Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 23, 2018
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6
To dollar cost average relationally means to consistently invest in another during the ups and downs of relational growth together. When a friend feels up we rejoice with them, when they are in a funk, we comfort them. When I arrived in Atlanta in 1989 my new friend Andy met with me three times a week for three years. We exercised and over breakfast discussed books on family, leadership, money and theology. Our valuable time together was rich and rewarding, giving me a sense of security and friendship that still exists today. I am very grateful to Andy for taking a relational risk, and making a significant time and financial investment in me. Today I invest in others the ideas and resources my friend modeled for me. Regular investment in people pays off!
Paul understood, taught and inspired his readers to aspire to a life of investment in others. He creatively illustrates: as a farmer prepares the soil to receive the seed, so followers of Jesus are called to generously sow the seed of good deeds into the lives of other needy souls. Some receive the good deed gladly, some ignore our kindness, others are grateful in the moment, but fail to duplicate good deeds, and fortunately a few are so grateful for being blessed, they generously sow love in other lives. The gospel of God, regularly planted in a hungry heart reaps generously.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
How are you investing in those who will attend your funeral? Consider a weekly one on one time with your child and a date night with your spouse. What young man or woman in your life may be insecure in their singleness and you can support them with a regular Bible study or coffee to let them share what’s on their heart. Be prayerfully intentional to invest in others relationally, financially and emotionally and you will increase the potential of both of you finishing well. Sow generously seeds of Scripture in other souls and see a generous harvest of God’s grace.
Most importantly, invest focused time with your heavenly Father and listen to His heart for you. The Holy Spirit sows truth in a humble heart and teachable mind, with a goal of transformation into Christlikeness. The compounding interest into Christlikeness is not always seen in the short run, but over the long term kindness outlasts insensitivity, love overtakes selfishness and hope conquers fear. A harvest of righteousness awaits a soul sown in the love and mercy of the Lord! Wait in patience, do not fret and the fruit of the Spirit will grow into a heavenly feast of grace.
“Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7-9, AMP).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a giving heart to sow into others’ righteous resources, so the fruit of the Spirit grows in their heart and mind in Jesus’ name, amen.Application
Who can I take to coffee just to listen to their needs and seek to serve them?Related Reading
Job 4:8; Proverbs 22:8; Hosea 10:12; John 4:36-37Post/Tweet today
The Holy Spirit sows truth in a humble heart and teachable mind, with a goal of transformation into Christlikeness. #WisdomHunters #relationshipsWorship Resource
3-minute music video- The Peasall Sisters: Farther Along If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Android app
