August 23, 2010 (Jonny Appleseed)

Johnny Appleseed
(John Chapman)
cross-stitch by Faye

“One very extraordinary missionary continued to exert,
for the spread of divine truth,
his modest and humble efforts,
which would put the most zealous member to blush.
We now allude to Mr. John Chapman,
from whom we are in habit of hearing frequently.
His temporal employment consists
in preceding the settlements,
and sowing nurseries of fruit trees,
which he avows to be pursued for the chief purpose
of giving him an opportunity of spreading
the doctrines throughout the western country.”
- Swedenborgian Church

“Remember this:
Whoever sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously
will also reap generously.
Each man should give what he
has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make
all grace abound to you,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
As it is written:
‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.’
Now he who supplies seed to the sower
and bread for food will also supply
and increase your store of seed
and will enlarge the harvest
of your righteousness.
You will be made rich in every way
so that you can be generous on every occasion,
and through us your generosity
will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform
is not only supplying the needs
of God’s people but is also overflowing
in many expressions of thanks to God.
Because of the service by which
you have proved yourselves,
men will praise God for the obedience
that accompanies your confession
of the gospel of Christ,
and for your generosity in sharing with them
and with everyone else.
And in their prayers for you
their hearts will go out to you,
because of the surpassing grace
God has given you.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NIV