Life Plan Devotion #145 [Four Promises]
Hi, Everyone.
If you hear the echoing strains of The Hallelujah Chorus this morning, that will be me...celebrating the first day of school. My grandson begins 4th grade, we survived the summer, and I get my quiet house back.
I'll be wrapping up the giving mini-series tomorrow, so please pray for me as I seek the Lord for guidance as to where to go next. I've been praying about it, and I know He will lead because He's been all over these devotions from the very beginning. He is so faithful!
Please pray for all those having surgery or recuperating from surgery today.
Life Plan Devotion #145 [Four Promises]
II Corinthians 9:10 "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (NIV).
In connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping, we have learned that
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
4) Generous givers are remembered, forever.
I love this verse (II Cor. 9:10), because it contains four promises within it. The first promise is that God will supply seed to the sower. If I desire to be a generous giver, God is going to help me do that, by providing the seed. If you sincerely pray, asking God to provide so that you can give more, He will do it. Back up your prayer with the Word from II Cor. 9:10, and watch God work!
The second promise is that God will supply "bread for food" to the sower. You see, God does not just care that you are able to give, He cares that your needs are supplied, as well. The Greek word for "sower" is spĕirō (spi’-ro), which not only means "to scatter," but it also means "receive seed." Both promises are held within that one Greek word, sower.
The third promise is that God will "supply and increase your store of seed." Not only will God make sure you have seed to sow (if you ask for it), but He will go beyond that. God is so willing to "multiply the loaves and fishes." If you know about these promises and act on them by praying and believe that you receive, you will see that "increase" of "seed." It could happen all at once, but most believers have faith to see it happen gradually. God will move according to your heartfelt faith.
The fourth promise is that God "will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." This is the fruit of the believer who abides in Christ and in the Word. The harvest will be physical, spiritual, and financial. Keep track of your blessings, as you generously give, and you will see the "fruit." Get into the habit of really paying attention. So often we look for the "windfall," when the incremental blessings (like small raises in pay) are important, as well.
What this has to do with weight loss: No matter how much weight you have to lose, the number can look rather daunting. Instead of focusing on the entire amount, focus on 10 lbs. at a time, or even 1 lb. at a time. As you rely on the Lord to give you the help to release one pound of weight, He will supply that help. As you are obedient to His instruction, He will honor your obedience and you will see another pound of weight go. It's a gradual process, and one which requires patience. Take it one day, one pound at a time.
Confession:
God provides and multiplies seed for me to sow, and He takes care of my needs.
Blessings,
Mary
If you hear the echoing strains of The Hallelujah Chorus this morning, that will be me...celebrating the first day of school. My grandson begins 4th grade, we survived the summer, and I get my quiet house back.
I'll be wrapping up the giving mini-series tomorrow, so please pray for me as I seek the Lord for guidance as to where to go next. I've been praying about it, and I know He will lead because He's been all over these devotions from the very beginning. He is so faithful!
Please pray for all those having surgery or recuperating from surgery today.
Life Plan Devotion #145 [Four Promises]
II Corinthians 9:10 "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (NIV).
In connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping, we have learned that
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
4) Generous givers are remembered, forever.
I love this verse (II Cor. 9:10), because it contains four promises within it. The first promise is that God will supply seed to the sower. If I desire to be a generous giver, God is going to help me do that, by providing the seed. If you sincerely pray, asking God to provide so that you can give more, He will do it. Back up your prayer with the Word from II Cor. 9:10, and watch God work!
The second promise is that God will supply "bread for food" to the sower. You see, God does not just care that you are able to give, He cares that your needs are supplied, as well. The Greek word for "sower" is spĕirō (spi’-ro), which not only means "to scatter," but it also means "receive seed." Both promises are held within that one Greek word, sower.
The third promise is that God will "supply and increase your store of seed." Not only will God make sure you have seed to sow (if you ask for it), but He will go beyond that. God is so willing to "multiply the loaves and fishes." If you know about these promises and act on them by praying and believe that you receive, you will see that "increase" of "seed." It could happen all at once, but most believers have faith to see it happen gradually. God will move according to your heartfelt faith.
The fourth promise is that God "will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." This is the fruit of the believer who abides in Christ and in the Word. The harvest will be physical, spiritual, and financial. Keep track of your blessings, as you generously give, and you will see the "fruit." Get into the habit of really paying attention. So often we look for the "windfall," when the incremental blessings (like small raises in pay) are important, as well.
What this has to do with weight loss: No matter how much weight you have to lose, the number can look rather daunting. Instead of focusing on the entire amount, focus on 10 lbs. at a time, or even 1 lb. at a time. As you rely on the Lord to give you the help to release one pound of weight, He will supply that help. As you are obedient to His instruction, He will honor your obedience and you will see another pound of weight go. It's a gradual process, and one which requires patience. Take it one day, one pound at a time.
Confession:
God provides and multiplies seed for me to sow, and He takes care of my needs.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Mary I just want to let you know that God was speaking directly to me when He gave you today's devotion. I had been struggling with $, how to give, where to give and how to manage it. This is focused directly at me. I have been trying to give it to Him totally, but you and I both know how I am about control. Thanks for being the obediant, faithful servant you are. God will bless you I know.
In Christ
Karyn
Hi, Karyn.
What a blessing you are! I know that as you pray and listen to the Lord, He will direct you in the area of giving. One thing I absolutely know--you cannot outgive God. :)
Blessings,
Mary
What a blessing you are! I know that as you pray and listen to the Lord, He will direct you in the area of giving. One thing I absolutely know--you cannot outgive God. :)
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
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