Sanctuary

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. (Genesis 1:11)

At the beginning of creation, God created plants to be seed-bearing. They would be reproducible. No plant or fruit would ever be exactly the same, but each would be unique to its own inherent, God-infused nature. It’s not just nature that has the inherent nature of God, but humankind as well—including you.

God’s desire is to partner with you in bringing small seeds to a full harvest. That process takes time. Soul work is slow work. But from the beginning of time, God has been writing a Harvest Story. J. D. Walt says, “Awakening begins in a lifeless valley filled with dry bones. It comes to full fruition on the lush banks of a rushing river, bringing life wherever it goes. The story of awakening runs an epic course of deep sleep to an awe-inspiring movement of everlasting life. It winds along the way of the cross. It ends in the country of eternal possibility—nothing short of resurrection life.” And it was so. And it is so. Thank God for being the “author and perfecter of our faith.”

Prayer Focus: Men’s Ministry Sowers

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Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9–13)

Paul has spoken of the redeemed life and God’s mercies for His people. Moving into this chapter, he expresses how to live out a redeemed life, putting theology into practice. We are to give ourselves to Christ as living sacrifices through truly loving one another, responding in justice, patience, and availability to help others. Here, hospitality refers to having a heart that is open to others, not hosting a social event for entertainment purposes. Hospitality is practiced through the invitation of the heart.

Pray for God to position you to be available for His good purposes, to have the capacity to help those in need, to love sincerely, and to be available to the invitation of a heart.

Prayer Focus: Hospitality

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Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9–10)

To honor God means to give Him the rightful place of authority by rendering to Him our very best, even gifts of tribute, all in acts of worship and praise. One way we can honor God is to honor Him with our wealth.

The word picture here points to the process of pressing grapes, a process in which the upper receptacle is filled with grapes and the lower one is catching the juice. The harvest of grapes will be so plentiful that the lower vat will overflow with grape juice. It’s a picture of a great harvest provided by God. Then our vats will literally burst open.

It’s important to note that this is a proverb and not a promise. The reality is that as Christians, we should expect persecution for our faith rather than material prosperity. Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding of the tension between the material and spiritual aspects of your finances. What’s one way God desires to grow you in your trust in Him for provision and protection?

Prayer Focus: Atlanta Dream Center

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I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ⁷ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. ⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:6–9)

Paul is addressing the church regarding his concerns about their lack of spiritual maturity. Paul brings clarity regarding both his role and the church’s. Paul and Apollos had two different roles; each were equipped and empowered by God for His increase. It’s not a matter of who fills what role if our hearts are unified with the Spirit and desirous of God’s work to be accomplished. Paul wanted the church to not live in comparison with one another but to work with one another for God.

Praise God for choosing you and using you for His purpose. Ask Him to clarify your purpose. Ask Him to give you the courage to believe that you do have a role for His glory, and ask Him to guide you and lead you to respond to Him alone. Surrender your desires for approval and affirmation from others, confessing that Jesus is enough. Pray that because of who He is in you, you will trust that not a moment today will pass in vain. Today—in traffic, in meetings, in doing laundry and other tasks that may appear to be mundane—ask God to bring you contentment to fill His role through you, right where you are, in each moment.

Prayer Focus: Care Team

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