Morning Devotional 072225 Share and Be Blessed

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 22, 2025

Matthew 6:19-21

19 “Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. 20 Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. 21 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Good Morning! Joyfully share your blessings!

When I was growing up, my dad always raised a summer garden. He worked hard to cultivate and prepare the soil, plant the seeds, hoe the weeds, provide water when the rain didn’t come, and harvest the crop. In good years, we would have many vegetables to eat, can, and an abundance to share with others. 

During my early adult life, we lived in apartments, moved often, and rarely had time or space to plant a garden. I remember the joy that accompanied my first garden. I didn’t have much of a crop, and I had to relearn the challenges and work that gardening entails. 

Each year, my gardening skills improved, and before long, my garden was producing more than I needed. The blessing that accompanies sharing your vegetables is amazing. 

Successful gardening requires work, and it would be easy to think, “I did the work, so why would I want to share my rewards with someone who didn’t work for it?” There is something about putting your hands into the dirt, planting the seeds, and watching them grow that opens your heart. 

Imagine if we applied the same principles of sharing our successful harvest to every aspect of our lives. We would live in a world where no one's needs would be unmet.  

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 (NIV)

Share your blessings with all! After all, you can only eat so many squash before you become squashed! 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us nurture our giving nature so that we share our blessings with others. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Joyfully share with others what God provides for you! 

Share the best of your blessings! Pastor Liz