Although temperatures are still in the nineties, there is evidence of the change of
seasons all around us. Leaves from trees have begun to change color and are
beginning to cover the ground. With the many 100 degree days this summer, my
vegetable garden had a difficult time and has not been as productive in past
years. However, when I consider the reasons for the reduced yield of vegetables,
I have to admit that I also did not provide the care that I usually give the plants
during this stretch of time. Normally, I check on the garden every other day and
provide additional irrigation if needed although I have a soaker hose system
controlled with a central timer. Unfortunately, I did not spend that amount of time
this year. As a result, the plants were not as healthy as most years,

As I consider the strength of our faith, I can’t help but think of the garden. We
must continually nourish our faith through prayer, worship, scriptures, and
reflection, or, just as the garden plants, our faith can wither and be less impactful
as we live our daily lives. We know the ever presence of God assures us of our
faith, (Romans 15:13) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

God doesn’t want us to have a faded, lukewarm faith the rest of our life or even
briefly, and we don’t need to, because He has given us everything we need to
make our faith strong and vital. God’s will is for us to be “rooted and built up in
Him (Christ), strengthened in the faith” (Colossians 2:7).

What can we do to strengthen our faith? First, we must focus our faith. For many
people “faith” is just a vague feeling that easily fades away. But true faith has a
focus: Jesus Christ. Begin the journey by turning to Christ and asking Him to
forgive you and come to live within you, and He will. The Bible says, “Whoever
has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12).

Second, we need to feed our faith. Just as we’ll grow weak and eventually die if
we don’t eat, so our faith will grow weak and eventually die if we don’t feed
regularly on the spiritual “food” God has given us, the “food” of the Bible which is
God’s Word, prayer and fellowship with other believers. The Bible says, “Faith
comes from hearing… the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Finally, we must follow our faith; that is, put it into action. Make it the priority to
follow Christ every day in your thoughts, your speech, your actions, your time,
and your love for others. Muscles grow stronger when they are exercised, and so
does faith. The Bible says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive
yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). Just as we must provide action for our
garden to be productive, use the talents that have been received from God to
make a difference for others. Many blessings from God.

Your Friend in Christ,
Larry Moehnke, President