The Guiding WHISPER

 

September 12, 2025

1 Kings 19:11–13 

"And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave."

Elijah was exhausted, physically, emotionally, spiritually. He had just faced down the prophets of Baal, called down fire from heaven, and outrun a chariot. But now, hiding in a cave, he was overwhelmed by fear and loneliness. He longed to hear the voice of God.

And God did speak. But not in the way Elijah expected.

There was wind. There was an earthquake. There was fire. All very dramatic. All loud. All certainly attention-grabbing. But God wasn’t in any of them.

Then came a whisper.

This is one of those great Old Testament stories that speaks into our cultural experience. I mean,iIn a world obsessed with volume, louder opinions, bigger platforms, flashier performances, God still speaks in whispers. Not because God is weak, but because our God is close. Here is the thing about whispers, whispers require intimacy and  closeness. To listen and hear a whisper you must lean in and silence all other noisy distractions.

This passage today invites us to think about the differences between Loud Culture and what the Bible calls Quiet Communion.

Culture says:

“Make noise to be noticed.”
“If it’s not dramatic, it’s not divine.”
“Busyness is a badge of honor.”

God says in his word:

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“In repentance and rest is your salvation.” (Isaiah 30:15)
“Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Something I have become increasingly aware of is that God's whisper doesn't compete with the loud noise of the world; God patiently waits for the chaos to settle and then the whisper, the still small voice speaks. I wonder if that is why finding spiritual intimacy and depth often calls for solitude, silence, and surrender.


Here is a challenge for us to try over the weekend, Let's take 10 minutes for silence.

No phone.
No music.
No agenda.

Just sit in silence. Breathe. Listen.

Invite God to speak, not with some grand display of power, of wind, or earthquake, or fire, but through a gentle whisper. And when God does, and God will, let us respond like Elijah by stepping out of the cave and following.

Let's Pray


God, teach me to hear Your whisper. Quiet the noise around me and within me. Draw me close enough to hear Your gentle voice. I want to live guided, not by the loud pounding noise of our culture and world, but by Your nearness. Amen.

Truth in a Sea of Lies

 

September 11, 2025

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 

We’re constantly surrounded by stories—some subtle, some captivating, and others deceptive. The world tells us what to value, how to behave, and who to become. It offers a mold that is culturally acceptable, even fashionable, but often harmful to our soul.

One of the renderings of our verses today puts it this way, "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into it's mold." Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 are not gentle suggestions. They are a spiritual survival guide. Do not conform. That’s resistance. Be transformed. That’s renewal. The Christian life isn’t passive, it’s a daily act of Considering the Source of what we hear, and therefore pushing back in defiance against the lies that seek to shape us.

Here’s the thing: lies don’t always seem like lies, do they? They often show up as half-truths, there is this emotional appeal to them, and our culture's repetition of the lies, eventually may them stick. That's why the Bible teaches that real change begins in the mind, not just with knowledge, but through insight and revelation.

Let us think about this for a moment today our culture says:

“You are enough on your own.”
“Truth is relative.”
“Follow your heart.”

God's word in Scripture by comparison says:

“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
“Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
“The heart is deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9)

As followers of Jesus we do not just reject falsehoods, we replace them with revealed truth. Through Scripture, prayer, community, and the Spirit’s guidance, we walk a new path. Transformation isn’t about just resisting the old ways or cultural distortions (lies), it is about embracing something entirely new, God's New Thing!!

Today, identify one cultural message you’ve absorbed that doesn’t align with God’s truth. You might need to search the scriptures on this a bit. (It will be worthwhile I promise)

My prayer is that we will let God’s Word be the loudest voice in our life. So, Let it renew you, remake you, and release you from the world's mold.

Let's Pray

Father, renew my mind today. Expose the lies I’ve believed, even the ones I didn’t notice. Shape me by Your truth, not by the world’s patterns. Give me courage to live differently, think differently, and love differently. I want to be transformed—not conformed. Amen.

The Noise of the Crowd

 

September 10, 2025

Exodus 32:1–6

 
"When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, 'Come, make us gods who will go before us.'"

Waiting is hard. Especially when God feels silent. 

In Exodus 32, the Israelites grew restless while Moses lingered on Mount Sinai. Their impatience gave birth to what our Bible refers to as idolatry, idol worship.  The thing is the people in Exodus 32 didn’t just drift into idolatry, they demanded it. And Aaron, swayed by the crowd, gave in.

This account is more than ancient history. I feel, it acts like a mirror. Let's be honest, how often do we let the noise of the crowd set aside the voice of God?

As we considered yesterday, present culture is loud. It tells us what success looks like, how to define identity, what to chase, what to fear, and what to worship. And when God’s voice feels distant or slow, we’re tempted to craft golden calves of our own, approval, comfort, control, image. We get impatient and take control of the wheel, steering according to the wants, wishes and demands our culture presses upon us.  

Exodus tells us that Aaron didn’t stand firm. He folded. Not because he didn’t know better, but because the crowd was louder than conviction, and the pressure of the crowd was heavy.

As followers of Jesus in our day, we too find ourselves in the challenging place of standing on convictions in the middle of the tensions between Cultural Pressure and Kingdom Courage.

The crowd says:

“Everyone’s doing it.”
“Don’t be so rigid.”
“You’re falling behind.”

The Kingdom says:

“Be holy, as I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)
“Do not be conformed to this world.” (Romans 12:2)
“Fear God, not humans.” (Proverbs 29:25)

So our challenge isn’t just recognizing the noise, it’s resisting it. That takes courage. It takes clarity. It takes a heart anchored in Biblical truth, not cultural trends.

Today, let us ask ourselves:

Where am I tempted to follow the crowd?
What “golden calves” have I allowed into my life, things I’ve elevated above God?
How can I practice waiting well, even when God seems quiet?

Then let us take our stand. Saying no to a cultural pressure. Say yes to a Kingdom value. 

May our lives whisper, “I will not bow.”

Let's Pray

God, help me to hear Your voice above the crowd.
Give me the strength to stand when others bow.
Teach me to wait on You, even when You feel silent.
I don’t want to build idols, I want to build trust.
Make me bold in obedience and gentle in truth. Amen.

Whose Voice Is Loudest?

 

September 9, 2025

John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” 




We live in a world of constant commentary. News cycles, social media, influencers, podcasts, politicians, even well-meaning friends, family, and coworkers, it seems everyone has something to say. But amid the noise and chatter around us one question stands out: Whose voice is shaping our lives?

In John 10, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd. His sheep, he says, recognize His voice not for its volume, but because they trust the tone, the truth, and the tender care reflected in His call.

The challenge for us is that many voices today imitate the Shepherd, they are offering fulfillment, identity, success, and belonging. However, truth be told, they often lead to confusion, compromise, and spiritual exhaustion. As one author put it, "the enemy doesn’t always roar; sometimes he whispers in ways that strikingly resemble the truth."

Here are some examples:

Consumerism / Materialism
Voice says: “If you just buy this, upgrade that, or achieve financial success, you’ll finally be content.”
Result: Temporary satisfaction, but deeper emptiness, debt, and chasing the next “fix.”

Social Media Influence / Popularity
Voice says: “Your worth comes from likes, followers, and how others perceive you online.”
Result: Anxiety, comparison, fragile identity.

Political or Cultural Movements
Voice says: “If you follow this ideology or align with this group, you’ll find purpose and belonging."
Result: Division, disillusionment, or compromised faith when ultimate loyalty isn’t to Christ.

Each of these voices imitates the Shepherd because they offer a sense of fulfillment, identity, or belonging. But in the end, they don’t give life, they drain it.

So we find ourselves between the voices of Cultural Pressure and Kingdom Perspective trying to discern our way, as we Consider the Source of the messages.

The difference is clear, I believe, one path focuses on self-glorification, while the other embraces surrender, transformation, and the hope of eternal life.

Today, let us take inventory of the voices influencing us.
What are we reading, watching, listening to?
Who are we allowing to shape our beliefs, our identity, our decisions?

Then ask: Do these voices echo the Good Shepherd, or are they leading us somewhere else?

Let's Pray

Lord, teach me to recognize Your voice above all others.
Help me to quiet the noise around me and within me.
Give me discernment to reject false narratives and courage to follow You, even when the path is narrow.
I want to be Your sheep—not just in name, but in practice. Amen.

 

The Chorus of Gratitude

 

September 8, 2025

Psalm 136:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:16–17

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

We live in a world where complaints seem to dominate, almost like the air we breathe, grievances about politics, people, problems, and life. It's easy to join the chorus. This is a point we have been thinking about in our sermons the past couple of weeks. 

We have considered that Psalm 136 offers us a different chorus to sing: “His love endures forever.” It’s repeated 26 times in Psalm 136, almost like God knew we’d need it drilled into our hearts. Gratitude is not just saying “thank you” when life feels good; it’s choosing to root our lives in God’s unchanging love.

I can tell you, that kind of grateful living changes everything.

It steadies us when life feels shaky.
It opens our eyes to God’s goodness in creation and in small daily gifts.
It keeps God’s salvation story alive in our hearts.
It sustains us in the hardest seasons.
And it shines as a witness to a world desperate for hope.

So here’s the choice we face: Will we live by the world’s rhythm of complaint, or by God's rhythm of gratitude?

Imagine if our lives became like Psalm 136, which drives home to us that whatever comes, our refrain is steady: “His love endures forever.” What would our families look like? Our relationships? Even our community of faith? What would seekers notice about us if gratitude became our lifestyle?

Gratitude isn’t a moment but a lifestyle rhythm that is:

Rooted in God’s unchanging character.
Remembering His creation and redemption.
Practiced in every season.
Witnessing to the world of His enduring love.

Gratitude grows, transforming faith inward into worship and outward into testimony. In a world yearning for authenticity and hope, your expressed and demonstrated thankfulness becomes a guiding light, illuminating the path for others to discover the Giver of all good gifts. 

Below is a little challenge for us to work on this week together. You may just want to pick one and work on that this week, and add others in future weeks. 

Each practice, though simple, will weave a pattern of gratitude into our lives. They are faithful works that help us to recognize and receive God's grace in our lives.

Living with Gratitude: A Challenge 

Start each day this week by listing three specific things for which you are thankful.

When you feel a complaint rising, pause and express that feeling to God—then, seek two blessings hidden within (even if small).

Share a gratitude story with someone who needs encouragement.

Bring your thanks into daily worship, let song, prayer, art, or action become living praise.

Remember: you are part of God’s enduring story, a story of love that truly never ends. His love endures forever. Thanks be to God.

BROKEN but REDEEMABLE

 

September 5, 2025

Romans 8:19–21

“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration… in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”


The word "Culture" encompasses the world we create together in all the spheres of living, our art, science, politics, technology, families, neighborhoods, economies, and communities. Culture represents how humankind shapes God’s creation. The shaping that takes place embodies both its splendor and its brokenness. Much like we witness in creation itself.

We witness beauty all around us: music that uplifts the spirit, architecture that inspires awe, medical breakthroughs that save lives, and acts of justice that protect the vulnerable. Yet, we also encounter brokenness: greed in business, injustice in governments, corruption in systems, violence in entertainment, and despair in our communities.

Sometimes it is easy to look at life as a Sacred versus Secular or Culture battle. I know this worldview because I used to hold a "Sacred vs, Secular" outlook. As I have grown, and aged I have learned that we should neither reject culture as hopelessly corrupt, nor should we embrace it uncritically. Instead, let me suggest that we are called to be discerning about culture. Which means we celebrate the things that reflect God’s goodness, however, we are also to push back against what is destructive and harmful,. When we as Jesus followers to this we become kingdom partners and join Christ in the work of renewal.

Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that creation itself is groaning, longing for liberation. The same is true of culture. It bears scars of sin but also seeds of hope. In Christ, nothing is beyond the reach of redemption not even the flawed structures and harmful systems of society.

One example to think about is technology. While it is true that technology can be misused to spread falsehoods or foster addiction, it also has the power to connect isolated individuals, bring education to remote areas, and save lives through medical advancements. The same cultural tools that can cause harm can, when rightly used, serve a greater purpose, including advancing God’s kingdom.


This weekend give some thought to the following:

Where do you see both brokenness and beauty in the culture around you, whether in music, media, work, or community life? How might God be calling you to resist what is harmful and to nurture what is good?

Let's Pray

Jesus,
You entered our broken world and showed us that nothing is beyond Your reach. Help me see culture with Your eyes, grateful for its beauty, honest about its flaws, and hopeful for its renewal. Teach me to discern what to embrace, what to resist, and where to join Your work of redemption. Use my words, work, and witness to reflect Your kingdom in the world around me.
Amen.

OUR PRESENCE HELPS

 

September 4, 2025

Matthew 5:13–16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? … You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”


Jesus describes his followers as people who are both salt and light.  That means, I believe, that every Christ follower has a "public" calling. I am sure you get what I am seeing in Jesus words, that our faith is not just about private prayer, Bible study, and Sunday worship times. I feel like Jesus is suggesting in our verses today that his followers will embrace his teachings deeply, and that their faith in him will overflow into the streets, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and marketplaces in ways that challenge cultural norms.

These thoughts take us back to last week in which we were challenged by Abraham Kuyper's thoughts. Do you recall that Kuyper reminded us that faith should shape all of life, not just church life? I find in my reading of Kuyper being greatly challenged to consider what being visibly present in culture, and bringing God’s wisdom, justice, and beauty into all of life might look like. I think it is easy for followers of Jesus to "retreat" into a private spirituality, rather rather than living openly as a community that bears witness to Christ.

we know that salt was highly valued in Jesus' time for preserving food and enhancing its flavor. By comparison, Jesus calls his disciples to preserve the goodness in culture and highlight its God-given beauty. Light, on the other hand, Jesus reminds us serves to uncover what is hidden, exposing darkness and corruption while also illuminating a path of hope and truth into the future.

Contrary to what we witness so often today, living as salt and light doesn’t mean shouting our beliefs louder than others. It means living out Christ's humility, truth, and love, so that our presence helps create a society that is more just, compassionate, and filled with God's goodness.

In 19th-century Holland, Kuyper and a group of ordinary believers started Christian schools, not because they wanted to withdraw from culture, but because they wanted to shape it. They believed education should be rooted in God’s truth, forming children who could live faithfully in every area of society. 

I wonder, where is God guiding us to be "salt and light" today? Could it be in our workplace, neighborhood, friendships, or even through our online and social media presence? How can we live out our faith in a way that allows others to "taste and see" the goodness of God?

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus, You call me to be salt and light in the world. Forgive me for the times I hide my faith or let it grow bland. Give me courage to live publicly as Your follower, in how I work, how I speak, and how I love others. May my presence today bring flavor, healing, and light into the spaces You send me. Amen.

Ready for a Change?

 

September 3, 2025

Isaiah 43:19

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” 


In Isaiah 43, God addresses His weary and discouraged people, urging them to resist the temptation of dwelling on past glories. Instead, He calls them to focus on the future He is preparing: “See, I am doing a new thing!” 

I truly believe that this same promise is for us today. You see God is always at work, renewing, reshaping, and calling us forward into new seasons. That is what we were thinking about yesterday that the turn or change of seasons is a gentle reminder that our lives don’t have to remain stuck in old patterns but can enter into times of new beginnings and fresh starts. In Christ, there is always a new beginning, whether it’s a renewed prayer life, a recommitment to community, or simply a fresh awareness of God’s presence in daily routines.

Let us all open ourselves to the new thing God longs to do in our hearts, minds and life today and everyday. I spent a large part of my life dwelling on the past, maybe you have too, you know the longing for the "good old days" to return, or battling with the messy mistakes made on our journey. I want you to know what a transformation takes place when we recognize that our God is leading us day after day into a "new thing" into fresh beginnings.  This confidence sure fills us with hope for what is ahead. So lean in, trust our good God, and watch for the new thing that God has in store for us.

Perhaps today we start small, begin by asking God, “What is one new practice You want me to step into this fall?” It could be as simple as setting aside some time for prayer, maybe joining a Bible study, or building a rhythm of Sabbath rest into your life.

By the way, remember this, we do not have to wait for perfect conditions. Not at all, God begins His new work in ordinary days, in the middle of changing seasons. That is GOOD NEWS.

 
Let's Pray

Lord, thank You for being the God of new beginnings. Open my eyes to the new thing You are doing in me, in my family, in my church, in my school, and in my community. Give me courage to take even small steps of obedience so that I may walk in Your newness of life. Amen.

Seasons Change, God Remains

 

September 2, 2025

Malachi 3:6

“I am the Lord, and I do not change.

Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 


As the calendar turns and the air cools, there is a reality that is thrust upon us, we experience the change of seasons. Summer's wonderful long evenings shorten, and the green leaves that once provided shade begin to transform in color and fall to the ground. With this seasonal shift, our lives return to familiar routines of school, work, and busy daily activities. The changing seasons serve as a reminder that time is always moving forward.

While it is true that when September arrives, everything around us changes, our schedules, our responsibilities, even the weather, there is a deep comfort in knowing that God does not change. His love for you and me today is the same as it was in our most treasured summer moments. The presence of our Creator will remain constant, even as the days get shorter and our lives feel more challenging and demanding.

I remember hearing someone say one time "that our lives are like the seasons: spring brings beginnings, summer brings growth, fall brings change, and winter brings waiting."  Even so, through it all, all the seasons, God is the ruler of every season. Just think of it like this, as the sun continues to rise despite being hidden by clouds, God’s presence remains constant, even when life takes unexpected turns.

Reflect on the past few months. Maybe your summer was full of joy, relaxation, and beauty, or perhaps it was a challenging time, you had disappointments or some unexpected hardship. Whatever your experience has been, I want you all to know that as September moves in and all the changes that come with that flip of the calendar, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that the God who guided you through yesterday is the same God who will be with you in the days ahead. Know this that no matter how much our surroundings shift, God's character and promises will never change.

Let's take some time today to thank God for his faithfulness during  this past summer, and hold firmly to the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 

So when you feel unsettled by change, and we all do at some point, I want to invite you to whisper this simple prayer that I have found helpful: “Lord, you are the same—yesterday, today, and forever. I trust You.”

Let's Pray

Lord, as summer fades and fall begins, I thank You that while seasons change, You never do. Your love is constant, Your promises are true, and Your presence is steady. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness as I step into this new season. Teach me to trust You in change, and to walk with confidence knowing that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

Labor Day Thoughts

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters ….



1 Corinthians 15:58

“therefore...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”


In God’s creation, labor is a key way we reflect His image and show love to our neighbors. Through our work, we contribute to building a world where people can thrive and flourish in every aspect of life.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, we read “therefore...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Paul is not only referring to his own efforts or those who supported him in ministry. Labor within the Christian community extends beyond ministry, though it certainly includes it. Christian labor encompasses a broader purpose. Paul seems to be addressing the everyday work of all who first heard his letter read —both the wealthy and the poor, the powerful and the powerless. Our work holds significance—both within the Christian community and in the world at large. In both realms, labor matters. The resurrection of Jesus roots our lives in a new way of approaching any kind of work, as a task done "as working for the Lord."

Reflect on the teaching below in our contemporary Testimony about work and labor.

Our World Belongs to God

Our work is a calling from God.
We work for more than wages
and manage for more than profit
so that mutual respect
and the just use of goods and skills
may shape the workplace.
While we earn or profit,
we love our neighbors by providing
useful products and services.
In our global economy
we advocate meaningful work
and fair wages for all.
Out of the Lord’s generosity to us,
we give freely and gladly
of our money and time.

Let us pray to the Lord of all creation, from whom comes life and work and purpose.

Almighty God, when you formed us lovingly out of the dust of the earth, you breathed into us the breath of life and gave us work and purpose for living. Through our work, you made us co-creators with you, shaping the world in which we live.You gave dignity to our labor by sending your Son to labor with us.

By our labor, you enrich the world.
By our labor, we enjoy the fruits of creation.
By our labor, we find direction and purpose.
By our labor, our families are made secure.
For providing varieties of work and for blessing us by our labor:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those who plow the field and those who make the plow; for farmers and farm workers, for steelworkers and machinists; for those who work with their hands and those who move the earth:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those who tend the sick and those who seek new cures; for doctors and nurses, for scientists and technicians; for those who keep notes and those who transcribe:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those who think and those who create; for inventors and explorers, for artists and musicians; for those who write books and those who entertain:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those who work in offices and those who work in warehouses; for secretaries and receptionists, for stockers and bookkeepers; for those who market products and for those who move them:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those who inspire our minds and those who motivate us; for teachers and preachers, for public servants and religious servants; those who help the poor and those who work with our children:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those whose labor is tidiness and cleanliness; for janitors and sanitary workers, for drycleaners and maids; for those who produce cleaning products and those who use them:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For those who sail the waves and those who fly the skies; for captains and attendants, for astronauts and deep sea divers; for those who chart and those who navigate:
We give you thanks, O Lord.

You bless us all with skills and gifts for labor.
You provide us opportunities to use them, for the benefit of others as well as ourselves.
Guard and protect those who labor in the world.
Bless the work of our hands, O Lord.

Look kindly upon the unemployed.
Give health to the sick, hope to the bereaved.

Keep us from laboring only for greed.
Make us loving and responsible in all that we do.

Creator Lord, you are the source of all wisdom and purpose, you are the blessing of those who labor. Be with us in our labor to guide and govern our world. Give all men and women work that enhances human dignity and bonds us to one another. Give us pride in our work, a fair return for our labor, and joy in knowing that our work finds its source in you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

God's Unmerited Kindness to All

 

August 29, 2025

Matthew 5:45

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.


 "God restrains the effects of sin through common grace, allowing goodness and beauty to remain even in a fallen world."

                                                                  Abraham Kuyper


Would you agree that the world is undeniably broken? That the world is not all that it could be? We do not talk about the "sin" word that much anymore. We seem to resist this label. Yet, the bible demonstrates over and over an undeniable reality that sin distorts relationships, twists desires, and leaves behind scars on us, indeed even on creation itself. 

However, if we look around carefully, we also see remarkable evidence of God’s goodness breaking through the cracks. Abraham Kuyper identified this in breaking by our creator as common grace, God’s unmerited kindness given to all people, not just believers.

Now we often talk about, and sing about "saving grace", God's grace which redeems and reconciles us to God through Christ. Common grace is the kindness of God that holds the world together, restrains evil, and allows beauty, truth, and justice to shine, even in unexpected places.

Think about a skilled doctor who does not profess a faith in Christ, yet whose expertise and compassion bring healing. Or an artist who may not recognize the Creator God, yet creates works of beauty that move our spirits. Or think of the many countless small blessings that we enjoy and experience from day to day, sunlight warming our face, children’s laughter, the order of laws that prevent chaos. All of these and more are what Kuyper has in mind as evidence that the world remains God’s world, sustained by His guiding hand. 

In Matthew 5:45, Jesus highlights the sun and rain as essential elements that sustain life, freely given by God to both the righteous and the unrighteous. This demonstrates that no part of the world is entirely empty of God's presence. Remember we said early this week that there is not a "square inch" in our world that is not under the ownership of God?  Even in places where sin appears prevalent, there are still signs of God’s handiwork. While this does not downplay the gravity of sin, it serves as a reminder that God has not forsaken His creation.

This truth, for you and me as believers, this notion of "common grace" keeps us from despair on one hand and pride on the other. We do not lose hope because God’s grace continues to work in the world. Nor do we become prideful, as if God's goodness exists only within the church or the faith community. Instead, we are called to acknowledge, celebrate, and partner with the good wherever we find it, always directing it back to its true source in Christ.

Let's conclude our week with some reflection questions.

Where have you recently experienced God’s goodness in “ordinary” or unexpected places?

How might common grace change the way you see your neighbors, your community, or even cultural achievements?

In what ways can you join God’s sustaining work in your neighborhood, town, city or workplace?

Let's Pray

Lord, we are grateful for Your sustaining grace in a world that is broken and in need of You. We thank You for the glimpses of beauty, truth, and goodness that remind us of Your hand holding creation together. Would you grant us eyes to see where You are at work and hearts eager to join You in advancing life, justice, and mercy wherever we may be. Amen.

ROOTED LIVING

 

August 27, 2025

Romans 12:2 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The most fundamental difference between people is not race, class, or culture — but belief. Faith and unbelief are opposing root systems that shape all of life.                       Abraham Kuyper

Picture two trees planted side by side in the same field. To the casual observer, they might look nearly identical, tall trunks, spreading branches, leaves fluttering in the wind, perhaps even bearing fruit. But appearances can be deceiving. The true difference lies hidden underground, where the eye cannot see.

One tree sinks its roots deep into rich, nourishing soil, drawing life, stability, and strength from the unseen resources beneath. The other, though outwardly similar, is rooted in shallow, dry ground, starved of water and nutrients.

Over time, the difference becomes clear: one flourishes, resilient in drought and storm, while the other withers, unable to endure. We see something like this in the Christian life, it is sustained not by outward appearances or actions, but by the hidden root of faith, whether our lives are grounded in Christ or in the empty soil of self and the world will depend on the soul we are rooted in.

So far this week we have been establishing some key principles that inform our worldview. Monday, it was talk about a kingdom perspective. Viewing life through a Kingdom lens, we said, changes everything, how you vote, spend money, use your time, treat strangers, and handle conflict. Yesterday, we developed this further by thinking together about Kingdom perspective that rests in God's sovereignty and says that there is not a place, "a square inch" of world experience that does not belong to God.

Today, we encounter this challenge in Abraham Kuyper's thought. Kuyper argued that the foundation of a person’s worldview is either belief or unbelief. What he means is that it is not just about actions, what we do, but the reasons behind them. As Kuyper would say both Christians and unbelievers may value things like education, justice, or beauty, they do so for entirely different reasons. The reasons for both are rooted in differing ultimate truths.

The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 remind us that we are continually being shaped and influenced, either by the patterns of this world or by the Spirit of God. The gap between belief and unbelief serves as a reminder to remain spiritually aware. Now pause for a moment and take this in. which pattern most shapes and influences us. I find in both the Bible and in Kupyer's thoughts I am prompted to ask myself the question: Where are my roots? A good question to wrestle with isn't it?

I find, perhaps you do as well, that our culture often influences our values without us realizing it. Therefore, today's discussion challenges us to reflect on our beliefs: Are we conforming to the world or being transformed by Christ?

Spend a few minutes today with these questions to help us dig deeper.

What are some ways your thinking has been shaped more by culture than by Christ?

What would it look like for your thoughts and decisions to be rooted in faith, not fear or conformity?

Let's Pray

Lord, I want to be shaped by You, not by the trends of this world. Help me to recognize the deep roots of faith and live from them daily. Transform my mind, renew my heart, and align my life with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Every Inch?

 

It occurred to me that some of you may not be familiar with Abraham Kuyper, here is a brief bio:

Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) was a Dutch theologian, pastor, journalist, and statesman. He served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands (1901–1905) and founded the Free University of Amsterdam. Kuyper is remembered for his strong Reformed faith and his vision that all of life—politics, education, art, science, and society—belongs under the lordship of Jesus Christ. His famous idea of “sphere sovereignty” taught that each area of life (church, family, state, etc.) has its own God-given role and responsibility. 

August 26, 2025

Colossians 1:15–20


“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created... all things were created through him and for him... and in him all things hold together.”



“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’”
                                                                                                  Abraham Kuyper

 

Colossians 1:15–20 offers an incredible view of Jesus. Paul describes Christ as the Lord of all creation, the one by whom, through whom, and for whom everything was created. Paul's emphasis is clear: all things, visible and invisible, earthly and heavenly, sacred and secular, are held together in Jesus the Christ.

We sometimes act as though certain parts of life, like work, school, civic duties, technology, or leisure, are “neutral” or “secular” zones. For, Abraham Kuyper, the teaching of the Bible says that no part of life is neutral. Christ claims every aspect of human existence and is actively reclaiming it for His Kingdom. Probably my favorite quote from Kuyper is the following:

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’”

Consider the story of Lydia that was recently shared with me. Lydia was a successful bank executive in Toronto. She once believed that her faith had little to do with her job beyond personal ethics. But after attending a faith and work conference, she began asking: What does it mean for banking to serve God's Kingdom? She started mentoring younger colleagues, advocating for more ethical lending practices, and supporting micro-loans for under-resourced entrepreneurs. Her office became a place of prayer, encouragement, and justice. Her work became worship.

Lydia's story brings Kuyper’s vision to life: a faith that isn’t boxed in but one that is shaping every profession and pursuit with Christ’s love and lordship.

 
This theology is transformative, influencing how Christians vote, build families, design spaces, manage businesses, plant churches, and raise children. Declaring “Jesus is Lord” means recognizing His authority over every aspect of our lives, our schedules, finances, and callings.

 

This teaching of Scripture as interpreted through the insights of Abraham Kuyper cause me to ask:   

What areas of our life have we unconsciously labeled as “secular” or outside of God’s concern?

How does the lordship of Christ over all creation challenge the way we think about our daily work or community involvement?

What would change in our week if we truly believed Jesus says “Mine” over every moment and place we enter?

Give some thought to this over the next few days, regarding how you might answer these questions. It will be worthwhile. 


Let's Pray

Jesus, I confess that I often reduce Your lordship to religious spaces and spiritual matters. Open my eyes to see that every moment, every task, and every place belongs to You. Reign over my thoughts, my work, my conversations, and my habits. Help me reflect Your presence in every square inch I enter. May Your Kingdom come, in my life and in the world around me.
Amen.