Sunday, August 13, 2023

“Live Like a Mustard Seed Tree”

Pastor Hisashi Ishitobi

＊　“Anavah” = Hebrew word translated as “humility,” but a direct translation includes the meaning, “Fill the space God has given you and do not overestimate you yourself or your abilities, but at the same time don’t underestimate them either.”

＊　Jesus’ parable of the kingdom of God

Mustard seed characteristics: Smaller than any seed on earth (Matthew 17:20)

Mustard seed tree characteristics: Spreads out big branches where birds build nests (Daniel 4:10-12)

＊　English saying: “Leave no stone unturned”

Meaning: Turn over every single stone and examine (investigate), search even by dividing grass roots, search all over, examine every corner, exhaustively examine, make every effort (means), do everything possible (take all measures), investigate every possibility

＊　Fumi Shioya’s testimony

Thoughts to share at mini church:

1. What does living like a mustard tree mean to you? How does that way of living portray the kingdom of God?

2. Is there any space God has given you that has yet to be completely filled? Are there any stones you have yet to overturn?

MCC20230813.mp3