Month: March 2020

Don’t stop giving!

EireneLeave a comment

I have put two portions of Scripture below which I hope you will take the time to read. I have included a few brief comments on them.

We do not give based on whether or not it is a convenient time for us to give. We give even when it seems to be an inopportune time because it is well pleasing to God. He is always faithful to bless the life that gives.

What we possess has been given to us by God so that we might be a channel through which others are helped and blessed. Our giving brings honor and thanksgiving to God as the needs of others are met by God through us.

We miss out on so much if we stop giving.

Deuteronomy 15:7-10 If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the LORD against you, and it become sin among you. You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.

But do not forget to do good and to share, for which such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:16

2 Corinthians 9:10-12 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God.

Building a life

EireneLeave a comment

Last night I was reading Deuteronomy 11 and I noticed several times the Lord revealed to the people how interrelated things are. Here are some examples of this process:

From Deuteronomy 11:1-9 —— Being aware of the acts of God and His power employed for the good of His people and the judgement He brings to the wicked –> obedience to His commands –> strength to possess and dwell in what has been promised by God.

From Deuteronomy 11:13-15 —— Loving the LORD your God and serving Him with all your heart and with all your soul –> provision for growth and satisfaction is given

From Deuteronomy 11:16-17 ——- You forget the Lord and serve and worship other things –> the blessing is withheld –> everything you once enjoyed withers up

I was thinking about these three examples and the progression that was involved in each. None of these happens in a single moment, but they come about through the process of time. But here’s the thing to keep in mind: the decisions we make and our obedience or disobedience to God today sets things in motion that we may not see the fruit of (whether good or bad) for days, months, or even years.

The things I desire in my spiritual life won’t be the result of a moment, but of a process. This is why every day matters, consistency matters, endurance matters. At the moment we begin the ascent to a closer place of intimacy with Jesus we may not sense anything has changed, but things are set in motion, the fruits of which may not be visible for some time.

My life is a continual sowing. It is being built one moment, one decision at a time. That which is not spiritual isn’t necessarily morally wicked. It could merely be carnal. In which case it just dies a quiet death, but brings forth nothing life-giving. And what is lost in the accumulation of those carnal sowings is the benefit that could have been brought if those sowings had rather been spiritual in nature.

I am reminded of this verse:

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:8-9

The current situation in our world could possibly be a time of re-evaluation of our lives, what we are giving ourselves to, and what we are sowing into our future. Sow now what you desire to reap later.