La Ola Girls Home – Be Still…

1 Corinthians 3:7-8 – It All Starts with a Seed

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” (1 Corinthians 3:7-8)

We often hear people say they “brought someone else to faith.” These verses would suggest otherwise. We should not take credit for something God is doing, should we? Our job, then, is to plant seeds of faith or water them. It’s God’s work that grows those seeds and brings people to faith.

Context (1 Corinthians 3): Paul is teaching his audience about spiritual growth in this chapter. It’s a process that starts with first hearing the Word of God and then being nurtured as we learn more. As believers, we each have a job to do, and it isn’t we who deserve the glory or attention but God. Paul equates his ministry with laying a foundation of faith. It is on that foundation that we each become the temple of God, also described by Paul in this chapter. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 3:7-8 – It All Starts with a Seed”

Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (Acts 2:1-4)

I love imagining this Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon the believers. The Christian church was born that day. Along with the commotion, there would have been awe and wonder. It’s a day to remember and celebrate. Growing up Lutheran, we always made it a big deal by wearing red to commemorate the fire of the Spirit.

Context (Acts 2:1-41): This particular day of Pentecost would have been the first one without Jesus for his followers. Jesus had promised he’d send the Holy Spirit and had told his friends to wait expectantly. Did they imagine anything like the actual events of this day? Multitudes of people heard them speaking in other languages. Peter was filled to overflowing and preached like never before. Thousands of those hearing the message about Jesus dedicated themselves as followers. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost”

Numbers 27:1-11 – Women’s Rights

Read Numbers 27:1-11

I appreciated the boldness of the daughters of Zelophehad. As land was being assigned, they realized they may be left out because their father had died and there was no male child left to inherit God’s provision. They rightfully acknowledged their father’s own sinfulness and would not be entering the Promised Land.

Their situation brought up a very real scenario, and I can’t imagine Zelophehad’s daughters were the only ones left in this position. Rather than act on his own, Moses went to God for the answer. Seeking God’s counsel is always the right move when presented with a new situation. God’s response may have surprised some, but what a fair way to assure these women their rights to land. Continue reading “Numbers 27:1-11 – Women’s Rights”

Leviticus 8:1-36 – Chosen by God

Read Leviticus 8:1-36

Moses listened to God’s instructions and inducted Aaron and Aaron’s sons as priests properly before the LORD. This ritual is an act of God. What a process! Moses touched on the ordination offering requirements just a bit back in Chapter 6. Here, we have a front row seat to watch the ceremony take place. You may recall God gave Moses the instructions in Exodus 29.

Moses was clearly in a place of honor that day as he installed his brother, Aaron, and his nephews into the holy position of priest. Little did Aaron know when he helped his brother lead the people out of Egypt what his future would hold and how God would use him. If Aaron was feeling at all unworthy, the ordination process was meant to cleanse, as verse 34 says, “Everything we have done today was commanded by the Lord in order to purify you, making you right with him.” Aaron, along with his brother Moses, forever changed the lives and futures of the Israelite people. Continue reading “Leviticus 8:1-36 – Chosen by God”

Zechariah 7:8-10 – Do This!

Read Zechariah 7:8-10

Once again, God spells it out for us. When we ask “how can I please God?” or “what makes a good person?” the answer to both of these questions is right here in these verses. One of God’s primary concerns for his returning community is justice – especially for the weak and vulnerable.

Of course, for me personally, the part about orphans and widows is like a nod in my direction. Until recently, I never understood how God wanted to use me in Mexico. After working with the girls at La Ola Girls Home here in town, I know God wants this for me and this verse is like my confirmation. My dear friend Becky, who runs the orphanage, is also recently widowed. I’ve seen how the oppression is real for both widows and orphans still today. I’m honored to be on her team as she keeps God’s dream alive!