At the men’s Grow Group Bible study on Thursday morning, the discussion centered on the parables of Jesus, especially the parable of the mustard seed. We thought of how our faithful acts may seem small, but have the potential to grow. We shared childhood lessons that shaped us, and talked about the ways we see the Kingdom growing around us.
I told them about our Club 456 going to the beach on Tuesday night. Before swimming, Ashlee led them in a devotion about sin and forgivemess. When we ask and truly mean it, God does wash away our sin, just as the waves wash away words written in the sand. It was a powerful lesson, planted in young minds, and who knows how rich the harvest will be.
Being faithful doesn’t mean we always see the outcome. I remember Jeremiah buying the field at Anathoth (Jeremiah 32). He made the purchase and scripture records how carefully he preserved the deed, though he knew he would never work the land himself. We may never see the seeds we plant in the hearts of others grow, but we plant anyway, trusting in God’s tomorrow.
Tomorrow, as a nation, we will pause to remember those who have given their lives for our freedoms today. They did not know us; they had no crystal balls showing the future possible because of their sacrifice. They gave anyway. May our gratitude persist in our dedication to the highest ideals of freedom, valor and integrity.
In each encounter of our lives, we have the opportunity to show God’s love to the world. Pickleball, Dandelions & Roots, Bridal showers, baptisms, mission trips, quilts and prayer shawls, ball games, lunches and dinners–these are just a few of the times and places we get the chance to live the gospel truth: “Jesus loves you!”
Faithfully,
Pastor Scarlett