A Seed Planted
This week, a simple phone call turned into a profound reminder of the power of obedience. I had called one of our parishioners who, due to some recent mobility challenges, had been unable to join us for our Sunday service. I wanted to check in on her and extend our love and support. To my delight, I discovered not only was she in good spirits, but she had also engaged with the service online.
What touched me most deeply, however, was her enthusiastic response to a simple call to action in my sermon. I had encouraged everyone to cultivate a daily habit of reading a chapter of Proverbs. This dear sister, with a heart hungry for God’s Word, had taken that message to heart and was already experiencing the joy and richness of this spiritual discipline.
Her eagerness to share this with me filled me with such gratitude. It was a beautiful illustration of the Gospel Matthew 11:15, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Her receptivity to the Word and her immediate action were truly inspiring. I found myself praying for her, asking God to bless her commitment and empower her to persevere in this journey of encountering His truth.
Her story reminded me of the incredible abundance of spiritual resources we have access to today. While the pandemic brought undeniable hardship, it also ushered in a new era of accessibility. We can now tune into sermons and teachings from gifted spiritual leaders across the globe, right from our phones. YouTube, Facebook, and countless other platforms offer a treasure trove of inspiring content.
But, friends, let us not mistake access for transformation. Simply listening to a powerful sermon is not enough. We must allow the seeds of truth to penetrate our hearts and take root in our lives. If we simply say, “Oh, that was a nice message,” and move on, we miss the true power of God’s Word to shape and mold us.
True spiritual growth occurs when we take those words and weave them into the fabric of our daily lives. It’s in the practice, in the doing, that the Word comes alive. It begins to influence our thoughts, guide our words, and direct our actions. It becomes the living water that nourishes our souls, leading us towards a deeper understanding of God and a closer walk with Him. This active engagement with Scripture empowers us to grow in our faith and become more Christlike each day.
Therefore, I extend this invitation to you once more: join me in the daily practice of reading a chapter of Proverbs. We have embarked on a new sermon series exploring this profound book, and now is the perfect time to immerse ourselves in its wisdom. With 31 chapters, reading one each day allows us to complete the entire book within a month. And what a treasure trove it is! Proverbs offers timeless wisdom, guidance, and practical insights for navigating the complexities of life.
This commitment requires just 5-10 minutes each day. I assure you, if you establish this spiritual rhythm, you will witness a remarkable transformation in your life. You will find yourself equipped with greater discernment, wisdom, and strength to face the challenges that come your way.
I invite y’all to join me in this beautiful spiritual discipline. I’ll be praying for your success!
