Follow up to the discussion on 1/8/25 at Band of Brothers

God often uses tiny, seemingly insignificant things to show us deep truths about Himself and His ways. Throughout the Bible, we see God teach us spiritual lessons through ordinary things in our everyday lives, like a mustard seed, a sparrow, or a child. These small things aren’t just random or simple; they’re like windows into bigger realities, inviting us to look beyond the surface and see the amazing wisdom of God. For example, Jesus used a tiny mustard seed to show us how even the smallest faith can have a huge impact. The seed might look tiny, but when it grows, it becomes a tree that provides shelter for birds (Matthew 13:31-32). In this way, God teaches us that even the most humble beginnings can lead to amazing results when we trust Him.

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These lessons from small things remind us not to overlook the little moments and unnoticed details of life. God is not only there in big, exciting events or dramatic encounters, but also in the quiet, subtle ways He speaks to us through the ordinary. Whether it’s the persistence of a tiny ant, the faithfulness of the rain, or even a tiny baby born into a seemingly insignificant town like Bethlehem, God shows us His character and invites us to learn from the simplest of things. By doing so, He reminds us that His kingdom works in ways that often surprise us, turning the small and weak into powerful forces for change. In this sense, the “small things” aren’t just minor details; they’re the ways God shapes our hearts and calls us to a deeper understanding of His greatness.

We live in a world that wants to beat men up…

We want to build men up to bless women and children.

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1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

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RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Both Mary and Joseph are confronted with life-altering decisions that forced them to relinquish control and step into the unknown, and yet they demonstrate unwavering faith in God's plan for their lives. This can deeply resonate with us, as we often find ourselves at crossroads where the right decision may not always align with our personal desires or comfort.

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For Mary, the angel's message is a reminder that God's call often comes with both awe and fear. It requires us to step into the unknown, just as Mary did, even when the path ahead seems unclear and full of challenges. Mary’s response, “Let it be to me according to your word,” exemplifies the kind of surrender and trust we are called to embody.

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Joseph's decision to take Mary as his wife, despite the potential social and personal consequences, also teaches us about obedience and trust in God’s timing. When life presents difficult or confusing situations, we might be tempted to retreat into what feels safe or logical, just as Joseph initially considered divorcing Mary quietly. However, his willingness to act on God’s revelation, without hesitation, shows us the importance of responding to God’s guidance, even when it challenges our assumptions or comfort.

We live in a world that wants to beat men up…

We want to build men up to bless women and children.

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1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

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RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Isaiah 11:1, There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

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God brings life and hope from the most unexpected places, drawing on biblical examples that highlight God's ability to work through seemingly impossible or broken circumstances. In Isaiah 11:1, the prophecy of a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" foretells a new life emerging from a seemingly dead and broken lineage.

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The God of hope fills believers with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit and He assists them in helping to identify actions they can take to lead to contnuing and sharing hope with others. God then provides them an opportunity to celebrate the miraculous ways God works, even in the most surprising of circumstances.

We live in a world that wants to beat men up…

We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

God’s grace is for everyone who believes, even those who were once thought of as outcasts or unworthy by humans. This grace isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift given freely. Through faith, we become part of God’s family, just like a wild branch is grafted into a cultivated tree. It’s all thanks to God’s mercy and love, not because of anything we’ve done.

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So, let’s approach God’s grace with humility. We all need His mercy, and there’s no room for arrogance or thinking we’re better than others. Our salvation is a gift, not something we earned through our own efforts. Instead of judging others, let’s show them the same grace and compassion we want to receive. Let’s live in gratitude and unity, reflecting God’s love in everything we do.

God’s wisdom is a precious treasure that brings blessing and guidance. It’s found in Scripture, in creation, and in everyday life. Through the Bible, God reveals timeless truth that shapes our decisions and perspectives. Creation also reflects His wisdom, showing us His order and design. And in daily life, God speaks through the Holy Spirit, guiding us through the various challenges and opportunities we face.

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However, we face constant distractions from competing voices—cultural pressures, selfish desires, and false ideologies—that lead us away from God’s wisdom. To live wisely, we must intentionally choose to fill our minds and hearts with God’s truth. By prioritizing Scripture, reflecting on creation, and listening for God’s guidance in the everyday, we align ourselves with His wisdom, leading to peace, purpose, and blessing.

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If you would like to follow along with our Live Worship featuring sermon notes and other helpful links, it is available through the Bible.com App. You can use this link:http://bible.com/events/49350258 or to download an outline of the sermon to follow along, click on this link: https://bit.ly/at-crossroads

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Afterward, please feel free to follow up with questions, feedback, etc. in the comment section. If you have a question we will try to get back to you as quickly as possible. In addition, should you have a need of any kind, please reach out to us through phone call (407.654.5050) or through email ([email protected]) and we will use whatever resources we may have to help and encourage you in this difficult time. Of course, prayer requests and praise reports are also always welcome.

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We live in a world that wants to beat men up… We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.