2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Welcome to our Firstfruits Festival. Today we celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of our God. He has loved us with an everlasting love. He has saved us from our sins and all their terrifying consequences. He cares for us each day, and he richly provides us with many good things for our enjoyment. It is appropriate that we give to him the first and best of our produce for the year 2020. It’s different from person to person or family to family, but let’s all declare our gratitude to God through a firstfruits offering. Let’s joyfully give voluntarily from our hearts.
Today’s message, however, will cover a broader theme. We want to learn or be reminded and be inspired to plant seeds so that we will reap a harvest. We will talk about the laws of fruitful harvest. The Holy Scriptures talk much about these things. Money is a need, and the Lord cares for our necessities. The issue of finances is also an area where our love (or lack of love) for God is seen. So it’s an area of testing as well. Through good financial management, we show a desire to honor God that is indicative of the condition of our hearts.
In order for us to have a fruitful harvest, there are important principles we need to apply. These cover the stages of planting, nurturing, waiting and persevering, and, finally, harvesting. Each step matters, and how we handle the seeds will determine how fruitful (or unfruitful) they become. So let’s think and talk about how we can have a fruitful harvest for the glory of God and so that we will have more than enough so we can share with others as well.
May the Lord richly bless you as you honor him in the various areas of your life. Enjoy.
Lathur Badoy