Reaping God's Blessings

How does a person reap God's blessings? The following passages help us gain answers. Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; Proverbs 11:24-25; Hebrews 13:16; Galatians Chapter 6; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15.

Galatians 6 talks about doing good to all and even gives us the understanding and insight needed for us to reap God's blessings. But first, it's important for us to take inventory of our hearts and to ask ourselves if we are sowing to please ourselves or the Holy Spirit. If we are more concerned about our own comforts and conveniences than we are sowing for the wrong reasons. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Friends, we should be willing to sacrifice our time, money, and the resources God has blessed us with (Philippians 4:19) in order to undertake the burdens of others because this is the law.

Galatians 6:7-10 NIV “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

2 Corinthians 9:1-15 NIV gives insight on how to sow generously. vs 6-7 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. No matter how difficult a situation is or how challenging it will be for us personally, we should still be willing to carry the burdens of others because God has instructed us to do so.

Acts 20:35 NIV In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'. God tells us over and over in the Bible that He will strengthen and help us (Isaiah 41:10) this means He will strengthen us for our own journey and when we help others as well. It's a strength we will never run out of this as long as we rely on Him.

Luke 6:38 NIV says "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Think about the golden rule Matthew 7:12 NIV "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

If you did not have good role models in your life, now is a great opportunity for you to change that behavior in your family. Let us all become living examples to our children, extended family, friends, and strangers alike so that they too can reap God's blessings when they start modeling this same behavior in their own lives.

Our challenge this week is to pray for God's wisdom and strength and ask for him to reveal people who need your help. If you find yourself coming up with excuses as to why it would be too difficult for you, take a moment to step into the other persons shoes and imagine what it must be like for them to carry such a heavy burden alone. Let's be the light and spread Gods love to everyone and watch how God blesses you in the process!

Heavenly Father,

We humbly come before you and thank you for providing us with the strength and endurance we need to do your will. Father, continuously guide us and show us where there is need. Help us to bless others by sharing what you have given us (the time, money, resources, etc.) Father I pray you will remove any excuses or negative thoughts we have about helping others, allow us to be the beacon of light that leads people to you. Help us to live by the Spirit and be examples of your love. (Galatians 5:16, 22-26) We thank you for the grace and mercy you pour on us daily, help us to do the same to others around us. In Jesus precious and holy name we pray, Amen!

Hebrews 13:16 NIV "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime