A Nugget from New Life Network
(by Dr. Larry Ollison)
Scripture for the Day (February 23, 2015)
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)
Never underestimate something small. Never belittle or ridicule small beginnings and understand that everything that is large is made from countless things that are small.
My dad, who was a great businessman, told me when I was young that if I would take care of my nickels that my dollars would take care of themselves. While it is true that a person can overly focus on small things and micro-manage to a point of destruction, the reality is that it’s the small things working together that make large things great.
One of the richest men in the world today started his business in his garage. Another gentleman started a hobby in a spare room of his house that developed into a multi-million dollar international corporation. Countless stories like these have been told by people of greatness. A great oak tree starts with a small seed. This understanding of spiritual principles can change your life and revolutionize your ministry or business.
This last year I have spoken at meetings and conventions in several nations. I have daily teachings and broadcasts that are listened to on dozens of radio stations and countless websites and my books are in hundreds of bookstores worldwide in almost every nation. But my point is this. I didn’t start in the ministry like that.
I regularly am asked the question, “How can I get on the radio, how can I speak at the conventions, how can I get people to read my writings, etc.?” The answer is quite simple. If you have something to say, say it even if it’s to one person.
A kingdom principle is that increase and harvest is the result of a seed that is sown and that principle applies to your prosperity and your ministry. Seeds are small. Start with what you have, say what you know, influence who you can, and do not despise small beginnings in yourself or in others. (Zechariah 4:10 NLT.)
Several years ago, a minister who was rapidly thrust into national prominence was being interviewed on a national talk show and the statement was made to him that he was an overnight success. This internationally-known minister looked back at the camera and said, “Yes, but it was a long night.” He said, “For 17 years I have spoken at any church that would have me, and most of them were so small they could have met in my home. But I did not give up.”
Jesus puts great value on small things that are connected to a pure heart. One day Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury watching people put their money into the wooden box. There were many rich people who put a lot of money in, but when he saw a poor widow lady put in two small coins, He called His disciples to Him and taught them a principle. He told them that the poor widow, by putting in two small coins, had given more to the treasury than anyone else. It was all connected to her heart. (Mark 12:41-44.)
Again, never underestimate small beginnings. Your harvest is not directly connected to the size of your gift or ministry. The greatness of your ministry (or business) is not based upon your popularity, but upon your anointing. Your popularity is connected to the flesh. The anointing is connected to your heart. (Hebrews 4:12.)
Never underestimate or belittle the value of the coin you find in the parking lot or the small coins you receive back in change. Take these small things and sow them into the kingdom of God with a right heart. Wherever you go to church, never throw away a seed. Consider small coins as seeds and bring your seed to the house of God and sow it with the right heart. No one else may see, but Jesus, who is standing next to the treasury, is watching. No one else can judge your gift, but Jesus will.
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)
