It Starts Small

Category: Uncategorized

  • Understanding the Hope of Advent: Reflections on Jesus’ Birth

    Today we read the recorded account of the birth of our Savior. Lets pause for a moment and think about Mary and Joseph. At this point in history they are in the “now”. We can assume they are very familiar with the passages of scripture we read from Isaiah. They…

  • Waiting on the Lord

    Isaiah 8 continues the narrative from the previous chapter, highlighting the impending attacks on Judah by Israel and Syria. God assures King Ahaz of their impending destruction and instructs Isaiah to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz, symbolizing this prophecy. Isaiah emphasizes the need to trust in God instead of succumbing to…

  • Idolatry. Betrayal. Rebellion.

    The reflection on King Ahaz highlights his wrongful reign and disobedience to God. Ascending to the throne at twenty, he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem, failing to emulate the righteous ways of his ancestor David. Instead, he engaged in detestable practices, including sacrificing his son and aligning with Assyria…

  • The Tension of Peace and Justice

    The book of Micah, part of the minor prophets, emphasizes justice and the peace God intends for the world. Micah aims to make his people aware of their ongoing issues, shifting focus from external threats to internal oppression. The tension between peace and justice is explored, citing Jesus’ teachings and…

  • Psalms 23 Bracelet

    God knew you before you were born (first knot). He got this wonderful idea that He desired to create you. All that you are is the splendor and creation of our Heavenly Father. God (purple bead) came to your first because He loved you first. 19 We love because he first loved…

  • The Canopy of God’s Glory

    Isaiah 4 describes a transformed Israel where survivors in Zion are deemed holy after God cleanses them. The chapter highlights the Messiah as the “Branch of the Lord,” emphasizing restoration and hope. God promises protection through a canopy of cloud and fire over Mount Zion, symbolizing His enduring refuge for…

  • Courageously Embrace Opportunities

    Lydia was a businesswoman in her community. We encounter her in God’s Word as having embraced the opportunity to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Fear holds us back from making decisions, but today we see Lydia embrace the possibilities of what God has in store for her. Is…

  • The Least

    I wonder at times if the people who will be rewarded the most in heaven are the ones no one will even know. The least known on earth. In all of us there is this pull to want to be known. We all want a clap, a praise, a recognition.…

  • Yes is a lasting legacy

    Relationships produce similar relationships. What is happening in our scripture this morning? One generation served the Lord. That sounds like a wonderful thing, but some how, when it came to the next generation, they did not serve the Lord. How could this happen? Maybe serving the Lord was not enough…

  • November 2024 Scripture writing plan and Journal.

    I have to be honest, this has been on the back burner since June. I just felt the Lord was leading me to hold on to this and for whatever reason to Him, now is the time to set it out there. Something I miss most about no longer living…