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Strawberry Fields Forever!

Jun 27th, 2014

(Part III of our 'Strawberries and Scripture' Series)

"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9: 37-38

OBEDIENCE INCREASES THE KINGDOM

Our influence and our compassion are only realized when we walk in obedience and respond in love to Christ's call. Did you know that *YOU* are part of God's answer to this prayer? As you choose to serve him, you will learn that there is no better life than a life lived in the center of God's will - and - you will be amazed at the rewards and blessings which will come your way.

In verses 37-38, Jesus puts out an invitation to join Him.  Literally a "Help Wanted" sign! He calls for laborers and suggests a great harvest for those who respond. In this, we can be sure of these four truths:

1. God invites us to partner with Him - The harvest will not be reaped without workers.
2. Our Lord is looking for workers, a.k.a. willing servants.
3. There's a divine promise that those who respond in obedience will reap the harvest.
4. There are many (beyond counting) who are 'ripe' and in need of our Savior.

My friend's strawberry patch grew and populated in significant numbers. If fact, more than she could have ever imagined! Our Heavenly Father also wants to populate His kingdom and fill His house. As Jesus states in John 14:2, "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

Back in the 1960's, The Beatles recorded a song titled, 'Strawberry Fields Forever", which was named after a strawberry field John Lennon played at when he was a little boy in Liverpool. Just like the strawberry fields that grow and grow, we, too, will be surprised at the spiritual increase and discover the eternal value!

As such, I feel it is fitting to conclude this 'Strawberries and Scripture' series, which analogized the topics of our influence, our compassion and our obedience, with the Apostle Paul's beautifully-relevant and well-versed doxology...

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

STRAWBERRIES & SLIVERED ALMOND SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tbsp raw honey, liquified
• 3 Tbsp mayonnaise (or greek yogurt)
• 2 Tbsp milk (or almond milk)
• 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar
• 1 (10 oz) bag of romaine lettuce
• 1 cup of sliced organic strawberries
• 2 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Place lettuce in a large bowl, add strawberries and almonds, tossing to combine. Divide salad evenly amoung 6 plates. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of dressing over each and serve!

Yields (6) Servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

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