Small Mustard Seed

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"

Romans 8:32

I was reminded of this verse this week while staring at my Christmas tree. My husband and I have been going through some trying times lately; just in his job situation and wondering what plans the Lord could have for us. We thought things would really start to look up soon, and while great things have happened, we just aren't where we'd like to be in a lot of different ways. I hate that Christmas can be so financially stressful because I love to buy gifts for everyone - I hope someday to be able to give to whomever I want without worry or stress - but this year definitely isn't "someday."

Back to the point... I was staring at my Christmas tree, wishing I could be a little more joyful this season when this verse from Romans came into my head. It made me think about how Christmas isn't time to reflect on what we have, necessarily, but to remember the great disaster that we have been saved from. It's not just about blessings and having a home to live in or food in the fridge - all of those things could change in an instant. I cry often these days (especially being pregnant and all) trying to understand the unimaginable Love God demonstrated in saving us from eternal death. He didn't just come here to make our lives have purpose and be fulfilling (Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10) but even when we were in our most miserable state, He reached down and took us from the worst possible situation imaginable.

"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

Romans 5:6-10

I cannot help but worry about the situations in my life and I struggle with knowing the goodness God desires for us, but thinking about how much we have been saved from in Christ's death helps me to trust a bit more in what God is doing in me. There is such an abundant life that we can have in Jesus' life but we scarcely take advantage of it. There is so much we have been given through Jesus' birth and we forget about it on a daily basis. We forget the need we have and begin to plan out how to best take care of ourselves, struggling to get by, when all we really need to do is let go.

Matthew 11:28-30

All we really need has already been given to us. Now, all we are asked to do is to take the mission that Christ has given us - specially formed for each of us as a wooden yoke is made individually for each oxen. When I really focus on only the things God has called me to, my worries disappear and difficult situations are worked out more wonderfully than I could have ever planned on my own. Yes, we have responsibilities but let's not get overwhelmed with worldly to-do lists and tasks that are eternally meaningless. Providing for my husband and preparing for my son are what God has called me to in this season of my life - not taking photos or worrying about money.

We've been given much more than the things we have. We can gain much more than what we currently take advantage of. There is an endless abundance in Christ that few ever know - an abundance I feel afraid to ask for. But we should - and we must if we truly desire to know the goodness of God and to see Him personally working all around us. After all, if God sent the most valuable thing He had to save us while we were completely ungrateful and undeserving, imagine what He has in store for us now that we have been redeemed and brought into His life. Christmas is a wonderful time to be grateful but it is an even clearer picture of the great opportunity we have in being a Child of God.

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:10-11

Spiritual gifts can be a divisive issue in a church but ignoring the calling for gifts to be used is stiffling and refusing the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us often of the gift of the Holy Spirit that would come upon us and help us. We would have ability to recall what He has taught us and we would have power in doing His will by miracles and wonders. We also have the ability to ask of God and receive freely the things He has for us. So why does the church refuse the work of the Holy Spirit in it's members?

There are logical reasons we can think of that are not taught in the bible but the one of main reasons is due to the deceptive work of the "ruler of this world" (John 14:30). Jesus explains in Matthew 10 that we need to be careful in this world, that He was hated and that we would be also. We often view some of these verses in terms of worldly persecution (which Christ talks about often) but we need to remember that the work of Satan will always be trying to quench our fire for the Lord and the service of His kingdom.

All of these things being said, we cannot ignore the call of the members of the church to participate in the work of Christ. The church equally cannot ignore its call the enable the members to serve and participate.

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,"

Ephesians 4:11-12

So much of 1 Corinithians 12 and on is dedicated to explaining some problems the church in Corinth was having with the gifts of the Spirit. Here we see Paul explaining that everyone has a gift given to them and that all are to be used...

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."

1 Corinthians 12:7

The church should not have inactive participants - end of story. If you believe that Christ is Lord and desire to make your life a living sacrifice to Him, it is your job to use the Spirit He has given you to serve the body and its members. It is wrong that we should not be encouraging participation from all people in the church. The purpose of the church body is to build one another up to glorify God and if we are stagnant or refusing to give opportunity we are limiting the work of God's kingdom on earth. Our gifts should be benefiting those around us - they are not to be buried or used for personal benefit.

I would encourage every believer to look at where their church has need and seek where they might be able to fulfill it. Service is not my natural tendency and definitely not my gift, but where there is a need I can certainly participate with a cheerful heart, serving as unto the Lord. And we can trust that God will work in us and bring His work in our lives unto completion according to His plan (Philippians 1:16, Jeremiah 29:11).

Seek to help your church body. And if you are a leader in the church body, seek the help of your members. There are few things worse that a person with gifts that are not being used - whether it be the fault of themself or the church. Being lukewarm and ignoring the call of the Lord are extremely dangerous things (Revelation 3:16, parables of servants in Luke 12:35-48).

We need to make sure we are bearing fruit for the Lord and not to be hindered by ourselves, our church or from the evil one.

Here are some references for you, speaking of how we ought to be, both in service to our church and just as followers of Christ. I hope this to be a help, a motivation and possibly even a wakeup call. Know that God wants you to be someone with power in His kingdom; a person who can help bring many to glory.

Ephesians 6:10-16, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4:7-11, Matthew 21:18-19, Luke 12:35-48, Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:18, Titus 1:10-16, Titus 2, Titus 3:1-8, James 2:14-26, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 6:6-10, Much of Ephesians... read it all! There is much more in scripture - feel free to post the great things you find!

No long paragraphs or motivational speeches. I just have 2 verses I want you to read; think hard about what they say and if they are being practiced in the church today. Don't think about "guilt" or the "I should's" but think about what a great opportunity we have to change the world around us through the actions we need to be taking. Say what you want, but Jesus really was the perfect example of love and compassion - just as are commanded to be to the world today.

"Do not withold good from those to whom it is due when it is in the power of your hand to do so."

Proverbs 3:27

Matthew 5:38-42

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

1 Timothy 4:8

I've been encouraged to think about what we have in Christ. Of course, I first think of all the Sunday School answers: salvation, forgiveness, relationship with God. But this week I caught a glimpse of a few other things I had never really given any thought to.

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul is writing to Timothy and explaining some issues that were sure to become bigger issues. Speaking of people creating false doctrines and being deceived by other spirits into denying things that need not be denied - such as marriage and abstaining from certain foods. (No worries, I'm not going to preach about not eating fast food or celibacy). He tells Timothy not to listen to these wives' tales but to seek out godliness since he knows the promise of the Lord.

So what is this promise? Once again, our minds fill with all the typical answers of eternal life and salvation, but there are a couple other things we usually leave out that I've found to be of great encouragement and help me to continue in diligence. Take a look at the following verses.

Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

1 Corinthians 3:8

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

The verse in 1 Corinthians goes on to describe how the things we do while alive on earth will be tested with fire and that we will receive reward for the things that endure and have eternal value. Likewise, Paul encourages us in Colossians to work with a glad heart as if we were working for Christ because we know that He will reward us in Heaven. All through the gospels Jesus teaches of our heavenly reward for withstanding evil and reviling, for knowing Him and living in the truth. This isn't to say "do good because God will reward you." I am encouraging you to endure with perserverance. Continue in faith, having confidence in God's reward and let that bring you hope. We can firmly trust in God's provision here on earth for seeking Him (Matthew 7:7-12) but we can also trust in God's reward for enduring to the end!

We cannot put our hope in objects or in this world. And we are not to wish for perishing things the world treasures. Our heart has to be led by what the Father promises.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:17-18

Also, in Matthew 6:1-4 and 6:16-21 Jesus teaches of the good works we are to do on earth. Working in secret, trusting that our humility and service will be seen and rewarded openly by our heavenly Father.

Read Romans 5:1-11 today. It's not that long, but gosh, there is such truth spoken there. All of Romans has great doctrine and incredible promise, but the beginning of Romans 5 speaks of all the things we can hope for in Christ; the work of the Spirit in us, access to God, justification and eternal life... the list goes on. It really is a chapter that will remind you of the life God desires for us and inspires you to place your trust in His promises. There is so much more that God has in store for us than just eternal life. Think about His promise and take notice of what great reward we have in seeking His will for our lives. You will not read your bible for very long without seeing that we are blessed with grace and abundance, both on earth and eternally, when following Him.

John 10:10b

Here are some more references to see God's promise and some of the things God gives to us. (I'll be adding more as I find them... keep checking this week to really become full of God's promises).

Romans 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, John14:12-14, Luke 6:35, 2 John 1:8

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

I often hear this verse being so misused. People will recite just the first part of thise verse to unbelievers during difficult times, trying to reassure them that everything will be okay. But this is not the truth. This verse was not given to people apart from Christ. In fact, this verse is only the beginning of expressing a greater meaning of being a participant in God's kingdom. Let's read the verse afterwards...

"For him He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many bretheren."

Romans 8:29

In the first verse, Paul is not speaking about a believer's life in general. He isn't saying "Don't worry, your life will be fine. Everything will come together in the end to give you a nice and happy life." In fact, Paul is saying that all events in our life work together to fulfill God's purpose for us. When we read on to Romans 8:29, we find that this purpose is to be conformed into the image of Christ.

Jesus knew God's will for His life. He understood the sacrifice that would be required and God's Spirit showed Him what that would mean for the rest of us in eternity. Along these same lines Romans 12:2 tells us that we must not be conformed to the world, but transformed that we may understand God's purpose into making us like Christ. Not just so we can tell good from bad or right from wrong. This renewing of our minds will enable us to continue in God's will and give us strength to stand against the world and pursue our eternal purpose - being like Christ.

"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Romans 8:6

In all of these, Paul is teaching us that resting in what the Lord desires and has intended for us we find fulfillment, order and a life of peace. We are to be mindful of God's work in our lives knowing that understanding His will for us will pull us through times of difficulty and testing. Again, in Romans 12:2 we are told that our transformation will lead us into proving and testing what is God's will. Not observing or thinking about, but being put through circumstances where we can know what God desires of us. James 1 is a great chapter to read and be encouraged through these times of testing.

What I see in all these verses is that our life doesn't work together for our "goals" to be accomplished or for our personal lives to feel fulfilled. Our lives and circumstances work together for us to become more like Jesus - to overcome temptation and be transformed into the eternal beings God has intended for us. And when we view our trials and stuggles in light of God's plan we aren't discouraged from serving out of duty, but we can be filled with joy by knowing His great plan is accomplished through us.

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:12

"For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father, but is of the world."

1 John 2:16

My BSF lesson led me to an interesting train of thought this week. We were asked to read this verse in the light of Christ's temptation in the desert found in 3 of the gospels. I was quite surprised to see that Satan used these three same methods of temptation to try and get Jesus to stumble. I was also very surprised to read this in Genesis...

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that is was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate."

Genesis 3:16

It really made me think about what drives us to make choices leading us into sin and further away from the Lord. We steal either to meet our physical needs or because we see something and desire it. We make moral and ethical exceptions to gain fame or to make a name for ourselves. Pretty much all I've done in my life has come down to these three things - wanting to meet my physical needs, wanting what I see because it is pleasing to my eyes and wanting to be someone important and special.

I'm so glad I had the chance to work on this study this week. Knowing that this method of temptation has been part of human nature from the beginning of time gives me a bit of relief. Sure, I still know that my heart naturally desires these earthly things, but this gives me the knowledge needed to spot temptation before I get myself into a hole of sin and repercussions. We can fully trust God to meet our physical needs despite our circumstances (Matthew 6:25-26). And taking what is pleasant to the eyes does not fulfill our hearts the way we imagine it would (Ecclesiastes 4:8). Of course, we all know that pride comes before a great fall (Proverbs 11:2.)

What actions do we take that are truly seperate from these selfish desires? I know I cannot name many, but I really do desire to have God say "Well done, good and faithfull servant." I am thankful for the Holy Spirit's work in making these verses so relevant to my life - I can only hope and pray that this will also encourage you to see where Satan is guiding you by your flesh and that you would find strength in His Word and Spirit to resist and find peace.

"And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; And the grace of God was upon Him."

Luke 2:40

It's so funny for me to think of Jesus as a little kid. I wonder what He thought and what it was like for His parents. I imagine it would require so much humbleness and grace to see the Lord grow up in the wisdom of God as a young child. I usually assume that He just knew He was God's and therefore it was easy to be perfect; but after reading some verses in Hebrews and 1 Peter, I now wonder how trying his young life was.

For me, just being involved in AWANA got me put on the "loser list" in grade school. Listening to Christian music and being friends with unpopular kids was what I thought was good but also what the cool girls rejected me for. Don't you ever wonder what it was like for Jesus to play with other children? Maybe He had just one good friend, maybe He had none. I really shouldn't assume that He was Mr. Popular since He was perfect and good, but isn't that the path our mind naturally goes down? Jesus was our Savior whom we glorify and while we know He did suffer, we don't really consider those years of difficulty before He was traveling and performing miracles.

The verse above speaks of the spiritual fruit which Christ "grew" during the years before His public ministry began, but we often forget what things we must endure to become a person who is wise and filled with grace.

"Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered."

Hebrews 5:8

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 1:6-7

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

James 1:2-4

"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His bretheren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."

Hebrews 2:17-18

Only by wisdom and trials are we able to understand the grace of God and have the faith required to show God's love to the world. I wish I could find every verse in the bible that speaks of the great things that trials and suffering produce in us - but we know these times have a purpose and make us more able to trust the Lord in the future. Through these tribulations, we can see the futility of the decaying world and the great relief of God's salvation. Hebrews 11 lists many men and women in the history of the Jewish people who had great hope for God's Kingdom though they never saw it come to fruition here on earth. They saw the great promise of God and were able to endure great trials and act in faith when God called them.

Studying all these verses in my BSF lesson this week gave me more Hope for my life. Seeing how Jesus waited patiently until His purpose in life would come to pass makes me realize how not patient I am. I desire God to use me for great things, yet I freak out when times are tough! I ask God to make my faith stronger but cry on my pillow when my life apporaches possible disaster. I think all Christians wish their life would be counted for something great but are we willing to endure the tribulation that needs to come first? We need to be tested and come throught proving ourselves faithful to God's promise despite our circumstances. Being faithful to His will ALWAYS brings us a more fulfilling relationship with Him even if we have to endure the worst of life to get there. For God's work will be completed in our lives if we continue following Him in faith - we will not be disappointed with the fulfillment of His work in our lives.

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."

Psalm 91:14-15

I often forget exactly how "in control" God is over the events of my life. It's kind of frightening how God can see not only everything I do, but everything I think and all my motivations. The idea that no event or circumstance has escaped Him reminds me of how small I really am. And yet, I also realize what power there is in being a child of His.

Lately, when I pray, I have been coming to this new understanding of how little I deserve any of the things I ask for. I think that's something which happens more and more as we get older and grow closer to Him. Yet He will not hesitate to provide for those who ask. Here are a couple verses that are a great reminder of how much He desires to bless us and take care of us.

Matthew 7:8-11

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

There are so many verses that speak of God's ability to provide, His desire that we should all know Him and many more that speak of us only needing to ask in order to receive. I wish I could really make this idea hit home for everyone I meet but I don't know how. I yearn, myself, to have the complete peace in God's provision yet I still worry and attempt to plan my life out in order. I earnestly hope to share with hurting people the abundance of blessing and joy God gives to those who love and praise Him.

I've seen many occasions where God swooped down just in time to provide for my husband and I. Or where He opened a door that gave us opportunity beyond what we had imagined. His hand is always putting the pieces of our life in order whether we notice it or not, but I still wonder, sometimes, whether or not He will want to help me out. I guess, because I know there is nothing in my own ability that can make up for His blessing in my life.

There is no question about it - we do not deserve a bit of what God gives us; both on earth and it eternity. Yet God allows us to experience His grace in ways that are forever changing, and all that He asks is that we know Him and seek after Him. Nothing in my life done of my own desire has been in the LEAST BIT fulfilling. But even the smallest actions taken to learn of Him and to find His will for my life have blessed me beyond my greatest hopes.

I'm not sure how else to put it. I can only encourage you to seek out the Lord and learn about the wonder of His ways. He really does have amazing things in store for His people and it gives Him great pleasure to bless us through His work. There really is nothing better than being blessed for doing something that you already feel blessed just to be doing.

"Then Mary said 'Behold, the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel of the Lord departed from her."

Luke 1:38

I have control issues. Anyone who knows me, knows this to be a true fact. I like to do things the way I like, in the order I like and to always get the results I like. It used to be nice, having my way all the time, but as I am growing, how I view this "trait" is changing more and more every day. It starts to control me, to take over my day and not allow for the flexibilty that makes my life an adventure to remember. This is not what I desire and it is certainly not what God desires for me. From an earlier post I showed that God wants us to have an abundant life, free from the trappings of this world.

Paul speaks in Romans about being either a slave to sin, or a slave to righteousness. Being caught up in what the world offers and in what you can accomplish for yourself is sinful behavior and puts you in bondage to the world and sin. When you are tied to this world and all that comes with it, there is only one hope, only one way out. Anything that makes you desire things of the world is NOT what God has planned for you.

The verses below really make me think about my proiorities and wonder if I'm really willing to let it be, to me, according to God's word. Hopefully they will paint a picture in your mind of what God intends, of the only thing that gives your life meaning and purpose. For truly, there is nothing the world can give you, and there is nothing the Lord is not able to provide.

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."

1 Corinthians 2:12

"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

James 4:4

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

1 John 2:15-17

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"

Romans 8:32

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

1 John 5:4

"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free'."

John 8:31-32

"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

John 3:17

When friends of mine who do not know the Lord think about being a Christian, they most often think of needing to follow rules or not wanting someone to tell them they are bad. It's really sad how this impression of Christianity came about, but really, it is our own fault. We are to rebuke other followers who are living in sin and claiming Christ, but we certainly aren't supposed to rebuke people of the world who do not yet know the Lord. Aren't we supposed to share Christ's love with them, speaking God's truth and show them the light?

In none of the Gospels does Jesus condemn the sinners He meets. In fact, He is often rebuked for eating, speaking and visiting with them. He only spoke the truth; to repent and follow Him. For in Him is the fountain of everlasting life, that if we drink of it, we will never thirst again. Jesus spends all his "rebuking" on the Sadducees and Pharisees for claiming God as their King but acting as lawgivers and judges. These groups of people talked about being good and following the law, but their only intention in doing so was to make themselves appear to be the highest and most righteous Jews of all.

I am often shocked at how the church often treats others in similar ways the Sadducees and Pharisees did. I've never been mistreated at the churches I've been, and I don't personally know any friends who have really seen the worst of Christians, but I saw proof of it existing last night. I was watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the crew was building a home for a single mother who had adopted a few children with HIV. The crew had also decided to build a new rec-center for a camp for kids with HIV and AIDS. Afterwards, the kids were sharing stories around a campfire, speaking of how grateful they were for Camp Heartland.

One girl, somewhere in her early teens, told just a part of her story of being persecuted for a disease she has no control over. I don't know how she contracted it, but she's has it since she was a young girl. The pastor of their home church actually asked them to leave the church family since her disease was causing other Christians there to complain. Let me ask, what could there possibly have been to complain about? That a member of their church was still healthy despite terminal illness? That as church members, the might have to offer help if she was to get really sick? If anything, the family would have things to complain about, but instead, they left quietly. She didn't mention God or say much of what they did afterwards. I wonder if that pastor has any clue of the damage he caused in that unjustified act.
I guess all I'm trying to say is that we should take Christ's message as our own. It is His words we should spread - that all can be saved by His grace. That no one should be condemned to death but that all should see the light, while welcoming everyone we know to drink from His fountain. We should not be ashamed at Christians, and we should do all we can to keep others from being ashamed or embarrassed by association. For if Christ did not condemn the world, how can we? Christians are to speak the truth in love, after all, Christ came to give us the most abundant life we could imagine in knowing Him.

John 10:10b

There is not one soul on earth that should not be included.

John 3:6

I've heard before that it takes the work of the Holy Spirit for someone to really know God and see their own need for Him. And I guess I believed it, but today it started making more sense.

In my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) lesson we're reading in Matthew about Mary's choice to serve God and today, I was to look up some other verses which confirm the Spirit and its work in the world.

"The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."

Genesis 1:2

"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."

Job 33:4

I guess I never really thought or bothered to find out what the Holy Spirit does exactly. In Acts, Luke writes about the coming of the Holy Spirit and how it enables us to feel the presence of God and allows us to hear His voice. Luke shares the events following the Spirit coming to dwell among us on earth and the mighty works that were done in God's name. In John, Jesus often talks about a Helper that will come and make Heavenly things known to us and bring us the remembrance of things He has taught. But the verses above shed a new light on the Spirit's work and certainly give me a different and greater understanding God's power.

It was the Spirit of God that was sent to put Christ's life into Mary's womb. It was the Spirit that God sent to be over the earth while creating it's form and beauty. And Job shows us that it is God's Spirit which comes to give us life, to create a life inside our soul that will live eternally. From the moment we are saved, we are beginning our eternal life. It doesn't start when we die, but begins when we see the Lord clearly, and it is His own Spirit that brings this gift to us. It makes you wonder how many times in your life His Spirit has been working without you taking time to see it. It certainly makes me see how nothing in this world that causes my spirit to stir is without the presence of God.

I got a bit sidetracked from the original verse, stating that nothing of the world can be spiritual on its own. We must know that all good things spiritual are from the Lord but we should also recognize that Satan does his own spiritual work here in the world, which is not good and not from the Lord.

John 14:30

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

1 Peter 5:8

Satan will go to great lengths to make his work seem like the righteous will of God. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, the studying of God's word, and asking for discernment in prayer, He will show us the truth. We must genuinely desire to know God's Spirit and His will, and Christ says that we will find it.

Matthew 7:7-8

Finally, I'll leave with these verses from John, where Christ is speaking of the power we have in God because of Jesus leaving and the Spirit coming to us. May God enable you to discern and witness His Spirit to really see the Glory of His work here on earth.

John 14:12-14

God is able to do anything to reveal His glory, we need only recognize it and ask.

"Another parable He put forth to them, saying: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches'."

Matthew 13:31-32

This parable truly eludes me more than any other. Especially since Christ also talks about what magnificent works we can do in His name, just by having faith as small as a mustard seed. Isaiah 64:4 speaks of how we cannot comprehend what the Lord has in store for those who love Him. And Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."

So what is with this mustard tree? How is Heaven like a mighty dwelling place for birds?

Many people speak of how we will have places to dwell and things to do in Heaven and Jesus himself talks about our actions being for the Lord and gaining eternal riches for serving Him (Matthew 6:17-18.) In chapter 6 of Galatians Paul warns us fervently what we sew here on earth will be reflected in eternity. So my earthly actions will be counted and will determine what I will be doing for eternity? Is it possible that all those small, almost thoughtless events that make up our days really effect our eternal life? When you think about it, day after day, whatever you are doing eventually turns into what you did, day after day, possibly until you die. If nothing else, knowing that my daily actions turn into the life I live here on earth, well, it makes me realize how much of my day is wasted. Which in turn makes me think of how much of my life has been wasted.

Pondering my daily activities in light of the great mustard tree and the parables of minas and talents, I can't help but see how I really am that fig tree bearing no fruit. What evidence am I showing that God is the most important thing... not just in my daily life, but EVER? Like that mustard seed, this life is just the start of a still intangible future. But with a little stillness and reflection, that distant, eternal, future-life looms a bit closer. I hope that in the days to come my future with the Lord does not "loom" but riles up in me an excitement that beams from every movement and action I take. No one can say who will begin to change because of my kind words, my peaceful patience or just my willingness to listen. All of a sudden, everything I'm doing seems like the greatest opportunity I've ever had.