Secrets of a Sower: Daily Thoughts for Putting Down Roots in God, and Bearing Fruit Upward.

By Joe G. Mazzu Jr.

Secrets of a Sower is a collection of writings by Joe G. Mazzu, Jr. Presented in a devotional format, Secrets of a Sower encourages the reader to contemplate life from the Godward view. Illustrations emphasizing the importance of sowing seed, putting down roots, and reaping fruit are plentiful throughout its pages. Penned by a seasoned missionary, pastor and teacher, the deep but yet simple observations within Secrets of a Sower will nourish and stimulate both the new seeker and experienced explorer of scripture to put down good roots in God, and bear good fruit upward.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 11, 2001
• ISBN: 9781462834587

Joe G. Mazzu Jr.

Joe G. Mazzu, Jr. (1930-1986) with his wife and partner of 30 years, Charlotte, raised two sons, ministered as an evangelist, pastored churches in the United States, lived and worked as a missionary in France and throughout Europe, taught in Bible colleges, wrote extensively, and traveled the globe sharing Christ in more than 22 nations. Countless lives were touched by his life and ministry which was inclusive and generous in scope. Recognized and loved for his transparent yet deep approach to scripture, Joe Mazzus influence is still felt through the publication of his words through books, audio and video.

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JANUARY

Start with a few things and practice your faith in a daily walk with God

JANUARY 1

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. —Luke 16:10

The Lord certainly puts a priority on each individual and his faithfulness. The truth in this verse is that faithfulness is a quality and not a quantity, for faithfulness is not affected by large or small numbers.

The very same strength is projected for both small and great. The inverse is true for those who are unjust. A close observation of this truth simply says that if one is not faithful, he is unjust. There is a special privilege reserved for the faithful. God has promised to preserve him. Those who are faithful are also said to be wise. We remember that even Jesus was faithful to Him who appointed Him. It is a requirement that all stewards be found faithful.

Let us declare His faithfulness and mercy to our generation. Start with a few things and practice your faith in a daily walk with God.

JANUARY 2

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live. —Isaiah 55:3

God has always been within talking distance of man. The Bible records exact conversations and communication between Creator and creature. Faith, which is imperative to receiving God’s gracious salvation, cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

We all know that there are other voices and sounds desiring the hearing of man. Job of old said, Doth not the ear try words? Solomon, known for his wisdom, said The ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

To hear God we must incline or bend our ear and then come unto Him. It is in drawing nigh to God that we are promised hearing, and after hearing the preservation of our soul that will live in the strength of what we have heard. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. May we be found listening and overcoming through God’s mighty Word.

JANUARY 3

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. —Acts 4:13

This verse acknowledges the continued ministry and Person of Jesus after Calvary. This is the testimony of unbelievers who admit that Christ and His presence can be with men of faith and love. Men who had been known to be unlearned and ignorant, suddenly commanded the attention and caused adversaries to marvel, and then experience a knowledge that Christ had imparted.

It is impossible to be with Jesus and for Jesus to be with us and within us and not reach those who dwell in darkness. Every believer has been given the Spirit of Christ by which the Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world can be given as a witness. May God help us to so order our lives in obedience to Jesus that other men will know that we have been with Him.

This healing produced such a marvelous witness so that nothing could be said against it. The most difficult person to talk against is the Person of Jesus.

JANUARY 4

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. —Colossians 3:17

The New Testament story places the ministry and person of Jesus in every area of life. The Apostle Paul said that this Word and these promises pertain to life and godliness. To think that what everyone would do in word and deed could be done in His name gives great liberty to the inclusive ministry of Jesus.

This verse must mean that God can be in all of our motivation; that our methods, our manner of life can be forever related to the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

When one looks at this truth, the object is clearly understood. By doing and by speaking in the name of the Lord Jesus, we give thanks to God, our Heavenly Father by Him. Every true believer has a light that shines. When good works have been displayed, men declare that God is glorified. We need to constantly remember that every word and every deed can be and should be expressed in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

JANUARY 5

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. —Romans 15:4

The Word of God is ever relevant to our times and tasks and trials. God’s unchanging Word corresponds with God’s unchanging Christ. This is the reason that Scripture written aforetime can teach and instruct us in the turbulent age in which we live.

The Scriptures have been designed to bring encouragement, producing a continuous hope that would engender patience and endurance. Throughout the Bible, there is a constant test for man to discover the intent thought of his heart, and the keeping power of God to strengthen him. This patience and this harmony is given in accordance with the standard which Jesus Christ Himself gives to us. We have been given a common salvation that produces a likeness not only akin to the Savior, but a likeness that is evident in the hearts of all believers. Please remember that the promise was given unto you, to your children and as many as the Lord our God should call.

JANUARY 6

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:12

The late William Barclay translated this verse as follows: But I press on to try to grasp that for which I have been grasped by Jesus Christ. None of us would doubt the compelling, constraining, conscripting way in which Jesus Christ grasped the Apostle Paul. He was seized by the Lord and transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. It is stated that it pleased God to reveal His Son in Paul’s life.

What was it that Jesus wanted and needed in not only the Apostle’s life, but in all those that likewise respond to His love? It is evident that He needed Paul as a vessel. Since we are serving the Lord who is not a respecter of persons, we likewise can conclude that we have been grasped by Jesus Christ to be His vessel, temple, and member of His Body.

JANUARY 7

My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, showing Himself through the lattice. -—Song of Solomon 2:9

Bible scholars translated the Song of Solomon as the mutual love of Christ and His Church. With this as a basis for understanding, we can establish the closeness of Christ even though He has ascended on high and is at God’s right hand. Both the voice and vision of Jesus are to be found in His love to His Church. His great ability to show Himself through the lattice speaks of nothing separating us from the love of God. He is found standing, looking, and showing Himself with many infallible truths. His message is that we rise up and in love come His way. Please allow Jesus to appeal and show Himself strong on your behalf.

JANUARY 8

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. —Isaiah 1:19

Here is an account of the continual principles that occur over and over again in God’s Word. The Apostle Paul said that a willing mind is first and foremost in those who are accepted of the Lord. Could it be that there would be more obedience if there would first be a willingness to be obedient? The alternative is unwillingness and refusal which leads to rebellion. A vast gulf exists between those who are willing and those who refuse. The reward of the obedient is that they eat of the good of the land, discovering that every good and perfect gift cometh from above.

The food in the New Testament is defined as the Word of God. This has been likened to milk, bread, and meat. It is effective in our growth only as we internalize and partake of what God said man shall live by—His Word.

JANUARY 9

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. -—I John 3:10

The word manifest means to show, open to sight, exhibit or to make clear and known. The children of God are revealed in contrast to the children of the devil. This striking difference produces alternative and choice. As the world approaches its end, there will be the earnest expectation for the manifestation of the sons of God. As the Holy Spirit made known our Heavenly Father’s will through the life of Jesus Christ, so God’s sons will be known by their fruits and faith works. Righteousness will be the basic force that exalts God’s people. Children of God are doers of righteousness and not hearers only.

JANUARY 10

Bear one another’s burdens, and thus so fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians 6:2

It is a mistake to believe in Jesus Christ and not understand that we are under His law. Some have misinterpreted grace as unlimited freedom, releasing them from all of the law. The definition of the law of Christ would be that by which He Himself was governed and ruled. Throughout His earthly ministry and even in His ascended ministry, He continues to be touched with the burdens and needs and infirmities that so make up most of our lives. The strong are under divine admonition to bear the infirmities of the weak. The stronger brother must do all in his power to help the weaker or the least of the brethren. This law of Christ awaits fulfillment in a reciprocal ministry of caring. May you be a part of fulfillment by making someone’s load lighter.

JANUARY 11

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. -—Jeremiah

33:3

The prophet states that the Word of the Lord came to him a second time while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison. The Apostle Paul said that the Word of God is not bound. Its ability to penetrate bound circumstances and conditions is displayed throughout God’s dealing with men. Jeremiah knew by the first experience that the second was likewise of God. It is a divine principle that God’s Word comes again and again. This Word inspired the prophets to call and God committed Himself to answer by showing great and mighty things which were at that time unknown to His servant. Could we at least be found, calling upon the Lord in our world that is in need of His great and mighty things.

JANUARY 12

This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. —-John 15:8 (NIV)

Jesus stated that we would be known by our fruits. We all know that fruit is interdependent upon a root system, a vine or tree, the elements and forces of nature, and the work of a husbandman or vine-keeper.

The issue in this verse has to do with much fruit. This is brought about by the personal work of the Lord purging, pruning, and continually cleansing fruit-bearing branches.

The Amplified New Testament states that it will bear more richer and more excellent fruit. Another truth that so simply speaks to us is that we are called disciples as God is glorified by our bearing this fruit. The fruit of the Spirit, Who indwells the believer, is described in Galatians 5:22 by His presence accomplishing the following: love, joy, peace, patience, an even temper, perseverance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This type of fruit will effectively bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father.

JANUARY 13

There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus … who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ——Romans 8:1

When Jesus cried out upon the cross, It is finished, that included Satan’s power to accuse and condemn the children of God. Our relationship with God, as Savior, is not measured by our emotions and feelings, but rather in His faithfulness. He that hears My (Christ’s) words, and believes on Him Who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death into life (John 5:24). For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).

By no means should we allow Satan to weaken our walk in the Spirit by pursuing us with overwhelming feelings of fear and guilt. Our witness of God’s grace and love will only be effective as we are flooded in the inner man by God’s Spirit of light and love. Throw off the yoke of condemnation and confess the Lordship of Christ.

JANUARY 14

And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. —II John, verse 6

Love has multiple definitions throughout the Scriptures. This definition is active when it uses the verb, to walk. It is amazing how practical the love of God can be, affecting all of our walk and life, not only with Him but with one another. The position of His commandments are always in front of us to serve as guides and goals.

The Apostle Paul said he pressed toward the mark of the high calling, which was in Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus left us His steps so that our walk would always be in His way, His truth, and His life.

This love is commanded and was conveyed so that faith, after hearing it, could believe and obey. It has not changed from the beginning. It was God’s first and ultimate intention for all of us. We should walk in it! One translation says it is our duty to walk in it. May we remember that the dynamics are always supplied to meet God’s demanding commandments.

JANUARY 15

So I will sing praise unto Thy Name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. ——Psalm 61:8

This verse describes the tandem truth between praise and performance. Long ago, the Psalmist discovered that praise aided one’s strength and ability to serve God and accomplish His will. Those who praise God find expression and expectation to understand His divine help in all performance.

The daily consistent performance was and is most important. We are to praise God for daily bread and being strengthened, willingly daily carry our cross in following Christ. What joy awaits those who remember their vows, look to God in praise, and in reciprocal receiving through Christ, find strength to perform His Word.

JANUARY 16

I am as a wonder unto many; but Thou art my strong refuge. —Psalm 71:7

The Bible is full of signs and wonders. Who can read of all His wonderful works unto the sons of men and not conclude that He is the God of wonders?

Most of us relate wonders to the great acts of the Lord in nature—the parting of the Red Sea, water turned into wine, and the sun standing still.

This verse locates the wonder of God as He makes a choice to work in the believer. Oh the wonder of His amazing grace as it works by faith to create a new creature. The incredible wonder of God’s Holy Spirit coming to dwell in a temple of clay. The wonder of sustaining love that continues to hold His people true in the midst of wickedness and a world that is hostile to His Christ. The wonder of believers is made more amazing when we see him or her defined as a part of the Body of Christ. Yes, you are a wonder unto many.

JANUARY 17

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ——II Corinthians 13:14

Communion actually means partnership and it carries the idea of sharing. When we speak of the Communion of the Holy Spirit, it means that we are partners, colleagues, and comrades of the Spirit of God. Actually, we are partners in both vocation and resources.

At the same time that we find Spirit and Truth that brings us liberation, the Holy Spirit finds in us a temple through which God is glorified. The Holy Spirit works with us, sharing what we make available to Him as He brings Jesus to us. He takes what we have offered to Jesus in this communion and partnership.

This Christian benediction describes the love of the Father, the grace of the Son, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. His work of communion communicates both grace and love, bringing us into a fellowship with the Father and the Son. It is as we consent with God that we discover cooperation and communion with the Holy Spirit.

JANUARY 18

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and testimonies. —Psalm 25:10

While we are not given the exact number of the paths of the Lord, we are given the two detailed dynamics of mercy and truth found in each path. This is so that in the discernment and judgment of our walk we would always look for these two virtues … and in finding them have the assurance we were correct in following.

Now the key to all this is found in the keeping of His covenant and testimonies. The Apostle John said that whoso keepeth God’s Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. Hereby we know that we are in Him. It is a joy to know that you are capable of being kept by Jesus as you keep His covenant and Word. Someone simply said, Keeping I am kept, holding I am held. What great faith God has in man to trust him to keep His Word, to obey His commandments, and to walk in His paths of righteousness.

JANUARY 19

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. —Hebrews 13:15

Amazing things are wrought through Jesus Christ in the life of the believer. Paul, in Romans 11:36 says, For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory forever, Amen.

Jesus is involved in our praise! He is the source and the inspiration. The preposition lets us know that it is by Jesus Christ that our basis for praising is rooted and grounded. We are told that God, with Jesus, will freely give us all things. The Spirit and the source to praise God are resident in the believer in whom Jesus has come to dwell.

Our praise is to be ordered because it is likened to the sacrifice. Throughout the Bible, sacrifices were always detailed; man was told exactly what type to offer, when to offer, and why he should offer a certain sacrifice. A careful study of the work of Jesus while He was here on earth will guide us in His valuable steps, so that we too might offer ourselves unto God as a sweet-smelling savor; that is, a pleasing life, filled with and by His praise.

JANUARY 20

I will give them one heart and one way that they may reverently fear Me forever; for the good of themselves and their children after them. —-Jeremiah 32:39 (Amp.)

It is said that the Spirit of Christ testified in the prophets of old. This word given to Jeremiah sounds like the prayer of Jesus as recorded in John 17. We can notice two distinct results of this gift: unity and direction. It is with one heart (unity) and one way (direction) that our relationship will be known both of God and to one another. The results are far reaching—goodness that has eternal effects and the continuance that will reach the next generation.

If you are able to receive this word as a gift from the Lord, you will, without a doubt, discover that those of like precious faith are saying, We are in His unity, and find Him to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God is forever thinking about our good and will never forsake His own.

JANUARY 21

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto Thee, when I lift up my hands toward the holy oracle. —Psalm 28:2

It is impossible to avoid the uplifted hands in God’s Word. Over and over again, there is a call for body, soul, and spirit to be presented to Him. It is a command, Present your bodies a living sacrifice. It is called your spiritual and sensible worship. Hands become part of the worship experience, Thus will I bless Thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in Thy Name.

Scripture abounds with recorded worship that the Spirit chose to give us, My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in Thy statutes. Let us together now commit to this act of worship and lift up holy hands together unto Him who is our God.

JANUARY 22

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.—Psalm 95:1,2