BE MINDFUL TO BE A BLESSING - PART 3

SATURDAY 08 JULY 2023

By God's grace, our blessing has a life that is unceasing. This is why it can be extended to others, through the influence of God's Spirit, in whom we exert the acts of good works. For so many people, giving away financial resources, being there for someone in need, or participating in other forms of good works can be hard, considering many factors, and especially when they are living for themselves.

However, helping others with their physical needs, not just their spiritual needs, is a fundamental part of the Christian faith. So we must learn to cultivate the willingness and ability to share God's blessings with others. Gracefully, with a steady faith in God, and a hearty readiness for good deeds, we are conditioned to reap a harvest of blessing, just at the right time.

Reference: Galatians 6:9 New Living Translation (NLT) "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

In today's article, our main focus is on the time clause "At just at the right time." What does that mean? The clause expresses the stage of blessed development beyond the moment we have sown the seed of good works. For instance, Psalm 126:5-6 says, "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest" (NLT). Now the first thing to notice is that planting seeds preceeds harvest of blessing.

When it comes to the right time for reaping a harvest of blessing, what comes to mind is "when" , "where" and "how."

When? Just after sowing the seed of good works. In other words, expect your harvest of blessing now, not later. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that you have received a harvest of blessing, and it shall be so, every now and then. Develop the right mindset about reaping a harvest and do not limit God in any way. This is because it is faith in God and His perfections, as well as the eagerness of our expectations, that positions us to receive a harvest of blessing, and enjoy fruitful field or garden - at any given time.

Where? In His presence. Anything we receive from the Lord comes from the very light of His presence. The Bible says in James 1:17 that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (ESV). God's rewards flow as rivers of light cascading down from heaven. Therefore, having become partakers of salvation and righteousness, we should learn to engage His presence when we give or participate in good works, in order to experience the 30, 60 or 100 fold results of seed sowing and good works (Mark 4:20 NLT).

How? Just exactly the way you gave or ministered a helping hand, is exactly the way you will be rewarded. 2nd Corinthians 9:6 reads, "But I will say this to encourage your generosity: the one who plants little harvests little, and the one who plants plenty harvests plenty. Giving grows out of the heart—otherwise, you've reluctantly grumbled "yes" because you felt you had to or because you couldn't say "no," but this isn't the way God wants it. For we know that "God loves a cheerful giver" (Voice). This means that if you've done it cheerfully, without murmuring or complaining, God will equally honour you in the same manner and at the right time, in accordance with your faith.

Understand that there is nothing deceitful in God; He is not two-faced or fickle. He responds to our generosity with the right measure of reward, just at the right time. Therefore, "Don't hold back—give freely, and you'll have plenty poured back into your lap—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. You'll receive in the same measure you give" (Luke 6:38 VOICE). Stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Genesis 8:22; Psalm 102:13; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 75:2; Acts 17:7.

Exuberant Declaration: The set time to favour my faith in God with regard to every seed of good works is now. By the grace of God and the ability of the indwelling Holy Spirit, I receive and enjoy my harvest of blessing every now and then. Glory to God!