Power Point - November 9, 2004

 

November 9, 2004

 

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…

-2 Corinthians 9:10

 

When we give financially of our resources and sow generously, we will reap huge dividends. Listen! Giving to God is not His way to impoverish you, but instead to enrich and bless you. Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Sow a few seeds and you’ll get a small crop. Sow many seeds, and your crop will be abundant.

 

Imagine a farmer who only has a few seeds in his possession. He says to his wife, “I’m going to go and plant these seeds.”

 

The wife responded, “Don’t do that. We’ve only got a few left. We’d better save those seeds for a rainy day. Don’t go and throw them in the dirt!”

 

But, the farmer says, “Wife, remember that when we plant the seeds they’ll grow. It will be an investment, and we’ll reap the harvest.”

 

If you hang on to whatever you’ve got, it will diminish by the day. But, if you give and give and give, you will find an harvest that is plentiful in your midst.

 

How are we to give? God tells us we are to give consistently, systematically, cheerfully, and sincerely. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Scripture says, “…let each one of us give as he purposes in his heart.” It is to be planned, prayerful giving unto the Lord! When you learn how to give, it will be a great day in your life—not by reason, but by revelation. The revelation of the Word of God, obeying Him as His Spirit leads you.

 

So many of us just give what we can afford to give. We give what we think is a reasonable amount of our gifts, possessions, and money. God tells us to give as He’s directed and revealed, and as a result He promises a harvest. He says, “Give and it shall be given unto you!”

 

When giving to the Lord, my friend, make sure it is not half-baked or thrown into a plate casually and carelessly, but prayerfully plan and give. Ask the Lord what He would have you give to further His glory and kingdom today. Teach your families to tithe and give back to the Lord what He has blessed them with. Someone once said: we are to give with carefulness and systematic prayerfulness.

 

GIVE BECAUSE THE DESIRE IS IN YOUR HEART,

AND SO THAT YOU MAY EXPRESS YOUR FAITH

AND GENEROSITY TOWARD GOD.