At different points in our lives, we have been different kinds of soil: rocky, weeds, thorns, and fertile. Discipleship is continuing to cultivate the heart (soil) that we have been given so that it aligns with God's. In farming, seeds grow best when planted in ground that has been thoroughly cultivated.

We often say , "I'm just planting a seed" to each other, insinuating that we are initiating an opportunity that somebody else is ultimately in control of. In reality, others have been planting seeds in us since we were born. When we are willing to scatter seeds in others' lives, we'll be surprised at what God can do.

Why do we do international mission work when there is so much need and opportunity? Why are we in a missional partnership with Guatemala? How do we experience Christ differently by being in an international relationship? Learn about this 3 year partnership, what's next, and how you can get connected!

The Father’s heart knows all the pain that will come from “that” choice, but His love makes Him powerless to prevent it. The Father wants simply to let them know that the love they have searched for in such distorted ways has been, is, and always will be there for them. Equal love from God (the Father) is hard to grasp in a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful; it's not really easy to believe in a love that is unconditional. Do I want to be like the Father?

The complaints of the elder son come from a deep place in the heart that says, “I never received what I was due.” Joy and resentment cannot co-exist. It’s impossible for the elder son to be joyful of his brother’s return when he is bitter that his younger brother was given a party for his return, while the elder was the one who remained faithful. Sounds like the elder son has a point…or does he?

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the drive for meaning and significance motivates the younger son to pursue his own way of life. His passion for living life to the fullest drives him away from his family. On his journey, he does and experiences things that are so shameful, they cause him to say to his own father, “I am no longer worthy of being called your son.” These words are some of the most destructive words the younger son ever uttered. Perhaps some of us have uttered those very words.

What does it mean for us to be image bearers of the One who created us? What does it look like in our lives to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God? In the Bible, we see revealed the heart of God the Father for justice and mercy, reflected in the face of Jesus the Son, and required in the hands of God – His Church.

Sometimes it seems like the stories we tell, the way we feel, and the anxiety we carry is a result of the posture we carry into our life. What we most often see and experience is a reflection of the view we have towards life itself. If we want to experience life differently, perhaps we need to first look at it differently. What does it seem like you're looking for?