RTW 2024

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. 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.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-9

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

• Financial integrity and righteousness was of utmost importance to the apostles, and should be of utmost importance to us as well. Church leaders should be held to a high standard in this area. 
• We sow and reap something of great value everyday–our words.
• The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
  Proverbs 18:21
• Brain science reveals the power of thoughts and the neural connections and pathways they create in our brains. This in turn communicates to our whole body.
• Three ways we sow and reap from spoken words:
  1. The way others speak to us. Words do hurt and we cannot ignore the impact they have on us. Especially in abuse, words can dramatically impact our health and our self-worth. We were not meant to remain in situations where we are being verbally abused. However, we have the power to re-wire how we perceive these words and to help ourselves heal.
  2. The way we speak to others. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:7b. Sometimes we need to be quiet and not allow words to come out of our mouth that will hurt people. But we should not hold back or neglect speaking works of life to others.  
  3. The way we speak to ourselves. Brain science shows that our cells are “listening” to what we think and say to ourselves. Our thoughts and words we speak to ourselves shape the way we act and feel. God wants us to agree with Him about what He says about us as His beloved children.

Sow and reap words of life and love to others and to ourselves.