II Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (NASB).
Let's read that again. "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." Can you "get by" on less, so you can do more for others, in God's work? Oh, how God will bless, when you say "yes"!
My sweet pastor's wife told a true story, at a get-together of the wives of our church's elders and deacons. I wish I had the specific details (names, places, etc.), but I don't. As best as I can remember, I will relate this true story.
A single woman wanted to give to missions, as the need was great. She felt very discouraged, because she cleaned houses for a living and, so, did not make very much money. However, she was a tither and told God that she would give what she could (beyond her tithe) to missions. She was faithful in her giving, and soon the Lord blessed in that she was given another house to clean. She responded by increasing her tithe and giving to missions. Soon, the Lord blessed in that she was given a raise. She responded by giving more.
Some years went by, and this woman faithfully served God with her tithe and offerings. No one, except the church treasurer, surely, knew about her giving. One day, a missionary that the church helped support came to the church. This missionary said to the pastor, "I want to meet the woman who has given [X number of dollars] to my ministry." The amount stunned the pastor, so he said, "You must be mistaken. We have no one in our church wealthy enough to have given that amount!"
The missionary, looking puzzled, said, "Her name is [so and so]." Surprised, and with a voice that bespoke his awe, the pastor called for the woman to come forward. The woman and the missionary embraced, tearfully.
You may not think that you have "enough" to give, and maybe you're right, but I'm here to tell you that if you give to God and His Work, "God can give you all you need. He will give you more than enough. You will have everything you need for yourself. And you will have enough left over to give when there is a need" (II Cor. 9:8, NLV).
What this has to do with weight loss: When I'm struggling in my own weight-loss journey, I feel so inadequate, like I have nothing to give to anyone. If perfection is required, in order to truly "pay it forward," then I have nothing to give. However, if perfection is not required--and I don't think it is--then I can at least encourage others. When I am in need, it comforts and helps me to encourage others in need. Even if you need for others to reach out to you, don't wait for that. You do the reaching out, and the Lord will see to your needs.
Confession:
I am a giver. God gives me all I need and more, so I can give more.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #141 [Grace abounds]
II Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (NASB).
We have been looking at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We have learned that our harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. We have learned that giving is truly a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
Verse 8 of II Corinthians chapter 9 begins a section in which God, through Paul, shows us who benefits from giving. First of all, the giver benefits. When you give, God responds!
"God is able to make all grace abound to you" (v. 8a). Rejoice that "God is able"! The Greek word for "able" is dunatos (doo-nat-os’), which means "powerful or capable." What is God capable of doing (at least in this one context?) "God is able to make all grace abound to you."
The Greek word for "grace" is charis (khar'-ece), which means "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in life:--benefit, favor, gift." The Greek word for "abound" is perisseuo (per-is-syoo'-o), which means to "superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; to cause to superabound or excel:--make, have, be more, enough and to spare."
If you are a giver, you will benefit by God's divine favor on your life. It's not that you "earn" that by giving, but it is how God responds. All the favor, all the benefits, all the gifts of God is available to the giver. Even though we give, it's all still unmerited favor.
While God blesses us in many ways, physically and spiritually, it is clear (by the context) that God blesses givers in a material way. God gives, so we can give more. We are blessed to be a blessing.
II Corinthians 8:2-5 [NIRV]
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us."
What this has to do with weight loss: I don't know about you, but when I'm in a trial, especially a weight-loss journey trial, I become very introspective and can isolate myself. It's as if I think that if I focus on the trial or problem, I'll be able to climb my way out or come up with the answer. That seldom works. If I focus on others, however, looking for ways I can bless someone else, even when I think I have very little to give, I am able to experience relief in my trial. If you are smack dab in the middle of a trial, look to God and then look for ways to bless others. God will honor that, and He will bless and help you.
Confession:
I am a giver. I am blessed to be a blessing.
We have been looking at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We have learned that our harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. We have learned that giving is truly a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
Verse 8 of II Corinthians chapter 9 begins a section in which God, through Paul, shows us who benefits from giving. First of all, the giver benefits. When you give, God responds!
"God is able to make all grace abound to you" (v. 8a). Rejoice that "God is able"! The Greek word for "able" is dunatos (doo-nat-os’), which means "powerful or capable." What is God capable of doing (at least in this one context?) "God is able to make all grace abound to you."
The Greek word for "grace" is charis (khar'-ece), which means "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in life:--benefit, favor, gift." The Greek word for "abound" is perisseuo (per-is-syoo'-o), which means to "superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; to cause to superabound or excel:--make, have, be more, enough and to spare."
If you are a giver, you will benefit by God's divine favor on your life. It's not that you "earn" that by giving, but it is how God responds. All the favor, all the benefits, all the gifts of God is available to the giver. Even though we give, it's all still unmerited favor.
While God blesses us in many ways, physically and spiritually, it is clear (by the context) that God blesses givers in a material way. God gives, so we can give more. We are blessed to be a blessing.
II Corinthians 8:2-5 [NIRV]
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us."
What this has to do with weight loss: I don't know about you, but when I'm in a trial, especially a weight-loss journey trial, I become very introspective and can isolate myself. It's as if I think that if I focus on the trial or problem, I'll be able to climb my way out or come up with the answer. That seldom works. If I focus on others, however, looking for ways I can bless someone else, even when I think I have very little to give, I am able to experience relief in my trial. If you are smack dab in the middle of a trial, look to God and then look for ways to bless others. God will honor that, and He will bless and help you.
Confession:
I am a giver. I am blessed to be a blessing.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #140 [Guidelines for Giving, 3 of 3]
II Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV).
We have looked at two of the three guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. We have learned 1) the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it, and 2) godly giving takes resolve.
Today, let's look at the third guideline for giving, 3) give cheerfully and privately, without desiring to be thanked or "showcased." II Corinthians 9:7 says that "God loves a cheerful giver." What does that mean?
Think about a time when you cheerfully gave a gift to someone. Were you happy to give it? Absolutely. Were you prompt in giving it? Certainly. Did you choose the gift carefully, thoughtfully considering the person to whom the gift would be given? Yes. Did you give, expecting nothing in return? Hopefully so.
Yes, God loves a "cheerful giver." The Greek word for "cheerful" is
hilaros, and it means "merry, prompt or willing." It's where we get the word hilarious. A cheerful giver is happy to give, delights in giving. The Amplified Version says "a cheerful (joyous, 'prompt to do it') giver [whose heart is in his giving]." A cheerful giver can't help but give!
Matthew 10:8
"...Freely you have received, freely give."
What this has to do with weight loss: When I think of my own personal weight-loss journey, I feel so blessed. I have "received" much. I've received encouragement from others, advice, information, prayers, even had monetary and other needs met by my church family, friends, relatives, and even strangers. I have received freely and, I hope, gratefully and gracefully. Now, whenever, wherever, however I can, I try to give back. How about you? How can you encourage someone on their weight-loss journey today? Never think that what you have to give is too small or unimportant. If you have freely received, I encourage you to "freely give."
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, decisively, and joyfully.
We have looked at two of the three guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. We have learned 1) the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it, and 2) godly giving takes resolve.
Today, let's look at the third guideline for giving, 3) give cheerfully and privately, without desiring to be thanked or "showcased." II Corinthians 9:7 says that "God loves a cheerful giver." What does that mean?
Think about a time when you cheerfully gave a gift to someone. Were you happy to give it? Absolutely. Were you prompt in giving it? Certainly. Did you choose the gift carefully, thoughtfully considering the person to whom the gift would be given? Yes. Did you give, expecting nothing in return? Hopefully so.
Yes, God loves a "cheerful giver." The Greek word for "cheerful" is
hilaros, and it means "merry, prompt or willing." It's where we get the word hilarious. A cheerful giver is happy to give, delights in giving. The Amplified Version says "a cheerful (joyous, 'prompt to do it') giver [whose heart is in his giving]." A cheerful giver can't help but give!
Matthew 10:8
"...Freely you have received, freely give."
What this has to do with weight loss: When I think of my own personal weight-loss journey, I feel so blessed. I have "received" much. I've received encouragement from others, advice, information, prayers, even had monetary and other needs met by my church family, friends, relatives, and even strangers. I have received freely and, I hope, gratefully and gracefully. Now, whenever, wherever, however I can, I try to give back. How about you? How can you encourage someone on their weight-loss journey today? Never think that what you have to give is too small or unimportant. If you have freely received, I encourage you to "freely give."
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, decisively, and joyfully.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #139 [Guidelines for Giving, 2 of 3]
II Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV).
Last time, we looked at the first of three guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. The first guideline for godly giving is that the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it.
Godly giving takes resolve, and that's the second guideline. If there is no decision, there will be no resolve. Giving is not a matter to be decided lightly or out of impulse. If you give because someone has "played on your emotions," like a telethon pledge, you may find that you regret it later, or, worse yet, do not follow through on your pledge.
If you prayerfully make a decision to give, you will not fall prey to the opposite giving outcome, which is "grudgingly" (KJV), "reluctantly or under compulsion" (ESV), you "feel sorry that you must give...feel that you are forced to give" (CEV), "sad when you give" (NCV), give "out of regret or out of necessity" (HCSB), "give [when] you don't want to" (NIRV), "give, wishing [you] could keep it" (NLV).
The Message Version of II Corinthians 9:7 says it this way: "I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting..." Prayerfully consider and decide the amount to give and where to give it, then be resolved to follow through, no matter what.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 [NIV]
"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it... It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."
What this has to do with weight loss: How many promises have you made, in connection with your weight-loss journey? How many times have you promised your spouse, yourself, and/or God that you will exercise regularly (whether you feel like it or not), eat fewer carbs (or whatever will serve your body well, causing it to release more weight), or not make your family suffer for your weight-loss journey woes? God sees a promise as a vow. He takes it seriously, and so should you. Seriously consider any promise before you make it, planning carefully how you will fulfill it, and follow through. Do you have to be perfect at it? No, but God expects a perfect try. He will help you do what you cannot, as long as you have done all you can.
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the resolve to follow through, no matter what.
Last time, we looked at the first of three guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. The first guideline for godly giving is that the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it.
Godly giving takes resolve, and that's the second guideline. If there is no decision, there will be no resolve. Giving is not a matter to be decided lightly or out of impulse. If you give because someone has "played on your emotions," like a telethon pledge, you may find that you regret it later, or, worse yet, do not follow through on your pledge.
If you prayerfully make a decision to give, you will not fall prey to the opposite giving outcome, which is "grudgingly" (KJV), "reluctantly or under compulsion" (ESV), you "feel sorry that you must give...feel that you are forced to give" (CEV), "sad when you give" (NCV), give "out of regret or out of necessity" (HCSB), "give [when] you don't want to" (NIRV), "give, wishing [you] could keep it" (NLV).
The Message Version of II Corinthians 9:7 says it this way: "I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting..." Prayerfully consider and decide the amount to give and where to give it, then be resolved to follow through, no matter what.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 [NIV]
"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it... It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."
What this has to do with weight loss: How many promises have you made, in connection with your weight-loss journey? How many times have you promised your spouse, yourself, and/or God that you will exercise regularly (whether you feel like it or not), eat fewer carbs (or whatever will serve your body well, causing it to release more weight), or not make your family suffer for your weight-loss journey woes? God sees a promise as a vow. He takes it seriously, and so should you. Seriously consider any promise before you make it, planning carefully how you will fulfill it, and follow through. Do you have to be perfect at it? No, but God expects a perfect try. He will help you do what you cannot, as long as you have done all you can.
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the resolve to follow through, no matter what.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #138 [Guidelines for Giving, 1 of 3]
II Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV).
Last time, we looked at II Corinthians 9:6 and began to look at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We discovered that which farmers know--we harvest in proportion to the amount of seed we sow.
Today, let's begin to look at II Corinthians 9:7, a verse in which God, through the Apostle Paul, gives us three guidelines for giving. For today, we will look at the first guideline. The intent, as always, is to reflect and learn. It is not to condemn. While you may experience conviction, if you experience condemnation/guilt, that's the work of the enemy, not the Holy Spirit. How can you know the difference? Satan loves to condemn, by giving you negative, condemning thoughts which have no "answer" or resolution. The Holy Spirit may convict, but He does so lovingly, with the intention of giving you the opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness, pointing you to the Word, which contains the "answer."
The first guideline for godly giving is that the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it. The decision, according to II Corinthians 9:7, should me made in one's "heart." The Greek word for "heart" is kardia (kar-dee'-ah), and it means "heart, thoughts, feelings (mind)."
If you find that you quickly dig into your pocketbook or wallet while the offering prayer is being prayed, or you're busily writing your tithe check as the offering plate is being passed, you are missing out on the worship experience that giving is meant to be.
If you are not already doing so, I encourage you to take time each week, in advance of your giving, to pray. Praise God that He is Jehovah-Jireh (the God Who Provides), thank Him for His many blessings, ask Him how much He would like for you to give (above your tithe) and where you should give it (missions, building fund, special projects, etc.). He may or may not put a certain amount on your heart, but whether He does or not, the final decision must be yours.
Deuteronomy 16:17 [NLT]
"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the LORD your God."
What this has to do with weight loss: Have you had people help you on your weight-loss journey? I know I have, and one of my greatest joys is when I can give back to someone who has helped me or even to a person who is just beginning their journey. While I am no expert in weight-loss circles, I can give that which I am able to give--my experience, my encouragement, my prayers, etc. God has blessed me, so I must "pay it forward." How can you give what you are able to give, today?
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the intent to bless, as I am able.
Last time, we looked at II Corinthians 9:6 and began to look at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We discovered that which farmers know--we harvest in proportion to the amount of seed we sow.
Today, let's begin to look at II Corinthians 9:7, a verse in which God, through the Apostle Paul, gives us three guidelines for giving. For today, we will look at the first guideline. The intent, as always, is to reflect and learn. It is not to condemn. While you may experience conviction, if you experience condemnation/guilt, that's the work of the enemy, not the Holy Spirit. How can you know the difference? Satan loves to condemn, by giving you negative, condemning thoughts which have no "answer" or resolution. The Holy Spirit may convict, but He does so lovingly, with the intention of giving you the opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness, pointing you to the Word, which contains the "answer."
The first guideline for godly giving is that the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it. The decision, according to II Corinthians 9:7, should me made in one's "heart." The Greek word for "heart" is kardia (kar-dee'-ah), and it means "heart, thoughts, feelings (mind)."
If you find that you quickly dig into your pocketbook or wallet while the offering prayer is being prayed, or you're busily writing your tithe check as the offering plate is being passed, you are missing out on the worship experience that giving is meant to be.
If you are not already doing so, I encourage you to take time each week, in advance of your giving, to pray. Praise God that He is Jehovah-Jireh (the God Who Provides), thank Him for His many blessings, ask Him how much He would like for you to give (above your tithe) and where you should give it (missions, building fund, special projects, etc.). He may or may not put a certain amount on your heart, but whether He does or not, the final decision must be yours.
Deuteronomy 16:17 [NLT]
"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the LORD your God."
What this has to do with weight loss: Have you had people help you on your weight-loss journey? I know I have, and one of my greatest joys is when I can give back to someone who has helped me or even to a person who is just beginning their journey. While I am no expert in weight-loss circles, I can give that which I am able to give--my experience, my encouragement, my prayers, etc. God has blessed me, so I must "pay it forward." How can you give what you are able to give, today?
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the intent to bless, as I am able.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #137 [Sowing & Reaping, Day 2]
II Corinthians 9:6 "[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings" (Amplified).
Two types of sowers or givers are mentioned in II Corinthians 9:6, as well as the reaping that results for each. The Amplified Version says that "...he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings."
The word "sparingly" is used only once in the early English versions of the Bible, and that is in II Corinthians 9:6. The Greek word for "sparingly" is pheidomenÅs (fi-dom-en’-oce), and it means "stingily." The sower or giver who sows sparingly or stingily will reap the same harvest--a small one.
On the other hand, the sower or giver who sows "generously" or bountifully will reap the same harvest--a large one. Which type of sower/giver are you? In order to answer that question truthfully, you must take a good look at your heart, at the intent of your giving, as well as the amount you give and the harvest you have experienced.
Check yourself and your experience with the following verses from the Amplified Version of Proverbs 11:24-25. "There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered."
According to Proverbs 22:9, "A generous man will himself be blessed..." (NIV). Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you... With the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38, NIV).
If your "harvest" is not what you want it to be, I encourage you to look at your "sowing." The principle is clear; we harvest in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. That's the way it works for the farmer, in the physical realm; that's the way it works for the believer, in the spiritual and physical realm.
What this has to do with weight loss: What do you sow into the lives of others on their weight-loss journey? There are many opportunities to sow. You can sow your time, your talents, and, yes, your treasure. Whether you're sowing time in prayer for those having surgery, giving a word of encouragement, sharing a protein sample, purchasing vitamins for someone in need, or even donating to a fund so someone without insurance can afford surgery, it will all come back to you. I've seen it over and over. It's a good feeling, too, knowing that you helped someone else. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Confession:
I sow seed generously, and I reap a bountiful harvest. I bless others, and I am blessed.
Two types of sowers or givers are mentioned in II Corinthians 9:6, as well as the reaping that results for each. The Amplified Version says that "...he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings."
The word "sparingly" is used only once in the early English versions of the Bible, and that is in II Corinthians 9:6. The Greek word for "sparingly" is pheidomenÅs (fi-dom-en’-oce), and it means "stingily." The sower or giver who sows sparingly or stingily will reap the same harvest--a small one.
On the other hand, the sower or giver who sows "generously" or bountifully will reap the same harvest--a large one. Which type of sower/giver are you? In order to answer that question truthfully, you must take a good look at your heart, at the intent of your giving, as well as the amount you give and the harvest you have experienced.
Check yourself and your experience with the following verses from the Amplified Version of Proverbs 11:24-25. "There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered."
According to Proverbs 22:9, "A generous man will himself be blessed..." (NIV). Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you... With the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38, NIV).
If your "harvest" is not what you want it to be, I encourage you to look at your "sowing." The principle is clear; we harvest in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. That's the way it works for the farmer, in the physical realm; that's the way it works for the believer, in the spiritual and physical realm.
What this has to do with weight loss: What do you sow into the lives of others on their weight-loss journey? There are many opportunities to sow. You can sow your time, your talents, and, yes, your treasure. Whether you're sowing time in prayer for those having surgery, giving a word of encouragement, sharing a protein sample, purchasing vitamins for someone in need, or even donating to a fund so someone without insurance can afford surgery, it will all come back to you. I've seen it over and over. It's a good feeling, too, knowing that you helped someone else. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Confession:
I sow seed generously, and I reap a bountiful harvest. I bless others, and I am blessed.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #136 [Sowing & Reaping, Day 1]
II Corinthians 9:6 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (NIV).
There is a Kingdom principle of prosperity that not every believer understands. It is a principle that was more easily understood by past generations. The Kingdom principle that we will consider for a few days (at least) is that of "sowing and reaping."
Why has the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping been misunderstood? As always, the most important reason why a biblical principle is misunderstood is that the believer has not had that principle illumined by the Holy Spirit. It is of the utmost importance that you, dear reader, pray prior to reading God's Word and specifically ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding.
The second reason why this particular Kingdom principle, that of sowing and reaping, has been misunderstood is that, typically, we are far removed from the farming lifestyle. Just ask a child where bread comes from, or corn, and you'll probably get the answer, "the grocery store." We, who are older and somewhat wiser, know better. Perhaps we can learn more.
We are going to spend a few days looking at giving, how it's tied to sowing and reaping, and the benefits of giving. We will look also at the type of giver that God desires each of us to be. I hope you will follow this mini-series, because the rewards may just be life-changing.
Proverbs 1:5
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: Those who are successful on their weight-loss journey are those who don't know it all, recognize that, and are willing to listen to those who know more, as well as take the time and effort to research and read. The truly smart person is the one who is willing to be vulnerable, to ask what may seem to some as a dumb question (even though the only dumb questions are the ones never asked). If you need guidance, ask for it. We are here to learn and then aid someone else.
Confession:
I learn something new every day, not only so that I can improve myself but so that I can help others on their journey.
There is a Kingdom principle of prosperity that not every believer understands. It is a principle that was more easily understood by past generations. The Kingdom principle that we will consider for a few days (at least) is that of "sowing and reaping."
Why has the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping been misunderstood? As always, the most important reason why a biblical principle is misunderstood is that the believer has not had that principle illumined by the Holy Spirit. It is of the utmost importance that you, dear reader, pray prior to reading God's Word and specifically ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding.
The second reason why this particular Kingdom principle, that of sowing and reaping, has been misunderstood is that, typically, we are far removed from the farming lifestyle. Just ask a child where bread comes from, or corn, and you'll probably get the answer, "the grocery store." We, who are older and somewhat wiser, know better. Perhaps we can learn more.
We are going to spend a few days looking at giving, how it's tied to sowing and reaping, and the benefits of giving. We will look also at the type of giver that God desires each of us to be. I hope you will follow this mini-series, because the rewards may just be life-changing.
Proverbs 1:5
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (NIV).
What this has to do with weight loss: Those who are successful on their weight-loss journey are those who don't know it all, recognize that, and are willing to listen to those who know more, as well as take the time and effort to research and read. The truly smart person is the one who is willing to be vulnerable, to ask what may seem to some as a dumb question (even though the only dumb questions are the ones never asked). If you need guidance, ask for it. We are here to learn and then aid someone else.
Confession:
I learn something new every day, not only so that I can improve myself but so that I can help others on their journey.
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