The Mustard Seed blog
How Much Have I Given? A Reflection on Faith, Generosity, and Marketplace Ministry
When you first hear the question, "How much have I given?" what comes to mind? Is it money, something of value, or perhaps something else entirely? We often associate giving with material wealth, but the deeper meaning of this question invites us to consider not just what we give, but where our heart is.
The person who knows "How" will always have a job. However, the person that knows "Why" will always be his boss!
After Thomas Edison's fame had become international, he was advised to have scientists come to his lab and help him understand just why some of his inventions had worked. Edison didn't see much use for it, but being open-minded, he consented to the idea. As a result, a brilliant research scientist from Germany came to his lab to explain the principles behind some of his innovations.
Some of the most impactful spiritual lessons I have ever learned when I’ve faced challenging and difficult times is when I have continually and consistently applied, these five simple truths listed here. I have found that these truth lessons about who Jesus really does win the argument in the negative situations I may be facing. I have also found that most, if not all, challenges I face have an underlying goal—to skew my perception of God’s righteousness, faithfulness, and love. But when I practice what I have learned, I find strength and renewed hope. And I believe it is this power that will carry me to the end.
Can you imagine that it’s 2020? To me, it seems like yesterday that we lived with an expectation and uncertainty of a new millennium (for those that can remember Y2K. )
So, I have a challenge, I have no idea who penned the following words, no author is mentioned, but when I read them something leaped inside and challenged me.
With Thanksgiving officially over, the countdown to Christmas is on. People are caught up in the flurry of shopping, planning/attending parties, picking out gifts, and going to all of the seasonal festivities. It’s during this season that many people are the most open and looking for a real message of hope for their lives. Help them make the Gospel the center of their lives all year long by being a regular part of your church.
Holiday movies have always been the custom in our family. One of my faves is The Miracle on 34th Street circa 1947 in original black and white. The movie begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and culminates at Christmas. In our home, these are the bookends of the holiday season; the tree goes up the day after the turkey goes down.
I thought it would be of interest to hear from some of our founding fathers and universities on their view about America.
John Adams, “It becomes necessary to every citizen to be in some degree a statesman and to examine and judge for himself the political principles and measures. Let us examine them with a sober Christian spirit.”
It has been said that life is like a cafeteria. Years ago there was an immigrant that had come to America from Europe, being new to this country he was unfamiliar with many of its customs and practices. After getting settled in a nearby apartment he began to familiarize himself with the area, soon he became hungry and went to a nearby restaurant. He took a seat at a table waiting for a waitress to take his order. He waited and waited, but no one came.
2019 can be different and can be your best year if you follow the wisdom of the Bible. Instead of trying to look at the whole year, follow the advice of God’s word. God gives life, not in weeks, months or years but days! So if we focus on the day and choose to make each day count, we will end up with a great year! So, how can we do that? Let me give you several things to do daily.
