For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:8-10Where are we sowing today? Are we sowing to our flesh or to the spiritual things in life? Are we looking to please ourselves, to be happy in the way the world sees happiness? Or are we looking to God our Father for true happiness that comes with unbelievable peace and unending joy?
What do we settle for in life? You may say, "I have the perfect life! I have a wonderful home, and a family that serves the Lord. We want for very little." And yet, there are times when we all get tired. We all have suffering; we all have sorrow. So what is the point of sowing in gladness if we are to reap in sorrow?
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Ruth 2:2-4According to the Law of Moses, it was the practice for every farmer to leave grain that fell to the ground during harvest and not let it be gathered, so that the stranger and the poor could come through and gather what they needed. When Boaz saw that his workers had left some grain to be gleaned by the poor, he spoke blessings on his reapers. Are you reaping what the Lord has put before you to gather? Or are you deciding where to go on your own?
I believe the Lord has set before us each a path to follow. Some of us, however, tend to step to the side to see the sights and some think we know a better way. If you have ever read Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, you will understand this a little bit more. We are given a path to follow and yet we choose to do what is right in our own eyes, as Israel did so many times in their history. Read what happened when they chose to follow themselves over what was right in God’s eyes. Look to God each day to find out what He wants you to do.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24When we follow what He has ordered for our path, then we will be blessed. If we come into trouble He will guide us through it. If we trip and take a tumble, He will lift us up and send others to help us make it to safety. Even though it is a humbling experience, He will send helpers to keep us on the right path. But it is up to us to walk in godly counsel. We need to choose whom we listen to. There are many false teachers and false prophets who will come in these days, but with the discernment of the Lord we will be able to tell whom to listen to. Many are well meaning, but are ignorant of the truth. We must be cautious of our counsel. As Pastor Vega has said, “Don’t go looking for parking lot counselors.” Look to God for your guidance.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3God would not have put this scripture in the Word if it were not possible for us to listen to the wrong people and be led astray. Personally, I would rather listen to God and be that tree planted by the rivers of living water, drinking of His goodness all the days of my life. I knowing that when hard times come my way, I will be able to stand knowing my God is with me. Sure, we all struggle with things, but struggles can be used of the Lord to strengthen our walk with Him. You just need to look to Him at all times because He will never let go of you. He will never let go, not in the bad times and not in the good times. So many of us think that if all is well we do not need to keep checking in with our Boss to get direction. But we do!
There is a song that says over and over, “Oh, Lord you never let go, through the calm and through the storm… Lord, you never let go of me.” We can thank God that He is there with us, even when we walk out into the storm on our own. Our God will not leave us nor forsake us, but our job is to follow after Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to follow you today, to walk in the steps that you set out before us. Give us eyes to see, and ears to hear, what your Spirit tells us to do. Block things from our ears and eyes that you would rather we stay away from. Give us clear direction for today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Suggested readings: Psalm 37:1-40; Psalm 1:1-6; Hebrews 13:1-25; Philippians 3:1-21; Psalm 35:1-28.