Encouraging Notes

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Many economists believe that we are heading for a recession. But as children of the most high God, we never need to fear. Not only has God promised never to leave us or forsake us, but he has also given us keys so we will be prepared for the coming days. I believe that one of the greatest keys to recession-proof living is servanthood because it is the heart of God  and has the power to unlock multiple doors of God’s blessing.

In the first book of Kings, the Bible records the story of how the prophet Elijah declared that there would be no rain for three years. By the word of the Lord, Elijah went to live near the brook in the Kerith Ravine and was fed daily by the ravens. When the brook dried up, the Lord told him to go to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there, for the Lord had said, “I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” 1Kings 7:9. So, when Elijah arrived in Zarephath, this is what transpired.

1Kings 7:10-14  When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first, make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’ ”

The woman obeyed the prophet’s words and served him first. Because of her obedience, God provided a miracle so that she would never lack. It is interesting to note that the word Zarephath in the original language means smelting place or place of refinement. Choosing to put God first causes us to be refined. Yes, God uses the principle of servanthood and giving to take our lives to the next level.

A few days ago, I said that, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Choosing to be a servant unleashes the blessings found in the principle of sowing and reaping. As apostle Paul said, “Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

Years ago, Tommy Tenny told how he learned growing up that the only way he could be with the big preachers and ask questions was to shine their shoes. He realized that if he served them, he would be allowed to also glean from their wisdom.

My dear friend, it is of utmost importance to understand that everything God longs to give you will be accessed through the principle of sowing and reaping. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A 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. Though Jesus was speaking of judging others, the principle works in every area. Jesus also said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.

The Bible records countless stories of how servanthood unleashes the power of sowing and reaping, producing great results! Today I am praying that as you read this, you will be inspired to serve and to give to those around you! Not only does God want to take your life higher through serving others, but he also wants you to have a recession-proof life. God has provided ways for you to prepare for what’s coming, and as we have seen through God’s word today, servanthood has the power to…

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