Tag: journal

general thoughts from my journal entries and time with the Lord.

sowing small seeds

31He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32It 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

As I read this passage today, I’m reminded of a lesson I’ve learned many times before, yet constantly forget – remember the small things.

The Kingdom of Heaven is here; the Kingdom of Heaven is coming. As children of God, and followers of Jesus, we need to remember that the Kingdom of Heaven is like this little tiny mustard seed – as we’re sowing, it might not look like much. But as we plant, as we water, God gives the growth. And our job is not to convert people, or even to save lives – that’s for Jesus to handle.

We must simply we faithful with the little we’ve been given, and push the Kingdom of Heaven one small step at a time: one new relationship, one more Gospel sharing, one more act of kindness.

10“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

Luke 16:10

Have I forgotten to focus on making these small steps forward for the Kingdom?

the bread of anxious toil

1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)

I’ve always loved these verses, from the moment I discovered them (I think this was from college, when I listened to Kings Kaleidoscope’s “All Glory Be To Christ”). They resonate deeply with me.

In a world where we humans continue to strive for “great” things, it’s a humbling & powerful verse to remember the God is in control, and He is the potter, while we are the clay. Just like the Tower of Babel – we may try to reach the highest of highs, but unless God is in it, it will not stand.

I resonate with “eating the bread of anxious toil” – since college, I’ve strived to wake up early and enjoy sleeping late. Weariness grows on me. But whenever I read this verse and others like it, I’m reminded of the rest and peace that truly comes from God.

Don’t Eat the Bread of Anxious Toil | Desiring God