The month of March tells us that spring is right around the corner. And, of course, spring is planting time. If we want to have a harvest in the fall, we need to plant the right seeds now, during springtime.
What a wonderful picture life gives us of the principle of faith. God gives us both the natural principle of sowing and reaping, and the spiritual principle of giving and receiving. Listen to what He says.
When it comes to giving, the Bible clearly teaches us two things; (1) We should give, expecting to receive! You say, “If I get more, I’ll give more.” No, you’ve got it back to front. Jesus said, “Give and it will be given to you… the measure you use… will be measured to you.” (Lk.6:38) The level of your giving determines the level of your receiving. So break through your barriers of fear and put God to the test. He won’t disappoint you! (2) We get back more than we give. Paul writes, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will… increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (II Cor.9:10) Notice, some of the seed [money] God gives us is for food (our own needs), and some is for “a harvest of righteousness.” What does that mean? Paul explains, “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (II Cor.9:9) To be truly righteous, we must show compassion toward the hurting and give generously to those who are unable to provide for themselves. The Bible says that when we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord, and He will repay us (see Pro.19:17). Imagine the interest God pays! Jesus describes it as: “Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” There’s no lack of money in this world – God just wants to get it into the right hands!
Whether you are planting or giving, each is a matter of faith. Without faith, you will never plant the seed… without faith, you will never give. Pray that God would plant the seed of faith in your heart to obey His command, “Give and it will be given to you.”
As we follow God in faith, He promises to… “Make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (II Cor.9:8)
If you want to reap a harvest, start planting in faith today! See you Sunday!
Valley Community Church is located at 25222 Wiley Canyon Rd. in Newhall, directly behind the Vons Shopping Center at Lyons and Wiley Canyon. For more information, please call 661-259-4366 or visit www.valleycommunitychurch.com.