Embracing Faith: The Power of Small Beginnings
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we reflected on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment, especially as we approach the end of the school year. We discussed the concept of "stars" in our lives, both literal and metaphorical, and how they influence us. These stars, whether they are celebrities or personal heroes, often achieve their status through hard work and perseverance. We also explored the idea of overnight successes and how some individuals achieve fame quickly, yet still require dedication and effort.
The core of our discussion centered around the parable of the mustard seed, as told by Jesus. This tiny seed, though seemingly insignificant, has the potential to grow into a large tree, providing shelter and rest for birds. This parable illustrates the Kingdom of Heaven and how small acts of faith and dedication can lead to significant growth and impact. We emphasized that God's Kingdom is always growing, and even the smallest amount of faith can lead to unimaginable outcomes.
We also touched on the importance of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether it's through our dreams, our faith, or our community, we are all called to contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. This involves not only personal growth but also helping others find their faith and purpose. We concluded by encouraging everyone to have faith, even if it's as small as a mustard seed, and to trust in God's plan for their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Cherish Every Moment: Time flies, especially during significant periods like school years. It's crucial to cherish every moment and be present in the experiences and lessons we encounter. This mindfulness helps us appreciate the journey and the growth that comes with it. [01:30]
2. Influence of Stars: The people we look up to, whether celebrities or personal heroes, often achieve their status through hard work and perseverance. Their influence on our lives can be profound, and it's essential to recognize the effort behind their success. This understanding can inspire us to work diligently towards our own goals. [07:48]
3. The Power of Small Beginnings: The parable of the mustard seed teaches us that even the smallest acts of faith and dedication can lead to significant growth and impact. God's Kingdom is always growing, and our small contributions can make a big difference. This encourages us to start small and trust in the process. [20:29]
4. Being Part of Something Bigger: We all have an innate desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This can be through our dreams, our faith, or our community. By contributing to the growth of God's Kingdom, we find purpose and fulfillment. This involves personal growth and helping others find their faith and purpose. [26:30]
5. Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed: Jesus emphasized that even a small amount of faith can lead to unimaginable outcomes. This encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it seems insignificant. By nurturing our faith, we can achieve our dreams and contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. [37:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Cherish Every Moment
[02:56] - The Concept of Stars
[04:35] - Top Stars of 2023
[06:06] - Influence and Hard Work
[07:48] - Overnight Successes
[09:14] - Examples of Overnight Success
[11:01] - Desire to Be Part of Something Bigger
[12:26] - Sharing What We Love
[13:12] - Personal Interests and Influence
[14:07] - Coaching Basketball
[15:55] - Teamwork and Growth
[17:35] - Jesus and Parables
[18:43] - The Mustard Seed Parable
[20:29] - Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven
[22:11] - Significance of the Mustard Seed
[23:56] - Lessons from the Parable
[26:30] - Faith and Dreams
[28:41] - Encouragement to Share Faith
[31:12] - Personal Testimony
[34:15] - Growing the Kingdom of God
[37:03] - Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed
[38:31] - Practical Steps to Grow Faith
[40:37] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV): "He told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the mustard seed in Jesus' parable? How does it relate to the Kingdom of Heaven? [20:29]
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of "stars" in our lives, and how do they achieve their status? [07:48]
3. How does the concept of cherishing every moment relate to the fleeting nature of time, especially as discussed in the context of the school year? [01:30]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of being part of something bigger than ourselves? [11:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus compare the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed? What does this imply about the nature of faith and growth in God's Kingdom? [20:29]
2. How can the influence of "stars" in our lives inspire us to work diligently towards our own goals? What does this say about the value of hard work and perseverance? [07:48]
3. In what ways can small acts of faith and dedication lead to significant growth and impact, as illustrated by the mustard seed parable? [22:11]
4. How does the sermon encourage us to contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom through our dreams, faith, and community involvement? [26:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent moment that you cherished. How can you make a habit of being more present and mindful in your daily life? [01:30]
2. Identify a "star" or personal hero in your life. What specific qualities or actions of theirs can you emulate to achieve your own goals? [07:48]
3. Think of a small act of faith or dedication you can start this week. How can you trust in the process and believe that it will lead to significant growth? [22:11]
4. What is one way you can contribute to the growth of your community or church? How can you help others find their faith and purpose? [26:30]
5. Do you have a dream or goal that seems insignificant right now? How can you nurture it with faith the size of a mustard seed and trust in God's plan for your life? [37:03]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt part of something bigger than yourself. How did it impact your sense of purpose and fulfillment? How can you seek out similar experiences? [11:01]
7. How can you encourage someone who lacks faith in themselves? What practical steps can you take to help them find that small piece of faith and grow it? [28:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Cherish Every Moment
Description: Time is a precious and fleeting resource, especially during significant periods like the school year. It is essential to cherish every moment and be present in the experiences and lessons we encounter. This mindfulness helps us appreciate the journey and the growth that comes with it. By being fully present, we can savor the beauty of each moment and recognize the value in both the highs and lows of life. This practice not only enriches our personal lives but also deepens our relationships with others and with God. [01:30]
Psalm 90:12 (ESV): "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment that you let pass by without fully appreciating it. How can you practice being more present and mindful in your daily life starting today?
Day 2: Influence of Stars
Description: The people we look up to, whether celebrities or personal heroes, often achieve their status through hard work and perseverance. Their influence on our lives can be profound, and it's essential to recognize the effort behind their success. This understanding can inspire us to work diligently towards our own goals. By acknowledging the dedication and perseverance of those we admire, we can draw motivation and encouragement to pursue our own dreams with the same level of commitment and resilience. [07:48]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Identify a personal hero or role model in your life. What specific qualities or actions of theirs can you emulate to help you achieve your own goals?
Day 3: The Power of Small Beginnings
Description: The parable of the mustard seed teaches us that even the smallest acts of faith and dedication can lead to significant growth and impact. God's Kingdom is always growing, and our small contributions can make a big difference. This encourages us to start small and trust in the process. By nurturing our faith and taking small, consistent steps, we can witness the transformative power of God's work in our lives and in the world around us. [20:29]
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel."
Reflection: What is one small act of faith or kindness you can commit to today that could have a significant impact over time?
Day 4: Being Part of Something Bigger
Description: We all have an innate desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This can be through our dreams, our faith, or our community. By contributing to the growth of God's Kingdom, we find purpose and fulfillment. This involves personal growth and helping others find their faith and purpose. By engaging in our communities and supporting one another, we can collectively work towards a greater good and experience the joy of being part of God's grand plan. [26:30]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you contribute to your community or church in a way that aligns with your gifts and passions?
Day 5: Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed
Description: Jesus emphasized that even a small amount of faith can lead to unimaginable outcomes. This encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it seems insignificant. By nurturing our faith, we can achieve our dreams and contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. This teaching reminds us that our faith, no matter how small, is powerful and capable of bringing about great change and blessings in our lives and the lives of others. [37:03]
Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to exercise more faith? How can you take a small step today to trust God more in that area?
Quotes
1. "I want to encourage you to cherish the time that you do have. Take the time to listen to what is happening. Whatever is ever shared up here. Because just as Pastor Micah was saying, the things that, everything that he said up here tonight, 100% is all said to speak into your life. And we don't want to just speak into your life tonight, but rather we want to speak into your life continually week after week, the whole way through your high school journey." [01:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There's something within us that wants to be a part of big, something bigger than ourselves. And that's why we look up to these, these influencers. Let me ask you another question. Have you ever loved something so much that you've wanted others to experience it as well? Have you ever loved something so much that you have wanted others to experience it?" [11:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's something inside all of us that wants to be a part of something that's bigger than ourselves. And that's why we look at people like our friends to see the things that other people are into. And that something is meaningful and it's still growing. And that's within each and every single one of us. Whether you believe it or not, deny it or accept it, there's something inside of each of us. There's something inside of each of us that is still growing, right?" [13:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of God isn't difficult to find our access. God's love is open to all of us. Like the birds that rest on the branch of the tree, God's kingdom provides a place for us to find rest, safety, and comfort. With God, we always have a safe place to land. God doesn't require expert gardeners to help grow his kingdom. The garden will grow even where you or I mess up. Like the seed, small, insignificant things often grow into things that are hugely important. The little things could be something huge for your future." [22:59] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reality of it really is this. This little thing. This little thing right here. What you can turn this into is unimaginable. And who has the ability to turn this into something? We do. We do. So what's this have to do with faith? Well, Jesus said that we are to have faith the size of a mustard seed. If we have faith this big, something that you guys can't even see. Faith this big is all you need. That's all you need to access this kingdom that Jesus is talking about." [24:51] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The thing you want to do, the, the little piece of dream that you have, the little piece of faith that you have within yourself to want to accomplish that dream, there's a reason why that dream's there. There's a reason why that calling's there for you. It's so that you can chase after it because that very well might just be the purpose that God has for your life. That might as well very well be the purpose that God really has for you." [31:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we talk about all of these lessons, and we, and we join in on what, on what God is doing in the world by sharing Jesus with others by our words and our actions, we are including ourselves in the growing of not just a regular sized mustard seed, but the actual growing of the kingdom of God. That's the goal is to grow the kingdom of God." [31:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God's kingdom is always growing. God's kingdom is always growing. Even when we don't see it, it stays growing. It continually grows over and over. And guess what? We get to be a part of it. We get to be a part of it. We really do. So how could our lives fall more in line with what God wants for us? How can our lives do that? Maybe for you in the room, maybe it's putting your faith in him for the first time. Maybe it's like, yeah, you know, all right, God. I'm going to take, I'm going to have this faith in you. I'm going to have this mustard seed faith." [37:03] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "See, God's kingdom grows within us when we learn to love God, to love God more and look more like Jesus. And as this kingdom grows, we are invited to join in the work to see God's kingdom grow all around us. So how can we make the kingdom grow? We can do it by loving others, by sharing our faith with others, by meeting other people's needs. And this one's a tough one. Setting an example. Setting the example." [38:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Just like God made the mustard seed grow, God has the ability to make our lives impact, grow beyond anything that we can imagine. But that kind of impact doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you place your faith and your trust in him. Because see, faith the size of a mustard seed turns into something unimaginable. And in the world and in our lives, God's kingdom is always growing. And you have a place in it. A place where you belong and a place where you are valued. And all you need to do to want to be a part of that is accept. Accept it. Accept what God has done for you. Accept what Jesus has said. It's all you got to do. Faith the size of a mustard seed is all it takes." [39:34] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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