A Few of My Favorite Things

  • God and all that goes with Him
  • Time Spent With Family
  • Bedtime Prayers
  • Family/Group Hugs
  • The Beach
  • Good Friends
  • Good Music
  • Laughter

Monday, January 28, 2013

Mustard Seed

Matt. 13:31-32 He gave them another parable, saying, Heaven's kingdom is like a seed of mustard, which a man took and sowed in his field. It indeed is the smallest of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest of the garden- plants, and becomes a tree, so that even the birds of heaven nest in its branches.

I've been thinking about this verse over and over since Wed. night Bible study...The small things we do that allow Christ to shine through us are like that seed. When we talk about Christ and his love for us and for others...we plant the seed. We'll never know how big the tree will grow and how many birds will find rest in its branches, but we'll have done our part. It's not about having an orchard with our name on it, it's about planting the gospel in fertile ground and giving the tiniest of seeds time to grow and become the big tree where the birds of heaven will build their nest. Isn't it awesome?! To consider that our decision to put on our happy face even in the midst of pain and sorrow just may be what is needed for someone else to see the gospel alive and at work.

2 Cor. 12:9-10 but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, because strength reaches completion in weakness.” I will therefore boast in my weaknesses most gladly, so that Christ’s strength will remain upon me. For this reason I am content in my weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions and troubles, for Christ’s sake; because I am strong when I am weak.

It’s amazing that once we realize we must take ourselves out of the picture and give God the room to take total control.

Come on, I know what you’re thinking I’ve given my life to Christ and He has control. My response to that in general is “Really?!” I can’t count how often I’ve made that claim and then find myself trying to take care of all my business plus all those around me. Guess what??….You will stay tired and worn, you’ll begin to wonder where God is. I mean didn’t He promise that if I followed Him His yoke would be light??

Matt. 11:28-30 Come to me, all of you who are struggling and are yet burdened, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am gentle and lowly in heart. You will find refreshment for your souls, for my yoke is pleasant and my load is light.

When we really allow God to take control, it means we’ve given up ALL control. Please don’t misunderstand me, God expects us, to study and pray to know what the Bible says about how to live for Him. But, when we do those things and we quit trying to micromanage our lives and those of the ones we love... God will provide a way. It may not be easy, it definitely may not be the way we imagined, but He will provide. Once we are able to release the stress of trying to control all of the details, then we find the absolute joy in living for Christ. We know our basic NEEDS will be met and we become a vessel for God to use to share the word.

So, where does that leave me today? How can I be a mustard seed planter? How can God use me as a mustard seed? 1) I allow those around me to see that I have an inner joy and peace that gets me through even the hardest days. It allows me to speak kindly even with a level 10 headache, It means I allow someone with more items to go in front of me even when all I want to do is go home and hide under my bed. 2) It means I talk about God’s love for me and mine for Him. I share how He gets me through each day, and the wonderful power of prayer. 3) I not only talk the talk, but I walk the walk. If my life doesn’t measure up to what I have to say, then I need to keep my mouth shut because I can hurt more than I help.

I know that we could keep this list going and going. It is both hard and beautiful when we work to empty or lives of self and fill it up with God. My prayer today, is that God will help us to let Him have the reigns and in the doing discover the peace that passes all understanding.

5 comments:

  1. Hi,

    I found your blog via R16:16. We are looking for women from the churches of Christ who are blogging primarily or occasionally blogging about faith. We are hoping to compile a list and organize some mutually beneficial activities, for example guest posting or review some of the blogs on our website.

    In that regard we had two questions. First would you like to be included on our list? Second do you know any other women who fit this profile?

    Hoping to hear from you soon,

    Helene, Melissa and Jane

    From www.maidservantsofchrist.com

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    Replies
    1. I would be honored to be on your list, and I'll take a look and see if I know of some others who would fit your profile. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm sorry that I'm a month late in getting back to you. I have been on-line much this last month. My pain level has been way up there. Thanks for the opprotunity to serve from my home.

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    2. Samantha, I also found you through R16:16! I was wondering, do you have a diagnosis for your headache pain? I am also dealing with chronic pain. I was finally diagnosed last year with Rheumatoid Arthritis and am receiving treatment. We also home school our two children, our son is 11 and our daughter is 9. I understand the effects that chronic pain can have on the family, it can be hard on kiddos even when we try so hard to shield them from it. I went back and read some of your earlier posts and just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement!

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    3. Hi Lynda,
      The closest diagnosis they've com up with for me is intractable migraine. They can't explain why or how the headache works the way it does. We've tried both traditional medicine, homeopathic, and eastern medicine. The best results seem to be a combo of the three but that gets to be hard on the family budget. Thanks for posting and encouraging me. I know that we will be pain free if not in this life then the next.

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  2. I'm glad you mention the need to talk about God as well as be a good example. I think I find talking about God one of the hardest things. But if people don't know WHY you do what you do, then you may have brightened their day, but not pointed them any closer to the truth.

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