Sermon Notes: September 20, 2026

Written By Rev. Sheryl Padgett

Putting Your Life in Divine Ored- Rev. Sheryl Padgett

  • We continued our Twelve Powers series with the spiritual power of Order.

  • In Unity, Order is represented by James, son of Alphaeus.

  • Order is associated with the navel and digestive system.

  • Just as the body functions best with nourishment, rest, water, and balance, our lives work more harmoniously when we put first things first.

  • Divine order is not rigid control.

  • Divine order does not mean everything happens according to our schedule.

  • Divine order should never be used to explain away pain, illness, grief, injustice, or loss.

  • Divine order should never be used to blame ourselves or others for difficult experiences.

  • Divine order means recognizing that life unfolds through process.

  • Jesus described this process in Mark 4:28:

    • “First the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.”

  • Spiritual growth has stages.

  • We may want the completed healing, answered prayer, repaired relationship, financial breakthrough, or inner peace.

  • Yet often, we first see only the blade: one small sign of new life.

  • The blade may be:

    • A small shift in attitude

    • A willingness to forgive

    • The courage to ask for help

    • Choosing prayer rather than panic

    • Getting up and beginning again

  • Do not overlook the blade.

  • Our consciousness is like soil.

  • Every day, we plant thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and attitudes.

  • We may plant:

    • Faith or fear

    • Gratitude or complaint

    • Resentment or forgiveness

    • Possibility or worry

  • What we repeatedly nourish affects how we feel, speak, act, and respond to life.

  • We do not consciously create every hardship we experience.

  • We are connected to one another, affected by circumstances, and living in a world where loss and difficulty are real.

  • Our spiritual responsibility is not to blame ourselves when life hurts.

  • Our responsibility is to tend our inner life and choose how we will meet what comes.

  • Worry is like planting poison ivy when what we truly want is a rose garden.

  • Divine order invites us to plant better seeds:

    • Peace

    • Hope

    • Trust

    • Courage

    • Love

  • We nourish these seeds through:

    • Prayer

    • Meditation

    • Spiritual study

    • Supportive relationships

    • Uplifting music

    • Rest

    • Gratitude

    • Affirmations

  • Affirmations are not magic words that remove all difficulty.

  • They help us remember spiritual truth and redirect our attention toward the good we want to grow.

  • Divine order also invites us to be open to detours.

  • A canceled plan, delay, or closed door may feel frustrating.

  • Yet an interruption may become:

    • Preparation

    • Protection

    • A new opportunity

    • A chance to see life differently

  • Divine order does not mean being passive.

  • We still take practical action:

    • Repair what needs repair

    • Have needed conversations

    • Make plans

    • Seek support

    • Take the next right step

  • Like a rosebud, life cannot be forced open.

  • We can prepare the soil, plant good seeds, water what is growing, pull the weeds of worry, and trust the process.

  • Be patient with yourself.

  • Be patient with the process.

  • Be patient with God.

Affirmation:
Divine order is active in my life. I trust the process of growth within me. I release the need to control every outcome, and I open to God’s guidance one step at a time.

Rev. Sheryl Padgett
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Sermon Notes: August 30, 2026