Theme:   Elevate: Next Level Spiritual Growth - Leveraging Your Life

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

READ: Matthew 17:14-20; Luke 17:5-6; Matthew 13:31-32

THINK: Just how small is a mustard seed? It is the smallest of seeds planted by the members of Jesus'

audience. It is smaller than wheat, barley, caraway or dill. The contrast between the size of the seed planted and the resulting plant that grows from it is Jesus' focus. A seed, as tiny as a grain of sand becomes a tree capable of supporting the weight of birds. This is a picture of the Kingdom of Heaven.

What started with one man and his very small band of followers grew into something very large and strong---------capable of holding as many as will choose to enter.

The key is not the amount of faith, but whether faith is present at all. Even the smallest amount of faith is able to accomplish wonders… The possibilities are limitless with God. We are the ones of little or no faith that quench the power before ever calling upon it.

God wants to grow the faith in all of us. Heart... Soul... Mind… Strength… As I left the service I was still wondering which of the above four describes my focus. Then, the person in front of me , who I did not know yet, said, "Oh no, I stole a pen again." I, of course, added a comment and soon four of us were placing ourselves in all four of the above categories.

It has become a game among my friends who make bets on how many people I will meet during a trip. I first became aware of this last year. Every time I would return from being away they would say a number. Apparently, I am noted for making "best friends" very quickly in all scenarios. But do I really listen? I desire to continually ask God to grow the seed of faith in me that brings about listening and silence for balanced communication.

As we walked to the car after the service, my husband commented that he wanted to love me like the groom loved the bride that Pastor Ben described. My husband admitted he did not know how to do that so he needed to think about it and try… I smiled knowing that he had just verbalized what we both know, his focus is thinking. While I am out talking with strangers, making new friends, he is analyzing relationships. Is one focus better than the other? NO, they are distinctions from God that makes us who we are and useful to Him in differing ways.

God's love for us is BIG. It is very very hard for me, and maybe you to grasp how totally God loves us.

Maybe that too is where the mustard seed fits in. Do not worry as to whether or not you have enough faith. It does not depend upon our ability to manufacture it. It is there for asking. Our part is to spend time with God, just as Jesus did. Then a spark will ignite from the faith He has already placed in our hearts and grow. If I let my mind believe God loves me a little, then carry that thought close to my heart, read His love letters to me (The Bible) and serve and allow others to serve me... my faith will grow!

DO: Reflect on the areas where you are strong and thank God for his direction in your life. Realize the areas of weakness where a little faith will go a long way towards obedience. Read God's love letter  to you to build faith. Believe that with a little faith and a big God nothing is impossible.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, you amaze me in so many ways. I come to you today to ask for

help in trusting You. My faith is small and often weak, please let me see you in my life. Give me hope and knowledge that You are present and growing my faith even when I do not see it. AMEN