1 Seedtime (Living Generously, Week 5)

Seedtime – Week 5

Introduction/Review

Welcome to week five of our journey of

living generously. Next week, as a summary,

we will share all the videos as one movie

and talk about where we should go from

here in a service titled “Let’s Go!” As we

have been discussing, the key is Living

Generously. Not just giving away some money, but being willing to give ourselves to God’s cause.

We’ve been joining Frank Donovan and his family on their journey of generosity.

In week one Frank saw what giving his first and best meant when his son gave sacrificially.

In week two Frank was “convicted” of a heart problem regarding his love of money

In week three we saw Frank start to really “get it” as he served at the soup kitchen.

And, last week Frank learned to run to the name of the Lord – the strong tower, a secure

fortress – in times of trouble.

Sit back and enjoy the final segment of the Donavan family’s story.

Video: Living Generously, Seedtime

The Parable of the Sower

Fairly early in His ministry Jesus told a parable to illustrate how the Gospel takes hold in a person’s

heart. The day began with Jesus speaking to a small group along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Before

long the crowd got so big that Jesus had to get into one of the boats and teach from there. It’s likely

there were fields of crops dotting the hillside surrounding them and perhaps, in the distance you could

see a farmer or two working in the fields sowing some seeds. Reading from Mark four.

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the

seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with

underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon

wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among

thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other

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seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and

even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4:3-8, NLT)

The disciples were fascinated by this parable but did not understand it. So a little later, when they were

alone with Jesus, they asked Him to explain it. This is what Jesus said:

“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” (Mark 4:14, NLT)

This parable is about how people receive the truths of God’s Word. The soil is a picture of our lives.

What happens as a result of our hearing God’s word depends entirely on our outlook and focus. As we

look at these four possibilities, look inward. Which one best describes you right now, at this point in

your life?

“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan

come at once and take it away.” (Mark 4:15, NLT)

A path tends to be hard and packed down. This represents those who have no time or interest in God. In

their minds, they are doing okay and don’t need God in their lives. Satan is always at work trying to keep

God’s Word from impacting our lives. Many of us have been at this point some time in our lives. It is not

impossible to move away from this, but if we are here, it usually takes something big to get our

attention. Reading on:

“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it

with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as

they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” (Mark 4:16-17, NLT)

This would be those of us who focus mostly on what’s in it for me. They hear the message, it sounds

great, but then something happens that doesn’t meet their expectations, perhaps some trouble in their

lives, and they say “What’s the use? This doesn’t do me any good so I’m out of here.” They forget that

Jesus said we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33), it’s the nature of life here in this place filled

with sin. And actually, in the trouble we need God more than ever. Reading on:

“The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly

the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other

things, so no fruit is produced.” (Mark 4:18-19, NLT)

This is perhaps where most of us are. We have embraced God and His Word, and it means much to us;

but, life happens. We are caught in the embrace of the American Dream and feel entitled to the good

things characterized by life here – a nice house, a nice car, plenty of clothes, being able to do the things

we want to do. So, we work hard to acquire a measure of wealth, we worry about lots of things, and we

spend a lot of time focusing on what we don’t have yet.

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Not that any of this is especially bad, but it can take over our lives, pushing our Spiritual experience to a

once a week thing where we focus on God more as a means to get what we want rather than to give

Him what He wants. And “the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things”

dominate our thoughts and we don’t produce the fruit of Generous Living. We are unable to love others

the way God loves us, because we don’t really spend much time with Him.

I have to confess, this is where I often struggle. This is where Satan can many times get a hook in me.

The problem is I am constantly striving to create for myself and my family heaven here on earth.

God wants me to consider life here as temporary, as a war zone. The goal is not to create heaven here,

but to live in such a way as to help others realize that there is a real Heaven, and it is out of this world.

This is where I often have to come to Jesus asking for re-focus, for a new heart, for new motivation.

Next, Jesus paints the picture of what He really wants for us:

“And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and

produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

(Mark 4:20, NLT)

You plant a crop expecting to get a harvest. There is no other reason to plant a crop. The crop is used to

nourish someone or to plant a new crop – at the Farmer’s discretion. God is looking for results in our

life. And just like the grain produced is used, He wants to use us to help nourish others. A crop does not

exist to please itself, it is totally used for others.

God wants us to consider all our resources – our time, our energy, and our money – as something He

has given us for the advancement of His kingdom, as a way to help others come to Him rather than

something just to make our lives better, more interesting, and more fun.

So, how do we move from where we are, with less than perfect soil in our lives to where we need to be?

How do we, like Frank and his family in the video series we have been watching, move from living mostly

for ourselves to living the generous life of a mature Christian?

The Vineyard

The answer is found in another one of Jesus’ illustrations; one we have looked at numerous times. One

that presents this truth so clearly that it is difficult to misunderstand.

It was the last time Jesus was with His team before His arrest and crucifixion. The main message He had

given them up to this point was that they, as His followers should serve others the way He had served

them – He wanted them to Live Generously.

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He began that evening with a powerful picture of service as He washed their feet, taking the role of their

servant. He gave them the New Commandment, which was simply telling them that Living Generously is

what He expected of them. And, it is what He expects of us.

“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another

will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)

He then gave a number of promises aimed at letting them know He was committed to working in their

lives to fulfill that commandment. And then they left the upper room heading out towards the Garden

of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives.

Along the path were a number of vineyards and this is where He begins laying out for them the secret of

success – how they could find the power to live their lives according to His command. We looked at this

passage a couple of weeks ago in some detail, so today we will just review the main point. He said:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that

doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even

more … Remain in me, and I will remain in you.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce

much fruit … When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to

my Father.” (John 15:1-8, NLT)

Fruit is the only reason you would plant a vineyard. Fruit is what God is after in our lives. But the only

way to get fruit is to be connected. Did you catch that? If your mind has been wandering and you have

missed everything else, don’t miss this! The goal here is fruit, the instructions are to stay connected – to

remain in Jesus. This is the secret of living and growing as a Christian – the secret to Living Generously!

There are no short-cuts, it only happens as we “remain” in Him!

We remain in Him by:

Spending regular time in His Word, the Bible, reading it for the purpose of getting to know Him.

Talking to Him as a Friend in prayer.

Sharing our experience with others.

Sound familiar? This is how we remain in Jesus. This is how the “soil” of our hearts changes from the

poor stuff to the good soil that produces a bountiful crop. And what is this crop? Jesus defines what He

means by fruit as the illustration continues:

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“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me … This is my commandment: Love each other

in the same way I have loved you … I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit … This is my

command: Love each other.” (John 15:9-17, NLT)

This is another way to describe living generously – freely giving God our time, our energy, and our

money. And it only happens as we remain connected to Jesus.

It’s Your Move!

As we close today, I would like to consider this passage from Galatians.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please

their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit

will reap eternal life.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not

give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who

belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10, NIV)

Living Generously is not just a nice thought, a catchy slogan – it is the way God wants us to live! It begins

by “remaining” in Jesus – learning to live each day focused on Him. He will then lead us to be generous

with our time, our energy, and our resources as we support the work of His Church and come in contact

with needs God wants to fill through us.

In the middle of the passage of the vineyard, we find this verse:

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

(John 15:11, NLT)

It’s ironic, when we live trying to find joy in this life, it always seems to elude us. But when we embrace

living generously, focusing on the needs of others rather than on ourselves, joy finds us as a gift from

God. Embrace joy today, commit to living generously in your life.

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Scripture References

Malachi 3:6-12 (NLT): “I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not

already destroyed. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and

failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s

Armies.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your

whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be

enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the

windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to

take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from

insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the LORD of

Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,”

says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 3:6-12, NLT)

Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT): “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you

will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as

the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts

of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you

give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your

gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4, NLT)

Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT): “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust

destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where

moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure

is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

22 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body

is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the

light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted

to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

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25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and

drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father

feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a

single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They

don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as

they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into

the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will

we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father

already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and

he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is

enough for today.” (Matthew 6:19-34, NLT)

Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23 (NLT): Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. 2 A

large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as

the people stood on the shore. 3 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some

seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with

underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon

wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell

among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil,

and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been

planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” …

18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that

fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t

understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their

hearts. 20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately

receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as

soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell

among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is

crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23 The seed

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that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a

harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Matthew 13:1-9

& 18-23, NLT)

Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT): “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going

on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was

gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to

the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five

more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the

servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of

how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver

came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I

have earned five more.’

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been

faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s

celebrate together!’

22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you

gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling

this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh

man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I

would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t

plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At

least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags

of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will

have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken

away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and

gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:14-30, NLT)

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Mark 4:1-8 & 14-20 (NLT): Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon

gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people

remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as

this one:

3 “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the

seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with

underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plant soon

wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. 7 Other seed fell among

thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. 8 Still other

seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and

even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

14 “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. 15 The seed that fell on the footpath

represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. 16 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it

with joy. 17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as

they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 18 The seed that fell among the

thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out

by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is

produced. 20 And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s

word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been

planted!” (Mark 4:1-8 & 14-20, NLT)

Luke 8:4-14 (NLT): One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered

from many towns to hear him: 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across

his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. 6 Other seed

fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other

seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as

had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen

and understand.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He replied … 11 “This is the meaning of the

parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear

the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them

from believing and being saved. 13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the

message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while,

then they fall away when they face temptation. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent

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those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and

riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 And the seeds that fell

on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and

patiently produce a huge harvest.” (Luke 8:4-14, NLT)

John 13:34-35 (NLT): “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have

loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you

are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT)

John 14:1-10 (NLT): “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more

than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going

to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will

always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can

we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except

through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you

do know him and have seen him!”

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am?

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my

own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.” (John 14:1-10, NLT)

John 14:1-3 (the Voice): Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God, and keep on believing in Me. 2 My

Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I

would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. 3 I will be there to

greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together. (John 14:1-3, the Voice)

John 15:1-17 (NLT): “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch

of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will

produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given

you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed

from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce

much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is

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thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be

burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you

want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This

brings great glory to my Father.

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my

commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in

his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will

overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There

is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do

what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves.

Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose

me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you

whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”

(John 15:1-17, NLT)

1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NLT): All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that

will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not

just shadowboxing. (1 Corinthians 9:25-26, NLT)

Galatians 6:1-10 (NLT): Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who

are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not

to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the

law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself.

You are not that important.

4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done,

and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our

own conduct.

6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things

with them.

7 Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that

sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of

blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good

to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:1-10, NLT)

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Hebrews 13:5-6 (NLT): Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never

fail you. I will never abandon you.”

6 So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere

people do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NLT)

1 John 4:7-21 (NLT): Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone

who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God,

for God is love.

9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we

might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved

us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has

ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression

in us.

13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we

have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the

world. 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in

God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God,

our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the Day of Judgment, but we can face

him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of

punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each

other because he loved us first.

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t

love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this

command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers. (1 John 4:7-21, NLT)

E. G. White

Christ Object Lessons: There is a chapter “The Sower Went Forth to Sow” (chapter 2) that shares some

great thoughts on this topic and how to apply it to our lives. To read this chapter on-line, click

here.

13 Seedtime (Living Generously, Week 5)

My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers

January 27: “Do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25)

A warning which needs to be repeated is that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of

riches,” and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are

never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes

and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line

may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come

in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.

“I say to you, do not worry about your life …” Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing –

our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That is absurd, I must

consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus

says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not

understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and

He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary

concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put

your relationship to God first.

“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to

threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and

saying, “What are your plans for next month – or next summer?” Jesus tells us not to worry

about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” of your

heavenly Father (Matthew 6:30). (My Utmost for His Highest, January 27)