November 11, 2019: SOAP #3630:  Psalm 122; 1Corinthians 9-11

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 9:9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely, he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the ploughman ploughs and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
Romans (NIV) 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?

Observation:  In the Kingdom of God the value of money is enhanced.   It provides and avenue for us to express our appreciation.  It is an acceptable harvest for those sowing spiritual truth.  It is not wrong for it to be an expected harvest.  Those receiving spiritual seed sown into their lives should willing and joyfully return a “material harvest” to those sowing.  They should expect to do so.

Money is one way of sending those who carry the gospel to places of spiritual darkness.  (Romans 10:15)

Application:   The tithe is God’s money (Malachi 3:8).  He directs that it be brought into the store house.  How I invest my money, the remaining 90%, is an important part of being in God’s kingdom.  I use it to provide for my family and myself.  I believe God would have me save a portion for future needs.  AND it is my joy to invest in the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I have been faithful but still have much to learn.  One thing I have learned—you are more faithful than I am.  I have taken your challenge to prove you (Malachi 3:10), and you have proved faithful!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!