Little Seeds of Faith

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠.

In this episode Joanie considers the words of this well known Sunday School song, Jesus Loves Me. They come from a poem written to comfort a dying child that was put to music by William Bradbury in 1861. It has a wonderful chorus and is fun to sing, with a deep and personal message about God's love for all of us. Jesus, God's son, died so that we could live. He comforts us when we are fearful or when we are weak. Love can overcome any challenge, and being loved, and loving someone is one of the greatest gifts that we are given from God.

Enjoy listening to a lovely rendition of Jesus Loves Me and reflect on it's powerful message.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠.

Joanie begins this episode by recounting some of the marvelous deeds performed by Jesus. She reminds us of the miraculous healings and the display of his power over the storm on Galilee. She describes Jesus teaching his disciples and gathering the children to his side. Next Joanie considers the loving sacrifice made for us by Jesus. She notices the whole Bible leads up to Jesus! Finally, Joanie challenges us to share our favorite story about our Savior with our friends. Enjoy listening to a gentle swinging rendition of the song. "By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us." 1 John 3:16

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠.

Joanie has vivid memories of learning Bible Songs in Sunday School. She loved the ones that made her move and dance. Trees of the Field is one of those songs. Joanie considers the context of Is.55:12 in connection to these lyrics. We are God's creation and He blesses us! Our thankful response to the peace and joy we have with our Creator can be to praise him in worship through song.  Enjoy singing along to a fun rendition of Trees of the Field starting at minute 6:16.

Produced by the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (wcfoundation.org)

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠.

This episode begins with Joanie describing her childhood camping trips with her dad. These experiences made her ponder how the natural world came to be. Joanie considers the meaning of Romans 1:20. She finds examples of God's invisible hand in the provision of rain and water that helps sustain life on earth. Joanie reminds us that God challenged Job to consider the wonders seen in the heavens and the animal world. Like Job, we learn of God's love and goodness by appreciating His marvelous creation.

Enjoy a jazzy duet in this rendition of "See The Shining Dew Drops" beginning at minute 10:06.

Psalm 104:24 "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

Produced by the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (wcfoundation.org)

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠.

Joanie begins this episode by wondering how people in bible times lived without electricity. She reads Jesus's parable of the foolish and wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Joanie thinks about what the oil and lamp in this parable could symbolize. What lesson can we take from this? Does our love for Jesus and our faith in God shine out to those around us? Joanie explains the meaning of "Hosanna". She ends by describing ways we can keep love and joy in our hearts. Sing along with this simple and joyful song beginning at minute 12:16

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" - Matthew 25:6

Produced by the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (wcfoundation.org)

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on Spotify.

In considering the words to this simple song, Joanie finds a reminder of how best we can use the gifts of sight, hearing, speech and touch. She considers how our eye is “the lamp of the body” (Matt.6:22). She points us to Jesus’ example of offering a healing touch and loving heart to those around him. We find wisdom for daily living to guide our actions in the Proverbs and Psalms. Joanie reminds us that our merciful and loving God is with us in all we do each day.

Listen to this upbeat song beginning at minute 13:07.

Philippians 4:8 “ …whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.”

Produced by the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (wcfoundation.org)

This episode begins with Joanie considering a definition of the word sin as "missing the mark or target". She remembers Jesus' explanation of the two greatest commandments in Matthew 22:34-40. What happens when we fail to love God or be loving to others? Joanie thinks about free will. She reminds us of Jesus' life of total obedience and trust in God. How does believing in Jesus' resurrection help us with our problem of sin? Joanie wonders about the apostle Paul's comments on sin in Romans 6. Finally Joanie celebrates God's gracious provision of forgiveness and encourages us to look forward to the Kingdom.

Produced by the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (wcfoundation.org)

Joanie begins this episode wondering why we go to church every week. She explores how stopping our daily work allows time to deepen our relationship with God. She looks back at the first Sabbath mentioned in Genesis 2. Why did God rest after his creative work? What do the Hebrew words "shabbat" and "nuach" mean? Next, while pondering Exodus 20:8-10, Joanie thinks about Jesus and his disciples being challenged by the Pharisees for eating grain and healing on the Sabbath. What did Jesus mean when he said "...I will give you rest"? Finally, Joanie reminds us of the Kingdom and leaves us with a challenge.

Welcome to a new season of Little Seeds Of Faith, where Joanie explores the meaning of words and themes found in the Bible. In this episode Joanie describes how 66 books, written by 40 different people over a period of 1500 years in three different languages, came together to form the Bible. She considers 2 Timothy 3:16. Next, she explains how these stories, lists, poems, letters and prophecies are all tied together. Everything in the Bible points to Jesus, and the Kingdom of God! Joanie describes the joy of asking questions and searching for answers as we read God's book, the Bible.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

In this episode, Joanie introduces a less familiar Sunday School song, with words taking from Psalm 19:7-11. She reflects on the circumstances of King David's life that inspired him to write this Psalm. Next Joanie thinks about the meaning of the Hebrew word for law, Torah, and what it can mean in our lives. God has given us instructions on how to find everlasting joy! Like King David, we can pray that God will fill our hearts and minds with His ways. Meditate on the words of this song while listening to this moving rendition beginning at minute 11:06.

Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

In this episode Joanie considers Jesus' parable about a king who hosts a wedding banquet. As she reads through the account in Matthew 22:1-14 she reflects on the actions of the guests who decline the invitation, the mistreatment of the king's servants, and the king's response. Next Joanie considers the spiritual lesson Jesus is offering the people. She celebrates that God's offer of salvation is a gift available to all who respond in faith! Joanie concludes with a prayer that we all will be eager to say "Yes, I will come" to our King and Saviour.

Enjoy a spirited rendition of this favorite Sunday school song beginning at minute 10:36

Matthew 22:9 "Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find."

Joanie begins this episode by thinking about the magnitude of creation. From the smallest phytoplankton in the ocean to the highest snow covered mountaintops our planet is full of natural wonders and living creatures that show God’s marvelous design. Joanie considers how oxygen and water sustain life. She reflects on Genesis 2:15 - God’s role for Adam in the creation. Next she celebrates that our loving God the Almighty is present everywhere in His creation and has provided us all things.

Listen to a lively version of “All Things Bright and Beautiful” beginning at minute 8:32 .

Psalm 139:14 “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Joanie begins this episode by wondering how people in bible times lived without electricity. She reads Jesus's parable of the foolish and wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Joanie thinks about what the oil and lamp in this parable could symbolize. What lesson can we take from this? Does our love for Jesus and our faith in God shine out to those around us? Joanie explains the meaning of "Hosanna". She ends by describing ways we can keep love and joy in our hearts. Sing along with this simple and joyful song beginning at minute 12:16

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" - Matthew 25:6

This episode begins with Joanie describing her childhood camping trips with her dad. These experiences made her ponder how the natural world came to be. Joanie considers the meaning of Romans 1:20. She finds examples of God's invisible hand in the provision of rain and water that helps sustain life on earth. Joanie reminds us that God challenged Job to consider the wonders seen in the heavens and the animal world. Like Job, we learn of God's love and goodness by appreciating His marvelous creation.

Enjoy a jazzy duet in this rendition of "See The Shining Dew Drops" beginning at minute 10:06.

Psalm 104:24 "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

Joanie begins this episode by recounting some of the marvelous deeds performed by Jesus. She reminds us of the miraculous healings and the display of his power over the storm on Galilee. She describes Jesus teaching his disciples and gathering the children to his side. Next Joanie considers the loving sacrifice made for us by Jesus. She notices the whole Bible leads up to Jesus! Finally, Joanie challenges us to share our favorite story about our Savior with our friends. Enjoy listening to gentle swinging rendition of the song beginning at minute 6:35.

"By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us." 1 John 3:16

This episode begins with Joanie inviting listeners to imagine fighting a dragon! Next she reminds us that Jesus is our leader, and he stands with us in times of need.  The words to Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus highlight the role of prayer as we strive to follow Jesus. Joanie reviews the "armor of God" mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-17. Joanie considers David's faith when he faced Goliath and encourages us to stand firm in our faith. The episode ends with a rousing rendition of this song beginning at minute 9:45

1 Peter 5:9 "Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

In considering the words to this simple song, Joanie finds a reminder of how best we can use the gifts of sight, hearing, speech and touch. She considers how our eye is “the lamp of the body” (Matt.6:22). She points us to Jesus’ example of offering a healing touch and loving heart to those around him. We find wisdom for daily living to guide our actions in the Proverbs and Psalms. Joanie reminds us that our merciful and loving God is with us in all we do each day.

Listen to this upbeat song beginning at minute 13:07.

Philippians 4:8 “ …whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.”

In this episode Joanie considers the words of this well known Sunday School song, Jesus Loves Me. They come from a poem written to comfort a dying child that was put to music by William Bradbury in 1861. It has a wonderful chorus and is fun to sing, with a deep and personal message about God's love for all of us. Jesus, God's son, died so that we could live. He comforts us when we are fearful or when we are weak. Love can overcome any challenge, and being loved, and loving someone is one of the greatest gifts that we are given from God.

Enjoy listening to a lovely rendition of Jesus Loves Me and reflect on it's powerful message beginning at 6:43.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Joanie has vivid memories of learning Bible Songs in Sunday School. She loved the ones that made her move and dance. Trees of the Field is one of those songs. Joanie considers the context of Is.55:12 in connection to these lyrics. We are God's creation and He blesses us! Our thankful response to the peace and joy we have with our Creator can be to praise him in worship through song.  Enjoy singing along to a fun rendition of Trees of the Field starting at minute 6:16.

Produced by the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (wcfoundation.org)

In this episode Joanie considers the words of another favorite Sunday School song, Whisper A Prayer In The Morning. It is a simple song that reminds us of the importance and benefits of prayer. Prayers can express your thankfulness, share worries and fears or ask for help and strength. We can go to God any time and throughout the day. In fact, the more we pray, the more opportunities there are for God to answer our prayers. Joanie considers Matt.6:9-14 and reminds us to pray for the return of our Lord Jesus!

Enjoy listening to a beautiful rendition of Whisper a Prayer in the Morning.

Matthew 6:9-14 "...Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

As a child, Joanie loved the stories sung in the Bible songs she learned at Sunday School. The messages in those songs have stuck with Joanie and are the little seeds of faith that grew inside her. The Wise Man and Foolish Man is one of the songs based on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It's the powerful message of building our spiritual house upon the rock of Jesus Christ. 

Those who hear Christ's message and believe in him have a strong and stable foundation. Those who hear his message and do not act are like the foolish man who builds his house upon and the sand who risks being washed away by the rains and storms of life. Enjoy singing along to this song from 8:00-9:52

Joanie and Verity read Acts 1 and learn about what happened after Jesus’ resurrection. Verity is 10 years old and loves her dad’s chicken parmesan. They discuss how the apostles saw Jesus going up in the clouds to heaven. Verity thinks about why it was important to choose another apostle to replace Judas. Joanie explains what it means to “cast lots”. Verity describes the importance of spreading the good news about Jesus.

Joanie chats with Ethan about the Birth of John the Baptist. Ethan shares that he is 8 years old, loves pizza and would like to have the superpower of teleportation so he could go to “7/11”  for slushies. They read Luke 1 and discuss the circumstances around the miraculous birth of John. Ethan explains what John’s mission was and how he prepared people’s hearts for Jesus.

Joanie continues reading Genesis with Della from Upstate New York. Della is twelve and has a puppy called Scout and two cats, Naomi and Winnie. They read Genesis 1 v 20 to Chapter 2 v 7 together. This covers the fifth, sixth and seventh days of the creation story. God creates the first man and woman to look after everything else that he created. And since we are all made in God's image, we are reflections of who God is. With the love and care God has given us we should take care of God's world as well, as we look forward to the new creation, God’s Kingdom.

Joanie chats to Tate from the Finger Lakes, NY State. Tate plays banjo and piano, loves plants and wants to be an electrician when he grows up. His favorite Bible story is Moses and the burning bush. Moses didn’t think he was good enough for the job God was giving him. In fact, he was downright scared! He was afraid that the Israelites wouldn’t listen to him and he didn’t think he was a very good speaker. Moses made all sorts of excuses to God about why he wasn’t the right man for the job. But God promises to be with him no matter what.