Most people have been looking at this principle for selfish gains.
People presume that for what ever they need, they can just 'sow' some money calling it seed and they will reap what ever they have been desiring.
Dear Children of God, do not add to the Word of God, or it will come back on us as a curse.
Lets understand what actually is SOWING AND REAPING means.
'' 2 Corinthians 8:3 - 5
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond thier ability.Entirely on thier own , they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
And they did not do as we expected , but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. ''
'' 2Corinthians 9 : 6,7 Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and who ever 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.''
'' 2Cor 8:7 But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. ''
These above verses speak about sowing - sowing into the Kingdom of God.
This sowing comes from the Lord.
Dear Children of God, do not add to the Word of God, or it will come back on us as a curse.
Lets understand what actually is SOWING AND REAPING means.
'' 2 Corinthians 8:3 - 5
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond thier ability.Entirely on thier own , they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
And they did not do as we expected , but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. ''
'' 2Corinthians 9 : 6,7 Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and who ever 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.''
'' 2Cor 8:7 But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. ''
These above verses speak about sowing - sowing into the Kingdom of God.
This sowing comes from the Lord.
Once we submit ourselves totally to God, as it is said in verse 5, we need to first give ourselves unto the Lord, and the Lord Himself will guide us as to how much we must give out for HIS service, and when once we know that, then we need to happily give out that amount, generously...for God loves a cheerful giver.
This principle is not meant to be applied for gaining personal riches or for elevating ourselves and boasting about our giving.
'' Hebrews 10:36 - You need to persevere.''
I have come across some preachings where they refer the sowing of Isaac in the land of famine to sowing of seeds of money.
As the Spirit of God helps us, let us meditate on this and understand what Isaac did during times of famine .
'' Genesis 26 : 1, 12, 13
Now there was a famine in the land....
Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blesed him.The man became rich and his wealth continued to grow untill he became very wealthy.''
Dear people, Isaac's sowing in the times of famine, here represents Isaac's profession.
Isaac worked out his land and planted crops.
'' Isaiah 3:14 The Lord enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: '' It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.....declares the Lord Almighty.'' ''
Whether this principle operates in the materialistic things ( to which as many have assigned the name 'seed' lately), or is this principle used to reflect on something else:
'' Galatians 6 : 7 - 10 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 show 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 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.''
Dear people this Scripture clearly tells us that sowing and reaping is nowhere directly connected / limited to money, for that matter any materialistic giving for selfish desires.
The following Scripture speaks about two kinds of wisdom, and that selfish ambition comes from the wisdom of the world, which is earthly and of the devil :
''James 3: 13 - 18 Who is wise and understanding among you ? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ''wisdom'' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.''
Dear people, this sowing and reaping is not for selfish gains.
God has used this principle for HIS Kingdom - for the spread of HIS gospel.
God has used this principle for HIS Kingdom - for the spread of HIS gospel.
This principle is not meant to be applied for gaining personal riches or for elevating ourselves and boasting about our giving.
In fact, the word says that this kind of generosity actually comes from a severe trail and extreme poverty :
Lets look at this Scripture :
Lets look at this Scripture :
'' 2 Corinthians 8:2 -Out of the most severe trail , thier overflowing joy and thier extreme poverty welled up in Rich Generosity. ''
It is by allowing severe trials and tests that God trains us and moulds us in such a way that we become worthy for HIS Kingdom, and become a useful vessel in HIS hands.
Attaining this quality of richness in generosity, for serving God, does not come from being rich or wealthy, or by greed for personal gains - but comes from undergoing severe trails and going through poverty yet holding on to HIM in faithfulness.
Because when we go through poverty and hold on to God, we will realise the truth that it is not by money that we live, but by the grace of God and HIS Word, that sustains us at all times.
Grasping of this truth, makes us more oriented towards the love of God and HIS kingdom, HIS promise of eternal life and awaiting of our Saviour , and thereby money seems worthless for us - and this makes us give out as much as we are prompted by the Lord, and sometimes make vows even beyond our ability out of the Love for the Lord, thereby making us generous. This generosity is a Spirit gift.
And such a person, aims his giving only for the spread of the Gospel, and for needs of God's saints as prompted by the Holy Spirit, and certainly not to increase his own personal riches or his personal comfort or to elevate himself.
Such a ' sowing ' is what God honors and commends - and gives back generously to those who sow generously. And those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.
It is by allowing severe trials and tests that God trains us and moulds us in such a way that we become worthy for HIS Kingdom, and become a useful vessel in HIS hands.
Attaining this quality of richness in generosity, for serving God, does not come from being rich or wealthy, or by greed for personal gains - but comes from undergoing severe trails and going through poverty yet holding on to HIM in faithfulness.
Because when we go through poverty and hold on to God, we will realise the truth that it is not by money that we live, but by the grace of God and HIS Word, that sustains us at all times.
Grasping of this truth, makes us more oriented towards the love of God and HIS kingdom, HIS promise of eternal life and awaiting of our Saviour , and thereby money seems worthless for us - and this makes us give out as much as we are prompted by the Lord, and sometimes make vows even beyond our ability out of the Love for the Lord, thereby making us generous. This generosity is a Spirit gift.
And such a person, aims his giving only for the spread of the Gospel, and for needs of God's saints as prompted by the Holy Spirit, and certainly not to increase his own personal riches or his personal comfort or to elevate himself.
Such a ' sowing ' is what God honors and commends - and gives back generously to those who sow generously. And those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.
The devil has been so crafty in turning the usage of this principle towards increasing personal riches. And people now presume that for whatever they desire, they can sow some money and will reap the desires.
How foolish is this ?
It is the Word of God that we need to sow as seeds into our lives, in order to reap the bountiful harvest of righteousness.
'' 2 Corinthians 9:10 - Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every ocassion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God ''
This seed in us produces, many gifts of the Spirit, of which '' Generosity '' is one. So that with this God given generosity when we sow into God's Kingdom, we reap the '' Harvest of Righteousness'' .
Its begins with the Seed of God and results in the Seed of God, that is Christ, our Righteousness.
No where anything else is referred to having any power of a seed to influence or to play a role. No money, no wealth , no cars, or no jets have any role to play in reaping God's promises.
'' 1 Timothy 6:9,10 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.For the love of money is a Root cause of all kinds of evil.Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themsleves with many griefs.''
How foolish is this ?
It is the Word of God that we need to sow as seeds into our lives, in order to reap the bountiful harvest of righteousness.
'' 2 Corinthians 9:10 - Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every ocassion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God ''
This seed in us produces, many gifts of the Spirit, of which '' Generosity '' is one. So that with this God given generosity when we sow into God's Kingdom, we reap the '' Harvest of Righteousness'' .
Its begins with the Seed of God and results in the Seed of God, that is Christ, our Righteousness.
No where anything else is referred to having any power of a seed to influence or to play a role. No money, no wealth , no cars, or no jets have any role to play in reaping God's promises.
'' 1 Timothy 6:9,10 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.For the love of money is a Root cause of all kinds of evil.Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themsleves with many griefs.''
So do not presume and make your money to be some seed to reap your personal desires.
Seed is something that has life in it, and word of God alone has that power of life.
And it alone is the SEED in the Kingdom of God.
'' 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed. ''
So do not be afraid to face trials, but learn to cling on to God no matter whatever might happen around you.
''1 Peter 4:12, 13 ..do not be surprised at the painful trail you are sufering as though something strange were happening to you.But rejoice that you particpate in the sufering of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed .''
When we undergo trails, we should first check if there is any sin in us. If convicted, then we need to confess and reconcile back to God, and once you are at peace with God, just thank HIM for those trials, for once we are done with the will of God and are thoroughly tested, we will receive what has been promised to us.
And it alone is the SEED in the Kingdom of God.
'' 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed. ''
So do not be afraid to face trials, but learn to cling on to God no matter whatever might happen around you.
''1 Peter 4:12, 13 ..do not be surprised at the painful trail you are sufering as though something strange were happening to you.But rejoice that you particpate in the sufering of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed .''
When we undergo trails, we should first check if there is any sin in us. If convicted, then we need to confess and reconcile back to God, and once you are at peace with God, just thank HIM for those trials, for once we are done with the will of God and are thoroughly tested, we will receive what has been promised to us.
'' Hebrews 10:36 - You need to persevere.''
I have come across some preachings where they refer the sowing of Isaac in the land of famine to sowing of seeds of money.
As the Spirit of God helps us, let us meditate on this and understand what Isaac did during times of famine .
'' Genesis 26 : 1, 12, 13
Now there was a famine in the land....
Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blesed him.The man became rich and his wealth continued to grow untill he became very wealthy.''
Dear people, Isaac's sowing in the times of famine, here represents Isaac's profession.
Isaac worked out his land and planted crops.
This sowing of Isaac is being wrongly interpreted and preached as sowing seeds of money into churches and waiting on God to send a hundredfold blessing.
Let us say if sowing and reaping of Isaac is what these teachings proclaim, then Isaac should have gone to a church and put seeds of money and waited on God.
Let us say if sowing and reaping of Isaac is what these teachings proclaim, then Isaac should have gone to a church and put seeds of money and waited on God.
But this is not what Isaac did !!
Isaac followed the instructions given to HIM by God, and kept his commands and remained in that land in faithfulness and worked diligently in his profession, disregarding the natural drought conditions, therefore reaped a hundredfold blessing and became wealthy, because God was with him.
''Genesis 26:2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, ''Do not go down to Egypt; Live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you.''
God has promsied to be with Isaac and God has commanded Isaac to be in that land and that He will bless him. In obedience, Isaac remained in that land even during famine without being afraid of the natural circumstances.
It is his obedience and faith in God that reaped him a hundredfold blessing.
''Genesis 26:2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, ''Do not go down to Egypt; Live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you.''
God has promsied to be with Isaac and God has commanded Isaac to be in that land and that He will bless him. In obedience, Isaac remained in that land even during famine without being afraid of the natural circumstances.
It is his obedience and faith in God that reaped him a hundredfold blessing.
Some also preach to name that money seed with your desire, and give an assignment to that so called seed, and that the seed will bring that harvest for you over a period of time !
Remember people, a seed is something that has life in it.
There is no seed other than the word of God.
There is no object on this earth that has life in it to bring you harvest of riches.
'' Isaiah 3 :12 O My People, your guides lead you astray.''
'' Isaiah 3:14 The Lord enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: '' It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.....declares the Lord Almighty.'' ''
There is also a teaching taking the example of Widow in Zarephath giving her last meal to prophet Elijah and they lay demands on people to bring them their best of their possesions in order to get blessings the widow Zarephath received. Such teaching proclaims that it is because she emptied her last meal to the prophet her flour and oil in her house never ended.
But the 9th verse is MORE SIGNIFICANT here.
''1Kings 17:9 I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food. ''
''1Kings 17:9 I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food. ''
God has already commanded the widow to give food to Elijah.
It was on God's command that the widow has given her last meal to the Prophet Elijah and even Elijah was informed about this, before he was sent to her.
Hence he approached her on GOD's DIRECTION and asked her to bake some bread for him.
Elijah did not demand basing on his position as a prophet of God.
Let us read the following Scripture to rightly understand in what aspects the ' sow and reap ' principle operates in the kingdom of God.
Whether this principle operates in the materialistic things ( to which as many have assigned the name 'seed' lately), or is this principle used to reflect on something else:
'' Galatians 6 : 7 - 10 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 show 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 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.''
Dear people this Scripture clearly tells us that sowing and reaping is nowhere directly connected / limited to money, for that matter any materialistic giving for selfish desires.
The following Scripture speaks about two kinds of wisdom, and that selfish ambition comes from the wisdom of the world, which is earthly and of the devil :
''James 3: 13 - 18 Who is wise and understanding among you ? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ''wisdom'' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.''
As redeemed children of the Most High God, let us only seek the wisdom of heaven and be peace-makers who sow in peace.
Let the word of God alone be our Seed.
Let us sow the seed of His word into our lives, and become rich in God, and thereby become generous and give cheerfully into God's kingdom, so that we may reap a hundredfold harvest.
Let the word of God alone be our Seed.
Let us sow the seed of His word into our lives, and become rich in God, and thereby become generous and give cheerfully into God's kingdom, so that we may reap a hundredfold harvest.
(Note : Please read '' Rich through Christ's poverty '' message , for further Scriptural understanding on sowing and reaping.)
God bless You.
