Watering Your Own Garden

“Everything comes from You; all we are doing is giving back what we have been given from Your generous hand.” ~ 1 Chronicles 29:14b (The Message) Reflection Imagine being given the opportunity to give away someone else’s money. No strings attached. You alone decide where the money goes. Can you imagine the thrill and joy you would experience? Imagine the opportunities you would have? Lives and causes impacted by your generosity towards them. Yet this is, in many ways, is the very calling God has given us. We are stewards of what He has entrusted to us - His resources placed in our hands for His purposes. Somehow the joy seems to evade us. But why? Somehow fear gets a grip of us. I suspect we see it as solely our own money. Very quickly our own desires come into play, the what ifs settle in and the fear of not having enough tightens the purse strings. The larger picture of what God has called us to gets lost and skewed. Think about a farmer. He receives seed, but he does not consume it or hoard it away. Seed only fulfills its purpose when it is planted in prepared soil. With patience and care, the farmer watches as rain and sunlight nurture the seed until it produces a harvest. And when the harvest comes, great joy follows. In the same way, we have an even greater opportunity. Financial seed sown into “good soil” - ministries and causes that bear fruit and impact lives - carries eternal value. In many ways, it is a gift that keeps on giving. Seed sown into Spirit-directed purposes produces a harvest that continues to multiply and reproduce far beyond what we can see. What an incredible investment. What deep joy can be experienced when we position ourselves and enter full heartedly into being faithful stewards of His resources. God does not want us to miss this joy. Perhaps it is time to loosen our grip, trust Him more deeply, and step into a new freedom through generous giving. May we hear the words Paul the Apostle spoke to the Corinthians: “See that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Cor. 8:7) May we embrace both the grace and the joy of giving. Reflection Questions What holds you back from sowing into Kingdom work? Where has fear robbed you of experiencing greater joy in your giving? Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for trusting me with Your resources. I recognize that everything I have comes from Your hand, and I desire to steward it faithfully for Your Kingdom purposes. Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear to grip my heart and keep me from experiencing the joy of generous giving. Teach me to live in the freedom You have given me. Lead me to sow into Kingdom purposes and causes that are close to Your heart so that I may experience the joy You desire for me to know. May my life be a living testimony of generosity, compassion, and faithful stewardship that blesses others and honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

"Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.” (Song of Solomon 1:15)  Reflection: Did you know that doves are known for their singular focus? Once a pair of doves bond, they do not wander from each other. They are not easily distracted by activities around them. Their unwavering devotion to one another mirrors the love the Father has for each of us - and the love He desires us to reciprocate. His desire is for our unwavering commitment and focus of heart: not being pulled in multiple directions or easily distracted, but having hearts fully rooted in His love and security. The Song of Solomon captures this thought in the words in the verse above. Here, the beloved is not extolled merely for outward appearance or beauty, but for her eyes. This description speaks of devotion, focus, and a love that does not wander - either seeking its own interests or another’s. The beloved responds to His presence in obedience to His desire and purpose. This posture of the heart reflects commitment, surrender, and transparency. Our gaze and heart are held steady, undivided, and focused on Him. There is absolute trust with no divided loyalties or wandering eyes - only simple devotion to the One who loves and commits to us wholeheartedly and forever. Our lives embrace His truth and actively seek it out. Our faith is strengthened and becomes unwavering through the challenges and circumstances of life. Posturing our hearts in this way is central to our discipleship journey. The Gospels address one key aspect of life that has the potential to significantly impact the position of our hearts and distract us. It is called mammon. Matthew 6:24 puts it quite clearly: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” This verse describes the danger of becoming distracted, unfaithful, or divided in heart. When we give in to our humanity - our weaknesses, desires, and cravings for satisfaction - or when we lack understanding of God’s heart and Word on this matter, we can easily be taken off course. When our gaze is focused on Him - it is a posture of trust that says, “Lord, You alone are my security, my provider, and my source of life.” When our gaze remains steady on Him, the competing voices of the world and that of our own lose their power to divide our hearts. Singular devotion is not something that happens by accident - it is cultivated through daily choices. Our hearts are constantly being pulled in different directions by responsibilities, desires, pressures, and distractions. Yet the invitation of Jesus is simple: keep your eyes fixed on Him. The good news is that God does not demand perfection - He invites surrender. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to refocus our hearts and renew our devotion. When we turn our gaze back toward Him, we discover that His love has never moved or changed. May our lives reflect a quiet but unwavering devotion - hearts that remain fixed on Him with the steady, faithful focus of dove’s eyes. Reflection Questions: 1. What currently competes for my attention and devotion? 2. Is there anything that has slowly drawn my eyes away from the One who loves me completely? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me with a faithful and unwavering love. You know how easily my heart can become distracted by the concerns and desires of this world. Forgive me for the times my attention has drifted and my devotion has been divided. Lord, teach me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Help me to cultivate a heart that is steady, devoted, and fully rooted in Your love. Guard my heart from anything that would compete for the place that belongs to You alone. Shape my desires so that they reflect Your heart. Strengthen my faith through the challenges of life, and remind me daily that You are my true source of security and provision. May my life reflect a simple and sincere devotion to You. May it be said of me that my eyes are fixed on You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” - Psalm 90:12 Reflection This verse invites us to live with eternal awareness. When we pause to consider the limited number of days we have on earth, our priorities begin to shift. We become more intentional about where we invest our time, attention, and energy. What once felt urgent may lose its grip, while what truly matters - our relationship with God and others, the condition of our hearts, and the way we steward what He has entrusted to us - comes into clearer and sharper focus. Numbering our days also calls us to examine our inner lives with earnestness. What are we allowing to take root in our thoughts and hearts? Are there offenses, unforgiveness, distractions, or unexamined habits that quietly pull us away from intimacy with the Lord? Living wisely means inviting God to search our hearts and aligning our lives with His ways and priorities. Finances, taught in His Word, touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Although often avoided, we are invited to discover God’s heart in this area – to gain understanding, His perspective, and to grow in wisdom in this area. This pursuit results in treasures in heaven, a reality that should never be minimized or overlooked. Wisdom, as Scripture teaches, begins with the fear of the Lord. It is not merely knowledge, but a daily pursuit and posture of surrender - walking with clean hands, a pure heart, and an eternal perspective. When we view our time, resources, and responsibilities through this lens, even ordinary decisions carry spiritual and eternal significance. Reflection Questions If I truly lived with an awareness of the brevity of my days, what priorities might need to change? Where am I currently investing most of my time, energy, and attention? Are there areas of my heart the Lord may be inviting me to surrender, forgive, or realign? How am I stewarding what God has entrusted to me—my time, talents, and resources? What does pursuing wisdom look like for me in this current season? Prayer Lord, teach me to number my days. Help me to live with intention, humility, and eternal perspective. Search my heart and reveal anything that stands between You and me. Give me wisdom to steward well all that You have entrusted to my care. Align my priorities with Yours, and shape my heart to reflect Your ways. May my life bring You honour—today and into eternity. Amen.

Your Gift of Wonder Wonder is defined as “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.” What fitting words for the mystery of God’s love shown at Christmas. And yet sometimes that sense of wonder at the Christmas story can get squeezed out by the frenetic pace of life during the season. The endless responsibilities and tasks can leave little room in our hearts and minds to experience the wonder of God’s incredible gift. Yet, each time I read the Christmas narrative, I am captured by the wonder of it all and in awe of God’s unfolding plan. Scene 1 - Zacharias, in fulfilling his priestly duties before the Lord, is suddenly met by an angel. Despite his wife Elizabeth’s old age and years of longing and unanswered prayer, the angel declares the impossible: a son will be born to them - one who will be great in the eyes of the Lord. Scene 2 - Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary, is also visited by an angel, who tells her that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, she, a virgin, will miraculously conceive and bear a son. His name will be Jesus and He will be the Son of God. When Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, the angel’s words are confirmed, and Mary’s spirit bursts forth in the Magnificat, proclaiming the greatness of God. Scene 3 -When the long-awaited night arrives, Mary gives birth to the Son of God in a lowly stable. Shepherds in fields nearby are suddenly surrounded in heavenly glory as an angel proclaims the birth of the Saviour, Christ the Lord. In an instant, a multitude of the heavenly host fills the sky, praising God and declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” The terrified shepherds were directed to the stable and found the baby Jesus wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger, making them the first witnesses and messengers of the Good News. Scene 4 - When later Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem, Simeon - a just and devout man waiting for the Consolation of Israel - is prompted by the Spirit to enter the temple at just the right moment. Taking the infant Jesus into his arms, he proclaims in prophetic joy, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples— a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” These scenes in the Gospel of Luke reveal a breathtaking sequence of miraculous events and angelic visitations - moments that reveal God’s glorious and unstoppable plan of redemption - changing the course of man’s history forever. Even writing this I feel a renewed sense of wonder. The Creator of heaven and earth orchestrating seemingly inexplicable, unimaginable and yet beautiful events inspire awe - not only in those who first experienced them, but also for us in the reading and retelling of the miraculous birth of our Saviour. The nativity story is filled with wonder. May you rediscover the holy wonder of this precious gift - the gift of His Son, given so that you and I might be forgiven, restored, and welcomed into eternal life with Him. 

Scripture: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” ~ Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT Reflection: People often say that children resemble their parents in behaviour and attitude. In the Old Testament we see this truth in the genealogies - lists of names we might normally skim over. Yet they are there for a reason. Luke 3:23–28 records the lineage of Jesus, beginning with, “Jesus… the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat…” While in Israel years ago, I heard an Arab guide explain that, in his culture, a man is identified through his father’s line: “the son of so-and-so.” This immediately places a person within a family, revealing both their lineage and heritage and, often, their character or vocation. Introductions begin with one’s name, followed by “the son of…” That thought made me pause and consider my own life - especially in how I manage money. As a follower of Christ, I have come to understand that all I have belongs to Him. I am simply a steward, entrusted to manage His resources wisely. One day, I will give an account of how I have done in this area. This truth challenges me to ask: does my stewardship reflect the heart of my Father? Our Heavenly Father is extravagantly generous with His love. He gave His only Son so that we could be restored in fellowship to Him forever. If that is His nature, then my life - my giving, my generosity, my use of resources - should mirror that same open-handed expression of love. Could it be said of me by others - “He behaves just like his Father”? Reflection Questions: Does my generosity reflect that I am my Father’s child? In what ways can I more fully reflect His heart through the way I give and steward what He has entrusted to me? Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for Your extravagant love and generosity. You gave everything so that I could be Yours. Teach me to reflect Your heart in how I give, spend, and bless others. Help me to live as Your child—faithful, generous, and full of love. May my life point others to You. Amen.

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.” ~ James 4:13 - 16 Reflection: A recent death, expected or not, reminds you of the brevity of life here on earth. The familiar expectation of growing old and enjoying the later seasons of life takes on new weight when we are reminded that our time here can be cut short without warning. This sobering reality invites us to reflect more deeply. Is there more to life than the daily grind - working endlessly, earning money, paying bills, and repeating the cycle? Is the goal simply to accumulate more things and set aside enough for a comfortable retirement? Perhaps we’ve been asking the wrong questions. What if, instead, we asked the Lord what He desires for our lives while we walk this earth? Could it be that He has greater purposes for us - plans we have yet to discover, let alone fulfill? Have we even invited Him into that conversation? From the beginning of creation, God has called us to steward what He has placed in our hands. Our gifts, talents, and resources are not random - they are identifiable if we take the time to notice and reflect. This calling to stewardship has never been revoked. The truth is, we do not know how much time we have left on this side of heaven to accomplish what God has asked of us. That reality should cause us to pause and consider: Where are we investing our time, our energy, and our focus? If we lived with this awareness, might we walk out our life with greater intentionality? Might it change our choices and our actions? Life, unfortunately, often brings regrets. Some stay stuck in that space, never moving beyond past mistakes. Yet, God calls us to learn from those experiences - to grow, and to walk forward in wisdom. We are invited to mature through each season of life with the time we have been given. So, let us ask ourselves: If we knew we had only a few months - or a year - to live, what would we do differently? What would truly matter? I suspect our values would shift. Our focus would become sharper. We might let go of certain habits and invest in what (and who) really matters. Life is short, yes - but it is rich with opportunity when lived in step with God’s purposes. What we do with our time, energy, and resources matters - not just for this life, but for eternity. Reflection Question: If you knew you had only one year left to live, what would you change about how you are living today? What is one area where God may be asking you to shift your focus or surrender control? Closing Prayer: Father, teach me to number my days and live wisely. Help me not to take my time on this earth for granted. Forgive me for the moments I have lived self-reliantly, without seeking Your will. Show me how to live each day with intention, humility, and eternal perspective. May my plans be surrendered to You. May my work, relationships, and choices reflect Your heart and purposes. Help me not to waste the time You have given me. Lead me in wisdom and grant me the courage to follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 Reflection: We live in times that can feel anything but stable. The world is changing rapidly—conflict, natural disasters, and uncertainty fill our news feeds daily. It's easy to pause and ask, "God, where are You in all of this?" Anxiety and fear are increasingly common responses to the chaos around us. People turn to different things to cope: information overload, denial, disengagement, or distraction. Some grow weary, some grow reckless, and others simply try to keep going as best they can. But Jesus saw these days coming. He told His disciples in Matthew 24:6, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen...” These are not comforting words at first, but they do offer clarity. Jesus did not want His followers to be surprised—or shaken. What is striking is that Jesus spoke these warnings with complete peace. He was not anxious, because He trusted the Father’s bigger plan. And He invites us into that same peace—not just as a comforting idea, but as a way of life. When the world is unstable, Jesus reminds us that God is our unshakable source. Not just of peace, but of everything we need—wisdom, provision, strength, and direction. Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “ God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ” No matter the season, our God is not lacking. And if we are rooted in Him, neither are we. Reflection Question: Where do you turn when uncertainty rises? Take a moment today to ask God to realign your heart. Whether it is fear, stress, or financial worry, surrender it to the One who holds it all—and holds you. Closing Prayer:  Father, thank You that You are my source—of peace, of provision, and of every good thing. When the world feels uncertain, help me to remain grounded in You. I choose to trust You today, knowing You see the bigger picture. Let my heart find rest in Your presence. Amen.

Scripture: “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ.” ~ 1 Peter 1:18–19 (NKJV) Devotional Thought: While spending time in God’s Word recently, I found myself reading Matthew 6 - a passage I have often turned to when discussing issues of money and materialism. This time, I read the entire chapter in one sitting, and it stirred something deeper in me. As I reflected, I saw how Jesus was speaking directly to the heart - not just about money, but about what we truly value. The people of that time were caught up in outward appearances - how they prayed, how they fasted, how they managed their finances, and how they presented themselves. These public figures set the tone for what society viewed as valuable and praiseworthy. But Jesus turned the focus inward. He taught that what truly matters is not external, but internal. It is the posture of the heart that determines our position in the Kingdom of God. So often, we evaluate our worth by comparing ourselves with others. We unconsciously create a hierarchy of value based on possessions, accomplishments, or influence. But Jesus dismantled all of that. He exposed the false narratives we tell ourselves - and those society reinforces - and called us to something far more enduring. Jesus invites us to a life of intimacy with the Father. In teaching the disciples how to pray, He revealed the depth of His relationship with God and extended that same invitation to us. Through this relationship, our hearts are transformed - filled with light, cleansed from darkness, and freed from the grip of materialism. When we root our identity in the Father, we shed the need for pretense, masks, and self-promotion. In that sacred space of prayer and communion, Jesus offers us a new kind of freedom - a freedom not tied to wealth or status, but to eternal worth found in Him. Reflection Question: Are there things in your life that you have valued more than your relationship with Christ? What might He be asking you to release today? Closing Prayer:  Father, thank You for loving me so intimately and for valuing me beyond what the world can offer. Help me to let go of the things that distract or define me falsely. Teach me to value what You value. I long to know You more deeply and to walk in the freedom that comes from intimacy with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” ~ Ephesians 5:15-16 I recently read a blog that pointed out a striking truth: no one, rich or poor, lies on their deathbed wishing they had more money, houses, or cars. What they long for is more time—time with loved ones or time spent on what truly matters. Ephesians 5 calls us to “walk circumspectly”—meaning with precision and care. To “redeem the time” is to rescue it from being wasted, to make it count. Time is one of our most precious, limited resources. As Christians, our desire is to walk closely with God and serve Him well. Yet we live in a world full of distractions—work, entertainment, sports, social media, and endless activity all competing for our attention. Paul’s words are strikingly relevant today: “the days are evil.” Most of us would not argue with that. His instruction is to walk wisely and intentionally. This applies to our finances. Some people neglect to think about how they manage their money, while others obsess over it. Neither extreme reflects the wisdom Paul calls us to. So, how do we walk wisely and carefully in this area? It begins with intentionality. Managing money well involves examining our motivations, beliefs, experiences, and habits. How do these align with God’s Word and heart? I encourage you to set aside time to sit quietly with the Lord—Bible, journal, and pen in hand—and reflect on your financial walk. Ask Him to reveal your heart. Here are some prompts to guide you: · Father, how do You see my heart in this area? Write down what He reveals. · Are there any behaviours that displease You? Confess and turn from them. · Are there lies I believe about money or provision? Confess, repent and ask Him to replace them with His truth. · Thank Him for what He’s entrusted to you, and ask for wisdom to steward it well. Paul's call is a reminder: time matters. How important it is now to understand how we manage our finances reflects our alignment—or misalignment—with God's heart. We can make course corrections. We can change our attitudes and beliefs. But ignoring this area means choosing foolishness—and that’s not the legacy we want. Time is moving forward. We have the opportunity to walk wisely, to be a blessing, and to be blessed. How will you respond?