The Whisper of the Orchard: A Message on Guarding the Heart (07/06/'24) -Message

The Whisper of the Orchard: A Message on Guarding the Heart Beloved congregation, Today, I invite you to walk with me through the orchard of souls, a place where whispers of ancient truths dance among the leaves and divine wisdom is woven into the very fabric of creation. It is here, in this sacred space, that we encounter a profound warning: a caution against uttering words that would blaspheme the Holy Spirit. For such words, like venomous roots, can taint an entire tree, making both the tree and its fruit bad. As the scripture teaches us, a tree is known by its fruits—a reflection of the heart from which it springs. Imagine a tree standing tall, its branches reaching out as if to touch the heavens. Yet, it is the fruit it bears that tells its true story. The heart, that hidden treasure chest within each of us, is the source of this fruit. From a heart filled with good treasure, a good man brings forth goodness. His actions and words are a testament to the light residing within, scattering seeds of light and grace across the fields of life. These seeds find fertile ground, flourishing in the embrace of the Holy Spirit. Conversely, an evil man, with a heart darkened by ill intent, spreads shadows and leaves a mark that poisons the very soil from which it springs. His words, like a toxic mist, permeate the night, their echoes lingering long after they are spoken. The heart’s treasure, whether good or evil, is laid bare through actions and words. A tree known by its fruit must be a reflection of its inner plea. In this garden of life, the Spirit’s truth takes root deeply in those who guard their hearts and allow goodness to reside within. The caution against blaspheming the Spirit is not merely about words; it is a call to nurture the inner sanctum of our hearts, to let good flourish and cast out darkness. For the fire ignited by words against the Spirit scorches the soul, leaving no trace of redeeming grace—a barren wasteland where once life could thrive. As we stand in the stillness of this orchard, let us choose wisely from which heart our stories will unfold. Let our hearts be repositories of light, from which good fruit can spring. For a tree is known by its fruits, and in its leaves, the whispers of the Spirit's truth find their echo, resonating through time as a beacon of divine alignment and eternal grace. May we all strive to guard our hearts, to fill them with the treasures of goodness and light, so that our lives may bear the fruits of the Spirit, reflecting His glory and grace in all that we do. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (July 6, 2024)