Stirred up and Rising

And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Luke 13: 20,21

Have you ever wondered what the bread was like in Jesus' day? What was their leaven? I venture to say it wasn't a package of yeast or a spoonful of baking powder. It was probably sourdough because sourdough is easily made from nothing more than flour and water. But why would the Lord say the kingdom of God is like a woman who hid leaven in three measures of meal? What does leaven do?

Who Are You?

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. I John 5:4

Last night we had the privilege to view Overcomer by the Kendrick brothers, a Faith Film. One of the characters asked the coach, "Who are you?" The coach gave the natural answer of a coach. "No, who are you?" the character asked again. Quickly the coach listed off all the things he was. I challenge you to stop here, grab a scrap of paper and a pencil and make a quick list of who you are. Don't think about it, just write. 

Who Will Believe Our Report?

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Isaiah 53:1

Christians here at home, in China, the Middle East and around the world are praying for their governments, for the health of their people, and for revival. As Christians, we know the answer to problems is Jesus. No, everyone won't be healed, our person won't always win an election, and wickedness will not cease but the fervent prayers of God's people can and will make a difference.

Things may get worse before they get better. We may be blamed for the world's problems because the world is blinded to the Truth. Patience, my friend. Love your neighbors. Love your family. Don't be discouraged when others mistreat you or won't listen. God has a plan because He is not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9). 

Remember Zacharias and Elisabeth who prayed for years for a child? Here they were in their old age and the angel Gabriel tells Zacharias his prayers are heard. Apparently, they hadn't given up on prayer (Luke 1:13). 

Remember Mary humbly submitting to God's will? Mary was simply going about her daily routine. What had she been doing? Cleaning the house? Dreaming of her upcoming wedding? Thinking up names for the children she and Joseph hoped to have? Praying (she did look up)? All of the above? Then the angel spoke scaring her, confusing her. But Mary humbly submitted to God having no idea what lay in store. In the next few weeks, she would have to leave home and travel to the hill country. Her fiance would think of divorcing her. Even after her marriage was saved she and Joseph and Jesus faced the ridicule of the family and neighbors. Yet here we are 2000 years later thankful for her submission (Luke 1:38). God was not willing that we should perish and because of a girl who humbled herself to His will we are saved.

What is God speaking to you today?
What is He asking you to trust Him for?
Are you willing to step out in faith saying, "Be it unto me?"

Prayerfully seeking God's will,

Gail