Welcome back to "Scripture in Action," where we journey through the Bible in a year, applying God's Word to our daily lives. I'm Aneel Aranha, and I'm excited to continue this journey with you on Day 4.

Today, we'll be exploring Genesis 9-11 and Mark 4. Let's begin by reading these passages. Please follow along in your Bible, and we'll reflect on them together afterward.

Reflection
In Genesis 9-11, we witness God's covenant with Noah, the repopulation of the earth, and the tower of Babel incident. In Mark 4, Jesus teaches using parables, particularly the parable of the sower and the parable of the mustard seed.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: God's faithfulness endures despite human pride and rebellion, and His kingdom grows in ways that often surprise us.

Let's break this down into a simple principle we can apply:

Trust in God's promises and participate in the growth of His kingdom, even when it seems small or unlikely.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Remember God's promises: Reflect on a promise God has made in Scripture. How can you trust in that promise today?

2. Cultivate humility: The tower of Babel reminds us of the dangers of pride. In what area of your life do you need to cultivate more humility?

3. Sow seeds of faith: Like the sower in the parable, look for opportunities to share God's word or show His love to others today.

4. Nurture your spiritual growth: Consider what type of "soil" your heart represents. How can you make it more receptive to God's word?

5. Look for small beginnings: Like the mustard seed, God's work often starts small. What small act of faith can you perform today?

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: How can you actively participate in the growth of God's kingdom in your sphere of influence, trusting in His promises even when results aren't immediately visible?

Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. God's covenant with Noah reminds us of His faithfulness, while Jesus' parables challenge us to participate in His kingdom. Until tomorrow, may you find joy in participating in God's kingdom work, no matter how small it may seem.