Planting for Your Purpose: How What You Give Determines What You Get

Hello, friends! I want to talk to you about something we all love to talk about—blessings. We all have areas of our lives where we want God's touch, His provision, His healing, and His favor. But here's the thing: We’ve all heard the saying, "You reap what you sow." But what does that really mean when it comes to getting God to bless us? What does it have to do with sowing and reaping?

Well, my friends, it's all in the seeds we plant.

The Law of the Seed

Think about it this way: if I want apples, I don’t plant an orange seed. If I want oranges, I don’t plant an apple seed. It’s that simple, right? You cannot plant an apple seed and get oranges. It just won’t happen. You plant the seed, and the seed grows into the fruit it was designed to bear.

Now, here’s where the lesson kicks in: the seed you plant determines what you will reap. If you’re out there trying to get something from God, but you're not sowing seeds that line up with what you need, you can’t expect to get the harvest you're hoping for.

So, let’s ask ourselves, “What seeds are we planting?” Because here’s the big truth: you plant the seeds of what you want to receive. You want kindness, sow kindness. You want love, sow love. You want forgiveness, sow forgiveness. You want peace? You better plant seeds of peace. This is not just a nice idea—it’s a divine principle that God has set in motion, and it’s the key to unlocking blessings in our lives.

The Seed of Humility: A Key Ingredient

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, the part where most of us cringe just a little bit—humility. Humility is key. I mean, let's be real: we love to talk about blessings, but do we like to talk about the humility that often precedes them?

Here’s the thing: We all want God to bless us in different areas. Maybe you need financial help. If that’s you, think about this: Instead of just praying for a financial miracle, maybe you should consider blessing someone else who’s in need first. It’s like saying to God, “Hey, I trust You with my finances. I believe that when I give, You’ll provide for me too!” You’re planting the seed of generosity, and God will honor that. He’s watching, friends, and He’s waiting to bless those who show they can be trusted with blessings.

Forgiveness: The Seed That Opens the Door to Blessing

Let’s get even more real for a second. You’re probably thinking about something in your life that’s been a tough spot—maybe a broken relationship, a hurt that you can’t seem to shake. Guess what? If you want forgiveness, you’ve got to sow forgiveness.

It’s like when someone cuts you off in traffic, and you’re sitting there thinking, “I’m not forgiving that jerk. Not today, Satan!” But you know what? God won't bless us with forgiveness if we aren't willing to forgive others first.

And you’re thinking, “But Pastor Cris, they don’t deserve my forgiveness!” You know what? You’re right! They probably don’t. But do YOU deserve God’s forgiveness? None of us do! But He gives it anyway. Forgiveness is not about the other person; it’s about releasing yourself from the chains that bitterness ties you in. When you forgive, you're planting the seed of healing and freedom in your heart, and God honors that.

God's Divine Order and Structure

God is a God of order. He doesn’t operate like a chaotic vending machine, where we hit a button, and He gives us exactly what we ask for. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. So, He doesn’t just want us to ask for blessings; He wants us to act in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God.

This is how God’s blessings work: When we bless others, God blesses us. When we sow seeds of kindness, generosity, and love, God multiplies those seeds. That’s how the divine structure works. He doesn’t give us blessings so we can lock them up in a box in the back of our closet, saying, “Well, that was nice, but I’m good now. Thanks, God.” No! God blesses us so we can bless others, and through that process, His Kingdom grows.

The Challenge: Plant the Seeds

Now, I want to challenge all of us today. Consider the areas of your life where you need God to move. Is it your finances? Start planting the seeds of generosity. Is it your relationships? Start sowing the seeds of forgiveness and kindness. Do you need peace in your heart? Start planting seeds of peace in your words, in your actions, and in your prayers.

I want you to take a moment and think about this: What seed are you planting today that will produce the harvest you need tomorrow? God is waiting to bless you, but He’s looking for a heart that’s willing to sow the right seeds.

A Call to Action: Start Planting Today

I want to leave you with this: Blessings are not just about what we ask for—they’re about what we’re willing to plant in faith. So, let’s take action. Let’s take the time to plant the seeds we want to harvest. Let’s be generous, forgiving, and humble.

Today, God is calling us to step out in faith. If you need finances, give. If you need healing, pray for someone else. If you need peace, speak peace to someone who’s troubled. The harvest starts with what you’re willing to plant.

Let’s pray,

“Lord, thank You for being the God of order and blessing. We know that You see our needs, and we trust that You will provide. But help us to understand that we must first plant the right seeds. Help us to sow generously, forgive freely, and love unconditionally. We believe that as we plant, You will bring the harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Go out there today and start planting the seeds of what you want to receive. Trust God with your seed, and watch Him multiply it. Stay blessed!