Sowing Seeds of Joy
LOVE THAT GROWS WITHIN
A collection of devotional series for women
BY LUCIA BRACHO
Earthly or Eternal Contentment?
In this twenty-first century, happiness and joy seem to be attached to a top-notch job, to an A-plus relationship, and to “as seen as on TV” home. We all dream with those things, but like seasons, most are ephemeral and vanish like air.
Thankfully for us Christians, the Bible teaches us about an everlasting source of joy. One that is far beyond a beautiful home, larger than any bank account, and absolutely soul-filling. (Nehemiah 8:10)
Whether written in the bible or in real life, we believers tend to adopt Thomas’s attitude over Maria’s --we like to rely a lot on the tangible things rather than choosing to trust God’s word. Anybody following me? It is natural, of course, to rely on your monthly check to pay the bills, on your car to take you back and forth, and in your boyfriend/spouse to love you. But what happens when these things fail? Where do you put your trust?
You see, is great to have material possessions and to have the support of loved ones, but not so great when we become dependent on them. Yes, God gave them to us, but He didn’t intend for us to become attached to them. On the contrary, He gives to us according to his reaches for his glory. (Philippians 4:19)
Where is your treasure?
When listening to Tori Kelly’s testimony on www.Iamscond.com, she mentioned a scripture that resonated in my heart, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” (Philippians 3:7-8) She later prompted the question, “If all you have went away, would you still be okay with only Jesus?” Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
”Chara’ in God’s Grace
Chara is the Greek transliteration for Joy or Joy in your grace. I believe God is calling His sons and daughter to have eternal chara. But how do we do that Lucia? If you ask me, the answer is in Christ alone (you probably already knew it) but is not only by words but by actions. To daily choose to lay our lives down and to yielding to His spirit. He doesn’t bring doubt nor hesitation, He doesn’t bring confusion nor fear. He is blameless, holy, and pure. Everything, hear me out, EVERYTHING GOOD comes from Him. Rejoice son and daughter of the highest King, for He has not made a single mistake with you. (Psalm 92:15)
God’s promises are REAL whether we see them now or in 20 years. He is growing us in victory and strength every day (Psalm 92:12) developing the vessel from the inside out. Don’t forget He called you by name and assigned you with a special task here on earth.
We are called to be servants of God. (1 Corinthians 3:5-6) So let us not grow weary in doing His work, for on His appointed time we will reap a harvest. (Galatians 6:9)
Key Points
Sow seeds of chara.
Where your heart is, there your heart will be. (Matthew 6:21)
Don’t give up, keep sowing. (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer of The Week
Dear God, let me remember that you are the reason why I am still alive, that I am your servant, and I’ve been assigned to carry your mission here on earth. Be the center of every action, for you are my rock and my victory comes from you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.