2009.04.09. You can only recover what you put out there! 2Cor9.6

2Co 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

In this context Paul is specifically speaking about giving gifts to support his ministry. But as I ponder this, it makes me think of ministry. If I am careful and not generous in my approach to ministry, the blessings or reaping will be sparingly. I think of the story of the man that God told to get a lot of jars. The man filled them up with oil, but because he didn't get many he was limited to the amount of oil that he could store. And God reprimanded the man saying, "why didn't you get more jars, you could have had so much more."

As I reflect on my own ministry and the place that I am in, I doubt God's supreme power to provide and I am reticent to act. I hold back, but His desire is that I sow generously, giving many the opportunity to hear from God so that many will come to Christ for His glory.

God I ask to move in faith not according to sight. For you are God. Amen

2008.11.19. Ready with the Word. Matt. 4:4

But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matt. 4:4.

Jesus is ready to respond with the words of God. Jesus knows the words of God to be able to respond with them. This is what is activiely putting on the armor of God and is even a reflection against the attacks of Satan. An example of distinguishing the arrows of the evil one.

God I pray that I would be ready to use your word against the attacks of Satan. That I may live unto your ways. Ready to defend and even to take ground for your kingdom. amen.