Devotions

The Purpose of a Blessing

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 enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 1 Corinthians 9:10-11 

Fall is my favorite time of year with its colorful palette, cooler temperatures, college football and harvest festivals. All are good gifts to enjoy, but it occurs to me that a bountiful harvest is the greater blessing. I depend on food and I am thankful for farmers who work hard in every season of the year to secure a good harvest. Fields get plowed and seeds get planted. So much has to be done before the crop ripens. It’s a lot like how our own faith takes shape. A healthy spiritual life has some similarities to this theme of harvest and it all starts with a blessing.  

In Paul’s letter to the early church at Corinth he uses agricultural references, but he isn’t giving advice on farming. There is in this scripture a seed for the soul. Paul teaches us that God supplies everything we need to grow in righteousness. He continually blesses us. As we grow in faith, we become aware that the blessings we receive aren’t just for us. They are meant to be shared. Paul writes, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  

In God’s kingdom, people are the soil and his word is the seed. When God showers favor on his children, it nourishes our faith and reveals his goodness. His unfailing love is designed to take root in our lives and transform us into a fruitful harvest. This kind of farming feeds a world starving for good news. Followers of Christ have a mission to complete. We are the recipients of the greatest blessing in the universe; the love and grace of Jesus Christ. 

May the purpose of that blessing be fulfilled in you and me. 

Practice Love

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV) 

During Covid, a group of women gathered on Zoom and began to study how scripture and books help us connect and grow in our knowledge of God.  We named ourselves “The Bluebirds” and have learned so much about God’s love and our love for one another. Recently, we spent time exploring spiritual disciplines that have prompted us to reflect and seek ways to grow in our faith practices.  The word, “practice” has given me much to think about.  

Practicing our faith relieves us from the pressure of perfecting our faith.  It implies that this is something we strive for each day, but constantly need to work on so that we can allow the Holy Spirit to perfect us in the love of God.  This Sunday, we will celebrate Consecration Sunday. As a church, we will pledge our financial gifts, our time, and our hearts to continue to practice loving God and our neighbors.   

Love is a choice. When we choose to love, we choose to break barriers and build relationships.  This stewardship season has given me the time to reflect upon what I choose and how I love others.  I have thought about my relationship with the Lord and whether this is reflected in my own life.  I pray you have taken the time to consider your own walk with the Lord.  What do you practice that strengthens your relationship with Jesus?