“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is simple. You can't reap what you do not sow.

Galatians 6:7 says this: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” NASB‬‬

The only way to reap a harvest is to sow seed. You cannot expect to have a garden if you do not till the ground, prepare the rows, and plant the seed. The seed must leave your hand in order to become something greater than what you currently see. In John 12:24 Jesus says this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” NASB‬‬

A seed is something else waiting  to come out. The change comes when it is released from the planters hand and buried in the soil. When it is placed in its created place, it germinates and the life within it bursts forth. It pushes its way through the dirt and into the sky above it. The plant that comes forth is much greater than the seed that was planted. In the proper time it's product is ready to harvest. We cannot expect to receive anything if we do not let go of what is in our hand. This doesn't mean that we are to plant carelessly. No, it is important for us to plant intentionally.

God has given us provisions. What we do with the provisions either creates opportunity for increase or simply depletes their supply.
Paul used the idea of sowing and reaping to illustrate to the Corinthians that God has placed a law into life. That law is this: You reap what you sow. What is interesting is that when you sow a watermelon seed, you don't just get a seed in return. The fruitful harvest from sowing that seed is a watermelon filled with seeds. In reality you can say that you reap more than you sow. This can be both positive and negative. When you sow sparingly you reap the same. When you sow bountifully, you reap the same. When you sow unrighteousness, you reap unrighteousness. When you sow righteousness, you reap righteousness.

We cannot expect God to give us a harvest of anything other than what we sow. Let us be careful and intentional with how and what we sow.

Money is a seed. In fact, it is a piece of paper that came from a tree, which was once a seed.

Paul made it clear to the Corinthians that God loves a "cheerful" giver. This word in the original Greek language means "hilarious". It can be interpreted "joyful". God calls us to joyfully participate in the work of His Church. When we do, and we sow into His Kingdom, we will reap a harvest. Giving is always a blessed thing. Are we giving to God's Church what He has placed in our hands or are we simply using up the supply for ourselves? He is calling us to give. It is up to us to determine what we will give. He will not force us. Our giving should be out of a heart that loves God and wants to honor Him. When we give in this manner, blessings are the result.

Ministry is a vital part of life. It cannot happen without resources. God has given to us the resources. It is up to us to sow the seed. The souls of men are affected by our willingness to give. May God help us think of others, not just ourselves. What will be your harvest?

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me always remember that You are the supplier of my every need. May I honor you by giving what You have given me to increase Your Kingdom.