For the Want of a Nail

This proverb dates back to the 13th century: 

"For the want of a nail the shoe was lost; 

For the want of a shoe the horse was lost; 

For the want of a horse the rider was lost;

For the want of rider the battle was lost; 

For the failure of battle the kingdom was lost; 

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail."  

 

It would only have taken a few minutes to secure the horse's shoe, and failure to do so set in place a chain of events that lost the entire kingdom.

 

God's kingdom will not be lost, but we can lose some personal battles if we haven't been careful in the little things that prepare our hearts and minds.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10

Most of us have 16 waking hours each day. That's 960 minutes. If we spend 3% of that time with the Lord (30 minutes), it will help prepare us for the battle. Imagine if we spent 6% (1 hour) preparing!

If you aren't spending time with the Lord each day, don't feel overwhelmed. Start “small” and build. 

Try this: Don't let your head hit the pillow at night until you've spent at least seven minutes in prayer and Bible reading.(1)

Remember the wonderful promise in Matthew 6:33:

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Time with God is always time well spent. It helps us make sure we aren't failing to “nail down” the “little” sins in our lives. It helps us recognize tiny nail holes in popular teachings. And it's important for to building a secure and sturdy faith.

(1) Why seven? No particular reason, but it's important to set a goal that you can achieve, and it's important to make it a daily habit.

    

💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more💙 

Suggestion: You can use your Bible Love Note to help you set up a weekday habit. Read the linked Scriptures and write them in your journal, or choose one of the linked passages and read the entire chapter. Most Bible Love Notes now include additional passages and insights in the "Beyond 1-minute for those who want more" section. 

Little things in relationships: Just as little things matter in our relationship with God, they also matter in our earthly relationships. A short phone call, text, or email to let a friend, sibling, or parents know you're praying for them is time well spent.  

A father once explained to me that he would have felt loved and appreciated if his children had given him a 15-minute phone call once a week (1/1000th of their week). After years of neglect, he wrote them out of his will. But those children lost far more than their earthly inheritance. They also lost the rewards their heavenly Father promises in Ephesians 6:2-3. All for the want of 15 minutes a week!

Let's ponder these truths in regard to our heavenly Father: 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:13

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  ~ Jesus, Matthew 4:4

“First and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” Matthew 6:33 Amplified Bible

For additional encouragement see: 

I'm Too Busy

3 Ways to Focus on Jesus When You're Busy 

Christ's Solution for Avoiding Burn-out

Bible Love Notes