A LITTLE SEED GROWS BIG
- Key Verse
- "[A]nd this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." (Matthew 13:32)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
There is a day coming when what we've decided to do with Christ will matter above everything else. All other decisions and pursuits will be clearly a waste of our lives. This decision will determine our eternity, and God's Word makes it clear so that we know what is coming.
Reflections
One of the best decisions I ever made was to give my life to Christ. I did not know at the time that this decision would grow into the life I now cherish. However, it has been a journey for me to capture His great power, the depth of His love, and how safe I am in holding onto His hand. Everything I have comes from that tiny seed planted into the soil of His life. I have a marriage that brings joy because I live each day with a woman who follows Him. She and my children continually forgive and encourage me because they, too, have trusted Him.Several years ago, I stood with a family as they said good-bye to their father. For several hours, we watched his life slip away from his body into the next life that awaits. He was a follower of Jesus, and in those moments I saw death differently. This man was very sick, and death strangely became beautiful to me because I knew with confidence what was ahead. He is now in perfection with his perfect Savior! No more disease, pain, or worry, but instead he has been made whole.
I realized that one day I will stand there with my Father, and one day my kids will stand beside me as I end the earthbound portion of my journey. That seed of faith is everything; the trust I gave to my Lord will sustain me forever. It seems obvious, but needs celebrating today. It needs to be the backdrop for all our lives so we do not waste our days.
I love the life I am living, but know there is a life to come that takes away the fear of separation from our God. We cannot forget that many will pass away without trusting Him, and what awaits them is painful separation forever. The stakes are high, but the promise is compelling! "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." (John 1:12)
Discussion Questions
1. Are you His follower, and have you trusted Him for your salvation? (If not, then call a friend or Watermark today and discover His love for you!)2. Are there individuals you want to know His love for them, but you have not told them or brought them to His truth? Call them today!
3. Have you taken full advantage of the wealth of knowing Christ?
4. Thank Him again and again with your words and your life!
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Are you being like the yeast in the dough and spreading God’s Kingdom to those around you?
2. What can you do this week to spread God’s Kingdom?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.
Sue Bohlin
February 12, 2010 06:11 AM
Today is my spiritual birthday. 37 years ago today, I put my trust in Jesus when I heard about the God-shaped hole in every human heart and suddenly realized I needed Him. I didn't know what I was getting myself into, I just knew I wanted to throw open the doors of my heart with the invitation of "YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!" In the next few months, I remember wondering where this new life would end up--if it would last, or dry up and change like other things I'd gotten excited about over the years. Today, as I read your devo, I am yet again thanking the Lord with a heart full of gratitude, that He sowed His seed into a heart ready to receive. I'm grateful that the condition of my heart was and is the result of His grace. And I can't think of a better way to celebrate my spiritual birthday than by getting on a plane for Burundi, Africa, with a team of other Watermark folks to go share with our African brothers and sisters the wisdom and instruction and most of all the love God has given to us! (PLEASE PRAY FOR US!)
Ben Pinto
February 12, 2010 06:32 AM
Sitting in the dark after losing power last night after a record snowfall in Dallas (12 inches in 24 hours). The quiet and slowness of the day gives me a great opportunity the thank God for the transforming work in my life and reflect on what I will continue to do with this life for Him and the sake of His kingdom. Thank you Gary.
Carlton Kupp
February 12, 2010 07:28 AM
Gary: Thanks for the reminder that this life is only temporary and that the only thing that matters is our life for Christ. I appreciate your life of giving to God through the planning of worship every week.
David
February 12, 2010 08:35 AM
AMEN! I am GRATEFUL, and PRAISE and THANK Him daily! I want you to know, it was the BEST decision I have EVER made! PRAISE GOD!
Jim Wimberley
February 12, 2010 08:44 AM
Good job Gary. After reading your Journey entry, I was prompted to pick up the phone, call a guy and remind him how much God loves him. May the Lord capture his heart. Jim
Julie Neis
February 12, 2010 09:32 AM
Great devo, Strooper! I'm reminded how I need to continue praying fervently for my friens who don't know Christ. And just a reminder of how thankful I am that He opened my eyes. It's a blessing to get work on your team & under your leadership!
Scott Coy`
February 12, 2010 09:42 AM
I was reflecting on John 1:11,12 this morning before I read your words of encouragement. That simple but profound expression of faith--that little seed, wow!!! Great reminder Gary. Thanks and I'm honored to share in this jounrney with you.
Eric Colton
February 12, 2010 02:54 PM
I never thought of myself as the yeast. Thanks for your great service to our body. We love you!!!