I am currently reading Richard Phillips' commentary on Zechariah from the Reformed Expository Commentary series. What a tremendous blessing it has been in this season. Two nights ago our men's group at church had a guest speak, Col. Dennis Runey (Ret., US Army). He shared about his life, some about his 30 year career in the Army, and much about his time as founder of Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), located in Dover, NH.
There are two verses from Zechariah 4 that tie wonderfully to what Dennis spoke about:
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit...." [4:6] (ESV)
"For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice...." [4:10] (ESV)
Great things in life and ministry do not come with great beginnings. They come from small beginnings. PCA started with $48,000 and a few dozen students in the early 1990's in an old, run-down, school building. Today it is a beacon of light on a 50-acre campus with three buildings, two gymnasiums, arts programs, athletic programs, and more than 500 students in all grade levels. It has turned into something wonderful, no longer small, and always a beacon of light in our world.
Dr. Mark Ballard, President of Northeastern Baptist College (NEBC) in Bennington, VT, is in the early years of the new college there. Several years in the school is growing, having an influence on the community and beyond with the Gospel message, and is looking to continue in their growth. All from a step of obedience and faith. Again, a great picture of something starting small that is on the right path.
Both of these men would tell you that this work is done "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit...." Dennis spoke words very close to this on Wednesday night and I've seen them in Mark's writing as well. And it's a great reminder that our work in life/ministry is not something we do on our own. Rather, it is work that is done with the presence of God's spirit. It is His might, His power and His will working in us to do His good pleasure and will in our lives and in the lives of people we encounter through that work.
Whether it be big or small, don't despise the days of small things, when the work gets dirty or hard. Rather, acknowledge how the Spirit moves in your work, gives you power and might to work to the end. Aim to bring pleasure to the Lord. Rejoice and give thanks for his will in your life.
And pray for PCA and NEBC, that their work for the Kingdom of God will continue to flourish.
There are two verses from Zechariah 4 that tie wonderfully to what Dennis spoke about:
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit...." [4:6] (ESV)
"For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice...." [4:10] (ESV)
Great things in life and ministry do not come with great beginnings. They come from small beginnings. PCA started with $48,000 and a few dozen students in the early 1990's in an old, run-down, school building. Today it is a beacon of light on a 50-acre campus with three buildings, two gymnasiums, arts programs, athletic programs, and more than 500 students in all grade levels. It has turned into something wonderful, no longer small, and always a beacon of light in our world.
Dr. Mark Ballard, President of Northeastern Baptist College (NEBC) in Bennington, VT, is in the early years of the new college there. Several years in the school is growing, having an influence on the community and beyond with the Gospel message, and is looking to continue in their growth. All from a step of obedience and faith. Again, a great picture of something starting small that is on the right path.
Both of these men would tell you that this work is done "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit...." Dennis spoke words very close to this on Wednesday night and I've seen them in Mark's writing as well. And it's a great reminder that our work in life/ministry is not something we do on our own. Rather, it is work that is done with the presence of God's spirit. It is His might, His power and His will working in us to do His good pleasure and will in our lives and in the lives of people we encounter through that work.
Whether it be big or small, don't despise the days of small things, when the work gets dirty or hard. Rather, acknowledge how the Spirit moves in your work, gives you power and might to work to the end. Aim to bring pleasure to the Lord. Rejoice and give thanks for his will in your life.
And pray for PCA and NEBC, that their work for the Kingdom of God will continue to flourish.
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