TGN: Small Beginnings Will Lead Us to Everlasting.

Daily Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithful Word today. I need it, I desire it, and I love it. Please build me with whatever I need to live this day according to Your peace, Your joy and Your love. For in You, there is confidence and security. For You are everlasting Father. I love You, and I come to You in the name of Your loving Son, Jesus. Amen.

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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 4:30-34 (NLT)
Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

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Jesus adapted His methods to His audience's ability and desire to understand. He didn't speak in parables to confuse people but to challenge sincere seekers to discover the meaning of His words. Much of Jesus' teaching was against hypocrisy and impure motives-characteristics of the religious leaders. Had Jesus spoken against the leaders directly, His public ministry would have been hampered. He would have been seen as reacting from emotion, instead of living from wisdom. Those who listened carefully to Jesus knew what He was talking about. And whether in parable or straightforward, His words are everlasting.

In this parable of the mustard seed, Jesus illustrates the benefits of small beginnings in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we want things to happen so quickly, often times instantaneously; that we miss the greatness that comes from the product of allowing things to grow and build in our lives. This applies to all things; money, promotion, relationships, jobs, school, our faith, understanding the Word of God and so much more.

I encourage all of us to really begin to appreciate the small steps; appreciate the time it takes (however long)- because we serve a God that honors patience and trust in Him. God is a builder and what He is building is everlasting. Let Him take His time, and trust that you will benefit- not only in the end, but throughout the entire process. For God doesn't get distracted, God doesn't go off course or purpose; what God has started in your life, through Christ He will carry it all out to it's completion.

Learn to work with God and not against Him. How? By trusting and living in obedience to Him in every moment.

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Personal Prayer: May the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen

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United We Serve: January 18th - The deadline to sign up for the opportunity at Belvedere Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) with me, has been extended to January 13th at 8a. Please reply to this email if you're down to commit. Confirmations will now be sent January 14th.

For other opportunities: www.volunteermatch.org
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...
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Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, Life Application Study Bible.

Spread The Good News: www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT

What makes us special is... The signature of God on our lives. To the new beginnings of 2010.