THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK DEVOTIONAL
A Gardener’s Care
By Deborah Shaffer
March 1st, 2026
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20.
What kind of gardener are you? At the first sign of spring, I get excited thinking about the prospect of planting my garden. I have visions of a bountiful crop—lots of fresh, healthy vegetables. I see my pantry lined with jars that are filled with tempting treasures, giving me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Before long, though, reality sets in. Soon I will be spending long hours covered in dirt and sweat. My fingers will be stained and may even have some blisters. It will take days—even weeks—of hard labor. The days will be long as I try to ensure all is just right for the perfect crop. I’ll go to bed exhausted and wake up sore.
Then I see it, and my heart leaps! A tender green sprout is breaking through the carefully cultivated ground. Woohoo! My job is finished. My hard work has paid off! Ahh… no! Actually, it’s just beginning. This little one needs protection, constant care, and lots of attention. It needs just the right amount of water, sun, and reinforcement. Day and night, it must be nurtured.
Such is the life of a Christian. When we come to Christ, it’s usually through the efforts of someone else. The gospel is shared, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, and we turn to Christ for salvation. But that’s just the beginning. Too many times, this is where we tend to stop as Christians, but just like that tender, fresh sprout, we need constant care; we need discipleship.
Just like the gardener, as older Christians we need to pay careful attention, now more than ever. Too many babes in Christ never make it to the “pantry” because they’re lost in the choking weeds of everyday life.
Do you know someone who hasn’t known the Lord for very long? Or maybe one who is not growing as they should? Be their caring gardener. Take them under your care. Pray for them and with them. Share biblical truths, and open the Word of God with them! Jesus commanded us to make and teach disciples—not just plant seeds and hope for the best.
A Gardener’s Care
By Deborah Shaffer
March 1st, 2026
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20.
What kind of gardener are you? At the first sign of spring, I get excited thinking about the prospect of planting my garden. I have visions of a bountiful crop—lots of fresh, healthy vegetables. I see my pantry lined with jars that are filled with tempting treasures, giving me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Before long, though, reality sets in. Soon I will be spending long hours covered in dirt and sweat. My fingers will be stained and may even have some blisters. It will take days—even weeks—of hard labor. The days will be long as I try to ensure all is just right for the perfect crop. I’ll go to bed exhausted and wake up sore.
Then I see it, and my heart leaps! A tender green sprout is breaking through the carefully cultivated ground. Woohoo! My job is finished. My hard work has paid off! Ahh… no! Actually, it’s just beginning. This little one needs protection, constant care, and lots of attention. It needs just the right amount of water, sun, and reinforcement. Day and night, it must be nurtured.
Such is the life of a Christian. When we come to Christ, it’s usually through the efforts of someone else. The gospel is shared, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, and we turn to Christ for salvation. But that’s just the beginning. Too many times, this is where we tend to stop as Christians, but just like that tender, fresh sprout, we need constant care; we need discipleship.
Just like the gardener, as older Christians we need to pay careful attention, now more than ever. Too many babes in Christ never make it to the “pantry” because they’re lost in the choking weeds of everyday life.
Do you know someone who hasn’t known the Lord for very long? Or maybe one who is not growing as they should? Be their caring gardener. Take them under your care. Pray for them and with them. Share biblical truths, and open the Word of God with them! Jesus commanded us to make and teach disciples—not just plant seeds and hope for the best.
THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK DEVOTIONAL
A Gardener’s Care
By Deborah Shaffer
March 1st, 2026
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20.
What kind of gardener are you? At the first sign of spring, I get excited thinking about the prospect of planting my garden. I have visions of a bountiful crop—lots of fresh, healthy vegetables. I see my pantry lined with jars that are filled with tempting treasures, giving me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Before long, though, reality sets in. Soon I will be spending long hours covered in dirt and sweat. My fingers will be stained and may even have some blisters. It will take days—even weeks—of hard labor. The days will be long as I try to ensure all is just right for the perfect crop. I’ll go to bed exhausted and wake up sore.
Then I see it, and my heart leaps! A tender green sprout is breaking through the carefully cultivated ground. Woohoo! My job is finished. My hard work has paid off! Ahh… no! Actually, it’s just beginning. This little one needs protection, constant care, and lots of attention. It needs just the right amount of water, sun, and reinforcement. Day and night, it must be nurtured.
Such is the life of a Christian. When we come to Christ, it’s usually through the efforts of someone else. The gospel is shared, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, and we turn to Christ for salvation. But that’s just the beginning. Too many times, this is where we tend to stop as Christians, but just like that tender, fresh sprout, we need constant care; we need discipleship.
Just like the gardener, as older Christians we need to pay careful attention, now more than ever. Too many babes in Christ never make it to the “pantry” because they’re lost in the choking weeds of everyday life.
Do you know someone who hasn’t known the Lord for very long? Or maybe one who is not growing as they should? Be their caring gardener. Take them under your care. Pray for them and with them. Share biblical truths, and open the Word of God with them! Jesus commanded us to make and teach disciples—not just plant seeds and hope for the best.
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