Little Things

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..."
Zechariah 4:10a

Life begins with a fertilized egg, two cells doubling over and over, taking shape as nourishment is provided, according to God's purposes and divine instruction: some becoming massive creatures.
A seedling in its proper environment eventually can become a towering redwood.
Yet early in their existence they may have seemed inconsequential to some,
overlooked by those who were larger and more mature.
David the shepherd certainly felt this; those around him only saw a ruddy nuisance of a boy,
God however saw the heart of a future king.
A trembling downcast Gideon tried to hide from the LORD's angelic emissary who came with empowering and wonderful inspiration.
Timothy struggled with poor self-esteem as he dealt with the disrespect from those who may have been older, but not wiser: "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
I Timothy 4:12

Don't despise small beginnings, whether they be your own or those of others you know, who may need your encouragement. I say this to you as I move in earnest towards the publication of a devotional that I know was God ordained and initiated, that has been in my own heart as I struggled with this small beginning.

What "small things" might you have in your heart, beloved?
..."the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..."

First Things First

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." 

Col. 1:15-20

In our theology we recognize that Yeshua is preeminent. Most of us acknowledge the things that Paul expounds here in the book of Colossians. These things were revealed to him by none other than Holy Spirit, they were not the teachings of men. I have a confession to make here. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and while everything inside me proclaims  PREEMINENCE!, I face a daily struggle that starts with the moment I awaken each day. Unless I start with giving Him my first fruits and my best-devotions as soon as I wake up, before anything- I find that the burgeoning list of things on my daily TO DO LIST will get the best of me. Before I even realize it, I find that I may have deferred my crucial one-on-one prayer time, losing an important aspect of preeminence for the day- my utmost for His highest. Thankfully His mercies are new, not just every morning, but every moment. He stands at the "door" of our hearts, knocking, waitng for us to stop an re-organize our priorites, to place Him in the only position He is worthy of: First of everything. If you have struggled with ordering your steps, beloved, know that God is the creator of eveything including time management. Ask Yeshua, and He will help you to fulfill that desire of your heart to keep first things first.

Faith For Yourself? 158

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

And lean not on your own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5,6

I was speaking to a friend this morning who confessed his difficulties believing God’s promises for himself. I identified with him immediately because at times, I suffer from the same faulty thoughts and emotions. When faced with certain trials I would wonder if there would be light at the end of the tunnel, if that certain situation might ever change.

I had the faith to believe - for others - but not always for myself.

 The faith to believe for everything comes straight from God’s Word. Unbelief and its evil twin, discouragement smell like smoke; they come from the pit of hell, from the author of lies.

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing (straight) from the Word of God.

Here are just a couple things that the Lord wants to tell you:

“You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”

Phil.4:13

“Fear not, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

Beloved, God has you in the palm of His hand;
read His promises and declare them over yourself.

Have faith in yourself -God is more than able!