Jesus calls himself the bread of life. We are picking up with our third episode Harvest Series in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. We are reminded that God provides ALL we need. Be encouraged today with this news.
Harvest Takeaway Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:10
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
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Transcription:
Hi, I’m Erica. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. We are in the middle of of a harvest series because the Bible has a lot to say about planting, sowing, and reaping so, sow much. Get it? Sow much? You know, And I love that Jesus calls himself the bread of life. Only he can satisfy your soul and my soul. So, today’s episode is called The Bread of Life will provide for us. By the way, have you made your first loaf of pumpkin bread yet? Oh, I know, I know. I’m busy, but every once in a while, on a Saturday afternoon, is there anything better than taking time to just mix up the batter, put that bread in the oven, and then all of a sudden the whole house smells like cinnamon and pumpkin?
I really love this time of year, and I love the topic of harvest. So, we’re gonna be diving into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, his second letter. So, it’s Second Corinthians chapter nine, and we’re picking it up in verse six, Our old pal, the apostle Paul says,
Remember this, A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop, but the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give; and don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure, for God loves a person who gives cheerfully, and God will generously provide all you need.
Can we just stop there for a second and God will generously provide all you need. I need to hear that.
Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others. As the scriptures say they share freely and give generously to the poor, their good deeds will be remembered forever.
Wow. Here’s our takeaway verse. Verse 10:
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide an increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
That’s a promise that’s right here in the Bible. You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So, two good things will result from this ministry of giving. The needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met and they will joyfully express their thanks to. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God, for your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the good news of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.
Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words. I love this so much. Because the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to be generous. And he said there’s a reward. There’s the good things that happen when you and I are generous, and here’s the promise. God will enable us to be generous. He will provide for us so that we can be generous. And it’s this beautiful circle of love and generosity that we see between us, others in God. A circle of love and generosity.
I remember when my children were little. They heard about a very special ministry on the radio called the 44 cent Cure. It’s part of World Concern’s Ministry, and their good work in the world. And they have this 44-cent pill that kills parasites in the stomachs of little children, in places like Africa, where their feet walk on dirty places and then the parasites enter through there. But this pill comes in and heals them and cleans them. And my children heard about this, and I remember them saying they wanted to give $20 to World Concern toward the 44-cent cure. And I remember they were in elementary school at the time, and I remember thinking to myself, That is so beautiful. My children are expressing generosity at an early age.
They heard about a need. They wanted to meet it. No one asked them. I didn’t come to them and say, Hey, you kids wanna give to the 44-cent cure? They just wanted to be a part of World Concern’s good work in the name of Jesus in our world, on our planet. And I have seen them do many, many generous things since then. They’re old enough to drive and vote and do all those things, but they’re still generous. If you’re a person where it’s hard, it’s hard for you to be generous, or you’re struggling financially. Let me say a little prayer for you right now because we just read the apostle Paul just told us in second Corinthians chapter nine that the bread of life our provider will provide for us. So, let me say a little prayer for you.
Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus. You are the bread of life. You are the one who satisfies. You’re the living water. And so, I just pray for my friend right now who struggles to be generous. You know, maybe they’re even worried with all of the inflation and other things going on. It’s hard, lord. It’s so hard sometimes to be generous financially. I just pray, Lord, that you would provide for them and let them know that you’re tapping on their heart today. And I pray for those who are struggling financially. They’re really hitting some tough times. I pray that you would provide for them in a way that they could almost see the windows of heaven opening into their hands. Lord Jesus. You are the bread of life you satisfy. You give us everything we need. Thank you for being our provider. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
All right, until next time we dive more into the harvest and what the Bible says about it. Remember you are loved.
Thank you so much for listening to the Bible for Busy People. If you need prayer or you’re ready to go a little deeper in your faith, we’ve posted some resources for you in our show notes. We’d love for you to share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review. It helps us reach even more people with the hope of Jesus. This podcast is part of Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and live in God’s purpose for your life. Find more podcasts that will recharge you at onpurposely.com.
