What do you choose to do with what God has given you? Is generosity in the picture? How do you handle the seeds and the bread? Do you sow the seeds in order to reap? Do you eat the bread to remain strong? Today, let’s be generous people when it comes to pouring into the lives of others!
Consider what God’s Word says about the seeds and the bread when it comes to generosity:
‘Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit]. For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need], and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you. Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!’
2 Corinthians 9:10-15
Knowing what to sow and what to eat is important!
Consider what we learn about the purpose and the plans for the seed and notice it says to sow whereas the bread is for food. Firstly, let’s sow the seeds so that God can multiply your seed for sowing that is, our resources, and increase the harvest of our righteousness which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love. Secondly, let’s sow the seeds so that God is able to work in and through us so that we will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this generosity, administered through us will produce thanksgiving to God from those who benefit! Finally, let’s remember that the ministry of this service offering is not only supplying the needs of the saints, God’s people but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation in this gift for them and for all [the other believers in need], and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed in you.
Don’t be robbed by the lies of the devil and tricked into thinking you need to eat the seeds. God provides for our needs and so let’s choose to be obedient and eat the bread and sow the seeds of generosity!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. ‘
2 Corinthians 9:6
Firstly, let’s be the dads who realize the bread and seeds we have been given so that we can be good stewards of each and then be able to sow generously! Secondly, let’s choose to be generous so that we can bless our wives, our kids, and our world! Finally, let’s make sure to prepare the soil for the seeds we are going to sow because we remember the state of the heart is so important. Today, let’s be pouring out into the lives of the people around us so they will be ready to hear and receive the good news when they hear it.
Consider the impact of generosity of sowing the seeds based on the soil type: (Matthew 13:1-23)
- The hardened path: This soil represents those who hear the word but do not understand it. The devil takes away the seed before it can take root.
- The rocky ground: This soil represents those who receive the word with joy but have no root. They fall away when faced with persecution or trials.
- The thorny soil: This soil represents those who hear the word but allow worldly concerns and the deceitfulness of wealth to choke out the seed, so it cannot produce a crop.
- The good soil: This soil represents those who hear the word, understand it, and bear fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Now consider what you could do to help make all the soil types become good soil:
- The hardened path: To convert the hardened path soil into good soil, one must take steps to cultivate an understanding of the word. This can be done by seeking out wise teachers and mentors who can help explain the meaning of the word and its implications. It is also important to pray for wisdom and guidance and to be open and receptive to the truth.
- The rocky ground: To convert the rocky ground soil into good soil, one must develop deep roots in faith. This means taking the time to study and meditate on the Word, building relationships with other believers, and seeking out opportunities to serve and be a part of a faith community. It also means being prepared to endure trials and persecution and relying on God’s strength and power to overcome.
- The thorny soil: To convert the thorny soil into good soil, one must take steps to remove the thorns and weeds that are choking out the Word. This means being intentional about identifying and addressing worldly concerns and distractions that are competing for our attention and devotion. It also means being willing to let go of material possessions and worldly pleasures that can hinder our spiritual growth.
With all of this in mind, let’s consider how we can apply today’s verse of the day towards generosity as dads.
Ways to apply generosity from today’s verse of the day as dads:
Provide for your family generously:
As a dad, one of the most important ways to demonstrate generosity is to provide for your family generously. This includes providing for their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, but also going above and beyond to provide opportunities for growth and enrichment.
Model generosity:
Children learn by example, so one of the most effective ways to teach generosity is to model it yourself. Let your children see you giving generously of your time, talents, and resources to others.
Teach your children about giving:
Make it a point to teach your children about the importance of giving to others. Encourage them to give a portion of their allowance or earnings to charity, and involve them in volunteer work and other charitable activities.
Give sacrificially:
Generosity often involves sacrifice. As a dad, be willing to give sacrificially of your time, talents, and resources to others, even if it means making personal sacrifices.
Be open-handed:
A generous spirit is characterized by an open-handedness that is willing to give freely and without hesitation. Cultivate this kind of spirit in yourself and encourage it in your children.
Support your community:
Generosity extends beyond your immediate family to your community. Look for ways to support your community, whether through volunteer work, charitable donations, or other means.
Encourage your children to share:
Sharing is an important aspect of generosity. Encourage your children to share their toys, snacks, and other possessions with others.
Be mindful of others:
A generous spirit is one that is mindful of the needs of others. As a dad, make it a point to be aware of the needs of those around you and look for ways to help.
Give without expectation:
True generosity is given without expectation of anything in return. As a dad, give generously without expecting anything in return, and encourage your children to do the same.
Rejoice in giving:
Finally, remember that generosity is its own reward. As a dad, rejoice in the act of giving and the blessings that come from it, and encourage your children to do the same.
