In the evening from 4-6 I attended a computer science review session for our midterm next tuesday. At 7, I went to bible study in barrows, and afterwards the classes split up to practice our thanksgiving celebration songs. The juniors went to thousand oaks baptist church. We have a total of four songs and dances.

We practiced until a little after midnight. We aren't going to practice again before our performance at thanksgiving celebration this sunday.

Devotion time questions:

Zechariah 4

God reminds Zechariah that rebuilding the temple is not to be done “by [their] might nor by [their] power, but by [His] Spirit.” What would a church look like when it is built merely by human might and power?

There would be apparent fervency but a lack of faith in God. The members and leaders of that church would rely on their own strength and wisdom rather than looking to God for his guidance and help.

In what ways am I trying to engage in kingdom work by merely relying on my own effort without seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Thoughts omitted here.

If we simply rely our on own efforts when trying to do work for the kingdom, we could be non-productive or even counter-productive. We could be doing bad while trying to do good.

What lesson does this have for me as I strive to build up His community?

Even if I think doing something will be beneficial to the church, I still need to seek God's will and make sure it is actually something I should be doing. This also applies to the entire church. If the church tries to do something for God, but it isn't God's will that they do so, they could actually be counter-productive for God.

What “mountains” or obstacles do I face that discourage or overwhelm me?

Thoughts omitted here.

The holding of a plumb line represents the very beginning of the building process. What does it take to “rejoice” at small beginnings?

It takes true faith in God and trust that he will see the project to completion and deliver success. Without faith and by human wisdom, we really have no idea of what the future holds, but when we trust that God will guide and assist the work of our hands, we can rejoice even in humble beginnings. Whether or not the project eventually ends up the way we want it, we can still be confident that we're being obedient to God.

How good am I at connecting “small things” that I do to the larger purpose of God in my life, in the church, and ultimately, in history?

Thoughts omitted here.