We can read the words of the Bible many times and know them well, yet there are moments when a familiar passage suddenly speaks to us with fresh power. Billy Graham reminds us that this is part of the gracious work of the Holy Spirit:

“The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us.” — Billy Graham

Harvest reminds us that what we sow today may take time to bear fruit. The same is true of the kindness, generosity and love we sow into the lives of others. We may not always see the difference we make, but we are called simply to keep doing good.

As D. L. Moody encouraged:

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can.”

The love Jesus calls us to is more than warm feelings or good intentions. It is a love that notices, crosses barriers, and is willing to become involved in the needs of another. C. S. Lewis reminds us that Christian love is often something we choose to practise — and, as we do, God begins to shape our hearts.

“Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbour; act as if you did.”
— C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

As we all can testify, life does bring its share of difficulties, uncertainties and moments when we feel our strength being tested. Christian faith does not pretend those struggles are not real; instead, it lifts our eyes beyond them to the One who is greater. As Billy Graham reminds us:

“Faith points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ.” – Billy Graham

Baptism is a wonderful moment of public commitment, but following Jesus is not about one moment alone. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey in which, day by day, we learn to trust Him more deeply and become more like Him. As Billy Graham reminds us:

“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion. It is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”