Do you ever wonder why God didn't launch his kingdom or the church with a little more...splash or an impressive debut? Trumpets, clouds parting, a single beam from heaven becoming an intense burst of light, a deafening chorus of angels...you get the point. Come to think of it, something like that took place in fields outside of Bethlehem, but the only audience was a group of shepherds. Jesus addresses the nature of God's kingdom today in two short parables, and he speaks to this very issue.
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.
Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.
In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. What a perfect way to get started!
The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:31-35. After the parable of the soils and the weeds, Jesus points to the paradox of how God chooses to start his kingdom. Not with fanfare, a lightshow, an awe-inspiring angel chorus, but in a tiny and obscure way that would be easy to miss. Mustard seed...and yeast. Tiny and unimpressive symbols that produce something unexpected compared to their humble beginnings. That's the way God works, and it humbles us with our big egos and vanity. Sure God could stage a more impressive debut, but then we would miss something important he is trying to teach us, something that will touch our hearts.
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You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional: Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4
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Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com
