Happy MONDAY! This is the day… That the Lord hath made!
This week’s devotion is “What are you Sowing” written by Sara Devine! Please take the time to read as she shares her heart with us today!
Make it a GREAT week!
What are you Sowing ~ Sara Devine
Have you ever thought about what your parents, grandparents, or spiritual leaders had to endure before you got to reap from it? I was talking to my husband about feeling like I don’t really have to go through many “hard” things and its not because I had anything to do with it. I mean I’m just a wretched sinner that has fallen flat on my face so many times I can’t count. My husband reminded me that I could be reaping the benefits of my parents labor, not because they were perfect, but because they sowed seeds that reap eternal rewards. I saw them obey the Word of God, pray for their children, and continue to make steps of growth. The same goes for my grandparents, my Sunday school teachers, my pastor, his wife and many more. The thing is, whatever you may be going through, whether it be a season of growth or a season of rest; if you remember to trust and choose to obey God your children can reap the benefits of your choices, but ultimately it will be their choice to obey. As I’m writing this I’m scared to death that my children will choose their own will over the Lord’s, but I can tell you I will fight on my knees as much as it takes. Lets see what God’s Word says and how we can apply the truth to our own lives. I Kings 11:9-13 “And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, (10)And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. (11)Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. (12)Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. (13)Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.” We see from these verses that, “the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD”. Notice that it first mentions his heart was turned from God. Solomon started to prioritize other gods over the Lord. This didn’t happen overnight. His heart turned little by little. The danger for believers is not sudden rebellion, but quiet compromise. That is what starts the gradual drift away from Him. We start to prioritize “things” over our relationship with Christ. This can be our phone, mindless busyness, career, family, or self. We know that Jesus is sure and stedfast a reliable anchor that doesn’t fail. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Praise The Lord! We are the ones that turn away from Him. We must stay guarded against the “things” and focus on Christ. Regularly examine your heart. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Stay sensitive to conviction instead of excusing it. Then the Bible says God appeared to him twice commanding him to obey. I Kings 3:14 “And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” I Kings 9:4-5 “And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: (5)Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, there shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.” Solomon had clear instruction straight from the Source, yet he still disobeyed. Spiritual knowledge doesn’t replace obediance. Through God’s Word we learn what is expected of us. His commands are spread throughout. It is our job to walk with the Lord and obey what He asks of us. Respond quickly when God convicts you. It says in James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Solomon had wisdom, wealth, and power—but lost wholehearted devotion to God. A strong start doesn’t guarantee a strong finish. Solomon’s problem was that he loved MANY women and they were of the nations that the Lord warned to stay away from, because “surely they will turn away your heart after their gods” (I Kings 11:2). The Bible says He clung to these woman in love. If only He had clung to Christ in love, things would of turned out differently! Lastly, God tells Solomon that He will rip the kingdom, not out of his hand, but out of his son’s hand. And it’s all because of David, his father, which God repeatedly told him to be like. We all know David had his faults, but God said he was a man after His heart. Yes, he was an imperfect sinner, just like you and me, but he stayed humble and continued to seek God. Allow humility to take over when pride is evident. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “…and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” What’s even more sad is that upon hearing this; Solomon didn’t repent. He didn’t change. It seemed he was like, O well, at least I get to benefit from dad. As a parent if God were to tell me that my children would reap the consequences of my actions that would make me repent! And yes, the Bible talks of generational consequences, but ultimately each individual is responsible for their own sin. We must always remember though, the far-reaching effects our sin has. Our children are always watching, and if you don’t have children; someone is watching you. It could be your siblings, your friends, church members, or even your co-workers. The good thing is God offers mercy and gives us a chance to repent and choose righteousness. Ask yourself: Am I more focused on outward success or inward obedience? What will my faith look like if I stay on this path long-term? Finish your course with joy! Finish well by daily obedience. I’m working on passing down a legacy that reaps eternal rewards… how about you?
https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/what-are-you-sowing-sara-devine
