Sowing and reaping…

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for G-d loves a cheerful giver. And G-d is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
-2 Corinthians 9:6-8

What do we want to reap? What are we sowing? If we want to be loved, we should sow love - “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39). If we want forgiveness, we should sow forgiveness – “…forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…” (Matthew 6:12). If you want health, sow health in to your own life and the lives around you. Stop eating unhealthy food and get rid of the hazardous chemicals at your house. Everyone around you will benefit.

If we want to reap financial abundance, we should sow generously and cheerfully into the good work G-d is doing. A particular story we have heard in several contexts is about a person who decides to tithe on their next year’s income. Stepping out in faith, believing they will get bonuses and promotions, praying consistently, and giving over and above what is expected. These people always experience financial blessing and in many stories experience health, peace, love, and joy as well!

G-d’s resources are limitless, His love – enduring, His acceptance – full, His promises – conditional.

“If you fully obey The LORD your G-d and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, The LORD your G-d will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey The LORD your G-d…” – Deuteronomy 28

The blessings that follow are diverse and many. That particular chapter also list curses that follow when we do not listen or obey G-d. We may not understand or agree with G-d’s ways and purposes, but they are wisdom and they are life.

So let’s take Isaiah’s advice…

Seek The LORD while he may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to The LORD, and He will have mercy on him,
and to our G-d, for He will freely pardon.
"For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways,"
declares The LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are My Ways higher than your ways
and My Thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is My Word that goes out from My Mouth:
It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
- Isaiah 55:6-12

Singing hills?  Clapping trees?  G-d's will accomplished.  Nice!!!