Day 30: God Gives the Increase
Intention
It is our role to be faithful in sowing the Word, and it is God’s role to bring that seed to life.
Scripture
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6
Reflection
The ‘spiritual dimension’ of what we do in sharing the gospel always has at its basis that it is God’s work — and that we are just His mouthpieces in the earth.
This is what Paul understood when he wrote that he planted the seeds of the gospel and Apollos watered those seeds, but that it was God who caused the ensuing spiritual growth. The glory is not for us as channels or mouthpieces — but for God who does the saving. People are born again by the Spirit of God, not by our efforts.
Prayer engages us in the Lord’s miracle of salvation. We pray for the sowing of the seed of God’s Word. We hear His directions on the sowing. We obey His will in sharing that Word with others. We expect the power of the Holy Spirit in conviction of sin, granting repentance and conversion of hearts. As we read in Isaiah 55:10-11:
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Praise God that no matter our performance, He is faithful to His Word and the fulfilment of His promises!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves under your mighty hand. Forgive us for ever trying to serve you without depending upon your Holy Spirit. Grant us, Lord, your empowering presence in our lives. As we sow and water Your seed, grant Your increase. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Points for May 2021
1. Pray for Revival and Transformation for Australia
2. Pray for 1 Billion people worldwide to hear the Gospel
3. Share the Good News of Jesus with 5 people
Steve has always believed that the answer to changing communities is vibrant Spirit-filled churches which are active and connected to the communities they belong to. Many years ago, he felt the Lord say to him, “Do you want to pastor a church, or shepherd a community?” Along with his wife Susie, Steve is the pastor of C3 Jervis Bay, shepherding that Spirit-filled community in New South Wales.
We invite you to join the daily 1-hour Zoom video National Prayer Call every night:
DATES: 1st–31st May 2021
TIME: 8pm-9pm AEST
ZOOM URL LINK: https://zoom.us/j/776881184
ZOOM MEETING ID: 776881184
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Daily devotions brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.
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