City Prayer - Walking on Mustard Seeds

Compass Living in Confusing Times

God has a place for us now, where we can stretch out and be explorers once again. Like our boundless childhood imagination, God’s covering operates in much the same way.

Living in a sweet spot used to be more commonplace. Conversations quickly jump to discussions of real issues in the world, and it is hard not to—well, stress. But our addiction to worry destroys what God intends for us. You see, sweet spot living is available today, and it’s God’s plan for us to go from mercy to mercy to mercy.

This week on my YouTube channel, we talk about the covering of God in stressful times.

God has a place for us now, where we can stretch out and be explorers once again. Like our boundless childhood imagination, God’s covering operates in much the same way.

The King James Version of Psalm 32 verse 10b says “ …he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.”

Compass. Hmmm. Are you wondering if you know the full meaning of the word compass? I did too! It surely has more meaning than an instrument used for direction at sea or on land. I looked it up to find out.

AND IT DOES!

Compass comes from the meaning of a limitless boundary. If you hold a compass in your hand, it can guide you wherever you want to go. If God is compassing us, we have unlimited help.

Here are a few ways this works.

He will lead you in times of distress or worry.
He will walk with you.
He is at your side, behind you, and in front of you.
He can show you wisdom to apply or what to avoid.
He can change a situation or set another in motion.

No matter life’s pressures, God marks the boundary lines for us to walk. Do you realize the devil wants to limit you? He wants to place a suffocating boundary of fear and worry over you.

Isn’t it funny how people think living for God is limiting when the reality is he has so much for you? Are you confused? Hang on.

We need to look at one more word in that verse, mercy. Picture this, God is unlimited guidance. As he guides us through our painful situations that can create more stress or worry he hands us mercy after mercy.

The verse says, “… mercy shall compass …” us. To be clear, we are surrounded by his mercies.

What is mercy? It is a feeling or state of mind? It can create good feelings and soundness of our thoughts. Mercy is God overlooking every error on our part and the arrows sent in our direction by the devil. God stretches his favor toward you in the middle of all the muck with his overarching favor.

It may look like a coincidence.
It may look like a text from a distant friend to say they are praying for you.
It may look like a new job opportunity.
It may look like pouring over scripture at night and being able to take your first deep breath of the day.

That is God at work. We do NOT need to fear because he has mercy for us in the center of life’s burdens.

God’s mercy will show up in unique ways for each of your life situations. Keep looking to him, seeking his boundaries of protection, and you will recognize his mercy again and again. Hopefully, you begin to recognize it as commonplace with a childlike wonder.

Point God’s mercy out to someone you know, then they too can start seeing it in their life.

I would love to hear how God has extended mercy in your life lately! Please share in the comments. Let’s thank God for his unbound direction and mercy!

Prepare the Way

Prepare the Way For Florida is live on YouTube. Come for a visit!

Signature line, Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds, Michele

P.S. I am working on edits with my talented editor, Dalene Bickel, and have officially hired my book designer. Exciting things are coming!

How to Love Christ and Not Our Cares

Are you struggling with worry today? It is hard to escape thoughts of concern in our personal lives and socially.

Come on over to Walking On Mustard Seeds today and see how to offload the care of your heart.

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
Psalm 94:19, ESV

Woman standing, looking over a large city, from a building's window view.

Who does not have concerns growing in their heart? There are too many issues to count in the world, not to mention our own lives. From Genesis to Revelation, God tells us to pray, not worry, and threads prayers and meditations throughout Scripture. Gifts to open our hearts to, allowing his view to penetrate, destroying our distress.

The above verse is a perfect meditation. We can look up the meaning of the words, examine other translations of the verse, and ask God for insight.

God, what am I overthinking?
God, what do I need to take my eyes off of right now?
God, show me all your consolations of the past. (Consolation means comfort in the face of misery.)

Meditating on Scripture draws out the fullest meaning God has for us. The promise of this 13-word verse is unmatched and a treasure to keep near.

Three treasures I found in this verse, plus a bonus.

First, our minds and bodies cannot thrive under the stress of worry and continual fear. The author penned they had many concerns. Can you relate? God wants to be at the helm of all our situations. Will you allow him to lead you?

God, through the Holy Spirit, can show us what to put our focus on and how to lovingly address each task and interaction.

Second, it clears up clutter in our minds to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts away from worry. The static of unruled thought steals our energy and takes our focus away from time with loved ones. The devil wants to steal our peace. Why? So we don’t trust and give God the glory in our situations. The Word tells us every situation can be turned to work out for God’s glory. We can be part of his amazing story when we seek wisdom in each situation from the Holy Spirit, Christ’s gift to us.

When we live this way it makes all of our concerns fall into the background.

Third, it improves relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. A lot of our worries are outside of our control. I can’t control how others drive on the road but I can control my attitude behind the wheel of my car. We can be fully present with our kids, grandkids, spouse, friends, and neighbors when not being controlled by consuming thoughts.

We have the most impact on those we love and are to minister to when freed from worry.

Bonus

Lastly, with our daily cares put in God’s capable hands, we can take care of details with a clear conscience. When we are truly free to be about the business of God, loving others as he would have us love them is loving Christ.

Encore

This leads us to his consolation; joy in exchange for grinding of mental gears. We waste valuable time when our thoughts are not aligned with God’s. Once we reflect on the Word and see the benefits, cheer becomes our companion.

Yes, the scripture says cheer leaving us wanting to burst out with shouts of joy.

Picture your hockey or football team. Do the fans sit idle the entire game? No! They shout and jump when their team is doing great things. Why shouldn’t we when God can silence fear?

Let’s give God a shout today!

YouTube News:

A little more about turning our thoughts to God. Also, let’s prepare the way for the release of my devotional Two or Three For Our City. Thank you for praying over Delaware with me!

Signature line, Keep Waling on Mustard Seeds, Michele

P.S. Update on Two or Three For Our City is with my editor for edits. Devotional Coming Soon!

What Never Fails and Never Needs Fixing?

God’s Word will never fail us and will never . . .

Conversations around our dinner table are still, you guessed it, about the tornado that came through last month. We, like many families in the area, are swimming in insurance claims while managing the needed repairs. Our stomachs dropped when the first word from our vehicle adjuster’s office was to total our 2017 car. It has a lot of life left in it, but the hail damage outweighed its value, to them.

We felt differently.

A long long time ago–or, in the latter half of the 1900s, I recall you could bring your broken toys to the fire department for repair.

This fact tells a few things.

Toys were built to last through a repair or two.

Toys were created to be enjoyed by more than one generation, or at least some extra siblings.

And, if a child’s Father wasn’t available to fix their toy, or didn’t have the know-how, the local fire department would do their best to bring new life to a well-loved toy.

I have found verses in the Bible that, if applied today, will bring new life to our neighborhoods. God tells us to pray for our cities. This is an overwhelming thought to many.

The excuses can sound like:

How can I pray for everyone?

How do people remember to pray for their neighbors?

What do I pray for them when I do not know what is happening in their life?

I have developed a twelve-week devotional, designed to pray for your City. Many topics are covered with your top worries and concerns, and some you probably have not thought of.

I hope you will find Two or Three For Our City, a Summer 2024 release, as helpful as those children with broken toys found the firemen who fixed them.

God’s Word will never fail us and will never lose its value or need fixing; although we need help applying it.

What is your favorite scripture to apply?

Watch the newest YouTube video, preparing the way to pray in your City.

Is Christ-like Compassion Possible?

A tornado hit our City last week and we were grateful survivors. After speaking with neighbors, it hit me why Christ cried about his friend Lazarus’s death.

A tornado hit our City last week and we were grateful survivors. After speaking with neighbors, it hit me why Christ cried about his friend Lazarus’s death. He would bring his friend back to life, so why did he cry? Was he sad as anyone would because a friend died? Probably. But Jesus never stopped ministering to the people in front of him.

Who was with him? Lazarus’s sisters were and they were filled with emotion about the death of their brother. Jesus’s tears were likely a release of their pain that they could not express. It was a loving compassion pouring out of Christ to the women.

When I spoke with a couple of my neighbors after the event, as they talked about their experience, tears gathered in my eyes, and when I spoke of my experience, their eyes filled with tears. It was stunning to realize that I was expressing what my friend could not and vice versa.

The event was far too much for anyone to process on their own, but together, we could begin to help each other mourn and release the terror and fear of the tornadic moment.

In learning to pray for people in my City, my compassion has grown for them. There are ways I care about my neighbors that were not natural to me, even as a Christian.

When Christ was about to minister to Lazarus by raising him from the dead, His tears ministered to the women’s broken hearts. You too can have Christ-like compassion for your City.

My manuscript is almost complete and I am excited to get Two or Three For Our City into the hands of Christians in every state. To do this I am praying over each state. I would love for you to join me. This week we prayed for California. Please follow the channel so you don’t miss a prayer.

Memorial Day Remembrance 2024

Today we honor our fallen heroes and pray for our country.

If not for the soldier,

Their training and valor,

Pushing themselves beyond every thought of self,

Our personal losses would be too many to count.

As gratitude pours out, a bowed head in thanks or raised in salute,

May their final act never be forgotten in this generation or the next.

P.S. Join me in prayer for our country state by state on my new YouTube channel. Three videos up so far!

Are Your Emotions Stealing God’s Best for You?

A way to easily gain a positive expectancy, outlook, and a smile in your heart if not on your face–is to

"Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord."

Psalm 119:1, NLT

The early morning glory of red and purple playing back and forth in the sky is erased when the sun soars upward. Like your once-wrapped packages under the tree that were poised to be opened, the treasure is now fully exposed.

As you walk into the New Year of our Lord, the newness will lose its grandeur of the gifts and the expectancy of a new year. That is normal and dare I say okay. There is nothing wrong with not being as thrilled with the gifts or the anticipation of a new year.

Newly opened gifts and perhaps a new goal or two in mind, the ‘newness’ of the gifts and new year always dulls.
Michele Marie Weisman

However, the joy of God never dims or diminishes. What was true of God yesterday is true today and will be tomorrow.

Easily gain a positive expectancy, outlook, and a smile in your heart if not on your face by simply serving in your community. Your City. Remember, Jesus says we are serving him when we serve another.

Ideas to Serve: Call a friend or acquaintance and ask how they are doing. Pen a note to someone and put it in the mailbox. Are you running errands today? Who can you let go before you in line at the check out, or can you pay for someone’s items at the store?

Pray with me.

God, my emotions will fail but you always have an abundance of joy to give away. Show me where to serve. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Thank you!

Thank you for visiting in 2023! I consider it an honor when you stop by Walking On Mustard Seeds.

I am able to see what country a reader visits from. A total of 41 countries stopped by to read my blog this last year!

Because I can’t offer you tea or coffee, please know I pray for you and thank God for you.

MVP 2023 (Most Viewed Post)

If you share a post with others, thank you! That is the greatest compliment I can receive, that you would tell others about a piece I wrote.

What was the most popular blog post of 2023? Nine Benefits of God’s Will for You

What was your favorite post of 2023? Your comments brighten my day!

Please know you are always welcome here. I look forward to crafting more blog posts for you and thank you for your grace as I learn to juggle the blog and finishing my manuscript for release in the Spring of 2024

Keep Walking On Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Image by Azmi Talib from Pixabay

Can You Influence Your City?

Black woman with arms raised, smiling, as confetti rains down on her.

Yes, and after reading this article, my hope is that you will have confidence knowing you are doing some great work with God in your community.

You may live in an urban area, with the ease of drive-through eateries and the pick of grocery markets within a short walk or quick drive. You may live in a rural area, that is the quiet backdrop to all the hustle and bustle. My family lives in a place in between the two, we have neighbors but it takes a quarter of an hour or more to run errands, besides our local Dollar General.

Every time you drive, shop, or otherwise come in contact with your neighbors, you are influencing them. I looked up influence, (don’t fall asleep on me yet!) in the trustworthy Webster’s Dictionary from 1828; the online version.

Webster explains we can identify influence by its effects. Influence is completely unseen, a power, like a superpower, brings a person to respond for good or bad.

A driver who becomes angry on the road can influence another driver to an angry response. This is defined as road rage. What happens when a driver practices the opposite behavior on the road, giving way when it is legal and safe? There is an influence that the other driver will know and anyone who witnessed the courtesy given.

You can dismiss the example as not sweeping enough to bring a big change to your City, but how do you know? We have all heard stories of how a simple kindness turned someone’s day around.

In fact, what you do may be a great benefit to you but it also influences others.

A fellow writer and friend of mine writes for a foundation that is holding a 5k in October. The run is not located in my state and I will not be attending the actual 5k, but, I signed up and am training because I believe in the foundation. I will run a few laps in my somewhat rural neighborhood, waving at the deer and squirrels as I jog to the lake and back.

Why am I doing this? I want to help the foundation. The organization’s goal is to help the families of First Responders who are in need. Is my thirty-dollar entry fee going to change one life significantly? Not at all. But if the power of influence is true, it will encourage the foundation, my friend, and myself.

You see, the world has done its darndest to make you overwhelmed with every single tragedy that occurs as it is occurring across the globe. Of course, you care. But not one of us can take it all in, and that is not our job. It is God’s job. Ours is to do our part, where we are when we can.

What does the 5k give me?

Health goals I can reach.

Something to look forward to.

Feeling good that I am helping First Responders.

An example to my children.

Most of the time, only God and the person will know the influence you have on another soul. In your City, I bet there are testimonies on how you have impacted someone for a good effect.

Continue to use this unseen power wisely.

Christ sacrificed himself so you can have eternity with his father. Does it make sense that as God calls you to pray for and do good for others in your City, there will be a benefit for you and your family? I sure do believe this to be true. Scripture tells us that very fact.

Would you take a moment to pop onto the Trooper Black Foundation to learn about Trooper Black?

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

City Prayer –It’s About Time

You have heard the slogan, buy local. I like to say Pray Local. Come on by Walking on Mustard Seeds to see why time is important — in prayer and in your local community.

An old-fashioned pocket watch swinging side to side a galaxy of stars in the background.

“TO EVERYTHING there is…a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, AMPC)

You have a purpose in this moment, this very time that is ticking with the clock. I thank you for using this time to read my post. There are reports saying we are consumed by social media and news outlets.

If you are like me, after catching up on news, the updates can run through my mind while I go on with my day. That is not good.

No one needs the plague of modern news to bat around. God would rather we be about our purpose than trying to wrestle out the times.

Let’s figure out how to be in step with God’s plan for time.

I think it starts with thanking Him FOR time.

It goes something like this while walking my dogs in the morning, I say, “Thank you, God, for time to walk my dogs.” When I am driving into town to run errands, I say, “Thank you God for time to shop.” While researching curriculum for my youngest’s freshman year of high school, I say, “Thank you Lord for time to gather information.”

At these times, when my thoughts regularly turn to to-do lists, worry about the economy, and any number of other thoughts, I can thank God for the joy and gift of time.

Without time, we can do nothing.

As we turn our hearts to pray for our City this week, we can thank God for the time he has provided to pray and serve where we live. I am sure your town has slogans to buy local. Local farmers, local crafters, and local shops. I believe in praying local.

Pray for the farmer, the artists, the entrepreneurs. The farmer needs time to prep their land and for their crop to grow. The crafter needs time to design and make their art. And the shop owners need open hours and time to shop for products or services provided.

Time is precious to you and your neighbor. As schools start back up and summer vacations are in the past, may we each keep focused on how precious each moment is. Thanking the Lord for it on behalf of our fellow citizens too!

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

#praylocal

#Cityprayer

#prayforyourCity

P.S. Have you Checked out Deana Farrell’s new book, You’re a Beautiful MESSterpiece: A Guide to Prioritizing the God-Given Dream You’ve Been Entrusted to Pursue & Share? If you have been thinking about that God-size dream inside of you, I HIGHLY suggest it!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Are You Guaranteed a Reward for Praying For Your City? And Updates!

Do you want to see change locally–pray with me over your City, and see God change some things.

And–you never know when your City has a wonderful surprise for you, like my attending our local 4th of July parade in Belton, Texas.

Today’s blog post falls in line with the spirit of my devotional designed to pray for your City. I am grateful for any prayers for the writing process. Thank you!

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way…” (3 John, 1:2a AMPC)

When your grocery cart emptied of its items and bagged, does your jaw drop at the total on the register?

And your gas tank is taking a whole lot more money to fill up. Are you taking fewer trips out because of the higher cost of gas?

There is scripture instructing us to not be shocked by things we see or hear. How are you doing with non-shock? I have told myself to stop gasping out loud, but I still hear an inner groan.

The news does not help the concern as they report that Americans have less in their savings and are using their credit cards more.

Financial stress on a family can create a feeling of isolation and worry, which leads to tension.

Do your neighbors feel isolated by their financial worries too? I bet some of them do.

There is a story in the bible, of a man who reestablished his outcome by praying for others, specifically his friends.

Mini Bible Story

Job was a man who loved and lived for God and lost everything, except for his wife and a few friends. His money, children, and livestock–gone–and he developed a terrible skin condition that tortured him.

This all came into Job’s life as a gift from the devil. Satan thought he could get Job to reject God, but his plan did not work. In fact, it backfired!

God restored him, and people find that fascinating, actually giving him back more than he originally had.

But, this is NOT the best part of the story.

Main Point

God did end up giving Job a ‘God size’ lecture. God had some correcting to do in Job’s heart. But at the end of the lecture, God gave Job one task to do.

Job, was instructed to pray for his friends, the ones who rushed to his side to comfort him in his great loss. Their attempt to help Job was overshadowed by misrepresenting God’s view and care for Job in this painful time. Theirs was such an error in judgment that God required sacrifices from them.

Ouch! Can you see their pride burning up in their chests?

Job was restored times two after he prayed for them.

Bottom Line

Prayer is not a frivolous, last-ditch effort. Nore is it a groundless proposal for a serious situation.

We honor God when we pray, turning to Him to solve what only He can. Praying for someone in your City, at the next gas pump, or behind you in line at Walmart, that their finances be blessed and their burden lightened, honors God.

That is it — P R A Y for them. It is a simple act of obedience void of pride.

What About You?

God has answers to prayers for you too, but first, what prayers does your neighbor need? If you don’t pray for them, what will the loss be for your community?

I am not saying or implying that you, or they, will receive Job’s fortune after you pray. How God blesses you is up to Him. He always deposits peace, joy, love, or grace, with prayer.

Is that enough–or better yet–isn’t that what is really needed to combat daily stressors?

Who in your City is coming to mind that you can pray for?

Father, You do want to provide a way for each person in my City to prosper. As prices rise, I am focused on my own struggle, but people all around me have similar concerns. Bless everyone that I pass on the road or in the store. Bless their day with financial wisdom and sound sleep tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some News

Does this float photo say everything that needs to be said about prayer? I have seen this group on the weekends at different events with a booth set up ready to pray for anyone who asks. They were a beautiful sight as Greg and I were in line at our local 4th of July parade. By the way, the large flag says, “Jesus is King”. A needed reminder.

Greg and author Michele, wearing cowboy hats and red, white, and blue, on the float. — Greg and I at Belton’s 4th of July parade.

You’re a Beautiful Messterpiece, by Deana Farrell

Have you ever been over the moon about a book?

There are few titles that make me feel like it was written by a friend who wants me to succeed at by biggest dream. Deana Farrell brings a unique voice to the conversation of getting your “God-given dreams” in motion. Perfection is NOT the goal. This VAL (me)–you have to read at least the back cover copy to find out what a VAL is, is starting to see that my ‘mess’ is part of the story and not to be shunned. Check out Deana Farrell here to find out about her new book!

Invited Guest

I was honored to be asked by a fellow writer and ministry-minded friend to start writing a monthly prayer for her ministry’s newsletter.

Naomi Fata resides in New York and is the author of, Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts. She also writes God’s Corner for her local newspaper.

To read more about her ministry and sign up for her encouraging ministry email, go to Christian Resource Ministry.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

PS Walking on Mustard Seeds can be sent directly to your inbox!

AMPC link is to lockman.org

Photos were by Greg and Michele Weisman

Four Reasons to Pray for Your City, Scripture Included

You and your neighbors, which is a biblical code word for everyone, are hit daily with news reports revealing a shift far away from God’s plan.

He sees all that is happening in the City and wants to hear your prayers for everyone in it.

How do you know this is true?

1. God tells you to pray for everyone in your City. (1 Timothy 2:1)

God created inclusiveness, wanting everyone to experience the benefits of prayer. When prayers go up in line with His will, he can answer them.

2. Gell tells you how to pray for the people in your City. (1 Timothy 2:1) Yes, same verse.

The Bible gives you instructions and God has provided how to pray for everyone in your City.

3. God tells you what to pray for on their behalf. (Romans 8:26)

When words or ideas don’t come easy, the Holy Spirit can deliver the message of your heart to the Lord. I hope this builds your confidence, no matter the need you pray for someone, you have the authority to do so.

4. God has a promise for you, as a result of praying for your City. (Jeremiah 29:7)

Is it okay to receive something good in return for your prayers? God seems to have created this system and I am not about to question His decision.

The main point:

Part of God’s view for your City is you praying for it.

Your City job title: Prayer Warrior

If it sounds overwhelming to pray for your City, good!

That is the best place to start.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

Photo by Etienne Boulanger on Unsplash