I made mention yesterday that I don’t know how many bales of hay Dave and I produced while we were farming those few years in AZ. I kind of wish we had kept count. It was a staggering amount.
It was all about the good river loam soil and the type of alfalfa seed that was used.
Our specific alfalfa fields were planted by air. The seed was broadcast and then watered. When the growing season was just getting started, we would water twice and cut right before the alfalfa bloomed. This took about 28 days but when the weather got hotter, and the crop grew quicker we would cut every 21 days. We didn’t stop until we got the first frost which was normally the end of December or first part of January and would start again in March.
Alfalfa can continue to grow like that for seven years without being replanted. We would have a perpetual harvest. Rain or shine, it just kept growing and producing a crop.
“Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.’” Mark 4:26-29 NLT
I could physically watch the alfalfa grow. It was fascinating. Day after day the crop increased. It was a living example of the way God’s word will grow and produce in my life.
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” Mark 4:14 NLT
God’s word has been planted in my heart. His word about peace and not worry has produced an abundant crop. Seeds of grace, kindness, goodness, generosity, faith, hope, forgiveness and joy are producing.
All of these verses that were planted through teaching, preaching and individual study keep growing and making an impact.
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.” Psalm 119:11-12 NLT
Each day as I share these moments with you, I know I am planting seed and I pray that it is falling on good ground.
“ The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. 11 So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. ” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLV
I pray that you will always have a perpetual harvest of God’s word in your life.