Have you ever considered the thought that no chapter of our lives remains unseen by God, no emotion unfelt, no obstacle unacknowledged by his care, and no sin covered by his grace? Sometimes, we may wonder if God knows how we feel, what is happening to us, and if God cares enough to get us through it. So maybe you believe that God is with you, but how is that making a difference in your daily life? How does knowing that God cares about you change how you feel and go about your life? To speak to this, we are looking at the story of King David, a narrative that highlights God’s unwavering presence in our triumphs and trials and … Read More
Saints Here and There
When we hear the word “saints,” we may hear different things depending on where we are coming from. We may think of those canonized into sainthood in the Roman Catholic tradition or of out-of-this-world perfect, blameless people with halos. Perhaps we think of kind, patient, and self-giving people we view as special. However, when referencing “All Saints Day,” we need to consider a broader context that includes each of us, too. Consider this: the early Christian church identified themselves as “saints.” For instance, Paul, in his letters to various congregations, referred to them as “saints” – such as “to the saints in Ephesus” or “to the saints in Philippi.” Here, Paul signified that every believer is a saint, not through … Read More
From Seed to Feast: FEAST
Today, we conclude our series “From Seed to Feast.” We have journeyed through the transformative parallels between agricultural growth and our spiritual progression. We have learned how seeds sown in fertile soil and tended with diligence grow into a bountiful harvest. Using this metaphor has helped us understand that God’s blessings for us are like seeds of potential blessings, inviting our active involvement to blossom. As we reflected on what this means, we realized that the blessings we yearn for in life and faith are not just handed over; they necessitate our consistent involvement and effort. While God provides us with the seeds of blessings and guidance in nurturing them, the harvesting demands our initiative and dedication. In this sense, … Read More
From Seed to Feast: Harvest
In recent weeks, we have journeyed together through our series, “From Seed to Feast.” We have explored the stages of spiritual growth and stewardship, from the initial blessing of the seed to the nurturing of the soil. We have talked about the meaning of seeds as the potential blessings God gives us that require planting and nurturing. We have discussed how our choices in where to plant or invest these seeds are crucial, that it is essential to ensure we are sowing in healthy soil. Last week, we talked about nurturing and tending to the growth of the seed with diligence and vigilance to ensure its health and fruition. All this is within the context of our role as stewards … Read More
From Seed to Feast: Nurturing
In the last two weeks, in our ongoing stewardship series “From Seed to Feast,” we have reflected on the powerful metaphor of the seed and soil. The first week, we learned how the blessings God bestows upon us often present themselves not as immediate gifts but as seeds—tokens of potential, waiting for our nurturing and care to come to fruition. And last week, we further explored the vital role that soil plays in the realization of a seed’s potential. Drawing parallels from the Parable of the Sower, we were reminded that while we all possess seeds of talents, resources, dreams, and goodness, the quality and nature of the soil—our environments, relationships, and influences—largely dictate their growth. With this foundational understanding … Read More