before him?
Jesus knew that he would die because of the hostility of the Jewish religious leaders toward him.
– Mark says that from the very beginning of his ministry, the Pharisees went out and began to plot how they might kill Jesus. Mark 3:6.
– Jesus knew that their increasing resentment toward him would end in his death.
Jesus also knew about his death because of what the Old Testament said. His death was a fulfillment of these prophecies. The purpose of Jesus as the Messiah was to suffer and die for the sin of mankind.
Jesus quoted Isaiah in Luke Ch. 22. He identified himself as the Messiah, the one “despised and rejected by men… pierced for our transgression and crushed for our iniquities…” He said, “this must be fulfilled in me!”
The cross before him was his purpose.
As the hour of his crucifixion drew near, he said, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”
John 12:27 (ESV)
Through the cross his purpose was fulfilled, and God was glorified.
That sounds strange, doesn’t it? That God is glorified through the cross?
What did Jesus mean by that?
Jesus prayed before he was arrested. He lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do…. “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. John 17:1-6 (ESV)
By his death on the cross, Jesus showed God’s love to us.
The cross is where the Son of God gave his life so that we might have life. By Jesus’ death on the cross, we are made holy and righteous. When we look at the cross, we see pain and suffering. But Jesus wants us to see so much more. He wants us to see God’s plan and purpose in bringing us redemption. Jesus wants us to accept his forgiveness. He wants us to see how much God loves us, and he wants us to glorify him by telling others.
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AFTER the SHADOWS, by Amanda Cabot, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)
AFTER the SHADOWS is Book 1 in the secrets of SWEETWATER CROSSINGS series by Amanda Cabot. I chose this book from Revell to read and review because I loved the previous stories I read by her, and this one didn’t disappoint me. It works fine as a stand-alone, but I do look forward to the next books in the series to see what happens to familiar characters.
Emily is a likable main character, returning to her hometown and large family home as a young widow after an abusive marriage. She ends up using the house and her hospitality and cooking skills to board several people who need a home. Without giving spoilers, I’ll say there are a series of suspicious deaths that occur, eventually turning the plot into a murder mystery. Craig, the new schoolteacher, helps her solve the mystery.
Cabot’s writing is a nice balance of characters and plot, intriguing without stressful suspense, and an enjoyable pace. Not to mention the thought-provoking principles of life sprinkled in. I’d recommend it to those who want a relaxing yet captivating book to read. I liked that the characters span all age categories and friendship and compassion for all kinds of people are central. Emily and Craig step up to the plate and fight for what’s right.
Visit AmandaCabot.com to learn more about Amanda and her books, and to sign up for her newsletter.
Click on this link to buy the book: https://www.amazon.ca/After-Shadows-Amanda-Cabot/dp/0800740645/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35XTKACG4BPIM&keywords=After+the+Shadows&qid=1680204577&sprefix=after+the+shadows%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1#:~:text=https%3A//amzn.to/3zD8SDb As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Click here to read more reviews on Goodreads: Pearl Fredericksen’s review of After the Shadows | Goodreads
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Phil 2:19-30 Friends Simplified English Discussion Prompts, by Jack Duckworth
Philippians 2:19-30 New International Version
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when T receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, o that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
WORD MEANINGS–Match the words with the correct definitions.
1.cheered __a person you work with 2.genuine __sick
3.welfare __nervous, worried, 4.proved __comfort & support 5.necessary __wellbeing 6.co-worker __demonstrate the truth 7.messenger __needed
8.ill __feeling deeply sad 9.sorrow __authentic and real 10.eager __one who brings news 11.anxiety __really wanting to do
CHRISTIAN IDEAS 1.Gospel __other Christians 2.brother (or sister) __what we do 3.co-worker __serving in our faith 4.fellowship __our community friends 5.in the Lord_ __The Good News 6.work of Christ_ __who we serve with
PAUL: An apostle and missionary
TIMOTHY: pastor at Ephesus trained by Paul
EPAPHRODITUS: co worker of Paul and Timothy
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Being a Star on God’s Stage: Simplified discussion prompts for Philippians 2:12-16
Do you follow movie stars? Or music stars? Sports stars? Who is your favorite? Would you like to be a star?
Did you know that God wants us to be stars? Paul wrote in his letter: … you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:15-16 (NIV)
Being a Star
Paul tells us that if we want to live like stars on God’s stage, we must live a different lifestyle. He says: …my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:12-16 (NIV)
What Paul is telling the Philippians when he says, work out your salvation, is simply keep on living out your faith. Don’t give up or become lazy. For Paul, faith in Christ means obedience to Christ. Not just by following rules or commandments, but by becoming completely devoted to Him.
Being a star takes work
If you read the biography of any “star”, whether it’s a musician, an actor, or an athlete, you’ll see that their success didn’t come without hard work and effort. They might have immense talent, but for most it takes years or even a lifetime to become all that they are.
Someone once said, “It’s easy to become a Christian, but being a Christian is hard work.” Would you agree?
Becoming a Christian is about believing in Jesus, but being a Christian is about following Jesus. I don’t know about you, but for me it’s easy to believe but a lot harder to follow. It’s about not just knowing but doing God’s Word. It means learning how to love God with mind, body, and soul, and learning to love others in the way that Christ loves. That’s hard work!
Not grumbling or arguing
Paul says: …. Do everything without grumbling or arguing…. Philippians. 2:14 We all find something to complain about. The weather, the government, your job, your spouse, your kids, your friends, your church…. Being grumpy and complaining is more common for many of us than being joyful, positive and up-lifting.
God sometimes uses difficult situations in life to develop our character and grow our faith. So, when things don’t go as you’d like them, instead of complaining about it, maybe we should be asking God what He wants us to learn though it. As followers of Christ, we should be acting like members of God’s family, living with an attitude of hope and joy, treating each other with love and respect, instead of complaining and arguing.
What do you grumble or argue about? How can you change your attitude? What can you do instead?
It was Paul’s hope that he would someday stand before God and hear Him say to the Christians at Philippi, “Well done my good and faithful servants. You have represented me well. You have been stars on my stage, reflecting my light and my glory to the world. Now come and receive your reward!”
May He say the same to us.
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A tree is a tree is a tree… by sid fredericksen
The Law of Genesis
Today would have been my dear Sid’s 80th birthday. Maybe we’d have put on a party. He sometimes said he’d like to have a big birthday party, but we never got around to doing that. His life was cut short in 2020 by cancer.
But Sid left a godly legacy in words and songs for all of us. This book was the first present he gave me, the second time we got together. He’d written it several years previously, during a period between a tree-falling career and a semi-retirement job as a commissionaire.
He had loved his years in the logging industry–out there in nature, alone with God. It comes through in his thoughts. I share with you the Introduction to the book today.
A tree is a tree is a tree… and not other than a tree shall it be.
In all the years I’ve worked in the logging industry (as a faller) I have never seen a spruce tree re-create itself into a cedar – or a fir. And if you know, or are familiar with, commercial fishermen, you know that they would know – a cod is not a salmon, nor could a salmon become a whale. Everything is designed by God to create after its kind. It’s called order.
Try to imagine… a fish jumps too high. “Oops! I landed on the beach, I must be a lizard. Maybe I’ll climb up this tree. Hey! I must be a monkey… maybe I’ll climb back down. O.K., I’m a man (not a very smart one… but a man nevertheless).” I don’t think so.
God made everything to create “after its own kind”. That’s the way it was in the beginning and that’s the way it’ll stay. No less than ten times in the first chapter of the Bible, the phrase, “after its own kind” is used. Do you suppose, just maybe, God is trying to tell us something? And then in v26-27 He decides to make man… “in His image“. Wouldn’t you say this is… “after His kind“?
So all of God’s good nature creates “after its kind“.
So-called science gone haywire.
And when roses are hybridized, they’re still roses… but the fragrance is gone. Same thing with carnations. Thanks but no-thanks. You may say, “Well they’re just for looks anyway.” Well then, let’s just get silk… you don’t even have to water those.
After God had created everything (to bring forth of its kind) and had put His man in charge, He said “it is very good.” But science (so-called) doesn’t seem to appreciate what is. No-o-o-o, they would like to change everything they can. Can you believe… men who want to be women. And women getting changed into men. What’s this world coming to?
And I think I know why these ‘so-called’ scientists like to add countless zeros onto the millions (even billions) of years they’ve dreamed it would take to put all this together. Now there’s no way for us ‘so-called’ lay people to dispute their theories. Would someone please write a book called “Zeroes for Dummies”. I’m sure they fancy to impress each other, when in actuality they make themselves to be fools. Romans 1:22. It’s amazing how a little thing like a zero [0] can negate an Almighty Creator. This gives a whole new meaning to 1 Corinthians 14:38… “but if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Seems to me as though they’re embalmed with speculation.
But for now, let’s take another look at this nature thing. You take a donkey and breed it with a horse. What do you get? Mule. If it’s male, it’s ‘mule’. If it’ female, it’s ‘jenny’. Either way… it’s kaput. No longer is this animal able to reproduce. When it’s God’s will for a ll His creation to keep ‘its kind’ going.
The natural and the spiritual
In Genesis 8:22 the LORD told Noah… “as long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest.” Seedtime and harvest is a Biblical principle… or law, which will work, in the natural AND in the spiritual.
First, let’s talk about the natural. 1 Corinthians 15… first that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
A law, to begin with, is an established principle; something that works a certain way each and every time. This ‘law’ we’re talking about here is not what we know as ‘civil law’ or ‘custom’ or in the sense of ‘law of the land’ e.g. criminal law… or even the ‘law of Moses’. We’ll call this ‘natural law’… and we’ll transpose this into ‘spiritual law’.
The LORD had told Noah… “as long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest.” Then when we come over to the New Testament, we hear Jesus saying in Mark 4:26… “the kingdom is like if a man cast seed into the ground.” Cast seed. How does one cast seed? What does it even mean… cast seed? We know that if we sow a natural seed, the ground will cause the seed to grow. And that seed will produce what it is. After its kind. This is a ‘natural law’. Let’s call this “the Law of Genesis“. The ‘law of Genesis’ is such that everything creates after its own kind.
But Jesus wasn’t talking about natural seed… in natural ground… with a natural harvest. He was talking about ‘seedtime and harvest’, but He referred to it now, as how it worked in the kingdom. When Jesus talked about trees, houses, lands or mountains, etc., He was usually talking about kingdom stuff.
First, we have natural… now we have spiritual.
Words are like seeds.
Words are like seeds. That can be sown. Sown in the heart of man. Received and conceived in the heart… to be brought forth ‘after their kind’. Law of Genesis.
Thoughts and knowledge work the same way. Thoughts create ‘after their kind’. One may think they’ve come up with a briliant revelation, but the Spirit of Truth will never ‘bear withness’ to perverted knowledge.
Let me give you an example from Genesis 6:4. Someone picked up a thought, went along with, and expanded upon the idea that sons of God (angels) came in unto the daughters of men (women). Angels and women? Spirit and flesh… reproducing? When God had already said “everything will produce… after its kind“. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Spirit can motivate, influence, even possess, but could never create. Without blood? Give me a Pentecostal break. No blood, no sperm, no way. We know, of course, that there is life (zoe) apart from the blood, but Satan doesn’t have that kind of life (or his demons) because he’s a DEAD spirit. Not dead as we think of, as in graveyard dead, but dead in the sense of being cut off from God. Even Adam, and we ‘in him’ (Adam, that is) were cut off until Jesus made a way BACK. There is NO WAY back for Satan… or his own.
It never ceases to amaze me how a story like this can take on a life of its own. Sounds like a bad plot, for an even worse movie.
There is nowhere that I’m aware of, that anything like this actually happened. There were instances in the Bible where demons possessed people, and angels visited (even to this present day), fought for, and even protected ‘heirs of salvation’, but never even once did a spirit being create a body of flesh. With the exception of Jesus, being born of the Holy Spirit. God is the only One capable of doing such a thing. God is life; Satan is death. God is a creator; Satan has no creative ability, so can only pervert what is already there. Satan can only counterfeit and/or destroy.
This has to be a real stretch for even the most graphic imagination–to suggest that a ‘fallen angel’ would have (or ever has had) creative ability.
We’ll stay with the word of the Lord, that… everything creates ‘after his kind’.
This goes for natural AND spiritual.
EVERYTHING CREATES… ‘after its kind’.
A tree is a tree is a tree…
Me-thinks this may border on poetic… perhaps even prophetic. “A tree is a tree is a tree… and not other than a tree shall it be.”
Let’s get back to what Jesus said when explaining the parable of ‘the sower and the seed’. Jess said, “If you don’t understand this… HOW WILL YOU UNDERSTAND ANYTHING.” (Concerning the kingdom.) Illustrations of the kingdom of God were always given in parables. We need to understand the principle of ‘sowing and reaping’ or shall we say, ‘seedtime and harvest’.
The seed is the word.
The sower went forth to sow.
The sower went forth to sow “the word”.
The word ‘brings forth’… ‘of its kind’.
Our words will bring forth… after their own kind.
This is the purpose of this writing. I’m hoping to bring something forth… after its kind.
So, let’s work at keeping things running parallel. A continuity of thought. As the law of seedtime and harvest applies to the natural… the same law (sowing and reaping) or we could say, ‘saying and doing’, applies to the spiritual. First natural… then spiritual.
Don’t mix it up. Keep it straight. The LORD is very straight-forward when He says in Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” And back in Leviticus 19:19 we read… “don’t sow your field with mingled seed.” I understand this to be natural but we’re remembering the words of Jesus, when He said… “the KINGDOM is as if a man were to cast seed.” Cast seed where? Into your heart. Your heart is your field, and the type of seed (good or bad) determines the type of harvest. And we don’t need a P. D. in Plant Biology to realize that the ‘growing’ will be greater than the ‘sowing’.
So, we translate or transpose, from the natural to the spiritual. We can do that. Jesus did it all the time. And the Apostle Paul said that the things that happened to Israel “in the flesh” happen to us “in the spirit” and again in 1 Corinthians 15:46… “that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.”
Think about it. Disobedience will lead to defeat and captivity, while obedience will lead to victory and liberty.
EVERYTHING CREATES AFTER ITS OWN KIND.
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Attitude Adjustments: Simplified English Discussion Prompts based on Philippians 2:1-11
Family
What’s your family like? Do your family members RESPECT one another? Or do they need an ‘attitude adjustment’? RESPECT is important in families, including God’s family, the church.
But respect is earned by behavior that is WORTHY of it. Good behavior is worthy of respect. Bad behavior is not.
Some Bible verses about behavior worthy of respect are:
- let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ… Philippians 1:27
- …walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called… Ephesians 4:1
- …walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12
Attitude Adjustments
To live in a manner worthy of God, we need to have a good ATTITUDE. An attitude is how we feel inside. As Christians, we must follow the behavior and attitude of Jesus. Often, we forget to do that, and we need ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Instead of having attitudes and behaviors like the world has, we need our minds renewed to live in God’s ways. We need to have a completely different attitude than the world. We need the attitude of Christ.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1–2
Paul wrote this while he was in prison. Remember, Paul is writing to people who are like family to him. And so he reminds them of what they share as family, saying if you really belong to the family of God; if you find your encouragement in knowing Christ; if you know God’s love and have God’s Spirit in you; if you have any real love for the church and for me; if these things are true–if you really are Christians, then you can please me and make me happy, by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Must we all be the same?
This doesn’t mean we all have to agree on everything and have the same opinion about things. It’s about having a good attitude and living in unity with respect for each other.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1–6
What does this mean to you?
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped… Philippians 2:5–6(ESV)
Jesus is our example. He didn’t show off his power. He respected his father, God.
Love and Humility
be of the same mind, having the same love… Phil. 2:2
LOVE is what we need to hold us together as a family. Loving each other is an attitude that we must choose.
Finally, the change of attitude that Paul encourages is one of HUMILITY.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… Philippians 2:3–5
… being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8
Therefore, Paul declares, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9–11
Because Jesus humbled himself to even death on the cross, we must honor and respect him.
Let’s have attitude adjustments. Let our attitudes be adjusted to the attitude of Christ, an attitude of unity, love, and a humble spirit.
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Simplified English Discussion Prompts based on Jeremiah 29:1-14. By Jack Duckworth. May be used before or after sermon found on YouTube under fbc nanaimo, March 5, 2023.
Please click on the link to get to the discussion questions.
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Am5pxly-WXLKy12rQMQzd2Nlnvc7
