As we move into springtime, the weather gets warmer, and the plants around us begin to grow and bloom, we can look at this process of “new growth” in springtime as an expression of the “new life” that we receive through the process of regeneration.
Regeneration (and by extension salvation) is a process like plants growing. Just as a plant begins as a seed planted intentionally in the earth, gets tended and cared for as it grows, sprouts leaves, bears fruit, and then is eventually harvested
Regeneration is described as alternations between states of cold and heat (Arcana Celestia 933), which is just like the seasons we experience every year. Every time we move from a time of cold (winter) into a state of warmth (spring) it is because we receive seeds of goodness planted by the Lord, which enable us to grow into better versions of ourselves.
Services (all are Sundays at 10:30 AM)
Every year we experience the changing of seasons--it gets hotter in the Spring and Summer, then colder through the Fall and Winter. We go through this exact same cycle on our paths of spiritual growth. Just like every spring all the plants, trees, and bushes push out new growth, every time we move from a state of spiritual cold into spiritual warmth we grow too. This week we are looking at the meaning of planting seeds, and how we can focus on our intentions and patience to allow the Lord to help us grow throughout our life.
All of life's experiences, even the most challenging and baffling ones, CAN be like fertilizer for our spiritual growth. If we can remain patient and open to new direction from the Lord, no matter how difficult a problem may be, or how long we have suffered in it, the Lord CAN help us grow from it! The first thing we can do to transform the crud in our lives into energy for spiritual growth is to accept and believe that the Lord has a plan to turn the fertilizer into flowers and fruit!
Jesus also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ” (Luke 13:6-9)
Leaves and Spiritual Breathing: Do you ever feel uninspired? Stuck in your spiritual progress? Wondering if it is worth the effort? Perhaps you could try some spiritual breathwork! How does the transpiration of plants through their leaves teach us about the spiritual inspiration? How can that inspiration lead to the healing of ourselves and others?
"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:1-3)
Our "end in view", or purpose in doing something, will determine the eternal value of the action. This means that if we pay attention to the results of our actions, and who we intend to benefit from our actions, we will be able to amend our actions to achieve better results! This is what Jesus was teaching us when He said that it is "by their fruits you shall know them".
While on one level this teaching can apply to how we might judge another person and the "fruits of their labor", this is a more fruitful teaching if we use it to evaluate our own behaviors and motives. Do we ever try to "gather grapes from thornbushes and figs from thistles"? What might we glean from an honest evaluation of the fruits we bear?
Deuteronomy 24:19-24
“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.
Our family worship services begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The first part of the service is for the whole family; with songs, prayers, and a talk for the children. After the children's talk, parents take their children to the nursery or Sunday School (see Sunday School tab). The second portion of the service is aimed at adults.
After worship, we gather in the Foyer and Cafe to share fellowship and enjoy refreshments. Everyone is invited to join this gathering.