I have heard all about you, LORD, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 NLT

It was a difficult time. Imagine being the prophet Habakkuk. Your people come to

"Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous...to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:16-17 NIV

John the Baptist had a great purpose.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:24 NIV

We are well into the first week of a new year, actually a new century. Have I shared with you my theme verse for the year? Here it is: The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.

I look around at the world today and I see lots of options. I

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, "Follow me." John 1:43 NIV

Here's a quick question. It will come in handy if you are ever in a serious game of Bible trivia.

What was the greatest day in the life of the disciple Philip?

Know the answer? Well, if not, read today's verse. The greatest day in the life

"How many loaves do you have?" He asked. "Go and see." Mark 6:38 NIV

Okay, you already know the story, let me refresh your memory. Jesus and the disciples were worn out from a day of ministry. People were flocking to Jesus for healing and teaching. Having gone without food, Jesus invited the disciples to slip away with Him for rest. Suddenly,

Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity...Hebrews 6:1 NIV

Are you ready to grow in Christ this year?

I personally think Paul was the writer of the Bible book Hebrews. When he writes here that we should leave the elementary teachings about Christ, he is not saying there is anything wrong with elementary

"what if the number of the righteous is five less than fify? will you destroy the whole city because of five people?" "If I find forty-five there," He (God) said, "I will not destroy it." Genesis 18:28 NIV

God can do math! Even new math at that! I want you to know today what good news that is. (Especially if you are like me; experiencing a child

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. Mark 4:37-38a NIV

Let me make this perfectly clear: I am NOT a boater! I certainly don't claim to be.

I was reading recently about a boat. (I really don't know why the article caught my attention; an article

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:5 NIV

Do you know what happens next in this story from Biblical history? Peter escapes! In fact, Peter, bound with two chains, sleeping between two soldiers, and with sentries guarding the entrance to the cell, is miraculously released from prison. Angels

As the rain and the snow come down from Heaven, and do not return to it withough watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Psalm 128:3 NIV

The role of a father is so important in the home. God bless the fathers of the world today!

Wednesday night at church a friend told me about an incident at her daughter's house. Her son-in-law is really excited about

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about antoher day. Hebrews 4:8 NIV

Forty years were spent in the wilderness after the Israelites left the slavery of Egypt. Forty years of wandering; eating quail and manna; believing God, then doubting; obeying, then turning away from their faith. It was a long, hard life.

Then

We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

The world lives by sight, doesn't it? "Show me a pretty face, and I'll show you a million bucks."

"Show ME the money." "Either put up or shut up."

"Show me what you're made of."

"Let me see for myself."

Ever heard any comments like that? Isn't that our society today? If you can't prove it,

"In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be;" Amos 9:11 NIV

God always keeps His promises. Pause right now to thank Him for that.

God promised that the line of David would be great. Therefore, when Jesus came, some called Him the Son of David. You and I, the

When Jesus came into Peter's house, He saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. Matthew 8:14 NIV

This may seem like an obscure verse with which to begin today's Mustard Seed. No, it really has nothing to do with mother-in-laws. I've learned to leave some subjects alone. I do hope, however, that we can learn a few valuable lessons from

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:19 NIV

First let me start this thought by saying thank you. Mustard Seeds is now in its third year of daily weekday devotionals. I thank God for allowing me this awesome priviledge. Thank you for

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12 18 NIV

Oh, dear Christian friend, how mighty are the words we use!

When I was growing up, if someone called you a name, you stuck your tongue out and said, "Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words will never hurt me." Sounded good coming from an

Elisha died and was buried.....Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet. 2 Kings 13:20a, 21 NIV

I wonder what would happen if someone threw a dead body next to yours or my

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Romans 9:17 NIV

Make no mistake about it folks, God is in control!

Being a political observer, I have closely been watching the presidential race in the United States. As we move

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38 NIV

I like to leave you with thoughts that encourage and challenge you; that lift you up and make you whole. My goal is to expand upon the Word of God in such a way, that you, the reader, see a part of God that makes you love Him

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and showers righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12 NIV

As I read the Scriptures, a few things are very clear. (I have capitalized the main point to make them easy to find.)

First, GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE