Scripture
Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
~Zechariah 4:10, TLB
Quote
God chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.
~Paul Of Tarsus
A little insight on today’s verse. Zerubbabel was instrumental in getting the Jews released from Babylon and he came back with them as their governor. They faced a lot of opposition but Zerubbabel got the work {Temple} started by laying the first foundation stone. Some seven years later, he laid the cap stone {symbol of Jesus}. The unbelievers made fun of Zerubbabel and his efforts to rebuild the Temple. It had a small beginning, just one stone, but a glorious finish. Don’t despise small beginnings.
Last week was a bit unusual for me; the devil rode my shoulder most of the week. Yesterday I was reading in Zechariah 3 where the devil accuses Joshua the high priest. Then I got into chapter four and the verse about despising small things. More than once last week, the devil told me; “You are not significant and you are wasting your time. No one listens to your rants. You can’t possible make a difference. Prepare all the sermons you want but no one is really going to listen and no lives are going to be changed.” Well, I have a couple of things going for me: first of all, I know the devil is a liar and the accuser of the brethren. I also know he is trying to undermine my confidence and break my resolve. He constantly reminds me that I am not a great preacher: actually, not great at anything. So this put me to thinking…
Who has influenced my life the most? Is it Adrian Rogers, Charles Stanley or Billy Graham? I have great respect for all three and I deeply appreciate their contributions and I also admire their integrity. I would also agree that these men would, should and could be considered “Great Men.” As I looked back over my history, and the defining moments, the life changing encounters were never associated with great men. God has used rural country preachers to shape my life. Most people have never heard of Calvin C. Inman, Wheeler Kidd or Harlen Hood but these are the types that God has used to shape my life. These men never pastored a large urban church, they never wrote books or had a TV program. None of them had PhD.’s
So this is what I told the devil. God can use me, not because of my ability but because of His. The devil may have thought he was putting me down but was slandering by boss.
I am always excited about Sunday my favorite day of the week. Lord willing, I get to preach twice today which makes four times in a week. I am having way too much fun for a 17 year old.
UPDATE of Tracey B…She, Spencer and Stacey are in Houston for treatment…they return home on Wednesday. Please double your efforts in praying for Tracey. She is one of the most courageous people I know but she needs our prayers now more than ever. We cannot let her down.
Note about Friday’s DHS game: I spoke at FBC Falkville yesterday morning and one of their coaches was present. Their QB weights 270 pounds. He is bigger than any player have. Charlie Goover was also there: he said if I would bring Danville down to Falkville, they would do a clinic for us. I told him no thanks!