A Call to Care for God’s Creation
As Christians, we are called to live as faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. This responsibility includes caring for the earth, which God created and declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31, ESV). Environmental stewardship is not merely an option for believers; it is a reflection of our love for God and our neighbors.
The Bible lays a clear foundation for this responsibility. In Genesis 1:26-28, God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a charge to rule with wisdom, care, and compassion, reflecting God’s own nature. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Everything in creation belongs to God. As stewards, we are entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of caring for His property. Leviticus 25:23-24 emphasizes sustainable use of the land: “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land.” This underscores the truth that the earth ultimately belongs to God, and we are to use it wisely and with reverence. Paul echoes this in Romans 8:19-21, saying, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Creation itself groans for restoration, and as believers, we are part of God’s redemptive plan for the world. John Stott, in his book The Radical Disciple, articulates this calling: “The earth belongs to God by creation and to us by delegation. We are to look after it responsibly and productively, whether as farmers or gardeners, conservationists or scientists. The earth is the Lord’s, and we are his stewards.” Similarly, Francis Schaeffer reminds us, “God’s creation has value because He made it. To abuse what He has made is to sin against the Creator.” Practical steps for Christian environmental stewardship begin with simple actions like reducing waste, recycling, composting, and cutting back on single-use plastics. Supporting sustainable practices, whether through investments, advocacy, or lifestyle choices, is another way to honor God’s creation. Educating others about the biblical mandate for environmental care can inspire greater responsibility within our communities. Most importantly, prayer is a vital part of stewardship. Ask God for wisdom to be a better steward in your daily life and for His blessing over efforts to protect and restore His creation. Caring for the environment is part of living out the gospel. When we steward God’s creation faithfully, we reflect His glory and show love to our neighbors by preserving resources for future generations. Let us commit ourselves to this holy work, echoing the words of Jesus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39, ESV).
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Christ Like Conflict Resolution
Conflict is unavoidable, but as followers of Christ, we are called to approach it with humility, grace, and love. The Bible provides clear wisdom to guide us toward peace and reconciliation.
Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” While we can’t control others, we are responsible for doing everything in our power to pursue peace. Matthew 18:15 teaches us to address issues directly: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Ephesians 4:15 reminds us to speak truth in love: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” This kind of communication, paired with forgiveness, reflects the heart of Christ. As Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” C.S. Lewis wisely observed, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” Humility is key to resolving conflict. It allows us to prioritize relationships over pride and seek restoration instead of victory. When conflict arises, begin with prayer, asking God for wisdom and a softened heart. Be honest about your own faults, approach others with love, and strive for reconciliation. Even when resolution feels difficult, reflecting Christ’s love in your response glorifies God and keeps the door open for healing. Let us follow Jesus’ example, seeking peace and showing His love in every conflict.
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Sustaining Faith in Singleness
Singleness is often viewed as a season of waiting, a time of preparation for something greater. However, Scripture reminds us that singleness, like every stage of life, is a gift to be cherished and an opportunity to grow in faith, intimacy with God, and service to His Kingdom. Sustaining faith during this season requires a heart aligned with God’s purposes and a trust in His timing.
The Apostle Paul, himself single, celebrated the blessings of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7:32-34: “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided.” Paul’s words encourage us to see singleness not as a limitation but as a focused opportunity to draw closer to God. This time allows for undivided attention to His Word, prayer, and serving others without the distractions that often come with family life. Yet, singleness can also bring seasons of loneliness and longing, which must be met with trust in God’s goodness. Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” This promise reminds us that God’s plans are always for our ultimate good, even if they do not align with our immediate desires. Trusting Him in singleness requires surrendering our timelines and expectations to His perfect will. Christian author and theologian John Stott, himself a lifelong bachelor, once wrote, “The God who made us knows what is best for us. And one of the reasons why singleness is a gift is that you can be more single-minded in your devotion to Christ.” Stott’s words echo the heart of Paul’s teaching, affirming that singleness is not merely a state to endure but a sacred space to grow in holiness and intimacy with Christ. Isaiah 54:5 offers another profound comfort: “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.” In singleness, God Himself fulfills the deepest longings of our hearts. He invites us into a relationship that surpasses all human intimacy, where we can find our identity, worth, and purpose. To sustain faith in singleness, we must guard against the temptation to compare our journeys with those around us. Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” Fixing our eyes on Christ allows us to walk with purpose, embracing the unique path He has laid out for us. Singleness is not a detour but a God-ordained chapter in life’s story, full of potential for spiritual growth and Kingdom impact. As we seek to sustain our faith in this season, may we remember the words of Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Whether single or married, our ultimate calling remains the same—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Let us embrace singleness as an opportunity to live out that calling with undivided devotion, trusting in the God who holds all things in His hands.
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Evangelism and Sharing the Faith Evangelism is both a responsibility and a profound joy for every believer. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is at the heart of our faith, and it’s something we are all called to do. In the words of Charles Spurgeon, one of the great preachers of the 19th century: "To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in the world. And with every soul you bring to Jesus Christ, you seem to get a new heaven here upon earth... never did I know perfect, overflowing, unutterable happiness... till I first heard of one who had sought and found the Savior through my means." Spurgeon captures the immense fulfillment that comes from helping someone find Christ. It’s not just about the act of sharing the gospel; it’s about the deep, lasting joy that follows when a life is transformed through Jesus. But evangelism is more than just personal joy. It’s a command from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV), He says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This Great Commission calls every believer to go out into the world and share their faith, making disciples wherever they go. We aren’t just sharing information; we’re introducing people to the life-changing power of Jesus. The gospel we share carries with it God’s power to save. Romans 1:16 (ESV) reminds us: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." When we share the message of Jesus, we’re delivering something that can transform lives forever. It’s not about us or our ability to convince someone—it’s about God working through us as we proclaim His truth. Sharing our faith requires both readiness and gentleness. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) advises: "Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Evangelism isn’t about forcefully pushing our beliefs on others. It’s about offering a reason for our hope in a way that reflects Christ’s love. Our attitude matters as much as our message. As we share the gospel, we also remember that this mission is not limited to certain times or places. In 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV), Paul urges us to: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season." The call to share our faith is continuous, whether it’s convenient or not. There are always opportunities to witness, even in unexpected moments. Finally, Jesus reminds us that we don’t undertake this mission alone. In Acts 1:8 (ESV), He promises: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses." The Holy Spirit empowers us to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus. It’s through His strength that we are able to share the gospel effectively, wherever God leads us. Evangelism is a joyful, Spirit-empowered calling that allows us to be part of God’s redemptive work in the world. As we share our faith, we’re not only fulfilling Jesus’ command—we’re experiencing the deep satisfaction of seeing lives changed by His grace. Join Us in Our Mission
Together, we can create a strong, supportive, and unified community that reflects the love and character of Christ. Your involvement, whether through volunteering your time, donating resources, or spreading the word about our mission, plays a crucial role in this endeavor. Let's come together in faith and purpose, supporting each other and working towards our common goals. How You Can Help, Volunteer CONTACT I am trying to put a few fundraisers together, and I could use help if you are in my local area. Thank you. Join us in various initiatives and community events. Your skills and time are invaluable. Donate Your financial support helps us fund essential programs and outreach efforts. Currently, we are raising funds to purchase Chromebooks and gathering supplies for our upcoming fundraisers. We are also in need of funds for a commercial espresso machine or a donation of one, and we need a couple of laptops to help me with my social media, blog, podcast, and website updates. Thank you Spread the Word Share our mission with your friends, family, and community to amplify our impact. Together, let's make a difference and continue to uphold the values of unity, faith, and love in action. If you want more details on my goals, please contact me. |