Mark Batterson has a great post on "Broken Windows," the theory of how small things can create huge disasters...it talks about how we must strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. That is what this survey and these questions of stumbling blocks are all about...where are some broken windows in our lives?...we must find them and repair them in order to be set apart for God's Purposes!
So off to the questions we go. Today's subject is on Sowing and Reaping. This verse says it all...
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
~ Galatians 6:7-8 (MSG) ~
1. What are we "planting?"
You harvest what you plant,
whether good or bad.
whether good or bad.
~ Proverbs 14:14 (CEV) ~
What we plant can come through how we treat those we are around and what we say to them. Are we criticizing, complaing, or condemning? Do you make fun of people on television, around town, or in person? Take a look around...do people enjoy being around you? What about other areas.... Are you in shape? How are your finances? What about our strategies in life, business, creativity, etc? Maybe we need to do a 're-plant' in order to receive all that God has for us.
2. How do we plant new seeds?
The Book of James tells us this:
But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace,
they will harvest justice.
~ James 3:17-18 (CEV) ~
Do you see how it comes back down to what we are "planting?"
3. Do we help those who are less fortunate?
Caring for the poor is lending to the LORD,
and you will be well repaid.
and you will be well repaid.
~ Proverbs 19:17 (CEV) ~
Most of the time we are always wanting more and we wonder why we have less than someone else. But have you ever ask the opposite question: "Why do I have so much?" Who can you and I help this week, this year?
The Lord says we will be repaid as lending to the poor is lending to The Lord....here is a link to a great organization called Compassion International....completely legit...tons of Churches and individuals are involved...you can sponsor a child through Prayer, Letters, Finances, Art work, you name it...great way to get involved with people all over the world...
4. Are you living out The Golden Rule?
The Book of Matthew tells us an amazing way to sow seeds of righteousness and reap what we sow....
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
I am not saying there is some formula for God's Blessings, but I don't think are any "accidents" either...If there is an area in our lives that is not how we want it, then there is probably a "broken window" that needs replacing.
If we want to be in The Presence of God, then we must aim for excellence. Just as oil and water don't mix, God and sin don't mix either. So if we want God and The Blessings of God in our lives, then we must plant great seeds...we must sanctify/consecrate ourselves so that God will do His Miracel Wonders and Amazing things through us:
Then Joshua addressed the people:
"Sanctify yourselves. Tomorrow God will work miracle-wonders among you."
