“… You will always harvest what you plant.” ~ Galatians 6:7b NLT
Our friends in farming have harvested their fall crops. They would probably laugh at us if we asked them what seed they used for soy beans. Farmers know that to reap soy beans they plant soy beans in the spring. Sowing corn and expecting to harvest anything else would not be reasonable, nor profitable. However, unfortunately, we unintentionally plant things into our lives not foreseeing the outcomes we are sure to reap. Therefore, as we ponder the verse above from Galatians 6, we realize that it gives us a simple, but powerful spiritual principle that, if implemented, could cause success or, if ignored, could bring about disappointment or even disaster in our lives. For example, if we truly desire to strengthen our relationship with God and don’t invest time and energy doing things like reading and meditating on the Bible, worshiping and seeking the Lord in prayer, it is unlikely we would experience much growth. We could repeatedly desire growing, but never change. An economist will advise us that if we faithfully invest a certain amount of money every month, eventually in the future it will earn compound interest, multiplying in value with each passing year. It is the same with our spiritual investments. It may seem insignificant as we start, but eventually God will use it and multiply it. Every choice matters to God. Every day we plant seeds into the future, some efforts produce good and others cause damage. The Bible tells us that everything we do today will impact our future. The Holy Spirit will guide you in choosing what to plant and the right time to plant it. What seeds is God asking you to plant into your character, your family, your vocation, your relationship with him? It’s never too late. Remember, God is faithful. He will do what he has promised. Sow to the Spirit and you will reap a harvest of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Sow according to the expectations of the world, and expect emptiness, loneliness and pain. Dear friend, be blessed as you sow seeds of truth, grace and peace in your relationships. May you be amazed at the blessings that flow from your relationship with Jesus as you invest in seeking more of him and receiving his love. Be encouraged. By the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you, be blessed to become all your loving heavenly Father created you to be. Amen. Mary Sumner ~ November 16, 2021
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Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:6 NLT
A few mornings ago, I heard “persistent grace”. I knew the Lord wanted to encourage and strengthen us. He often does that by reminding us of who he is for us. God’s love is never too tired, too busy or too impatient. Remember he will never leave us nor forsake us, even when we run from him or do not feel his presence with us. Instead, his love chases us down and overwhelms us with his kindness, gentleness and truth. Living in his presence, his house, we find all we need. He catches us when we fall, comforts us when we hurt, and encourages us when we fail. And he is closer than our very breath. So, if you feel weary today, finding nothing in your week to really look forward to, stop running, turn, and let our God’s persistent grace pour over you, fill you with strength and hope, and receive his joy! See the coming light, imagine the new life just waiting around the corner, and praise him! Dear friend, be blessed as you refuse to be overwhelmed with life, others expectations, or your own discouragement. Whisper, “I receive your persistent grace, Lord!” And expect another glorious day, custom ordered by Jesus, the lover of your soul. He died to give you his abundant life and joy. He will not stop pursuing you. Amen. Mary Sumner ~ November 1, 2021 |
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May 2024
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