Labourers Together With God
Because you are a partner with Mark Hankins Ministries, I would like to share some of the things the Lord has taught me about giving and receiving. One of the eternal laws mentioned throughout the Word is the “law of sowing and reaping.” Second Corinthians 9:6 says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The Phillips Translation says, “Poor sowing means a poor harvest, and generous sowing means a generous harvest.” God’s sowing system will always outperform man’s saving system. You can actually receive a harvest of blessing from God faster by sowing than by saving!
One time a pastor told me that he didn’t think sowing (or giving) was necessary. I thought, “Tell that to a farmer!” Farmers will actually borrow money to buy seeds to sow. Seedtime and harvest is actually God’s idea and will continue to work the same as they did in the beginning, as long as the earth remains (Genesis 1:12; 8:22). You may have heard the phrase, “Money does not grow on trees.” While that is true in the natural world, we know that the earth is the Lord’s and that we are not limited to the natural world’s economy. So, we can rejoice and say, “It will if you plant it!”
A farmer in eastern Colorado once asked me which piece of farm machinery I thought was the most valuable. I guessed different things, such as the plow or combine, and was surprised to hear his answer, but it made sense. The most important implement a farmer uses is called the planter, which is the machine that puts the seed in the ground. A farmer will actually borrow thousands of dollars to keep it working. If there is a bare spot in the field at harvest time, the farmer knows the planter did not work properly. When there is no seed in the ground, there will be no crop, no harvest, and no increase. Likewise, if I am experiencing a lack, the first thing I should check is my sowing.
Remember, sowing is not throwing! We need to be strategic, consistent, and expectant when we sow our seed. A farmer does not just drive down the road throwing seed out the window, hoping it will grow. No! He sows strategically and systematically. He also sows his seed in prepared soil, expecting a harvest. Like the farmer, we must be strategic and systematic, sowing financial seeds with an expectation of a harvest. Sow or give to the ministry that has ministered to you spiritually. “And those who are taught the Word must share all good things with their teacher; a sharing of wealth takes place between them,” Galatians 6:6 TPT.
“Soak” your seeds with faith by meditating on the Word. Farmers soak some of their seeds in water or fertilizer before they are planted. This greatly decreases the amount of time it takes for the seeds to germinate. The water causes the hard, protective exterior to soften and the germination to speed up. Whatever you plant will grow more quickly and produce a better harvest. Similarly, when you take scriptures concerning finances, meditate on them, and thank God for His promises, you are soaking that financial seed you are about to plant. Maybe your seed is already in the ground. Speak the Word, water it with praise, and watch it grow.
Where should you plant your seed? What is the best ground for getting the greatest yield? Sow your financial seed in response to the Word of God you have received. Sow into good ground, which are the people or ministries where you have been taught the Word of God. You also can sow to the degree that the Word has ministered to you. Once you see the power of the seed, you then purpose in your heart to give.
Anyone can be generous, no matter the size of your offering. Sow in proportion to your ability. Sowing generously is when you take your sowing seriously. That’s when you think about it months or even years later. In fact, if your giving doesn’t affect you much, neither will your harvest. As you sow consistently, you will always have a harvest.
Next, water the financial seeds you’ve sown with expectation and thanksgiving and don’t get discouraged. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Harvests never get confused. The seed is guaranteed. Your seed has your return address on it and will come back to you.
When you sow your seed, it is automatically labeled sparing or generous. Not only will you reap after you’ve sown, but you will also reap more than you’ve sown. The reward of generous sowing is that everyone’s need is supplied, and as Paul explained, that causes great thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-12).
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord…Ephesians 6:8
We are very grateful for every MHM partner who has sowed into the new conference center! We are making great progress now. Because of the great increase in building cost, we have had to re-figure the amount of money required to finish the conference center. Our next phase will include the electrical, AC systems, plumbing, etc. According to the bids we have received, we need an additional $1,000,000 over what we previously estimated to get this next phase finished. This increase is due to nationwide inflation and the increased cost of building materials and equipment. We know God is never surprised when we face challenges, and He will supply all we need. Now we are stretching our faith for the completion of this project, and we ask you to stretch with us. Philippians 4:15-19 says they gave once and then they gave again until they had more than enough. Then it says, “my God shall supply all your needs.”
For we are LABOURERS TOGETHER with God. 1 Corinthians 3:9
We value and thank God for your partnership. We thank you for believing God with us that the money will come for the completion of the Conference Center.