Wednesday Service, 3-23-2005

Our first several services will be pulling information from the Junior Partner Ministries web site.

This first is important as we launch this eChurch. We must remember it is God, not us, who will determine the success of this ministry.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zech 4: 6 A bit further in the chapter "For who hath despised the day of small things?" There is an enduring theme in scripture of enlargement and growth. Sometimes there is even the implication of loss proceeding the development of gain. Jesus talks of faith as a small seed, the implication is the seed must be planted and lost to other uses, such as food, before it can grow and give a return. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, wherewith shall we be clothed? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:31,33 It seems to me something can not be added unto if you already have it. "Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." Luke 18: 29,30

So where does this leave us? Even if we are one the world views as great, we may need to shed the attractive to gain the required. "He is not a fool who gives up what he can't keep to acquire what he can't loose." Sometimes it is harder to release little than much, but it is always hard to release.

The Passion of Christ and his crucifixion are like the dying of a seed, his resurrection the new beginning. "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:but if it die, it bringith forth much fruit." John 12:24 We are the fruit born from Christ's sacrifice. The seed dies to come to a greater life; It is the greater life that brings joy.

When you accepted Christ Jesus, you shared in the victories his death purchased and his resurrection assured. The seed that is you can sprout. Always grow in and by faith. An apple tree doesn't grunt while nurturing fruit, it flowers with hope. Don't despise the days of small beginnings, they establish deep roots necessary to support a great tree.

Jesus Is Lord!