Sowing seeds...

As we prepare for our upcoming Block Party, I came across this section of scripture. It came from our PowerUP devotional book for today. This section talks about us giving cheerfully. Many only equate giving with money, but it also includes our time, among other things.

Today's passage is from 2 Corinthians 9:6-10..."But this I say , He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)"

The word today is a calling to give with all you have...to hold nothing back...I think of the song "Live Like You Were Dying"...give like it's your last chance...because it may be the last chance for someone to hear. We should look at our outreach like a field...haven't you noticed that God uses the "harvest" as a way to look at reaching the lost. If we only sow seeds in a small section of our field or garden, would we expect to harvest plentifully from the entire section of property? Duh- no! So, why would we only reach out to a few and expect great returns for God's kingdom?

May we each purpose in our hearts to give, not because we have to...not because others are watching...but because we want to. God loves a cheerful giver. Be glad to give your time. Our Block Party is a great outreach to our neighborhood and city. We see it grow each and every year. This year's promises to be bigger than ever, especially due to economic conditions. It takes the concentrated efforts of a large group. It's not easy, but the rewards are great!

I am amazed to be part of a group of committed folks who are willing to pitch in wherever needed. We will meet tonight to bag up groceries to give away to those in need. We look to bag somewhere between 300-400 bags this evening. That means that many will have to take time out of their Friday night to come help...and they will, cheerfully!

In verse 8, God promises to allow His grace to abound, that we will be able to continue on. He will give us the strength, if we are willing to put forth some effort! Jesus went out and reached out to folks...gave to the poor and ministered to people's needs. We are called to do much the same: ministering bread for food, multiply the seed we sow (the Gospel), and the fruits of our righteousness will be increased.

Think on these things today...sow the seeds of kindness and charity bountifully...give of yourself willingly, time and money...sow more seed (reach out)...and God will increase the fruit of your righteousness...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today.

Resurrect the dead!!!

Thursdays are my day off and today is one I don't particularly look forward to...going to dentist after lunch for a root canal and an extraction. Two of my favorite things, like you, I'm sure. I was thinking about writing about the passage where Paul spoke of doing the things he didn't want to do, but came across this passage instead and was reminded it's not about what I have to say...

The scripture today comes from Philippians 3:8-11..."Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."


When people hear about Christ and being a Christian, many times they think about the things they have to give up...along those same lines, many times we are concerned with what others are still doing a bit too much ourselves. God hasn't told us to clean up to follow Him, but rather give ourselves and let Him do the cleaning. We are still given the free will, which is a blessing and a curse. We only give up what we are willing...and we often hold back and don't allow God to have all of us. If you're like me, it takes reaching a low point to let Him take full and utter control. I, like Paul, now look back at what I gave up as dung for lack of a better PC word.

We are also to be found IN HIM, because like it says we have no righteousness of our own. Paul was teaching to those who were still trying to prove themselves by the law, rather than by faith. They were being hassled by Judaizers who were condemning their every move, trying to make them fall. Thanks be to God for his grace that we live by, rather than falling short of the law...because if you offend the law in the smallest part, you were guilty of the whole, remember?


In verse 10, Paul strives to know the Lord...do you strive to know the Lord, or do you just want to use Him for your personal gains? Really think about that one...when was the last time you prayed just to talk to Him??? When was the last time you just opened up your heart to Him??? When was the last time you prayed before your Bible reading and truly asked for Him to speak to you??? This is where we can all say we fall short, but we can strive everyday to improve our relationship, that we may conform to the image of Christ in our lives.

We should strive to be more like Christ, that others may see Him. Then, through us they can be lead by faith into a relationship with Him. Then, through the salvation given, we have a part in resurrecting a dead soul into life everlasting. That's a miracle that can still occur even in these troubled times we live in. Who says miracles don't happen?!?!

So, today...put things in perspective...glory in the losses we have, that we could win Christ...be found in Him...strive to know Him better...be conformed to His likeness...and resurrect the dead souls (unsaved) you come in contact with...

Please let me know if there is a prayer I can word on your behalf today...