The Parable of the Mustard Seed..... Craig Denison

 The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Jesus loved to use stories to illustrate profound, life-transforming concepts. He loved to use real and genuine settings, characters, and ideas that apply to all of us to reveal God’s heart of pursuit and love. This week we’re going to spend time allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is. Open your heart and mind to be transformed by the powerful and captivating stories of Jesus.

Scripture:“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

Devotional:   

Jesus tells a beautiful parable of the kingdom of God in Matthew 12:31-32. He teaches, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Trees are beautiful pictures of God’s ability to take what we view as weak or insignificant, a seed, and make a magnificent and life-giving creation out of it. And Matthew 12 reveals how trees can be viewed as pictures of the very kingdom of their Creator. It’s remarkable that God would begin his kingdom small and grow it by his faithful stewardship into a beautiful and life-giving creation.

God took the seed of the death of one man, Jesus, to create a beautiful tree of salvation for all of humanity. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Our heavenly Father’s wrath over our sin poured out on Jesus allowed God to free the rest of us from eternal condemnation. And through the seed of Jesus’ death, God has been creating a powerful and eternal global movement, bringing people to restored relationship with himself across thousands of years. Just as the mustard seed grows large enough to become a tree in which birds make their home, the kingdom of God has transferred our citizenship to a new home with him. Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” John 15:19 says, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” The kingdom of God established through Christ has saved us from slavery to this world and ransomed us back into restored relationship with our heavenly Father.

Not only does the parable describe the incredible expanse of God’s kingdom from a few to many, it can also illustrate the seed of salvation planted within each of us that God intends to grow into a beautiful and fruit-bearing tree. Luke 17:21 says, “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” God’s kingdom is not built of brick and mortar, but of human hearts. And 1 Peter 2:2 commands us, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” God’s desire is to water the seed of salvation he’s planted in us with the Spirit and the word. He longs to mold and shape us into the likeness of Jesus, that we might live lives that bear incredible life-giving fruit. Hosea 14:4-7 illustrates God’s heart beautifully when it says, “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.” God wants to constantly steward this gift of salvation in each of us, as he does with the global advancement of his kingdom, that we might bear the wonderful fruit of the Spirit in every area of our lives.

And God is so patient with us. The earth illustrates his patience. Trees grow year after year, season to season by his faithful stewardship. Flowers never begin as beautiful as they are in full bloom. The earth is constantly undergoing abundant transformation as God’s creation grows and changes. You and I are no different. God’s plan has always been to mold us into beautiful pictures of his love. He’s always longed to fashion us until we walk in full, restored relationship with him. And by the life and death of Christ, he’s paved the way for his desires to come to fruition. All that’s left is for us to engage fully in this wonderful process he’s created for us. Engage in the growth he longs to birth in you by spending time in his presence and his word. Allow his gaze to transform you into his likeness. Live in obedience to the word, and allow it to lead you to an unconformed life in this world. Follow the guidance of the Spirit as he brings healing to your heart and fruit in your life.

Spend time in prayer allowing God to work in your heart today.

Guided Prayer:

 1. Meditate on God’s desire to grow the seed of salvation he’s planted within you.

“I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.” Hosea 14:4-7

2. Where do you need growth in your own life? Where do you need to bear more fruit?

3. Ask the Spirit to fill you anew today. Be filled with the presence of God and allow his love to mold and shape you into his likeness. Ask the Spirit to guide you into areas in where he wants to grow you today. Find Scripture that pertains to those areas in which you need growth and live in obedience to God’s word.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18-19

How great is God’s love for us that he doesn’t leave us where we are but is always transforming us! In the blink of an eye, God sees who we’ve been, who we are, and who we will be. He knows your form, how he’s created you, and what you were born to do. The more time you spend allowing him to transform you, the more you will understand yourself. May you discover and engage with all that your heavenly Father wants to do in you through his love today.

Extended Reading: John 15

Gideon: A Fearful Man with a Mighty Mission..... by Jennifer Waddle

 Gideon: A Fearful Man with a Mighty Mission

by Jennifer Waddle

“O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Judges 6:15

It was during a period of great famine and impoverishment, that a man named Gideon was chosen to deliver Israel from the bondage of other nations. The Midianites, Amalekites, and others from the east had forced Israel into the mountains to make their dwellings in dens and caves. Any livestock or produce that Israel gained was quickly destroyed. Therefore, when Gideon was found secretly threshing wheat in a winepress, it was probably because he had no other choice.

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Judges 6:12

The title given to Gideon, mighty man of valor, didn’t seem to line up with Gideon’s perception.There he was, hiding in a winepress, trying to survive, and God was addressing him as a “mighty man of valor.” (with an exclamation!)

Gideon, along with the rest of Israel, was oppressed, fearful, and nearly defeated. So, to be called a mighty man of valor just didn’t resonate.

O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ Judges 6:13

On and on, in Judges chapter six, Gideon questioned, doubted, and inquired of God in fear.

It was as if he couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that God, the Creator of the universe, was choosing and equipping him to do a mighty thing for His people.

What mighty calling from the Lord do we struggle with most? What list of weaknesses do we make for ourselves; weaknesses that we believe invalidate us from serving God in a mighty way? What arguments do we make with the Lord when He calls us to step out of the comfort zone of our “winepresses?”

• I couldn’t possibly accomplish that!
• Someone else would do a much better job.
• I don’t have the strength, the smarts, the resources, etc.
• It would require too much.

God often uses the weak, the fearful, the ill-equipped. In fact, it is in our very weaknesses that He is strong! It is in our fearfulness that He proves Himself more than able. And, it is in our lack that He equips us to do exactly what He’s called us to do.

I suggest making a list of every weakness you can think of. Write it down. Present it to the Lord. Then, wait in wonderful expectation for Him to take those weaknesses and say, “Rise up, mighty one of valor. I have chosen you for this exact thing.”

3 Ways My Mom Reminds Me of Jesus..... by Debbie Holloway

 3 Ways My Mom Reminds Me of Jesus

by Debbie Holloway

“Her children rise up and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28).

I've got a good family. And while I love all my family members so much that it hurts, and in vastly different ways, it's May, so I've been thinking a lot about my Mama. I have always known my mom was the actual greatest, but the older I grew, the more I began to recognize really concrete reasons for it. How much I had learned from her. How much her example has shown me about being a wife, or dealing with kids. How to keep a good face and a good heart when you’re in uncomfortable or distasteful situations.

Some of the things she’s imparted to me may seem small, or silly. When I’m outside and it’s sunny, I always think about soaking up Vitamin D. I never let my students get away with using the phrase “the reason is because…” in their essays.

But more than those little things, my mom has made such a big impact on me because she reminds me of Jesus. Here are three Christ-like messages she has ingrained in me (whether by her words or simply her actions):

“You are Always Loved.”

Of course my mom loves me. I suppose for most of us, that’s a given. But it makes such a difference when she tells me that every time she sees me. No matter what mistake I make, no matter how grumpy I am, no matter how grumpy she is, I know that nobody will ever love me as much as my Mama loves me.

I have a unique relationship with my mom because I was her first daughter, and one she had wanted and prayed for many years before my birth. Whenever we’ve gone through a rough conversation, or even if I’m just feeling downtrodden, she’s never hesitated to remind me that she has loved me and wanted me since before I was even born. And I know that my mom never stops praying and hoping for her children. This persistent, unrelenting love reminds me so much of Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'”

This portrait of God that Jesus paints is simple: God loves you so much that he will never give up on you. Likewise, my mom is a mom who never gives up on me.

“You are Always Welcome.”

I used to assume that all families pretty much work like this, but the older I get, the more I realize how rarely we exhibit true, pure, hospitality even to our closest family members. Growing up, outsiders were routinely welcome to join us for meals, for sleeping over, or for jam sessions. Every time I talk with my mom, she reminds me that I’m welcome to pop by, expected or not, anytime I want. If I ever need something, or even just need to talk, I know she’s there for me.

But more than just welcoming me into her home, my mom welcomes me into her heart and life, totally unconditionally. Sure, she taught me manners and morals, and hopes and expects I’ll live by them. But none of her children has turned out perfect. And she has never given me ultimatums on our relationship, or implied that I would be kicked out, unwelcome, or treated as an outsider if I said certain things, dressed a certain way, hung out with certain people, or even believed certain things. She lets me live my life, and I know she’ll always be a phone call away. She’ll always leave the front door open when she knows I’m coming over.

Just like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son. The son had rejected his father, thought of nothing but instant gratification, chased empty pleasures, and eventually returned home broken. What was the father doing, all this while?

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him… [And] the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found' (Luke 15: 20-24).

No conditions. No interrogations. Just a warm welcome home.

“You Will Always be Fed.”

Does this one seem silly, or out of place? It doesn’t to me. My mother was the first one who showed me what the ministry of feeding can look like. Sometimes a person just needs to be offered a hot meal, whether that person is your child, a guest in your home, or an underfed person standing on the street corner. This attitude of abundance and generosity is imprinted all over my childhood memories.

Food brings life to the body. Think about how often God worked on Israel’s hearts through food! He gave them manna in the wilderness. The most sacred Jewish holiday, Passover, is a meal of bread and herbs, symbolizing the oppression of Egypt and the God who was big enough to free them from it.

And then the Lord’s Supper.

Whoever eats of the bread and drinks of the cup proclaims the Lord’s death until he comes.

Implemented in an upstairs chamber 2,000 years ago, it started off as a Passover meal, but was given fresh significance. We still practice this new sacrament of bread and wine in churches, every month, every Sunday, every day – to remind ourselves that God sustains. God provides. Jesus fed thousands with loaves and fish, and God feeds us with his Spirit. And one day, we will join him at the greatest bridal feast of all.

Where we will be fed.
We will be welcome.
 And we will be loved.

That’s what I see reflected in the life of my sweet mother. That’s why she reminds me of Jesus.

A Mother's Day Prayer for Blessing..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Mother's Day Prayer for Blessing

By Debbie McDaniel

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:25

A message of hope for moms, for those who still wait to be moms, and for the many dear women who nurture and lead...

Sunday is a special day to honor and celebrate moms everywhere.

Yet sometimes this day reminds us of other thoughts too, hard struggles, grief, longing, and loss. It carries more than just joy-filled thoughts.

If you find yourself somewhere there today, still wrestling through a struggling relationship, grieving deep loss, walking through a season of waiting, battling loneliness or fear, praying for healing to come, or for a loved one to return home…don't ever doubt that He's working on your behalf. He knows all. He understands and cares. He can see clearly what we cannot see. He holds all the pieces and fits them perfectly together one by one. And maybe His work and timing is not all about you, and me, but also about another soul and the importance of the journey they’re walking through. Often, He does His greatest, most powerful work, during our seasons of waiting and loss; and what we have prayed for through so much struggle and pain, becomes the greatest blessings of this life.  In whatever we face, we can be confident, God will not waste our pain. Not ever.

Praying for God to cover and be close to so many who need to hear a message of hope for this day. May He help us to lovingly encourage one another in all of our unique stories and journeys.

Be assured, He has good in store, great blessings still await, on the other side of the struggle.

Grace.

A prayer for moms, for those who wait to be moms, and for all dear women who nurture and lead:

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of motherhood. Thank you for the blessing it is to be called "Mom." Thank you for the good plans you have in store for those who still wait to be a Mom. Thank you for the numerous spiritual children you have given to so many "spiritual moms" and mentors. We pray that you would fill this day with favor and grace as we honor Moms all around our nation.

We ask for comfort for those who are grieving loss and heartache, especially on this day. We ask for strength for those who wait for children to come back home. We ask for healing for those who have been hurt by relationships that were intended to be loving and nurturing. We ask for faith for those who will someday be Moms, who find themselves on a journey that seems so hard. We ask for great encouragement and grace to cover those who have made a brave and loving choice for adoption. We ask for incredible provision and care over every single parent mom who works so hard on behalf of her children. We ask that you would remind many of those who, though they do not have "physical" children, have the gift of being amazing hope-bringers to many spiritual children they've been blessed to nurture through these years.

God, thank you, for the gift of life. Thank you that your heart is for us, and that you are with us, in all our unique journeys and pathways. Thank you that you are Sovereign over every part of our lives.  Thank you that your ways are perfect and you make our footsteps secure.

Today we pray for a refreshing, for joy, for grace, for wisdom, for great peace...for all moms, for moms to be, and for women who nurture and lead.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.