Only One Crop
There was once a man who wanted to buy some property but the owner did not want to sell. After some negotiating it was decided that the man could rent the property for one crop and the papers were drawn up. Shortly thereafter the owner observed the man planting in the field and on questioning him found out that he was planting acorns. The owner asked the man, How long will it take for them to grow? The man answered, "In the ground you did not want to sell, I will grow just one crop of oak trees. In about a hundred years they will be giant oak trees and ready to harvest."
There are those who would not sell out to sin, but who would not see any problem with renting out to sin for a season, for only one crop. If Satan can get your consent for only one crop, he will sow your youth with acorns of sin which will influence you for the rest of your life.
The trouble is, we can't know the consequences of an act of indiscretion until much later. Be careful that sowing your wild oats doesn't turn into a forest of oaks.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8
The internet has become a serious temptation to many. Recent statistics tell us that the number of people who frequent pornographic websites is on the rise. What may begin as curiosity leads to lust and immoral choices. Easy access to games of chance has contributed to an obsession with gambling. Many conversations, thought to be shared in confidence, are posted for all to see. The term "friend" has come to mean simply a "social contact."
Substance abuse of all kinds is causing problems for individuals, families and employers. Teens are bombarded with all sorts of temptations and many give in to the pressures and get side-tracked into a lifestyle that cheats them out of the person they could have become.
"Fight temptations when they are small, before sin has a chance to get a hold of you. Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God. Happy are all who search for God and always do his will, rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths.
You have given us your laws to obey- oh, how I want to follow them consistently. Then I will not be disgraced, for I will have a clean record.
After you have corrected me, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey! Oh, don't forsake me and let me slip back into sin again.
How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules." Psalms 119:1-9 TLB
God forgives, but the consequences stay with us.
What crop are you planning to harvest?
Are you planting what you would like to reap?
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Planting carefully,
Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
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