Cultivate

What is Cultivate?

One of Jesus' favorite teaching metaphors compares our lives to a field. (Matthew 13:1-23) Paul says if we plant corruption we will reap corruption and if we plant spirituality we will reap spirituality. (Galatians 6:8) They use this language to help us see the interaction our work and discipline has with the grace and power of God.

The work of growing something is a dichotomy. It is both working and waiting, both active and passive. The tilling of the soil, the removing of weeds and watering produce sweat, fatigue and wear us out. But the waiting, hoping and longing for the seed to take root and for the weather to be just right produce impatience, nervousness and frustration. It is both active and to be worked and passive and to be waited on. The most beautiful piece of the Christian faith is that it is the only faith in the world orchestrated by the kindness of God rather than the works of man. It was God's work that built a bridge to humanity. It is God's work that births intimacy between a man and his God. Every other religion in the world places steps of religious piety or morality in front of the man to climb to a real relationship with God and true Christianity doesn't. The Lord gives grace and works for us, but this beautiful truth can also be the most frustrating part of our journey as well. What happens when the well is dry or our love for God grows cold or just normal? What can we do? We know, through the scriptures and personal history, that "will power" won't produce a fresh passion for God and a deep connection with his people. We know that all the bible studies, books and sermons in the world can't produce something that God doesn't, so what do we do? The catch 22 of our spirituality is "working" to "depend" on God. Paul says it like this;

"I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10)

"Cultivate Providence" is a place to find tools, resources and community that will help us "work hard" for spiritual depth and vitality.

Please use the links on the right to help guide you through this journey.  You'll find resources, study notes, and discussions that can help you answer any questions you may have.  Enjoy.

Click Here to go to Cultivate Providence