BIBLE STUDIES FROM CHURCH LEADERS - JOHN WILCOXSON

The healing power of gardens


Those who know me may have gathered that I like gardening, however there’s a massive amount about gardening that I don’t know. But I have been reading and listening to a number of articles recently about the benefits of gardening which in principle many of us have thought were true for a long time. The articles tell of the research which is backing up these ideas, this got me thinking about the benefits of being a Christian.

The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) are promoting the benefits of gardening in order to get people involved more. Recently there have been several comments within our church family about doing things differently so, what do you think about presenting our faith as not just a set of beliefs but as a
lifestyle?

Here is my take on the claims for gardening and how they mirror the Christian lifestyle.


Gardening helps keep us fit; 1Timothy 4;8 NIV
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.


Connect with others; Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Enjoy and be part of nature, revel in colour, wildlife and beauty, Psalms 19:1(NIV)
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands
Isaiah 55:12 (KJV)
[12] For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.


Grow food
Luke 12:22 (KJV)
[22] ¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on

1 John 4:8 (NIV)
[8] Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John 13:34-35 (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

People who are loved are happier and feel valued. God restores lives, relationships, brings love, joy peace, gentleness, patients, kindness etc. Isn’t that remarkable? Even in the toil that sin brought into the world benefits are hidden!!!

Experience shows us that praising and worshipping God lifts our spirits builds us up and let’s us know that we are loved. It strengthens and prepares us against the storms of life.

Children and adults who have regular contact with God know their worth to God.

Is it coincidental that Adam and Eve where placed in the
garden of Eden? as told in Genesis, and the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations
in Revelation. And don’t forget Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.

I am sold on the idea that gardening is good for you, but I know that following the teachings of the bible are far more beneficial. We have a great God who created the first garden so why
wouldn’t they do us good? So, let’s broadcast

The healing power of God’s love!

Psalms 103:1-8 (NIV)
[1]
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

[2] Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—

[3] who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

[4] who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

[5] who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

[6] The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

[7] He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

[8] The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
...
John Wilcoxson