Sun.’s Devo - First the Natural, then the Spiritual

Read: Job 12:1-15:35, 1 Co. 15:29-58, Ps. 39:1-13, Pr. 21:30-31 Job answers Zohar again and explains the frailty of man. Everything man does is under God’s control. Both the deceived and the deceiver is His. God determines his length of days and his times are in God’s hands. Job wishes that his friends would stop trying to figure out his life and leave him alone. They are not doing a good job of thinking for God because they don’t have the mind of God. We are so blessed to live in a time where we can think the thoughts of God. We have the mind of Christ. (1 Co. 2:16) Our reading in the New Testament explains to us that we are no longer just a living soul as Adam was but through Christ we are a quickening spirit. Everything on this earth is a type of heavenly things and if we will open our spiritual eyes we will understand spiritual mysteries by looking at natural creations. Here is an example. We have been tithing and giving offerings our whole married life and at the beginning we had our needs met but not much more than that. Honestly, it was discouraging to see others prospering when we were just making it. But we continued to sow and sow into the kingdom. Our seed was the seed of an oak tree. An oak tree first forms a great network of roots under the ground so it will be able to hold the huge oak it is going to produce. Finally, a little shoot will come up and the tree will begin to grow. It takes years for an oak to grow but when it does it is the one of the biggest trees that can become home to many animals and provide shade for many people. That has been the story of our finances. They are finally becoming that nest and shade for many. First the natural and then the spiritual. Our spiritual ministry has been the same way…very hidden at times and then very open. I thank God for the hidden times when we can grow and make our mistakes in private where we don’t hurt a large amount of people. God is so wise in His plans. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t prosper as soon as you give your gift…remember the oak tree. And don’t be discouraged if you feel your spiritual gifts are being unused. Be faithful in the place God has planted you and he will promote you in your season. Lord, we praise Your infallible wisdom!