A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...02-21,22-04...Week in Review

Mama_Bear

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

Just a little collection of some fun pics..

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Sunday !

[MeekOneGOP]

Hey ! Those ARE fun ! Thanks.

[nicmarlo]

Morning, everybody! Happy Sunday !

[The Mayor]

These are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit.

A heart open to God is soil in which the seed of His Word can flourish.

[The Mayor]

February 22, 2004

Gardening Tips

Read: Mark 4:1-9

These are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit. —Mark 4:20

Bible In One Year: Numbers 4-6; Mark 4:1-20

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I picked up a gardening book the other day and got some good advice: Take care of the soil, and don't worry about the plants. If the soil is good, the seed will take root and grow."

In the parable of the sower in Mark 4, Jesus spoke of the importance of "good ground" (or good soil). He defined good soil as referring to those who "hear" God's Word, "accept it," and "bear fruit" (v.20). If we keep our heart soft and receptive, God's Word will take root, grow, and produce fruit.

In gardening, life is in the seed. Under the right conditions, it will grow until it reaches maturity and produces fruit. Similarly, if the seed of the Word is planted in the good soil of a receptive heart, it will grow until the character of Jesus is seen.

For the Christian, the power of the spiritual life comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we open our heart to the Word with an eagerness to obey it, the Spirit causes us to grow and bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

We can't make ourselves grow, any more than we can force growth from the seeds in our gardens. But we can tend the soil, keeping our hearts soft, receptive, and obedient to God's Word. Then we will yield the fruit of righteousness.

What kind of soil are you? —David Roper

Lord, I would be soil in which You can plant
Your Word with its promise of fruit;
I want to be open to You every day,
So what You have planted takes root. —Hess

A heart open to God is soil in which the seed of His Word can flourish.

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!!!!

Just one post to say

HEY!!!!!!!

A "poem" I'm gonna post on Amy's threaD TOO! :o)

To the right I lean

don't need to screem!

I will never vote for Howard Dean

cause he's so MEAN

and not too lean!

hope someday to make the scene

Kerry'spast is really a gas!

bet you think you know what's next?

Oh no! not I!

I won't supply fodder for sinister "eye"

Whenever I see my President

I'm glad he's a DC resident

Hope and pray the he will stay

while the Dems pine for 2009

never will we here again the immortal words "I did not have sex with that woman..."

All I could say to that is if W trahses Kerry in November we'll know this phrase is true

cause y'all know it's Laura he adores!

So in God we trust

His will be done

For this I say God bless you all!

[Diver Dave]

Happy Birthday, George!

[MeekOneGOP]

Hey, stranger !

[The Mayor]

Hi Pip!

That was great, Thanks!

[Diver Dave]

"The Passion" opens this week around the country. As I understand it, the Resurrection receives limited mention in the movie. For that reason, may I present the lyrics to "Arise My Love" by Newsong (wish I were able to post a link to the song).

Arise My Love

Not a word was heard at the tomb that day.
Just shuffling of soldiers feet as they guarded the grave.
One day, two days, three days had past.
Could it be that Jesus breathed his last?

Could it be that his Father had forsaken him?
Turned his back on his son, dispising our sin.
Oh hell seemed to whisper, "Just forget it, He's dead."
Then the Father looked down to his son and he said..

Arise, My love.
Arise, My love.
The grave no longer has a hold on you
No more death sting
No more suffering
Arise...Arise...my love.

The Earth trembled and the tomb began to shake, and like lightening from Heaven
The stone was rolled away.
And the dead men and guards they all stood there in fright
As the power of love displayed its might
And suddenly a melody filled the air
Riding wings of wind, it was everywhere
The words of creation had been proved.
The sweet sound of victory, so loud and clear.

Arise, my love.
Arise, my love.
The grave no longer has a hold on you.
No more death sting no more suffering
Arise...arise....my love.

Sin, where are your shackles?
Death, where is your sting?
Hell; has been defeated. The grave will not hold, the king.

Arise, my love.
Arise, my love.
Arise....Arise....