Monday, December 14, 2009

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 Corinthians 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 Corinthians 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 speirō (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 believing 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 your 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.

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