Monday, April 28, 2014

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- S is for Small Things


Small Things

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
Zechariah 4:10

This verse is part of a vision the prophet Zechariah is recounting to the people,  regarding rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The temple had been destroyed years before and the people had been in exile. They were now returning to Jerusalem from exile and would rebuild the temple.

The plumb line was a weight, attached to a string. The plumb line was hung down to make sure the walls of the temple were being built straight. The string and weight were very small, but very important; If the walls were not straight, the temple structure would not be stable.

God rejoiced to see the work on the temple begin, and He rejoices when we begin our work, too. The small steps may not seem to be much but they are a foundation to what you will accomplish.

What is one goal you are working on? Losing weight? Exercising regularly? Paying off a credit card? Establishing an emergency fund? Cleaning your whole house? Growing your relationship with the Lord?

What “small thing” can you do today? Ask the Lord to bless and guide you upon your quest, take a deep breath, and begin. Take a walk around the block. Plan healthy meals. Make a credit card payment. Clean a closet. Read a Psalm. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin!

What “small beginning” are you going to make today?

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is . Click to check it out!

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- R is for Refuge

Refuge

“But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of Your works.”
Psalm 73:28

God has been my refuge in the midst of the most difficult time in my life, during the summer of 2012 when my marriage was breaking up and I was starting over. It was more than good to be near Him; it was the greatest blessing I could have at that time.  I knew that He understood, that He had a plan for me, that He would never, ever leave me. When I could not concentrate to read or comprehend anything else in His Word, I could read the Psalms, including Psalm 73.

Have you made God your refuge today? Was He your first choice, or did you only turn to Him after texting your best friend or calling your sister or posting on FaceBook? Turn to Him first; as wonderful as your friends and family are, He offers even more comfort.

What works of His will you tell others of, to strengthen their faith?

I will share this and I hope it encourages readers. I needed a job after I moved out, and asked God for a job that met the following guidelines; in the town in which I was living (I hate driving in bad weather), relatively non-stressful (I had enough stress in my “real” life!), decent paying, and part-time so that I could continue publishing the Nebraska Family Times and writing if that was His will.

Several weeks later I read a want-ad and when I called the number I found that it fit every single one of my requests. After a few months I realized that it was a little too “part time” for me to meet my expenses…and then I found out about another part-time job that, as well as fitting the above requirements, would also fit perfectly into my life. The two jobs are the best jobs I’ve had in my nursing career!

But it gets even better...

A few months ago, I realized that God gave me something in both jobs that I hadn’t even thought to ask for: Christian friends who offered me the support and encouragement I needed during that very hard time. He knew what I needed and blessed me with it, even though I didn’t think to ask.

God truly is my refuge; it is so good to be near Him!

What works has God done in your life, that you can share to encourage others?
 If you’d like, comment below.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)