October Blessings

God gives us some wonderful things in the fall. Just look around and you will see beautiful leaves and stunning views. What gifts do we give to others? Not maybe physical or material things, but what kind of a difference are we making in people’s lives? 2 Corinthians 9: 6-11 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” Our prayer should be “Lord, teach us how to serve one another. Help us to put the needs of others first, as you did for us. Show us ways to use our gifts to bless others.”

This time year always makes people a little more cheerful and helpful. The leaves changing colors and the weather becoming a little cooler remind us that change is good. To everything there is a time and a season.

The biblical meaning of autumn is closely associated with harvesting crops that He has blessed upon the earth. That’s where the phrase “reap what you sow” comes in. In spiritual terms, we reap the benefits of our faithful labor of prayer, humility, and love. The concept of “sowing and reaping” is immensely better than “karma.” The sowing part is not just a duty that I must perform. There is nourishment that accompanies doing the will of God and helping other people. There is a joy in finishing good works for the Lord ( John 4:34) and that joy isn’t dependent on the harvest that may come later. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” ( Psalm 126:5). God can even bring joy out of dire, even tragic, events. God’s love is so much greater than karma.

Reaping and sowing is all about blessings and consequences. I seek to live in obedience more and more by sowing good things and then I reap other good things, but not necessarily in the same field. I often sow in one field and reap in another. Always remember that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6). So, go ahead and sow generously and even lavishly. There is always some kind of reward. Some rewards are instantaneous and easy to spot. Others take a little more introspection to see but they are there all the same. Let us give thanks to the Lord for the gift of October. May it be a month filled with Your presence, Your peace, and Your promises fulfi lled. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Please visit The Family Church 9456 Hwy 146 N, Liberty, TX (Hardin) or Facebook live @tfchardin.