Kingdom of the Mustard Seed

"Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when it is planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." (Jesus, Mark 4:30-32)

Isn't it awesome when God works through our shortcomings?

I have to be honest, I wasn't super excited about our youth group service week last week. I knew that I wasn't nearly prepared enough for it. I knew there would be at least 30 kids, along with our 15 teenagers at the park for 3 days - organized chaos is what I was picturing. And it was. But it was beautiful.

We ended the Bible School with a cookout Wednesday night, inviting all the families of the kids, our youth group and families, and Tuscaloosa Life Church who partenered with us through the whole thing. Talk about the Kingdom! Getting to know the families of these precious children and hearing their desires for their part of town; hearing about how the kids had loved, learned and looked forward to VBS each day; and watching the children present their scripture and hand motions to their parents, it was all wonderful!

The Spirit has continually reminded me of the racial division in this city. To illustrate my point, here's a story from this past week.


I was playing Duck Duck Goose with a group of kids, when one of the children - a 7 or 8 year old girl, wouldn't sit down. So I pulled her into my arms, tickling her to get her to sit. She looked up at me with a confused look on her face, studying my eyes. After that, she was like glue - wouldn't let me go. So as I'm trying to get people together for our next activity, I took her into my arms. She continued to study my face and then said, "I thought all white people were supposed to be mean." Talk about a heart breaker. I believe that had our races been switched, a white child may have said the same thing to an african-american adult. My point is just how sad it is that we have come this far, as a people, away from the ways of God. Even our children hold stereotypes and judgements. But to see her wall break down was an awesome picture. I believe God brings the ways of His Kingdom through the willing- inadequate thought we may be. My prayer for our Bible School is that walls were broken, Jesus was preached and hearts were changed. I know that God's Word does not go out and return to Him empty. So please join me in prayer for the families in Alberta City, just one mile away from our church building, who do not know the saving power of Christ. Pray that God will present more and more opportunities to touch the lives of these people.


I have more stories, and I could go on! But i pray that you're encouraged in knowing God is working in big ways. Seemingly small ways that turn into something big. Like the mustard seed, making it's way through the world.


Oh Lord, may your will be done and your Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.