HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

 Greetings and Salutations O Ye Growers of Things.

How does your GARDEN grow?

"Mistress Mary..quite contrary...How does your GARDEN grow? With silver bells...and cockleshells and so my garden grows." (Anonymous with earliest writings from Tom Thumbs Pretty Songbook 1744)

The kiddie nursery rhyme had many interpretations from political to sexual...but for our purposes...we will focus on the burning question of the moment...HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?  How are the plantings in your life...and how is your harvest?  Are there things in your GARDEN OF LIFE choking and hindering the production of your crops...whether it be flowers, wheat, corn, tomatoes, squash, okra or your SPIRITUAL GARDEN...with maturity, fruit of the spirit, spiritual growth, relationships, family issues, etc.?

This thing of beginnings...the genesis of LIFE...all started out of a Creator's vision for His creation...when He placed a man/woman...male/female...
Adam/Eve in the GARDEN OF EDEN.  Along with this wonderful GARDEN that God placed them in... He gave authority, rule, dominion over the creatures and plants/trees of planet earth.

"Then God said, Let Us make man in Our Image according to our likeness; and let THEM (male/female) RULE over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every creeping thing thaT creeps on the earth (including the CREEP of creeps...the devil/satan/serpent).  And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Be FRUITFUL and MULTIPLY and FILL the earth and SUBDUE it; and RULE over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.  Then God said, Behold, I have GIVEN you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing on the earth which has life,  I have given every greeN plant for food; and it was so.  And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.  And there was evening and there was morning the sixth day." (Genesis 1:26-31)

After giving them this DOMINION...God the Creator PLANTED A GARDEN...and then place His created being in this GARDEN.  "And the Lord God planted a GARDEN toward the east, in EDEN, and there He placed the man whom He had formed."  After God place man in the planted place...He created a suitable helper...to help in this GARDEN...enter Eve...the mother of living. (Genesis 2:18-25)

The Book of Beginnings...the lays out the genesis of mankind's troubles...that emanated from the GARDEN down throughout the ages...into the GARDENS OF OUR LIVES...to the current position on the time-space continuum...of NOW...2012.  For full detains of this fall in the GARDEN read Genesis 3:1-24...and see how DISOBEDIENCE opened the door to curse, toil, sweat, thorns, thistle and DEATH (physical and spiritual separation from the Creator).

"Then to Adam He said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you saying, You shall not eat from it; cursed is the GROUND because of you...in TOIL you shall eat of it all the days of your life.  Both THORNS and THISTLES it shall grow for you...and you shall EAT the plants of the field, by the SWEAT OF YOUR FACE/BROW you shall eat bread till you return to the GROUND...because from it you were taken...for you are dust and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:17-19)

Of course...the story of REDEMPTION is ROOTED in the RESTORATION and REPRISTINATION of the GARDEN EXPERIENCE...by the OBEDIENCE of one man (Jesus).  "Wherefore by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin...so death passed to all men...for all have sinned." (Romans 5:12)  "For as though the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the OBEDIENCE THE ONE the many were made righteous." (Romans 5:19)

"For the LOVE of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that ONE died for all...there for ALL died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." (II Corinthians 5:14-15)
                                                                                                   

Well in our SPIRITUAL GARDENS sometimes we have wonderful fruitful lives...and sometimes we tend to have GARDENS filled with thistles, thorns, and don't bear the fruit that we were created to bear.  Instead of beautiful flowers we grow WEEDS.  Even though there is restoration by the blood of Jesus in our lives...we still have to contend with a CURSED and FALLEN world..still under full effect of the CURSE...but the POWER OF THIS CURSE...no longer dominates us. It is like the Lord giving the children of Israel...THE PROMISED LAND...but they still had to cross over the river...and fight the enemies who would oppose their legal rights to the land.  So it is us...in the GARDENS OF OUR LIVES...although Jesus became a curse in our place as He hung on a TREE (Galatians 3:13-14)...that was lost in the GARDEN by disobedience at the point of a tree...we must... deal with the thistle and thorns.  If we do nothing...the GARDEN of our lives will be OVERGROWN weeds an choke out the produce in our lives.
"I passed by the FIELD of the sluggard... and by the VINEYARD of the man lacking sense/heart...and behold it was COMPLETELY OVERGROWN...with THISTLES..its surface was COVERED WITH NETTLES/WEEDS...and its STONE WALL was broken down.  When I saw, I reflected upon it...I looked and receive instruction...a little seep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest...then your poverty will come as a robber and your want like an armed man." (Pro-Verbs 24:30-34)

In the wonderful parable of the Soil, Seed, Sower (Read Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15) we see SOIL CONDITIONS...affects CROP PRODUCTION.  Beside the road, rocky ground, thorns all hindered growth in the field/garden.  These are equated with NO FIRM ROOT...with the thorns of affliction, persecution, worries of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things...entering in and choking the seed/word and becoming unfruitful. (Mark 4:14-19)  The GOOD SOIL...bears fruit of 30, 60, 100 fold production...and is defined as obviously soil that is without the hardness and rocks, thorns...and is defined in Luke 8:15 as "And the seed in the GOOD GROUND/SOIL/HEART, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance and endurance." (Luke 8:15)

We seen in Psalm 37 how to deal with evildoers and wrongdoers...who appear to have a better GARDEN or life than ours.  The first thing that the Psalmist tells us is to fret not and not be envious toward evildoers and wrong doers...."for they will WITHER quickly like the grass...and FADE like the green herb." (Psalm 37:1-2)  There are many things which we are to do...(1) Trust in the Lord (2) Do good (3) Dwell in the land (4) CULTIVATE FAITHFULNESS...FEED SECURELY ON HIS FAITHFULNESS. (5) Delight/become pliable yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (6) Commit your way to the Lord (7) Trust also in Him and He will do it. (Psalm 37:3-5)

The idea of CULTIVATION...speaks to me of pulling the weeds, tilling the soil, keeping the birds and critters away, fertilizing...with the cause and effect of production and harvest and supply in our lives.  We do these things by reading the Word, obeying the Word, praying, fellowshipping, witnessing, living the life with blessing and not with curses...as we press in the the CURSE BREAKER...Jesus.  In the late 60's...there was a music festival...called WOODSTOCK...where there was peace, love and rock and roll...and a song written by Joni Mitchell and sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young...as they sang..."we've got to get ourselves...back to the GARDEN."  Well...we can't get ourselves back there...it is only by His GRACE (unmerited favor...divine influence in our hearts manifested in our lives) and MERCY (not guilt and condemnation or getting what we deserve). 

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Lord...God Bless This Garden...as we put our hands to the plow and walk in the dominion and obedience over the things that creep into our lives.  Thank you that as we deal with thorns in our lives...YOUR GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.  (II Corinthians 12:6-10)

CLOSING QUESTION

How does your GARDEN grow?

Love an Back To The Garden Kisses
Rodney "Woodstock Was A Poor Imitation" Boyd

THE INVISIBLE GOD...REVEALED

Greetings Friends and Neighbors...

I love the old Universal Pictures...like Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and this one...THE INVISIBLE MAN.  I remember my mom and dad...would make me a tent out of a card table and a blanket...and set it in the den...where the T.V. was...and on Friday nights...I would watch SHOCK THEATER (later called THE MYSTIC CIRCLE)...and watch these old scary movies.  I loved James Whales' classic movie of the H.G. Wells book THE INVISIBLE MAN.  Oh to be invisible...but of course...the end result was insanity from the combination of the drugs that made him invisible...and the power and burden of his conquests.

Sometimes I wish that I could get by in this world by flying under the radar in a cloak of invisibility...especially with my sins...where no one can see how I really am.

This thing called faith is sometimes defined as "believing in something that you can't see."  Others take that a step further and say that this thing called faith is..."believing in something that is not real."  Christians are called fools, simpletons, intellectually defunct, because we believe in something or someone that we don't see...so that must mean that we are irrational.  They say that reality is the only thing that makes any sense...because they see and understand...and are able to explain things by a microscope.


I beg to differ...I cannot see the air that I breathe...but that does not stop me from taking a breath and live.  I can't see the wind blow...but I can see the effect of that blowing wind against my skin or in the movement of the trees or wind chimes swinging and tinkling in the breeze.  In Billy Grahams message...MAN IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION...you can't see a mother's love...but you can't deny the existence.  Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary) in his song MIRACLES...states "Now a scientist may tell you how night turns to day...but he can never take the wonder away." (Miracles by Noel Paul Stookey)  I have no clue how electricity works...how somehow power is generated...and sent from somewhere into my home...but I do flip the switch and enjoy the benefits.  I can't fathom this thing called the Internet...but I sure to spend an awful lot of time enjoying what I can't explain.

"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their REALITY--faith perceiving as REAL FACT...what is NOT REVEALED TO THE SENSES." (Hebrews 11:1 The Amplified Bible)

"Now unto the King of eternity, incorruptible and immortal...INVISIBLE...the only wise God...be honor and glory forever and ever--to the ages of ages...Amen--So be it." (I Timothy 1:17)

I can't see this INVISIBLE God...but He has been revealed in nature...and in Jesus.

"For the wrath of God is REVEALED from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...because that which is known about God is EVIDENT... WITHIN them...for God has made it EVIDENT to them.  For since the creation of the world...HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES...His ETERNAL POWER...His DIVINE NATURE...have been CLEARLY SEEN...being understood through what HAS BEEN MADE...so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:18-20)

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in may portions  and in many ways...in these last days has spoken to us IN HIS SON...whom He appointed heir of all tings...through whom also He made the world...and HE (Jesus) is the RADIANCE of his glory and the EXACT REPRESENTATION of HIS NATURE...and upholds all things by the WORD OF HIS POWER..." (Hebrews 1:1-3)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Just because you don't understand something...or know how something works...or can't measure something in a test tube...does not negate the reality of what is not revealed to the senses.  When you you WALK BY FAITH...AND NOT BY SIGHT (II Corinthians 5:17)...that does not mean you are blind...just that your senses are transcended by your faith and you see more clearly than you ever have before.

Love and Sightless Kisses
Rodney "Feeling The Effects" Boyd

RESTRAINING ORDERS...RELEASING ORDERS

Greetings Restrained brothers and sisters...

"Without a vision...the people persish...but happy is he who keeps the law." (Pro-Verbs 29:18)

In the Ruminator Sunday School Class this is the theme verse for the year. 

The word for perish...is also translated...UNRESTRAINED.

"Without a VISION (insight) the people are UNRESTRAINED (just doing what they want to do)...but HAPPY (blessed) is he who KEEPS (treasures) the LAW (the Word of God)." (Pro-Verbs 29:18)

"Unrestrained THOUGHTS (what we think)...produces unrestrained WORDS (what we say)...resulting in unrestrained ACTIONS (what we do)." (Unknown)

In the Ruminator Sunday School Class...for this year...we are saying..."WITH a vision...the people are restrained and will not perish...but FLOURISH...blessed is he who treasures the WORD OF GOD."

It is amazing how many people believe that they are FREE...because they can do anything they want to do...and not realizing that the CHAINS of their flesh nature...BIND them stronger than any forged still could do. 

Harry Houdini was the master of getting out of RESTRAINTS, and we follow his pattern as we constantly try to pick the LOCKS OF OUR FLESH...in efforts to be FREE.

I keep going back to this theme...because...many times...I find myself dealing with the same issues over and over and over again...as I turn my FREEDOM into and OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FLESH...and become bound again.

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."  (Galatians 5:13)

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

"But I say walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

"Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24)

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:26)

The way that we can keep on track in this Freedom Walk...and begin and continue to  flourish and not perish...is hinged on keeping...treasuring the Word of God in our lives.  Renewing the mind...hearing the Word...faith comes...do the word and not just be a hearer...establishes solid foundations...creates a reserve for you to tap into in the hard times...bring life and fruit...helps us stay free because we are motivated by  a faith that "WORKETH BY LOVE." 

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

As strange as it may sound...get those restraints back on.  Be set free from the bondage of sin...but be a bond slave to the Lord.  When you walk in the RESTRAINING ORDERS OF THE LORD...you will live in the RELEASING ORDER OF BLESSINGS in your life.

Love and Freedom Kisses
Rodney "Restraining Order...Releasing Order" Boyd

ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING (A Boyd's Eye View)

 Greetings Elvis fans...or non-Elvis fans for that matter.

Here it is August 16th, 2012...35 years since I heard the news that Elvis Presley was dead.  The news came crashing down on me like the waves of the Atlantic Ocean...dragging me under with and undertow...and keeping under with a riptide of emotions.  I was in Florida at the time...and I remember it like it was yesterday.  As the tears flowed over me (I am tearing up right now as I write this), it felt as if my past was in an upheaval.

NOTE:  Picture #1 us a me...having some fun at church...as I come out as Elvis' 5th cousin...twice removed on his mama's side...Cousin Vinnie...from Memphis Tennessee. 
 My earliest memory of Elvis is at a the Starlight Drive In movies...watching Jailhouse Rock from the back of Mom and Dad's car.  Dad would never go to a regular theater...because after he got out of the army...he said he would never stand in a line again...so we went to the drive-in theaters.  I was six years old in 1957...and I was hooked when I first heard Jailhouse Rock.  My first record that I bought for myself...was Jailhouse Rock.  My friends were listening to "Mary had a little lamb"...while I was listening to "The warden threw a party in the county jail." 

NOTE:  Picture #2 is Elvis at the Stokely Athletic Center in Knoxville Tennessee. 
 To say that Elvis had an influence over me is an understatement.  My Mom took advantage of this influence and utilized the Elvis example from everything to combing my hair to setting the moral code in my life.  I remember her telling me that I should never smoke cigarettes...because after all...Elvis does not smoke.  I learned to play the guitar because of Elvis.  I practiced singing as I sang along with Elvis on his albums...closing my eyes...envisioning me as the King of Rock and Roll back in my bedroom.  I remember once being in full fantasy mode...singing Rock-a-Hula Baby...with my eyes closed tightly...and at one point opening up my eyes...and there my Dad was standing in the doorway...with the largest grin on his face (not one of mockery...but of a father's enjoyment).  I remember mowing my Grandmother's yard...and singing at the top of my voice the song Girl Happy...not realizing...that although the lawn mower motor was loud...my voice was louder resounding all over the neighborhood. 

I was an oddity among my schoolmates...but I did not care.  I loved Elvis Presley...even when it was not popular to listen to his music.  When the Beatles invaded...I dug in my heels and would not be unfaithful to Elvis.  Even today, when people say they like Elvis...they usually clarify that they did not like his movie music.  A couple of months ago...I sitting talking to Phil Keaggy and we were talking about Elvis...and how he liked the 50's Elvis.  I told him that I even like the movie soundtracks. 

NOTE: Picture #3 is my worship pastor, brother in the Lord, sonic kindred spirit...Wayne Berry...Elvis...and Wayne's friend Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary fame).  It's the little things in life like this that brings a smile to my face.
  In 1967 I was able to meet Elvis on a Sunday afternoon, behind RCA Recording Studio...Studio B.  It was another one of those moments.  When Elvis stepped out of his Elderado...the man, the myth, the legend was standing before me. I was 15 years old...and the guy who shaped who I was...was standing before me.  After autographs and pictures and conversation...he went into the studio to record...we got in the car to go home...and my emotions gushed out my eyes.  I had no idea why I was crying...just it was not out of sadness...but out of pure joy.  I remember in 1968...the Elvis Christmas special sponsored by Singer Sewing Machines...was coming up...and my aunt Christine bought me a Philco colored T.V. so I could watch it in color.  Wow...Elvis reborn in a black leather suit...vibrant...more alive than he had been in years after being lost in a maze of travelogue movies (of which I still watch if they are on T.V.)  Then he started touring again...and I had an opportunity to see Elvis for two shows at the Houston Astrodome.   He was a lean, mean, singing machine.  I saw him again in concert in Knoxville.

NOTE: Picture #4 is of Elvis at the Houston Astrodome concert that I was able to attend.

Fast forward to August 16th 1977...and news of his death. Once again, tears...but not of joy...but of sad unbelief.  Elvis had died...bloated with the excesses of a lonely man surrounded by thousands.  Back in 1970 I became a follower of Jesus Christ (aka a Christian)...and I was convinced by people around me...to burn all of my Elvis albums...which I did because I wanted to be all I could be as a Christian.  In retrospect...big mistake...but at the time...it seemed right.  Here it  is in 2012...35 years since Elvis died...and 42 years since I became a Christian...40 years of marriage to Brenda (my Priscilla)...55 years since I saw and heard Jailhouse Rock...and 61 years since I was born.  Well...Elvis has left the planet...but JESUS IS STILL MY LORD AND SAVIOUR.  Oh yes...I still like Elvis...but the king of Rock and Roll...is superseded by the KING (Big K...Jesus)  of kings (little k). 

"Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him (Jesus) the NAME which is above EVERY NAME (including Elvis', Rodney, Brenda...fill in the blank of anything and anyone you can think of)...that at the NAME OF JESUS...every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth (where we live out this think called life)...and under the earth and that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD...to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-12)

Love Me Tender Kisses
Rodney "Loving Jesus" Boyd