Choosing Your Harvest
I got out early
today to begin some yard work. This morning, my brother and mother came to visit. We went to lunch at “The Lodge” in Old Town Fort Collins. My brother and I shared their signature “Sasquatch” sandwich. It is a half pound hamburger with bacon and crispy onions between two grilled cheese sandwiches! After that lunch and some 
more work back a home, I was ready for a nap. Fitness center tomorrow!
During their visit my brother received a call from his daughter Kate, who had just received word that she has been accepted for an occupational therapy internship at Saint Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. We have been praying for a Colorado internship to work out for her. Thanks to my sister, Nathalee who works for Centura Health for facilitating some connections. Kate has completed her course work for her masters degree from San Jose State University in California.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…Plow new ground for yourselves, plant righteousness, and reap the blessings that your devotion to me will produce. It is time for you to turn to me, your Lord, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you.” Hosea 10:12
God through His prophet is calling His people is calling them back to Himself. The agricultural imagery is very vivid. It speaks of a fresh start (“new ground”) A focus on the proper priorities (“plant righteousness”) and securing the results that will change the quality of your life. (“reap blessings”)
My wife often refers to the priorities that bring about changes in a person’s life as, “they need new friends and a new playpen.” It is what the prophet of God is addressing with His people in getting them back on track with God. A new environment, a new focus and a devotion that will result in receiving God’s blessing.
However, once again we see in the verses that follow, a disheartening response. “But instead you planted evil and reaped its harvest. You have eaten the fruit produced by your lies.” (Hosea 10:13) The direction of our life and the character of our life impacts the quality of our life. God called His people to renewed devotion. They instead seemed to persist in living life on their terms and reaped the results.
The New Testament parallel to these verses is found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7,8)
If you are frustrated with what your life is producing, it might be good to take a look at what you are planting. The Lord is patient and merciful and His invitation today is the same and as meaningful as it was to God’s people in Hosea’s day, ” It is time for you to turn to me, your Lord, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you.”
The Lord’s message through Isaiah is encouraging as well. “…If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” (Isaiah 30:21 GNT) You don’t need to worry about the path to travel, just turn to the Lord, and He will enable you to find the way, He will get you “on track” and you will receive the blessings that result in walking in His ways.