Thursday, November 18, 2010

Ripple Effect

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, this morning was a gutter cleaning ,Blowing off acorns and hibiscus planting day, so my friend and yard worker, just left and for about five minutes the driveway and porch are clear of all acorns. But as I was standing just outside the garage, one fell and bonked me on the head. Dangerous acorns!

I saw a tiny yellow-breasted sparrow, or maybe wild canary, in the tree yesterday. Looks like all the northern birds are migrating already. I haven't seen a robin yet, though. I saw two ospreys in their nest atop a light pole in a parking lot yesterday and the gator at the park was on the bank of the lake catching some sun. A couple of turtles were sunning, also. God is good!

From the devotional book, Quiet Moments with God:

The Ripple Effect
The mustard seed indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew13:32 KJV

Not everyone who commits his or her life to Jesus Christ will be called to be world famous. The majority of us are called to fulfill less noticeable roles in our churches, schools, communities, and families. Yet only God may know how significant our roles are to the future of thousands--even millions.

A century and a half ago a humble minister lived and died in a small village in Leicestershire, England. He lived there his entire life and never traveled far from home. He never attended college, had no formal degrees, but was a faithful village minister.

In his congregation was a young cobbler to whom he gave special attention, teaching him the Word of God. This young man was William Carey, later hailed as one of the greatest missionaries of modern times.

The village minister also had a son-a boy whom he taught faithfully and constantly encouraged. The boy's character and talents were profoundly impacted by his father's life. That son grew up to be a man many considered the mightiest public orator of his day; Robert Hall.

It seems the village pastor accomplished little in his life as a preacher. There were no spectacular revivals, great miracles, or major church growth. But his faithful witness and Godly life had much to do with giving India its Carey and England its Robert Hall.

When you think you are having no impact in the world, remember the little country preacher who influenced two nations for the Lord.

If you want your neighbor to see what Christ will do for him,
let him see what Christ has done for you.
Henry Ward Beecher.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis