When I served as senior pastor, Sunday after Sunday—just before I preached—I would quote these words:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God will stand forever.”
James uses a powerful image: the Word of God implanted within us
Paul speaks plainly: what we sow matters. Scarcity produces scarcity; generosity produces abundance.
Last month, as we braced for a snowstorm and ice, nature reminded us of something profound: rain does not rush, and snow does not hurry.
Jesus begins this parable with one word: Listen. Before explanation, before application, before judgment—listen.
Sometimes we don’t realize we’re holding a grudge because our hand has been clenched for so long it feels normal.
Jesus makes it plain. Loving God is not optional, and loving people is not negotiable. The two are inseparable. We cannot claim deep devotion to God while dismissing our responsibility to one another.
I am no gardener, but I do enjoy being outside in the spring—hands in the soil, surrounded by color, spending more money and time on plants than I probably should.
I love this verse, even in the seasons where I question whether the work God began in me will ever feel complete.