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Verse Of The Day:

"Be still, and know that I am God"... (Psalm 46:10) [NIV]

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Monday, August 23, 2010
Last year, a tech firm in South Africa demonstrated that a carrier pigeon could carry data faster than the nation’s premier Internet provider. Unlimited IT strapped a data card to the leg of a pigeon named Winston and sent him off on his 50-mile flight from their headquarters to the coastal town of Durban. At the same time, they began a data download using one of their office computers. Winston arrived in an hour and 8 minutes. The download took two hours and 6 minutes.

Many of us live as though we believe the old cliché, bigger is better. The ones who have the most money or power have the most followers—we believe these are the only ones who have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our world. Jesus, however, paints a very different picture.

In first-century Palestine, the mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds the farmers knew. A mustard seed represented something diminutive, seemingly insignificant. Yet, Jesus chose this inconsequential speck to explain to His followers God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God often begins small, like a tiny seed; yet after it is planted, it “becomes the largest of garden plants” (Matthew 13:32). And after it has finished growing, it offers shelter to all who will accept it. “It grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Jesus offers this parable as more than a reassuring or comforting story. Far more. For this is actually what “the kingdom . . . is like” (v.31). In God’s kingdom, size and power and reputation mean little. In fact, God chooses “things the world considers foolish” and taps the shoulder of those who “are powerless” (1 Corinthians 1:27). God is searching for those who will obey Him, not for those who are impressive in the world’s eyes.

Source: Our Daily Journey

Althogh i found it quite funny that anything strapped to the leg of a pigeon can travel faster than the internet, i can only conclude that they have really really slow internet over at South Africa (if any at all); either that, or they have really perfected the art of miniturisation of flash drives..

But that aside, i think this story reminds me not to take things for granted (in addition to what's shared in the article).. In Singapore, we're comfortable with aircon, fast internet, water, and reasonably good service for our meals.. but yet we should not be ignorant of the issues around us.. issues not so far away like in South Africa, but issues like the sickness of a fellow brother or a sister; issues like knowing that some friend is facing some emotional trials; or issues like whether another friend is having an upcoming oral examination this week.. in other words, i was reminded not to be self-centered in my own life and to really see myself as a mere servant to God's people.. and i was reminded of Philippians 2:3-4 which was shared on this blog earlier..

but that is itself quite contrasting to the main takeaway from the article about not looking down on ourselves but instead to harvest hope and joy in knowing that even a mustard seed can grow into a majestic tree if given time and taken care of.. so we too, can grow and develop, as long as we agree to embark on this journey in the first place!

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@ 8:22 AM :: small things, small me! by benji 3 shared


My takeaway is more about being humbled by God in the sense that in this example, even Man's invention, the Internet, cannot outdo God's creation, the humble pigeon!

I don't mean to generalise on this example but, things like how Man can try to no avail to stop things like God's mere breath of a hurricane only serve to show our finitude..

A very apt title of "small things, SMALL ME!".. :)

Commented @ August 23, 2010 at 10:54 PM Blogger Edmund


Thanks for sharing these verses.

Matthew 13:31-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field.

1 Corinthians 1:26
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

---

As I was talking to my friends today I suddenly feel very small. Many people around seem to be engaged in all sorts of activities such as joining CCA committees or are winning competitions or are busy travelling to many different places or have found a new girlfriend or are busy partying every night or have a wonderful career plan ahead etc.. It makes me feel that my life is well, lacking. And it makes it hard for me to reach out to these people when I feel that they got everything together more than I do...

But once again I find myself viewing the world from a human perspective rather than from God's perspective. Afterall, what does any of this count for in the eyes of our God, creator of all heaven and earth?

Hence we should embrace our personality and who we are because God made us specifically this way so that He can use us. He wants to use us, just like the small mustard seed that grows into a tree.

Commented @ August 24, 2010 at 1:57 AM Blogger -


yeah.. whenever i remind myself about my weaknesses, God's strength is magnified.. and when God's strength is magnified, i feel empowered to have such a great God who fights my daily battles on my behalf.. =D

Commented @ August 24, 2010 at 10:03 PM Blogger benji


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