SRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Luke 12:33-34) (33) “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” (34) “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
(Luke 6:38) “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
(2 Samuel 24:24) “And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
PREFACE SUMMARY
It may surprise you that your miracle is inherently tied to the unique potential of the seeds you plant. These 'seeds' represent your faith, dreams, goals, and resources. However, the key to unlocking this potential lies in your willingness to have faith in releasing these 'seeds' into the fertile ground for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God. With time, dedication, and care, these 'seeds' can blossom into something extraordinary, transforming your dreams into a beautiful reality. This transformative power of faith in the process of giving should empower you and fill you with hope for the future.
When we give through tithes, offerings, or acts of service, we are planting seeds in the fertile ground of God’s kingdom. No matter how small, each contribution plays a significant role in supporting the church's work and enriching others' lives. By trusting in God's promise to multiply these seeds, we open ourselves to spiritual growth and the potential for tangible blessings.
In conclusion, just as farmers diligently prepare the soil and nurture their crops, fully expecting a fruitful harvest from the seeds they plant, believers are encouraged to approach their acts of faith with a similar expectation for results. This includes speaking words that uplift and inspire and making generous contributions to support God’s work in the world. It is vital to understand that when we commit our tithes, offerings, or acts of service with a spirit of generosity, we effectively plant seeds in the fertile ground of God's kingdom. This act of giving is not merely a transaction but an expression of trust in God’s provision. By having faith that He will multiply our contributions, we open ourselves to spiritual growth and tangible blessings.
"SOWING SEEDS IN GOD"S KINGDOM."
When I sought God's guidance in conveying this message, my thoughts began to explore various avenues. One particularly striking reference came to mind: the moment Abraham prepared the sacrifices described in the fifteenth chapter of Genesis. In that chapter, God made a profound covenant with Abraham, instructing him to bring specific animals for the sacrifice. As I reflected on this, I considered the significance of Abraham's obedience and the symbolism behind the sacrifices, representing a deep commitment to faith and trust in God's promises. This act of sacrifice can be seen as 'sowing seeds in God's kingdom, a metaphor for investing in God's work and trusting in His provision.
In those days, contracts were made by the sacrificial cutting of animals, with the split carcasses of the animals lying on the ground. The covenant was made when parties to the agreement walked through the animal parts together, repeating the covenant terms. God didn't come immediately as Abram waited for the LORD to appear and walk through the carcasses with him (to sign the covenant). Abraham had to stay and fight off the vultures (Birds) until God seemed to complete the covenant ceremony.
Abraham found himself in a challenging situation. He was actively fighting off birds that threatened to interrupt his sacrificial offering. This act can be viewed spiritually, as these sacrifices symbolized his seed offering, representing his devotion and faith.
In a personal context, we might reflect on this by saying, “Don’t let the birds devour your seed.” Here, the term 'birds' can be interpreted as the various people, obstacles, and circumstances that come into our lives to disrupt or derail God's plans and purposes for us. These 'birds' could be doubts, distractions, or other people's negative influences that can hinder our faith and giving. The message is to remain vigilant and not let these 'birds' diminish the impact of our contributions.
One notable insight is that although birds may peck at and take away a seed, they cannot digest it; the seed passes through their systems unaffected. This serves as a powerful metaphor for our own experiences. Often, it may seem as if negative influences or distractions are consuming our efforts, offerings, and sacrifices. However, what we contribute to God’s work remains intact.
This idea is beautifully captured in the words from (Ecclesiastes 11:1), which states, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” This verse encourages us to continue to trust in the value of our sacrifices and to have faith that, in due time, they will yield positive results, even if we cannot see the immediate fruit of our efforts. The metaphor of 'casting bread upon the waters' suggests that our offerings, like bread, will not be lost but will return to us in a beneficial way, just as bread cast upon the waters will eventually return to the one who cast it. In essence, the message is clear: remain steadfast in your purpose, and don't allow distractions to diminish the impact of your contributions.
"UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF GOD’S KINGDOM."
This message resonates deeply with me as I reflect on our foundational scriptural references found in (Luke 12:33-34) and (2 Samuel 24:24). Both passages highlight the significance of one's heart and intentions when making offerings.
In (2 Samuel 24:24), King David emphasizes the importance of paying for his offering, indicating that he viewed worship not merely as a ritual but as a genuine act of devotion involving sincerity and sacrifice. David understood that true worship requires a personal investment—financially, emotionally, and spiritually—reflecting his commitment to God.
Similarly, in (Luke 12:33-34), Jesus teaches that where we choose to invest our resources, whether in our time, finances, or talents, reveals our priorities and what we value most in life. This teaching compels us to evaluate our offerings and investments, urging us to consider how they align with our spiritual values and commitments. Both scriptures encourage us to approach our worship and offerings with a pure heart, recognizing the profound connection between our treasures and true priorities.
To effectively operate within the kingdom of God, it is crucial to understand and apply the principles that govern it. These kingdom principles are often in stark contrast to the ways of the world around us. Consider the scene where Jesus addressed a gathering of people, some of whom may have been struggling financially. When He said, “If you don’t have anything to give, sell something and give instead,” it stirred mixed emotions among the listeners. For impoverished people, selling their possessions to contribute could have felt overwhelming or even impossible.
In contemporary society, many individuals are eager to see tangible results in their lives and communities. However, this desire for outcomes is often accompanied by a reluctance to give generously. This reluctance can stem from various factors, including fear of scarcity, a lack of understanding of the importance of giving, or an attachment to material possessions. Ultimately, even in challenging circumstances, embracing the principle of giving is essential for fostering a deeper connection with the kingdom of God.
Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, which is speaking of the inward man, which the words state in (2 Corinthians 4:16):” For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed daily. “When we put the word of God in our spirit, and we speak it forth from our heart, we are fulfilling the scripture in (Luke 6:45) “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Giving is fundamental to the principles that drive physical and spiritual prosperity. It is essential to understand that, in God's eyes, a gift's significance is not determined solely by its monetary value. Instead, what truly matters is the motivation behind the donation and the proportion of one's resources that are shared. God values the heartfelt intention and sincerity with which we give and the personal sacrifice reflected in the percentage of what we contribute. This perspective encourages us to focus on the spirit of generosity rather than just the numbers.
Our act of giving can be compared to an old, neglected well. Imagine a container filled with clean drinking water, a precious resource. However, we find ourselves in need of more than just a temporary solution. We face two distinct choices.
The first option is to consume the water immediately, quenching our thirst and providing immediate relief. While this might feel satisfying at the moment, it doesn’t solve our long-term need for water.
The second option is more strategic: we can utilize this water to prime the well, revitalizing it so that it begins to produce a steady and sustainable supply of fresh water. By choosing this path, we ensure that our needs are met and we can share this valuable resource with others.
People tend to hold on to what they have, but if they could only understand that God can only bless what we give him as a seed offering. He does not need our money, but if he has our money, then he has our heart; therefore, we must put the word of God in our spirit and trust God to bring it forth. Did he not say in Isaiah the fifty-fifth chapter that his word will not return unto him void, unable to accomplish wherever he will send it?
When we thoroughly examine the "secret place" mentioned in Psalms ninety-one, it is abundantly clear that this sacred space resides within our hearts. This secret place is not merely a physical location; it is, in fact, our innermost sanctuary, where we can engage with our deepest thoughts, emotions, and spiritual connection with Christ, who is sitting on his throne.
God has established a divine system on Earth meant for the well-being of his kingdom, where His people are empowered to produce everything we need for a fulfilling life. This concept is often referred to as the "abundant life." However, embracing this abundance requires faith on our part, and just as a farmer diligently prepares the soil and carefully sows seeds in his field, we, too, must engage in acts of faith and take God at His word. This involves giving back to Him a percentage of our resources, which can be seen as a seed offering. By doing so, we open ourselves up to His blessings and the potential for a generous return on our investment.
The word says in (2 Corinthians 9:10) that God Will Give or Provide Seed to the Sower, which means God will not only provide you with the seed, but he will multiply the seed that you sow, telling us that we can expect an increase, not just in material wealth but also in spiritual blessings and righteousness.
The Bible promises that when we give, we may receive blessings in abundance, in different measures; some may accept a return of (30) times, others (60), and some even (100) times what was given. This principle encourages us to trust in God's provision and act with generosity, knowing He will honor our faith and provide for our needs in remarkable ways.
Before I left the United States to begin my journey to the Philippines, I had the fantastic opportunity to participate in a Christmas concert with the Browder family, a family I’ve grown up with and have shared many cherished memories. The concert was a joyful occasion, filled with music and the spirit of the holiday season. At the end of the event, I approached Matthew, the group's talented lead singer and composer. I expressed my heartfelt desire to pledge $1,000 to support his family's upcoming addition, as his wife was expecting their child at any moment. She played the keyboard beautifully during the concert and contributed to the beautiful atmosphere.
After the concert, I let Robert Hale know about my pledge. Robert stepped in to take over my ministry responsibilities and handle the financial aspects of my commitment. To my surprise, he responded excitedly, saying, “God already put the money in your account today.” His words uplifted me and reinforced my belief in the support we receive when we step out in faith.
During a recent trip to the Philippines, I had the opportunity to minister at a local church. While I was there, I observed the pastor, who not only taught music but was also an exceptionally talented guitar player. It became clear to me that he needed an electric guitar to enhance his ministry and musical expression.
Recognizing the importance of supporting his work, my wife and I invested in a new electric guitar for him. We purchased a high-quality instrument, a sturdy hard-shell case to protect it, foot switches for added functionality, and the necessary cords to ensure everything would work seamlessly together.
Earlier that year, I faced a significant setback, losing $1,586 in the stock market. This financial loss weighed heavily on my mind, but upon returning home, something unexpected happened. We found an email from Vanguard announcing that our $1,586 had reappeared in our account.
Additionally, I had retired a year prior, and as part of that process, I had withdrawn all the funds from my company’s 401(k) retirement account. Despite having taken everything out, I was still receiving email notifications that I had over $1,500 remaining in that account. This unexpected situation added a layer of intrigue to my financial journey.
Recently, the IRS rejected our amended tax returns for the years 2021 and 2022. They informed us that we owed them more than $9,000, which significantly constrained our ability to support churches as we had initially planned. During a revival event in Iloilo City, Philippines, we felt inspired to pledge financial assistance to the local church, specifically to purchase Bibles and a drum set for five of their younger leaders who are actively involved in ministry.
To our surprise, when we inquired about the cost of the drum set and consulted with the church, we discovered that the total price exceeded USD 1,200. This was far beyond our budget and resources at the time. Faced with this financial challenge, I sought God's guidance and provision. I recalled the scripture that promises, "Give, and it will be given back to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together." With this verse in mind, I earnestly prayed for a way to secure the drum set at a much more affordable price. I firmly believed that acquiring it for around $350 was possible, and I held onto that faith as we navigated this situation.
The pastor and the church leaders consistently informed me that the price for the items we were looking for was around $1,200, whether they checked online retailers or local stores. Despite their reassurances, I remained hopeful and told them I believed God would provide a better price for us. Throughout the years, I have had numerous experiences witnessing how God faithfully provides for my needs. Each time I faced challenges, I found that when I remained open and faithful, God always came through for me in remarkable ways.
This journey has taught me an important principle: God will deliver blessings into our lives if He knows we will be responsible and generous enough to share those blessings with others. It’s a profound lesson about trust and stewardship that has deepened my faith over time. I have learned that he will get it to you if he can trust you to get it through you to accomplish his purpose.
Two days later, my wife and I visited a local music store to explore our options further. As we browsed the aisles, we were thrilled to discover the items were on sale for only $327 each. It was an incredible find, significantly lower than the church leaders stated. Excited by this unexpected blessing, we went ahead with the purchase. After factoring in shipping costs, we could get everything delivered to the church for under $400. It was a truly fulfilling experience, as it confirmed my faith that if we are faithful with what God has blessed us with, God will provide for our needs in His own time and way.
MY CONCLUSION
The Holy Bible speaks in Matthew 6:20) “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” The next verse says that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The reality is that the money we possess here on Earth holds no intrinsic value in heaven. However, the seed offerings we contribute carry significant weight in the divine courts and can serve as our defense when accusations arise against us before our heavenly Father. These offerings act as a testimony of our faith and generosity. The true treasure, impervious to theft, exists in our hearts.
This treasure isn't gathered for us to spend or utilize in the afterlife; it occupies a sacred space deep within us. This inner wealth, consisting of God’s word, reflects our relationship with God and the blessings He provides. Because of His unwavering love and provision, we can confidently declare that we are truly blessed, knowing that our God faithfully meets all our needs according to His riches in glory consisting of his resources found in Christ Jesus.
When we contribute our resources to the kingdom of God through seed offerings, dedicating our time, or sharing our talents, we empower ourselves to speak words of life and protection. This principle applies to our spiritual investments and extends to the physical harvest we cultivate in our fields. Each act of giving strengthens our connection to God’s work and enhances our ability to declare blessings and protection over our endeavors, ultimately enriching our lives and those around us.
In conclusion, it is essential to acknowledge that every individual has a unique place in the body of Christ and has a part to contribute to society's betterment. Whether through spiritual guidance, acts of kindness, or community service, we must work together to create a positive impact. Only by coming together as a collective body can we bring about the much-needed change required to transform our communities, cities, and nation and make them a better place for everyone."
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
