Scripture - Lev 19:23-25 "When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, don't eat the fruit for three years; consider it inedible. 24 By the fourth year its fruit is holy, an offering of praise to God. 25 Beginning in the fifth year you can eat its fruit; you'll have richer harvests this way. I am God, your God.
Observation - Moses is being taught by God how to reap the best harvest of the land. He says for 3 years don't even bring in the harvest, consider it inedible, the fourth year give to God and the fifth year eat. This is principle for building God's work. The first 3 years in our new land should be consider laying the foundation for God's harvest, the fourth year should be a praise year and the fifth year we begin to break out. I had a pastor tell me one time "don't even begin to count for five years, God doesn't build his kingdom overnight and the only thing growing fast is weeds."
Application - Building a church for God is one of the most rewarding yet difficult tasks ever attempted. As an executive in the banking industry, I am used to rather quick results and success that takes place nearly immediately. In the kingdom, the first 3 years have been invested in the land, this fourth year has been one of praise and focus on God's heart - I am so looking for year 5 and reaping the harvest. As a pastor, I believe God is challenging me to look at 5 year increments in the things I do,. This scripture can apply to so many things in our life and ministry. Nothing happens overnight - building a great church, building a great life, building a great relationship. Everything takes time.
Prayer - Father help me to keep my eyes on the 5th year.
Observation - Moses is being taught by God how to reap the best harvest of the land. He says for 3 years don't even bring in the harvest, consider it inedible, the fourth year give to God and the fifth year eat. This is principle for building God's work. The first 3 years in our new land should be consider laying the foundation for God's harvest, the fourth year should be a praise year and the fifth year we begin to break out. I had a pastor tell me one time "don't even begin to count for five years, God doesn't build his kingdom overnight and the only thing growing fast is weeds."
Application - Building a church for God is one of the most rewarding yet difficult tasks ever attempted. As an executive in the banking industry, I am used to rather quick results and success that takes place nearly immediately. In the kingdom, the first 3 years have been invested in the land, this fourth year has been one of praise and focus on God's heart - I am so looking for year 5 and reaping the harvest. As a pastor, I believe God is challenging me to look at 5 year increments in the things I do,. This scripture can apply to so many things in our life and ministry. Nothing happens overnight - building a great church, building a great life, building a great relationship. Everything takes time.
Prayer - Father help me to keep my eyes on the 5th year.
