Little Seeds of Faith

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠. 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. 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 today's episode, Joanie explores the significance of commandments. She reflects on the Ten Commandments given to Moses and discusses the Law provided by God to guide His people in living righteous lives. The Ten Commandments help us realize that we cannot perfectly obey the Law. Joanie reviews Romans 3:22-24, emphasizing our need for God's mercy and grace. Joanie then examines Jesus' teachings, which are summarized in two main principles: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. She concludes that we demonstrate our love for God and kindness to others, reflecting God's love for us.  Romans 3:22-24 "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.

NOTE: This is a video podcast and can be viewed on ⁠Spotify⁠. 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. A lively version of "All Things Bright and Beautiful" can be heard in this episode. Psalm 139:14 "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

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.”

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.

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.

Joanie begins this episode by thinking about ceremonial washing. She considers the role of water in the Bible stories of Noah, Moses, and Jonah. God saved their lives! Next Joanie describes John the Baptist's preaching and Jesus's baptism. She reviews Romans 6:4-6 and reflects on the meaning it has for our faith journey. Finally, Joanie encourages us to take to heart the words of Acts 2:38 Acts 2:38 " Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Try the "What is Baptism?" crossword puzzle at wcfoundation.org/little-seeds-of-faith

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 John3:16

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 Cor.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.

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 Della from Upstate New York. Della is 12 and has three brothers. They read Genesis 1.1-19 together sharing God's creation story. Genesis is the first book of the Bible. It means creation. It begins with the creation of the Universe. The stories in Genesis set the backdrop for important messages that flow through the rest of the Bible. It's an invitation to us all to be part of God's new creation. Coloring Page

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.

This special episode of Little Seeds of Faith is about Light. Joanie shares some inspiring thoughts with the help of her handy Little Seeds friends. When we live in the light, it is continuous work to keep the darkness away, but we can do that work because Jesus is here helping us. When we do the work for ourselves, others will then be able to see our light shining. Jesus is our light. He has shown us the way to live the way to eternal life.

This special episode of Little Seeds of Faith is about Joy. Joanie shares some wonderful reflections with the help of her brilliant Little Seeds friends. Remember that you get to choose to have joy in your life, instead of waiting for something good to happen you can have joy in all circumstances. We can have joy because of our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus. Let us remember that even when our life is sometimes full of sadness, we can still have joy.

This special episode of Little Seeds of Faith is about Peace. Joanie shares some beautiful reflections with the help of her Little Seeds friends. Even when our life is crazy and we feel like we are at war with ourselves or our family, when we feel like we are broken into many different pieces, we can have faith and be courageous. We can have peace, even with all of our brokenness, Jesus can put us back together and give us peace. Be courageous, reach out to him, seek peace, pray for peace, give him all your pieces. And he will make you whole.

Joanie chats to Melissa from Australia. Melissa loves reading and playing violin and piano. Together they read about the birth of the Lord Jesus. Melissa’s favorite part of this very special story is when the angel tells Mary that she will give birth to a son. This baby was the Son of God. The story of Jesus’ birth has so much meaning for us and shows how God uses many different ways to deliver the good news of His Kingdom.

Joanie chats to Charity from Ontario, Canada. She lives in the countryside and loves to play outside. She is the oldest of three siblings, two sisters and a baby brother. Charity loves to sing and her Grammie teaches her piano. They read together the story of Noah and the flood. This story is a powerful example of God’s love for humanity, and how only He has the power to save.

Joanie chats to Ezekiel from Melbourne, Australia. He likes space and rockets, doing puzzles, and planting in his vegetable garden. They read together the story of Jeremiah in the pit. Jeremiah did not choose his life and his calling. God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet.” Jeremiah was called by God to proclaim God’s grace; and God would build his Kingdom through Jeremiah’s work.

Joanie chats to John Carl from Calacanis City in the Philippines. He loves cooking, playing piano and swimming. They read the story of Jonah together. Jonah showed faith despite being afraid. He knew that the storm was sent by God because of his refusal to accept his mission to preach to the people of Nineveh. In his greatest time of need he prayed for forgiveness and his life to be saved. There may be many challenges in our lives, but God can work through them to transform our faith.

Joanie chats with Bella from Cagayan de Oro City in the Philippines. Bella finds drawing really fun and also loves animals, she has a pet dog named Peanut. Bella and Joanie read the story of the Tower of Babel together. The people built the tower of Babel because they were proud. God wasn’t happy about their stubborn hearts so he confused their languages. Pride is when we think more of ourselves than we should. Boasting and showing off never honors God. You are valuable and loveable just as God has made you, He has a plan for you.

Joanie chats to John Michael from Valenzuela City in the Philippines. John Michael wants to be a pilot when he grows up and his dream is to visit Australia. They read together the story of Cain and Abel. When the two brothers brought offerings to God only Abel’s was accepted. Abel presented an offering of the best animal that he had as required by God, Cain offered from his produce. Abel showed faith and complied with what God required of him. He was faithful and righteous, sacrificing to God the best he had. He worshipped and worked wholeheartedly.

Joanie chats to Anna and Drew from New York. Anna loves snakes and cats, they have two pet cats called Oreo and Buffalo. Drew likes playing soccer and going swimming. Together they read the story of the first Passover. This special event marks a time where God’s people were freed from slavery. God made a way for them to leave Egypt to travel to a land of their own. This special meal also points forward to the Last Supper and is an important reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice to save all humanity.

Joanie chats to Azola from Johannesburg, South Africa who loves painting, crafts and reading. They read together passages from the book of Ruth. Ruth’s love for God and her affection for Naomi led her to risk everything. It was a brave thing to do, leaving her homeland and going to a place where the customs and people would be very different to what she knew. But Ruth had seen something special in Naomi – her belief and trust in God. God blessed Ruth and provided her with a new life and a new family.

Joanie chats to Anouk from Auckland, New Zealand. Her special talents are writing, reading and acting. She also finds space and the solar system really interesting. They read together about the Ten Plagues from the book of Exodus. The people of God were enslaved in Egypt, so God brought ten plagues upon the land. Through these plagues God displayed his power, showed his love for his people, and proved that he is the one true God.

Little Seeds of Faith Podcats - https://wcfoundation.org/little-seeds-of-faith-1

Joanie chats to Asher and Zayne from California. They read about John’s vision of the Kingdom in the book of Revelation. This amazing book of the Bible talks about the coming of Christ to set up God’s Kingdom. It will be a time of peace bringing a new world where we are never going to have to worry about anything. The last verse in the Bible tells us plainly how to join Jesus in this wonderful place. All we have to do is believe and trust Him. His words are faithful and true.

Joanie chats to Zante from Cape Town, South Africa. Her favorite Bible story is Saul’s conversation on the Damascus Road. This amazing story shows how Jesus can completely change a person’s life when they believe in him. God chose Saul to help share the good news of the Kingdom with the Gentiles. We must remember that God has a purpose and plan for everyone who trusts in him.

In this episode, Joanie chats to Verity from New Jersey. Her favorite Bible story is the story of Esther. Queen Esther was in the right place, at the right time, put there by God to save her people. Even though we can face many challenges in our lives, we must have faith that God is in control. And wherever God has placed you is exactly where He wants you for this moment.

In this episode, Joanie chats to Gillian from Upstate New York. Her favorite Bible story is the story of Moses as a baby. Moses was born in a very dangerous time. We will see the amazing things his mother did to keep him safe and make sure he had every opportunity to grow and learn. What an amazing story of a mother's faith and love for her child. As we continue to read our Bibles, we learn how Moses grew to be one of the greatest leaders the people of Israel has ever known. And it all started with a little baby hidden in the bulrushes down by the river.

In this episode, Joanie chats to Heidi from Sydney, Australia. Her favorite Bible story is the Promises to Abraham. God called Abram to leave behind his family and his lands to go to a place God would show him. God made a special promise with Abram, promising to bless all the world through one of his descendants. God promised to bless all the earth through Abraham. At just the right time, Jesus was born into Abraham’s family. Jesus fulfilled God’s promise and came into the world to save sinners. Through Him, all the nations of the earth are blessed.

In this episode, Joanie chats to Melody from New Jersey. Her favorite Bible story is the book of Job. Come and listen to Melody and Joanie read the story of Job together. Job shows faith because instead of cursing God for the bad times, he praises him for everything. This shows us that we can praise God when we are happy and sad, and He will guide us at all times.

In this episode, Joanie chats to Ethan from New Jersey. His favorite Bible story is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come and listen to hear Ethan share some interesting facts and read this very important story together. Jesus’ resurrection proves that we are forgiven, releases us from the grip of sin, and frees us from the fear of death.

In this episode, Joanie chats to Eoh from Oregon. His favorite Bible story is Samson. Listen in to hear Eoh share some fun facts and read the story. Even though Samson had many challenges in his life, he trusted in God and was willing to make a sacrifice to save his people.