"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest." (John 12: 24 -AMP)
I have an apple orchard in my house. I've had it there for years. It's in my study, my 'secret place', right there in front of me-when I go there each morning to fellowship with God.
I know what you're thinking; "He's lost his mind, how could he have an apple orchard-or an orchard of any kind-anywhere in his house?" But I do. It consists of 21 tiny apple seeds, which I promised my granddaughter that she and I would plant, 'someday'. These seeds are incased in a small plastic box, which originally held a mini-cassette tape. Each time I look at them I see an orchard of infinite potential-locked up and dormant-limited by procrastination, and un-kept promises.
"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and
summer, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8: 22 -NKJ)
The very heart of seed-faith giving is, 'you've-got-to-plant-it-to-grow-it'. So, even though it will likely mean experiencing some sacrifice, until and unless that seed leaves our life, never to be seen in that same form again, we will not have truly given. The power of potential within the seed will then remain dormant and the miracle 'apple orchard' (or maybe even the 'Rain Forest') power within it will remain potential, locked up limited and lifeless.
Let's face it; a full-blown orchard of any variety really does not belong in anyone's house. So prayerfully identify a need somewhere in the world that God wants to be blessed. And why not ask Him to help you? He will, for He has plenty of needs to go around. Then, doing what you can, nothing more and nothing less, plant some seed to meet that need, and trust God, for He will do His part in His time and in His way.
In faith believing then, look expectantly ahead to your harvest, for God's word says, "Give and it will be given unto you (did you get that, giving and receiving belong together, so as we give we put ourselves in a position to receive) good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 -NKJ)
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward
him for what he has done." (Proverbs 19:17 -NIV)
We know that we can trust God in all of this; the miracle containing seed for planting, the need supplying blessing for others, and our harvest of return, for the integrity of His word will always keep the promise of His word, for God would never lie. So give all that He asks and receive all that He promises. Luke 1:37
