Sow Righteousness

The concept of sowing and reaping is an important one in the Scriptures. We are instructed by the Lord to sow righteousness. How may we do that?

The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. (Pro 11:18) We are taught by God’s Word, that those who “sow righteousness” will have a certain reward.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Gal 6:7) We are warned that whatever we sow, we shall also reap.

In other words, if a person sows corn, they will produce a corn crop. If they sow malice and hatred, they will gather heartache and sorrow. If we sow love and mercy in order to honor the Lord, then we will harvest blessings for ourselves and our children.

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Gal 6:8) If we satisfy our own fleshly desires and sinful nature, we will collect only decay and death as a result. But if we will sow to the Spirit (or sow righteousness), we will harvest eternal life and many of God’s blessings along the way..

The Bible makes it very clear that the seed that every believer should sow is the Word of God. When we sow the Word of God, we sow righteousness.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Pet 1:23 NIV)

The seed is the word of God. (Lk 8:11b NIV)

Sharing our testimony with other people, inviting people to visit our church so that they can hear the Good News, and praying for the salvation of people that we know are also beautiful ways to sow righteousness. Praising God and supporting the Kingdom of God financially, as well as doing good works, are other righteous seeds to plant. Blessings upon you!

Tears Are Important to God

Never think that your tears are unimportant to God. They are exceedingly important to Him.

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” ²Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, ³and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. ⁴And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, ⁵“Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. ⁶I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.” (Isa 38:1-6, emphasis added)

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 22:4) Just as human parents do not like to see their crying and in pain, even so, our heavenly Father loves to dry our eyes and to remove pain from our lives and our bodies.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Cor 7:10) Godly sorrow and tears, called repentance, are not to be regretted for they produce the fruit of righteousness. But worldly sorrow, doesn’t work that way. Repentant tears are seen and valued highly by the Lord.

He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken. (Isa 25:8) This is a prophetic Scripture concerning the work of Christ and the future–when the fullness of God’s plan will be seen and manifested in heaven, and He will wipe away our every tear.

In the meantime, understand that God sees our tears and he collects them in a bottle. (Ps 56:8) He is aware of our sorrows and pains.

Jesus Christ has fulfilled His work by coming to earth; living a sinless life; suffering and dying; and being resurrected from the grave by the power of the Holy Spirit. Glory to God!

One day, in heaven, the Lord wipe away tears from all faces, and we will serve Him and praise Him for all eternity. What joy!

Good Gifts

Every good thing that we receive in life, no matter how it comes to us, is a blessing from God. We need to recognize the truth of this principle. What does the Bible teach us?

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (Jas 1:17 NKJV)

This verse clearly supports the premise that I offered in the first sentence of this article.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Mt 7:11 NKJV)

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Lk 11:13 NKJV)

Both of the passages above say clearly that if we, as human parents, understand the desire to shower good gifts upon our own children, then surely we must recognize that God’s desire is also to do good and to bless His spiritual children.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11 NIV) God plan is to prosper each one of us and to give each of us hope and a good future.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 NIV) God is telling all who have accepted Christ as their Savior that He works for our GOOD in every circumstance of life. Praise God!

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will . . . (Eph 1:11 ESV) God has given each and every believer an inheritance, which is not only eternal but it is GOOD. Thank the Lord most High!

What is ‘Devout’?

Can you be called devout? The definition of devout: heartfelt; spiritual; fervent; pious; dedicated and committed.

When the Scriptures speak about someone who is devout, they are giving recognition and praise to such individuals.

. . . a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. (Ac 10:2)

Alms means donations, gifts, or offerings. This verse from the Bible says a devout man gave donations and gifts generously to people, AND he prayed to God continuously. That sounds very spiritually impressive, doesn’t it?

And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. (Ac 2:5)

Notice that devout men (and women) can and should come from everywhere on the earth!

Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Ac 13:43)

A proselyte is a person who has converted from one opinion, religion, or party to another. These new converts followed Paul and Barnabas around, learning from them and wanting to spend time with them. Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch where Paul’s teachings about Jesus were well-received by some of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. So, when Paul explains God’s salvation has come through Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, the listeners joyfully realize that formal worship in Jerusalem isn’t required or necessary. God will meet them wherever they are, and be with them without sacrifices of any kind.

Paul and Barnabas encouraged these devout new converts to continue in the grace of God and to remain in His favor. They encouraged the new believers to carry on in faith and prayer, and obedience which would be connecting with God’s favor. The “gospel” is called the grace (favor) of God, and the new converts were exhorted to persevere in their connection to the gospel by continuing in faith to trust in Jesus.

If we all would like to be categorized as devout, then we should continue in the grace of God also. God bless you.

Peace Must Rule

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Col 3:15)

Synonyms of RULE: govern, administrate, lead or control.

Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6) He is our Savior and Lord, and we must follow Him in all that we do. We must allow His peace to control and lead everything that we do and everything that we pursue in life and in ministry.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Ps 100:4)

Praise, thankfulness and blessing work in beautiful harmony with peace. As we exalt, praise and bless the Lord, thankfulness arises in our hearts. The overflow of that thankfulness will result in our being a blessing and a joy to other people as we minister God’s love to them. And peace will be the result.

. . . and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7)

God’s peace exceeds and transcends any other definition of the word. His peace goes so far beyond and is so much better than any human concept of peace that it will always outperform the human version of peace!

Therefore, allow yourself to be ruled by God’s peace, so that your life will be blessed and others will be blessed in your presence. Glory to God!

Witnesses, Races & Crowns

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us . . . (Heb 12:1)

The witnesses spoken of in the above verse are already in heaven (saints from the Old Testament). We are instructed to lay aside every weight (cares of this life, family concerns, money issues, etc.) and sin, and to resolutely run the “race” that is set before us. The race is the Christian life which is a marathon, not a sprint. This is why we must run it with fortitude, patience and faith.

“If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. ³²There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.” (Joh 5:31-33)

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus says that His witness is John, the Baptist. Let us ask ourselves, who will be our witnesses?

Every believer whom we have ever known who is already in the heavenlies, is our witness. Other witnesses will include everyone who has ever known us, as well as our own family and extended family members. What will they be able to say about us? Will they be able to testify that we are Christians and that we lived as Christians? Will our spouse and our own children be able to give a good testimony about us? These are vital points to consider and reflect upon.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (1 Cor 9:24)

Run your race in such a profoundly beautiful way that you will assuredly receive your crown in heaven which is the prize for which we strive.

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise . . . (Heb 10:36)

We need to endure and persevere in faith and strength, so that we may receive these blessed promises. Hallelujah!

The Word of God and Healing

How is healing connected to the Word of God? This is a thought that occurred to me and made me interested in pursuing the subject for study and meditation. And for sharing with you!

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. (Pro 4:20-22)

The Scripture passage above tells us to pay attention to God’s Word! Listen to the Word (obey it); and meditate upon the Word. Keep them in your heart which means to memorize them. And the equation is that when we follow this advice, we will find LIFE and this life will be health [healing, medicine] to all of our flesh. It is indeed a crucial point that we, as believers and followers of Jesus, must hear and obey God’s Word.

He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Ps 107:20)

Notice that this verse says that God sent His Word, and IT (the Word) healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Destructions means ruins, devastations or annihilations! God’s Word is alive and active and powerful. (Heb 4:12)

He who is of God hears God’s words . . . (Joh 8:47a)

Hearing God’s Word means listening and obeying it. God says that when we do that, we are “of Him”! We belong to Him and can be recognized as being His children.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. (Pro 3:7-9)

Rather than relying upon human wisdom, we must live with a deep respect and regard for God and for His Word. We must depart from evil of every kind, including sin. And living in this way will give health to our flesh and strength to our bones at every age. Hallelujah!

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Mt 9:35) If we will live in harmony and obedience to the word of God, using the gift of faith that we have each been given, then we will be empowered to pray for others (just like Jesus did in the above verse) and witness Him heal them right before our eyes. Be encouraged and be bold in the Lord. Glory to God most High!

Be Steadfast

Be steadfast in your spiritual life. Steadfast means unwavering, unfaltering, loyal, devoted, or constant. So how can we be steadfast and in what ways?

. . . rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer . . . (Rom 12:12) Continue in daily prayer interceding for yourself and for other people and for our leaders—both spiritual and national.

For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (Gal 5:5) As we eagerly wait for the return of Jesus (or to arrive in heaven ourselves), wait with a sense of anticipation, eagerness and joy.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (Joh 16:33) The Lord warns us that we’ll experience tribulation somehow, at some point in our lives, but that we should be cheered up knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. So be loyal and stalwart in believing the truth of this Scripture. Remember that the Lord is with you and that He fights FOR you. (Deu 3:22; Josh 23:10)

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor 15:58) Be devoted to thriving in the work of the Lord, knowing that one day you WILL receive your reward. The “work of the Lord” involves ministering to others (by prayer, service, or helps); sharing the gospel with others; and baptizing new believers or bringing them to church so that they can be baptized in water.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Ac 2:42) Be unwavering in having fellowship with other believers; in sharing meals with them; in taking communion with other believers, and in prayers with them and for them.

Above all, rejoice in hope!

Faith is a Gift

Remember that faith is a gift from God! It is a precious gift and vital to our daily life in the service of the Kingdom of God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God . . . (Eph 2:8 NKJV)

Each and every believer has been given a measure of faith. Be sure to make good use of what you have been given. Use your faith constantly either for yourself or on behalf of other people, which is the highest and best use for this beautiful gift.

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Rom 12:3 NKJV, emphasis added)

Some believers have even been given an unusual gift of faith that stands well above the norm. To all such believers, I encourage you to pray, pray, pray for other people and help them to receive everything that they need from the Lord—the chief need being salvation!

. . . to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit . . . (1 Cor 12:9 NKJV)

We must serve God by USING the spiritual gifts that He has given to each and every one of us. It is our responsibility and our joy to discover what our spiritual gifts are and then to use them in spiritually productive ways on behalf of the Kingdom of God and of His people.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:2)

We must use all of our spiritual gifts—whatever they may be—with LOVE! God is love (1 Joh 4:8), and all who serve His kingdom must flow in LOVE.

Note that love is the FIRST fruit of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. God bless you!

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Month: August 2021