Reaping a Harvest

Mark 4:14-20 (NLT) "The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

If you have been a Christian for a while odds are you have heard many messages on prosperity and financial blessings. There is a lot of truth regarding God's desire for you to prosper in all areas of your life being shared but there are also plenty of messages being preached on the promises and blessings of God without the commandments on how to obtain them. The parable of the farmer is a great story that explains how to reap a harvest. The main point of this story is that seeds must be planted in good soil so it can take root and grow deep within you.

Over the spring of 2018 my husband and I decided it was time to add some good soil to our hard, clay and rock-filled Missouri lawn. We had someone aerate the lawn first, preparing the yard for what was to come. Then we had a truckload of soil delivered and we purchased quality grass seed and fertilizer. Now, we could have allowed the soil, seed, and fertilizer to just sit as is and wait for a harvest of beautiful grass to miraculously come, however, we are much wiser than that. We knew that we had to mix the ingredients together along with a lot of water for our harvest of green grass to come forth.

One thing to point out is this: the seed must begin in the dirt! Before you can receive a harvest, you are going to have to get your hands dirty! Hard work will pay off when you are consistent and persistent in your goals and following the Holy Spirit. Giving up along the way is not an option for receiving your blessing. Allow the seeds of God's word to take root in your spirit and bring forth a harvest of unending blessings!

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

As you sow seeds of love, you will always reap love. As you sow seeds of joy and peace you shall also receive them.

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

As you are led by the Holy Spirit on where to give your offerings are how to invest in business and also in His Kingdom, He gives you the power to create wealth! Wealth is not something we chase after, we chase after Jesus and follow Him, and the blessings of God (yes this includes financial blessings) will chase after you! If you aren't in love with money, God will not have a problem getting it into your hands because He can trust you to use it wisely and not foolishly or selfishly but for His Kingdom!

3 John 1:2 (AMP) Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].

Romans 12:3 (KJV) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Let's use our measure of faith to God's purposes and obey Him so we may continue to flourish and reap a harvest of souls for God's Kingdom!