I believe the Lord has established certain laws or dynamics into the fabric of the universe which are at work whether we know it or not. The greatest example in my estimation is the law of sowing and reaping. Lets review Galatians 6:7-9\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.\u201d<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n I remember the moment years ago when the Spirit highlighted the word \u201cwhatever\u201d. Sowing seed may include the giving of finances, but it also transcends the exclusivity of finances. \u201cWhatever\u201d means, whatever. Most would agree that the verse includes things like: Mercy, forgiveness, love, kindness, and the like. It also includes negative things like: Unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, deceit, impatience, and the like. When we \u201csow\u201d or release such things it puts in motion an equal and opposite reaction that boomerangs to come back upon us. What we give, we receive. How we act, it is reciprocated. The verse reminds us that our actions have a day of reckoning where we will experience the very thing we initiated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re consistent in sowing the good stuff, a great day of harvest awaits you in the future.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re consistent in sowing the bad stuff, well, there is a day of reaping for that too.<\/p>\n Which brings me to principle 4 in my personal tithing revelation\u2026<\/p>\n I must be SWIFT and timely with the return of the tithe.<\/p>\n I saw this principle years ago manifest in two interesting ways.<\/p>\n First, I saw a group of people who were tithers, but they were always tardy, dawdlers, laggards, and procrastinators. They eventually were obedient, but they were always foot-dragging and \u201cslow as molasses\u201d with regard to the timeliness of their obedience. They eventually did what was right, but there was never a rush.<\/p>\n Second, there was another group who simply waited until the end of the year and had the ability to \u201clump sum\u201d the tithe and gifts on December 30th to make sure they got that yearly deduction. Their enlargement was happening all through the year, sometimes on a consistent monthly basis, but for reasons unknown, they decided to wait until an IRS zero hour to make sure it got in to the Church.<\/p>\n Please don\u2019t misunderstand. The Church was grateful for any and all financial gifts which come to it. This really isn\u2019t even a matter of inconvenience for the Church. One could even say, \u201cBetter late than never\u201d. But the point isn\u2019t the bottom line of the yearly P & L sheet for the Church. The greater point is the way in which this tithe was released. What all was sowed in these scenarios? In fact, allow me to broaden this concept of sowing and ask how timely any of us may be with regard to obedience to God. To be clear, if we sow tardiness, slackness, or slowness towards the Lord on any front, should we be surprised when things seem slow getting to us?<\/p>\n If you are chronically late to church, would it surprise you to know you may be sowing the speed at which promises come back to you?<\/p>\n If you are consistently dragging your feet with returning the tithe, would it be outlandish to think the windows of heaven may open more slowly for you?<\/p>\n If I want the things of God to be on time for me, perhaps I can help facilitate that by being on time with the things of God.<\/p>\n Why is it as human beings we exploit, twist, and abuse the wonderful goodness of God. Why have we conflated the atonement and antinomianism to co-exist with each other? The Lord is indeed long suffering, but He is not eternally suffering. We know there are moments that time runs out. So could it be our tardiness in obedience is being reflected in the speed of God\u2019s promises.<\/p>\n Think what you want\u2026<\/p>\n It was plausible and revelational to me.<\/p>\n So, I make every effort to be timely in returning the tithe. I really desire for the Lord\u2019s harvest to be timely towards me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I believe the Lord has established certain laws or dynamics into the fabric of the universe which are at work whether we know it or not. The greatest example in my estimation is the law of sowing and reaping. Lets review Galatians 6:7-9\u2026 \u201cDo not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man…<\/span><\/p>\n