Resurrection UMC Hastings

We recognize our high school senior graduates, sharing some gleaned biblical wisdom that applies to all of us. It’s sage advice for living a good and fulfilling life today, and in the years ahead.

Pruning, i.e. removing dead or unusable growth, is how orchardists help fruit trees to produce more. God uses that same method to produce more spiritual fruit in our lives, maintained by staying connected with Jesus.

One way to increase the harvest is through square-foot gardening, i.e., using raised beds. Another is to plant more than once a year. The same applies to generosity: plant a lot, and do it more than once. Learn why that works.

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, but don’t expect a message about a mother’s love or about loving our own mothers. Instead, we focus on loving our mothers-in-law and on a farming/gardening practice called gleaning.

Gardening/farming all began in the garden (of Eden), making it the first (and oldest) profession. It was easy and good. Then sin entered the picture. The result? Now gardening/farming is a lot of hard work.

Jesus tells a parable about planting, and the disciples are like, “Huh?” So Jesus explains it: Good seeds + good soil = good growth, and an abundant harvest.

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, as promised, then he can’t keep a single other promise. But he did keep that promise. We are called to do the same. That’s what friends do. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Do you know a friend who would literally die for you, even if you treated them poorly? Jesus would, because that’s what he did. He’s the friend we have in Jesus! Is there anyone you would die for?