"God of...gods"

    This term describing God is found five times in four passages of the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 10:17, Joshua 22:22, Daniel 2:47, and Daniel 11:36

    Upon first seeing this description one may wonder, ‘Does this give credence to gods?’ but, we know that gods are useless figures sculpted by men’s hands (Psalm 115:3-8, 135:15-18, and Jeremiah 10); this term “God of gods,” instead, openly declares God to be Supreme God over every created thing.  

“Inasmuch as there is none like you, O LORD (You are great, and Your name is great in might), who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; a wooden idol is a worthless doctrine… they are all the work of skillful men, but the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King, at His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.” (Jeremiah 10:6-8,9b-10 NKJV)

    While gods are useless, we still have the capability of setting them up in our lives: seeking after wealth, careers, status, our houses/cars, collections, hobbies, children, boyfriend/husband, even our own self. These can all be elevated in our hearts/minds to the point of coming in between us and God and our service to Him. Why devote all your time and trust in what is temporary when you can develop your trust in and allegiance to the everlasting God of gods?

    God is the Supreme God, the very Creator of the heavens and earth! He was and is and will be. He is worthy of your time and devotion! Take an honest look at your heart and realign your priorities so that there are not any obstacles between you and the God of heaven – He is worthy of our every effort and every sacrifice!!

You can do it! So can I!!   

Nature: The Tenacious Mustard Seed

    "...I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, 

you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' 

and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." 

(Matthew 17:20 NKJV)

    As we continue our theme of Nature, I would like you to consider the tiny mustard seed. The photo at the bottom of this post shows mustard seeds. They are, individually, about the size of the head of a dressmaker's pin.

    Throughout the Bible we can read of God using lowly items (in man's estimation) to do or exemplify great things.

    For example:

• A spoken word - the earth and heavens were created (Genesis 1-2)
• A leader's rod - awe-inspiring miracles in Egypt (Exodus 4-14)
• A simple red rope - salvation from Jericho's destruction (Joshua 2:1-24; 6:22-23)
• An army of only 300 men - conquered over 135,000 men (Judges 7)
• A leather sling and a smooth stone - an enemy giant is felled (1 Samuel 17)
• Faith as a mustard seed - can move mountains (Matthew 17:20)

    A mustard seed is tiny, but it is known to have great tenacity. Tenacity means persistence, determination, perseverance. I have heard that a mustard seed can grow and develop in the harshest of conditions. They are hearty and their determination to sprout will in many ways "move mountains." They will crack the great rocks that they are growing up through. They will lift and crack concrete that has been set over them in their determined pursuit of development.

    You may feel small in comparison to the seemingly mountainous obstacles you face in your path, but God encourages you to keep trying, to keep trusting, to keep growing! He is near to you and wants you to lean on Him (James 4:7-8).

    Let your faith be like the determined mustard seed. Take root in the gospel of Christ and drink nourishment from the bottomless wells of God's love and provision. Seek the SON, lift your face toward Him!

    This makes me think of the lovely passage in Psalm 27; verse 8 says, "When You said, "Seek My face", my heart said to You, "Your face Lord, I will seek.""

    Continue to seek the Lord's face this week. Let your perseverance and determination to do God's will fuel your continuing development as a Christian. Flourish in your faith! Be a tenacious mustard seed!!

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 

rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, 

as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

(Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!