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.

Who directs your path???

I was reading through several chapters in Psalms and Proverbs this morning, when this passage jumped out at me. It's in Proverbs 3:5-10...

(5) "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
(8) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
(9) Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase:
(10) So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

This is a call to put all our trust in the Lord and wait for His will to be made evident. This is difficult, especially since we have been taught to do what we feel like doing. It is hard to give up and let God take the reigns of our lives.

There is plenty of reward for those that follow the will of God. When we give the best we have (our first-fruits) to the Lord, we shall be blessed likewise. In my adult years this has been a work in progress. It was always...I have to do this, this, and this with my money, time, talents and what's left over will have to be good enough. God sent His best to sacrifice on the cross so that we could be free of the consequences of sin if we confess. Doesn't that deserve more than our table scraps or left overs?

If we fear the Lord and flee from evil, it also states that it will be health to your body, and marrow to the bones, which is where our life's blood comes from. Seems pretty cut-and-dry when put that way.

It is a daily struggle for me to give my best, turn over authority in my life, and walk in God's will. Everyday, Satan works his hardest to trip us up, but if we've given God the reigns we have nothing to fear. Like the song from Steven Curtis Chapman states..."His strength is perfect when our strength is gone"...

May you let go today and let God lead your feet, mouth, hands, ears and eyes. You'll be amazed at what He can do with a willing soul. Have a great day and let me know how I can pray for you today...