The Parable of the Mustard Seed..Craig Denison Ministries

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Craig Denison Ministries

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

Witnessing Heaven on the Horizon.. Lynette Kittle

 Witnessing Heaven on the Horizon

By Lynette Kittle

"In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side" - Luke 16:23

Although many of us are familiar with the story of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man told by Jesus, our focus is most likely on the rich man's sorrow, suffering, and hopelessness in being eternally separated from God and his family. Our thoughts consider how although he was comfortable and well taken care of on earth, he is found in dire agony after his death. Yet, in reading about his torment, we often overlook that he had a clear view of heaven in his suffering. Although there are discussions over whether there is a difference between Hades and hell, we get the picture. Through Jesus' story, we see how His life, death, and resurrection offer us everlasting life with Him.

The Rich Man and Lazarus' Shared History.
From the story, we learn the rich man dressed in the best clothes, which included purple and fine linen of the time, living in luxury every day. In contrast, at the city gate laid Lazarus, a beggar, covered with sores with an empty stomach longing just to eat the leftovers from the rich man's table. It sounds like the only ones who paid Lazarus any comfort were dogs, who offered him some relief by licking his sores (Luke 16:19-21). Yet when the beggar died, angels carried him away to Abraham's side. Unlike Lazarus, when the rich man died, he was buried and found himself in hell. Imagine his surprise when in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham with Lazarus by his side (Luke 16:23).

"So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue because I am in agony in this fire'" (Luke 16:24).

Sadly, even in torment, the rich man thought he deserved to have the beggar serve him.

Who Goes to Hell?
Countless souls have been ushered into hell since the beginning of humanity. So often, we think of individuals suddenly finding themselves hidden away in darkness and a fiery pit, wondering how they got there. The rich man's story reveals an awareness of where he has ended up and a prominent view of heaven. For individuals who do not believe in heaven or hell, there will be no doubt where they have landed. They will have the horrific realization they were wrong in what they thought and believed. The error of their thinking and belief system will be starkly and tragically revealed to them.

There are No Exits in Hell.
Unfortunately, there is no return from hell for those who reject Jesus on Earth. Scripture clarifies any misinformation concerning this possibility: "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And beside all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'" Luke 16:25-26

Facing Regret
Those who end up in hell are tormented with regret in realizing that without Jesus, their loved ones will soon join them. Recognizing this truth in hell, in his torment, the rich man sought to reach out to his family.

 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'" Luke 16:27- 28

Sadly, Abraham explains how they already have Moses and the Prophets to hear the truth. In response, the rich man begged Abraham to send someone from the dead to them, so they'll repent. But in Abraham's response, "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" (Luke 16:31) Tragically, people reject Jesus every day.

Intersecting Faith & Life: 
Do you know individuals so consumed with earthly comforts they haven't looked ahead to plan for eternity? If so, share how Jesus died and rose from the grave to give them everlasting wonderful life with Him. 

Gideon: A Fearful Man with a Mighty Mission..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.”

A Prayer for the Woman Longing to Become a Mother..Emily Rose Massey

 A Prayer for the Woman Longing to Become a Mother

By Emily Rose Massey

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8, NLT).

Springtime is a beautiful reminder of new life blooming after a harsh winter. Mother’s Day may be a reminder for some women longing for new life within their wombs. Each month seems to be disappointment after disappointment when it’s another negative pregnancy test. God allows for disappointment to happen in our lives. All things come (or don’t come) to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in us. Whether we were expecting them to happen or not, they conform us to the image of Christ. When we are disappointed, we have the opportunity to praise God no matter what. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving, even in the midst of our questions and sorrow. In His sovereign providence, we can trust He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Nothing is coincidence or happenstance; God is sovereign and in control of every detail, guiding our steps, and near when we are brokenhearted. 

To those who feel the sting of childlessness this Mother’s Day, my heart grieves with you. Yet, I want to encourage you to remember God sees all of the tears you have cried and is with you as your heart aches to have children of your own. In the pain, you can lift your eyes to the only One who keeps us from being crushed under the weight of our grief. You are not alone in your sorrow. God sees you in your pain and does not overlook it. Psalm 56:8 shares this beautiful picture of the nearness and compassion of God:

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (NLT).

The mighty, all-powerful God who created the entire universe is the same God who draws so close to us in our brokenness and pain. The Holy Spirit (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) is our gift from the Father and is nearer than our very breath. In your pain and sorrow, cry out to the Lord and walk with the Holy Spirit. Lean upon Him as He brings you true comfort and peace while guiding you into the truth about the Kingdom to come. Soon we will be with Him forever, where His perfect love will be all we ever experience. Until then, keep drawing near to Him, and He will faithfully draw near to you, just as His Word promises us. Let’s cry out to the God who knows the depth of your sorrow. 

Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
Letting go and trusting You as I mourn and question why You have not blessed me with a baby can be difficult, especially when I see others make pregnancy and birth announcements. So, I ask that You strengthen and renew my You will carry me through this deep pain I am experiencing. As the waves of grief come crashing in on me, they remind my heart of my hope and purpose in Christ. Holy Spirit, help me to fix my gaze upon heaven, where the promise of eternal life awaits me. Please give me a voice to share my story of Your goodness and faithfulness during this difficult time of what often feels like unanswered prayers and unending waiting. I know You are faithful and trust You no matter the outcome. Thank You for bringing peace that passes all understanding in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The Service of Motherhood..Dr. Charles Stanley

The Service of Motherhood

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 2:1-11

Children are a blessing from the Lord (Ps. 127:3-5). Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves.

Sometimes this constant serving can be exhausting and even discouraging—particularly for a first-time mother. But you can take real encouragement from Jesus. One of the best examples of gracious servanthood is found in John 13:3-16. By kneeling to wash His disciples’ feet, the Lord showed that the key to true leadership is humility. And it is humility that leads to eternal reward.

Unless you are willing to stoop down and get your hands dirty, you will miss the real riches of motherhood. By dying to your own desires and pouring your life into someone else, you become like Christ and create a godly legacy that will carry on for generations to come. What greater blessing could one hope for? Of course, the motivation for serving others is not to reap benefits, but when we follow God’s plan for our life, that’s what happens.

In giving us children, God places us in a position of both leadership and service. He calls us to give up our lives for someone else’s sake—to abandon our own desires and put our child’s interests first. Yet, according to His perfect design, it is through this selflessness that we can become truly fulfilled.