We’re Not Too Little to Lead in God’s Eyes

November 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment

“There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them . . .” Psalm 68:27 NIV

I love the nuggets of encouragement found in the Psalms. I think I could read there every day and never tire of it.

The psalmist David wrote the words above as part of a passage that describes the procession of Israel—God’s people—into the temple. And wow, what a scene of celebration and praise. Singers, musicians, maidens playing tambourines. Dancing surely broke out, too, right?

One tiny detail I don’t want us to miss is who lead the procession. It wasn’t Judah, the greatest tribe of Israel. It was Benjamin. The little tribe.

The tribes of Israel were named after the twelve sons of Jacob. Benjamin was the youngest, the little brother (Genesis 49:1-28). Likewise, and as mentioned in Psalm 68, the tribe of Benjamin was “the little tribe,” the smallest in numbers (Numbers 1:20-43). In the standards of the world, Benjamin—the brother and the tribe—probably didn’t have much clout.

But look who was given the pleasure, the privilege, and the responsibility of leading the procession of God’s people into the temple. That’s right. It was Benjamin. The little tribe.

What an example and what encouragement to us. We don’t have to be the biggest and best to be a leader. We can be the little brother, the little sister. We can be small in size, in renown, or in ability. We just need to be willing to serve, to put ourselves out there like the tribe of Benjamin did.

So, if any of us have been feeling too little to lead or too little to fulfill a task God has given us, let’s be encouraged by the little tribe of Benjamin. We too can lead. We too can serve. We’re not too little in God’s eyes.

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,” Ephesians 3:7-8 NIV

*Has God ever used you to be a leader when you felt little?

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, comes out today. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by cbcmemberphotos2477; Creative Commons License

Filed Under: big, bravery, challenge, encouragement, faith, faithfulness, leadership, life, little, new thing, opportunity, serve, surprise, wisdom, Word of God Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Serve Acrostic: Midyear Theme Word Refresher

June 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Nearly half the year is gone so it’s time to give more thought to my 2021 theme word—serve. The creative exercise of writing acrostics is an excellent way for me to go deeper in my consideration of my theme word each year. This practice helps me think of different aspects of the word.

As I remind myself of and reflect on serve, I pray you are blessed and inspired to serve as well. Also, if you chose a theme word of your own this year, maybe this post will encourage you to do something similar with your word. Whatever your situation, friends, may you be blessed as you read!

See the needs of others, share your time and resources, and set aside selfish desires to be available.

Evaluate what you have to give, enter the lives of others with kindness, and engage those who don’t feel seen or heard.

Refresh others with scripture and encouraging words, remember what ministered to you and do likewise, and resist Satan’s attempts to discourage you from serving.

View everyone as loved by God, vacation where you can also serve, and vow to listen for the Spirit’s nudging.

Expand your vision of ways to reach out, enable others to meet needs as well, and extend love to the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten.

Let’s be alert to ways to serve. God will be pleased, others will be blessed, and so will we!

“. . . serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 NIV

*How might God be calling you to serve right now?

*Special Note – As usual, God knows what he’s doing when he guides me to a word for the year. By late January, our daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer so I’ve spent much time helping her and her family. My husband has also had some health challenges. Serve has come to life in ways I never anticipated. Yes, God knows what he’s doing! (p.s. Kelli completed her chemo treatments earlier this month. She still has some tests and procedures in front of her, but she is doing well!)

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.) *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*Photo by Anna Earl on Unsplash

Filed Under: Above and Beyond, blessing, challenge, encouragement, focus, help, refresh, serve, word, writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Theme Word 2021: Serve

January 19, 2021 by 4 Comments

Yes, Virginia, I still select an annual theme word. I know I’m a little late posting it this year, but instead of kicking off the year earlier in January with my theme word post, I decided to share a blessing post. I thought that was more appropriate given the fact we as a nation—and a world—have never been so glad to see a new year arrive. If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll take a minute to give it a quick read. I think it will indeed bless you!

But yes, for me, starting a new year means it’s time to focus on a new theme word. This is the 10th year I’ve chosen a special word for the year. I’ve never been big into New Year’s resolutions but instead I decide on a theme word to help guide me through the year. It’s a practice I highly recommend. I can honestly say it has benefited me time and again.

Serve was the word the Lord kept bringing to my attention near the end of last year so serve it is for 2021. I never know what all the Lord has in mind when guiding me to a new word, but I do think he wants me to continue to serve and bless others through the written word. Also I’m filling a new role this year as I serve as the chaplain for my writers group. I wonder what else God has in store? I guess I’ll find out as the year unfolds!

If you haven’t done so yet, why not choose a theme word for 2021? I can guarantee that having an over-arching word—a quality, an attitude, or an action—to focus on will help give you direction and help you grow throughout the year. And that is always a good thing, isn’t it?

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV

*Do you have a theme word or anchor verse for 2021? Please share!

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early February. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.) p.s. If you sign up after Jan. 29th, you will be included in all future Life Notes giveaways but not in this current giveaway.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash

Filed Under: challenge, focus, goal, growth, life, new thing, serve, tradition, word Tagged With: , , , , , , ,