Mustard Seeds - Walking on Mustard Seeds

How You Win the Battle

You are a well-designed vessel for this one life, but to get the best out of this life, you must operate by using His user manual. Yes, this is a talk about Scripture, our source for knowing how to think about ourselves, the people around us, and the world.

Y’all, life has never felt more stressful. I am living my fifth decade, so I can say without a doubt, that politics and the state of the world have never been discussed more at the dinner table and in the canned food aisle. Seriously, complete strangers and I gasp together at prices that seem to rise daily, with the sun.

If you’re like me, you catch yourself griping about the costs. Add the doom and gloom on every news report guaranteeing the worst is about to happen.

And then I groan at myself!

Why?

Because God’s word tells me not to worry or complain.

Stay with me, because I am going to flip this entire story.

You are not created to function well under constant negative thoughts and news. It produces toxic reactions in your body, making all other facets of your life miserable.

You are a well-designed vessel for this one life, but to get the best out of this life, you must operate by using His user manual. It is the instruction book for living and thinking right.

Yes, this is a talk about Scripture, our source for knowing how to think about ourselves, the people around us, and the world.

Is this the shift you were expecting? I hope so. You see, God rights E V E R Y T H I N G. His master plan always corrects our course–if we look to His word for instructions we see ourselves aligning with Him.

Think of David who was summoned to fight Goliath. He did not shrink at the news of this massive war-hungry man. No! David stood in his full stature, knowing who God is and what his own skill set brought to the battle.

Psalm 146:5, in the AMPC version, says, “Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is he who has the God of [special revelation to] Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”

Now, if you have ever studied a foreign language, you know there are difficulties in finding the exact word to fully grasp a foreign word. I remember literature professors lamenting about this for poetry translated into English. This is why several words are used in the AMPC version for one word. They are laying out several options that fit the original language used in Scripture because we do not have one word that encompasses the vast meaning of the original word. The introduction to the AMPC explains this in fuller detail.

Let’s get back to the scripture.

God’s word is declaring, (picture a bugle call): you are “happy, blessed, fortunate, and enviable”. Life does not get much better than that! Repeat out loud, “I am happy, blessed, fortunate, and enviable”. I would repeat that at least five times. Can’t you feel your brain relaxing and rejoicing at this news?!

And why do you embody these gifts from God? The verse says it is because you have God, who has special revelation, help, and hope, for Y O U ! I want God in my corner, ready to help and show me hope that my circumstances don’t reveal yet.

We’ll save the revelation part for another time, but don’t miss out on context.

The help, hope, and revelation He gives to you is what? Special. God’s personal relationship with you is special. Do you know the opposite of special is ordinary? Your relationship with God is anything BUT ordinary!

Do you need revelation for today? Do you need help today? What are you hoping for or lost hope in?

Stand on the truth that you are happy, blessed, and enviable. Lift your eyes to the Lord, seeking His revelation, help, and hope. Know, as young David did, He is in this moment with you. And, you are equipped with your experience and training to face this day.

More of the Same, but …

The news will continue in its attempt to bury your hope and happiness. You have a ready weapon for this battle and this is why you are enviable.

The devil came to destroy, but – News Alert! (Do you hear the ticker tape too?)

Jesus won the war! In Him, you are winning too.

Thank you, Lord!

Your Turn

How do you see yourself as equipped and experienced? Please share in the comments.

Signature line, Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds, Michele

Photo by Hassan Pasha on Unsplash

“Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC),

Three Keys to Peace

God gave me one prayer … simple, basic, and profound.

“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11, NLT)

Over-exposure ruins a photo as does overdevelopment. I took photography my senior year of high school when developing film was taught in the class. There was a simple wooden, four-walled structure to step inside to develop the film I shot for class assignments. I learned quickly, that this was not a gifting I had, leaving my images overdeveloped. I soaked them too long in the developer and the photos I took would never be revealed as darkness plagued the photo paper. You see, if you overdevelop, the crispness and clarity become blurred and darkened.

Like God calling me to pray over the City my family once lived in, I came up wordless due to the daily tragedies from crime that were reported. Inviting others to pray with me, cleared the picture of what to pray about and how to communicate the prayer.

Fast forward to modern America and the view became blurry again as confusion hit the streets, anger bursting forth in public gatherings and dinner tables. Again, I had blurred vision for prayer.

God gave me one prayer this time and I have prayed it ever since. It is simple, basic, and profound.

Pray for the truth to come out.

No clarifiers. No favorites. No affiliations. Across the board and across the nation, let the truth come to light.

You are to walk free from blurred confusion, it is time to come out of the developer and walk on what truth brings:

Peace within – Alignment with God’s ways always strengthens peace in the inner man.

Peace without – Truth brings sure-footedness in our interactions with others.

Peace Shared – When you practice this prayer at every angle, every affront, every thought, you can encourage others to pray in that same manner. Just as I hope I have encouraged you.

Will you pray with me?

God, I pray that truth be exposed in my City and Nation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your turn:

What area of your life or community will you pray for the truth to be exposed?

News:

Sign up on my site, to receive the latest news on my Spring 2024 Book Release. A devotional designed to pray for your City.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

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.

10 Ways to Reflect God’s Will for You

You are a unique refection of God; let Him shine through you.

Cat looking at it's reflection in a window with a city scape, lots of buildings in the background.

As I cleaned my home for Thanksgiving, I thought of how we also need to tidy God’s path.

What are the dust bunnies that are taking over the view?

It can look like a distraction, worry, regret, or putting something off until later. (Ouch! I see myself in these too.) “Doesn’t everyone” you may ask yourself.

Yes, but does that make it okay?

These activities: distraction, worry, regret, or procrastination, remove you from the powerful calling God has for you to fulfill.

It is impossible, on our own, to clean up for God. Does that mean we should call a cleaning service? Kind of.

Can you really clean for God?

I was recently reminded of this impossible task when one of my teenage daughters had a breakout. Pimples revealed an issue within her own body, skin oils mixed with pollutants clogged up her pores.

What do my dust bunnies and her blemishes reveal? Unintended consequences have consequences. Unintended, according to my sidebar’s dictionary, means, thoughtless, silly, careless, or unwise.

Back to unintended consequences, in Old Testament times there was a sacrifice for unintentional sin. Yes, you and I work against ourselves without even knowing it, or more importantly, we work against God. This specific sin issue is expanded issue in the New Testament in one little but mighty verse from the book of Romans chapter 14 verse 20. It tells us that our conscience in Christ is to be our guide because we don’t want to lead others astray. BUT, don’t be discouraged! Instead, take COURAGE.

Don’t be discouraged, take COURAGE.

Three-step maintenance for the skin, wash your face, use astringent or deep clean occasionally, and repeat.

Recently my daughter told me I had done something that affected her in a negative way. I was dumbfounded as I did not even know I had offended her. Days later, I realized the ‘thing’ I had done was something I was catching myself doing again and again. How did I not know about this offense before? How did I not see this?

This is exactly what unknown sin is. To do something that is against God’s ways and wishes is wrong, if we see it happening or not. To get caught up in the regret of these sins is not the solution.

Just like the dust bunnies I need to clean up and the routine my daughter keeps for her skin, there is a Spiritual Cleaning you can do to address hidden sin.

Wash Away Unknown Sin

Position your heart to hear God’s truth. The book of John, chapter 10 verse 27, tells us we hear God’s voice. This can happen by spending time in scripture and in prayer.
Humble your perspective of yourself. The book of Hebrews, chapter 2 verse 9 explains that Christ lowered himself by coming to earth and lived a sacrificial life.
Foster relationships where people can tell you the truth about you, the good and bad. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 27 verses 5 and 6 explain that truth from a friend is better than meanness from a foe.
Ask God to root all sin out of your heart. The book of Proverbs chapter 27 verse 19 explains that your face will reveal what is in your heart.
Shift your motives to God’s motives. The book of Romans chapter 8 verse 26 guarantees that you need only come to prayer with a heart for God’s purposes and the Holy Spirit who does nothing outside of God’s will perfects the message.

Astringent

This never feels good, in fact, astringents sting! It does not feel good to think of people who are hurting, but compassion with action is what Christ requires of you. Matthew 25:35-40;

6. Do for the imprisoned

7. Do for the stranger

8. Do for the sick

9. Do for all the book of Galatians chapter 6 verse 10 instructs. There are NO exceptions, but a slight preference toward other believers.

10. Repeat Steps 1-9 Repeat the process and build the habit of doing good.

God has good plans for you to do in your City. Just as a field of pimples distracts a teenager and my dust bunnies need cleaning up, unknown sin can clog your ability to see who needs you to help them in your City.

Ask God to help you clean your Spiritual Complexion. This is Jesus’ high call. He has called us each to it.

It begins with prayer

Father,

I want you to show me where I am falling short and do not see it. I will not position myself in regret but leave it at the cross. Thank you for clearing my heart to see more of your Son in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your turn

You are a unique reflection of God; let Him shine through you. What would you add?

News

I wrote and mailed 15 devotionals for some very special homeless women in California, all due to a prompting from God. They will be given out at Christmas time. Will you join me in prayer that these journal-style devotionals guide them into a close walk with Him?

Devotional Progress

Spring 2024 Release! I am working on my final draft and am excited about the next steps.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)

How to Improve Your Relationship, Biblically

Can snuggling with a dog, showing peace is possible between them.

Pre-conversation syndrome. Do you have it?

Okay, I made up that term, google it, it won’t be there. If you have ever played out a conversation in your mind, like a boxing match, “If they say this, I will say that,” you know what I am talking about.

It wastes your time, energy, and steals your peace of mind.

Jesus taught the apostles how to respond when unfavorable situations were before them, and their lives were not under their own control.

“This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
Luke 21:13-15 ESV

Jesus is making a promise that their conversation’s outcome will point back to the wonderment of God.

I have sat in uncomfortable and contradictory conversations, remaining quiet, seeking the Holy Spirit’s help for my response. Sometimes no answer comes, and so I say nothing to contradict or go along with the topic at hand.

Other times, I am given a dose of wisdom to speak, from a heart of peace.

Have you tried this before? If not, what is stopping you?

This does not mean the person listening will like or agree with what you have said, but you will have peace because you have waited on God.

Relationship with God is what matters most and Christ is promising a response that will point to God. For the listener and for you to be in awe of.

It does not get better than that.

God, thank you for this verse that teaches how to handle difficult conversations. Being right, apart from your ways, is simply pride. Guide my words with Your wisdom, and to You be the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy Independence Day!

I would love to hear how you are celebrating the 4th of July this year.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

PS For any of you who like updates on my devotional — I am interviewing people about prayer topics that they have life experience with. Praying for your City is multi-faceted and no one can claim experience with each issue. I welcome prayer for my writing process. : )

PSS If this post helped you, would you consider sharing it with someone you know? Thank you. : )

Photo by Alec Favale on Unsplash – Cat and Dog

Photo by Cristina Glebova on Unsplash – USA Flag

“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Have You Read God’s Insurance Policy? WARNING! This article may lower your stress.

Last week, we had a tornado blow through our small town, tornado sirens announcing its approach. Branches were ripped from our trees as I ran for our safe room. The winds were reported to be between 60 and 80 miles per hour.

Green hill with two trees. One far off in the background. One close up. Their branches are being forced sideways by a strong wind.

Insurance Should Build Confidence, not Stress

If you are like my family, you have insurance. Insurance for your cars, your home, and life insurance.

Having these contracts is supposed to bring comfort.

Then Why Worry?

Claiming use of your insurance means phone calls, appointments, rentals, and quotes–all activities that lead to headaches.

Do you agree?

Insurance Policy paperwork, laying flat. On top of paperwork is a toy car, a magnifying glass, and a one-hundred-dollar bill.

Interesting Fact

Insure means to make sure.*

God Wants You to Live Worry Free

How do you live without worry when stressful news hits you daily?

Great question!

The Israelites Stressed

The Israelites needed food in the desert, and God provided mana. Food from heaven every day except on the Sabbath.

He promised to take care of them, and He did.

AKA God’s Insurance

A few brown eggs in an egg carton. They have worried expressions drawn on them.

Isn’t it odd how we are told to fear food, the very thing God created for us to survive?

Have you heard these same headlines? There isn’t enough food. Crops are failing due to extreme weather. Prices will go up. Some natural food is said to hurt your body. Yes, some people have medical conditions and need to make decisions accordingly.

But the big message is to fear food lack, food prices, and that food is hurting you at some level.

Who wants you to stress about food?

The devil.

Easter Insurance

Jesus, we just celebrated on Easter, provides eternity with God if we use our gift of faith and b e l i e v e .

Beyond Easter’s Promise

God wants to help you with all of your decisions, daily guidance, through the Holy Spirit. He is a good and perfect helper.

With eternity settled and daily help provided, God’s Insurance Policy wipes out stress!

Your Turn

What mana does God provide to you?

Go ahead, make a list!

Let’s Pray!

God, thank you for my reader. Will you guide them to see what they no longer need to worry about it? When temptation comes to grab it back, gently remind them that you are more than capable to guide and provide every minute of this day. Thank you! Amen.

Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash

Photo by Vlad Deep on Unsplash

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

*(According to webstersdictionary1828.com)

What forgiveness is, isn’t, or maybe I’m wrong. (A series of three parts.) Part III

Will you forgive or is it even a choice? Come along with me and read my third and final installment of look at forgiveness. It has benefits you need.

Pained window that is dirty. A heart shape is drawn on the dirty glass.

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me…” (Matthew 26:39a KJV)

What if Jesus never left the garden?

This prayer between Jesus and God reveals his heart’s cry for another way. It also reveals he is compassionate toward our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

At one point, the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, and part of it goes something like “… forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12)

Forgiveness is to be a knee-jerk reaction. There is a commandment that is similar, to love your neighbor as yourself.

If pressed to forgive someone, would you cry out to God, asking for this responsibility to leave you? There are a lot of what people call unforgivable sins.

A co-worker backstabbed me.

Children are abused.

Adults are abused.

People are murdered.

Money is stolen.

The bible names the one unforgivable sin, sinning against the Holy Spirit. (Mark 3:28-30; Matthew 12:31-32)

STOP!

White laptop, half closed, on brown table. White and black office chair facing the table. White mouse sits next to laptop.

Before you dismiss this blog post, a gift is on the other side of forgiveness. Good that comes your way will be damaged by unforgiveness; like a limb that is infected, it spreads to the rest of the body. Unforgiveness affects all of your relationships and, eventually, your health.

Focus

Celebrating Jesus’ resurrection this Sunday reminds us of the opportunity for a full and free life. There is joy for your heart and mind when free from the weight of sin. But we must forgive others for the fullest flight possible.

Fickle

Black and white photo of pebbles on a beach, of various sizes.

People can become offended by the simplest things. A rude driver or one not paying attention cuts us off. The post office line is just too long! There are too many people in the grocery store.

What offends you when you are short-tempered or short on time? We all have pet peeves that pop up in weak moments.

What if each unforgiven offense, or the bigger unforgivable sins, was represented by a tiny stone, filling up your heart, weighing you down? There would be less room in your heart to freely interact with others.

Do you have just a few pebbles? Maybe you can feel them jingle around as you go to work or church. Or are there so many tiny stones that it has created a great wall within your heart?

Heaven’s Perspective or Maybe I’m Wrong

Art created image of clouds with white open door, signifying door to heaven.

Those pebbles won’t make it past the Pearly Gates. God will call you into account about them. Maybe I am wrong, but I think examining the pebbles on this side of heaven with God is a wiser choice. Remembering Jesus’ plea in the garden might make it easier too.

God, I have some pebbles in my heart. I am sorry when I treat forgiveness as an option. I don’t want to carry unforgiveness with me any longer. I am not even aware of all that I have stacked up. I forgive it all! I forgive it all, Lord. If a stone remains and festers, remind me to forgive. Show me how to remove this stone as far as the east is from the west. In You, I entrust my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

Your turn. What are your thoughts about Jesus’ sacrifice and our responsibility with it?

Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash (Pebbles)

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash (Heart on glass)

Photo by Tim Wilson on Unsplash (flying duck)

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash (laptop)

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay (clouds and door)

What forgiveness is, isn’t, or maybe I’m wrong. (A series of three parts.) Part II

My apologies! Please forgive me. This post is a bit late — but timely.

What is the hardest part of forgiveness?

Have you ever forgiven someone, and the pain from what they did still keeps coming up? Or maybe you have hurt someone, and regret attacks you on the pillow as you try to sleep.

I have forgiven much.

I have been forgiven much.

Something always remains – a residue that needs some cleaning up. A broken heart or a broken body, sin leaves its mark.

Locks on a fence overlooking a waterfilled canyon.

I am NOT a psychologist, a therapist, or attempting to be one. But, I have experienced needing to forgive others. Most of the time, when I forgive, there remain things to reason out with God and be healed by God.

Don’t miss this part!

Our healing won’t be possible unless we forgive. If you are standing with your arms crossed shouting, “I am fine!” and have not forgiven, you are not healed.

Side Note

Have you ever said, “I can never forgive this person for this one thing”?

God requires it from you, complete forgiveness of everyone for everything. This is what Christ died for, each and every sin that ever has and ever would be committed. When we don’t forgive, it is saying Christ’s sacrifice was incomplete.

Forgiving reveals God’s fingerprint upon your life; your spiritual DNA comes from Heaven’s zipcode. You are part of God’s testimony when you forgive.

Lastly, there are no exceptions to God’s command in this area. Nowhere in the bible does it say, “Michele (<— fill in your name) does not have to forgive so-and-so”.

What Forgiveness Isn’t

Forgiveness is not making the offense okay. It was a wrong act when it happened and stands as a wrong done.

Forgiveness is not allowing repeated bad behavior against you.

Forgiveness is NOT forgetting. It is humanly impossible to make yourself forget an offense. BUT, you do not need to dwell upon it. Who does it serve to sit in the pain of the memory? It steals your joy, energy, and purpose for today.

Who does that sound like, someone who came to steal, kill, and destroy? That would be the devil.

Forgiveness is the Balm

Years ago, I broke my wrist, requiring resetting it (ouch) and a firm brace to be worn for six weeks. After six weeks, I could remove the brace for therapy and, at other times to regain my strength. During the healing, I needed pain medication. Next over-the-counter pain relievers were helpful, especially after the physical therapy appointments.

Think of the act of forgiveness as the brace, correcting things for the long run. But before the complete healing, there will be pain. There will be obstacles and changes to living that must be made.

Pray from others; prayers for yourself can be your medication. Time in the word, listening to a worship song, or a walk can make room for perspective and more healing.

Cry. Yell. Write in a journal. Please, be kind to you, and don’t store up hate in your heart.

But when your pain spikes, and it likely will, do not mistake it for unforgiveness if you have forgiven. Days or weeks after my injury, the pain would flair in my wrist. The pain now signified I was on the road to recovery, not at the moment when the injury occurred.

The size of the pain may reveal the size of the wound, but you are headed toward healing once you forgive.

Back on Track

Runners while track field lines on black backround.

God, As I extend your gift of forgiveness to another, help me heal from the wound created. I trust that one day I will see how you will use the testimony for your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like help with boundaries in relationships, I have learned much from the work of Dr. Henry Cloud. He has books and an online platform offering sound advice with a biblical perspective. He may have other resources; these are simply the ones I have used.

What are your thoughts on forgiveness? I would love to hear.

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

Photo by Maria Cappelli on Unsplash (locks)

Photo by Ambrose Chua on Unsplash (stairwell)

Photo by 愚木混株 cdd20 on Unsplash (arrow)

What forgiveness is, isn’t, or maybe I’m wrong. (A series of three parts.) Part I

When someone shares about an offense that has occurred, I often say, “I’m sorry that happened.” To which some respond, “You have nothing to be sorry for; you didn’t do it.”

The word emergency in white on a red sign in front of a hospital.

Conversely, when I have shared about an offense happening to me and the listener says, “I’m so sorry.” I understand this to mean they are sorry for the pain I am in. They are sorry that I am hurting. It brings a bit of comfort to the wound.

This repeated response from others left me wondering if I shouldn’t be saying, “I’m sorry,” when I did not create the injury. So I headed to my trusty dictionary, the 1928 Webster’s version because I’m – older. 😊

Tall bookcase with old bound books. Rolling ladder crosses the front of them for climbing up to higher shelves.

It says sorry is used when you are grieved about a loss or evil that has happened to a person or country. To me, this means I can use it as a term of compassion, but so can the offender.

What does this have to do with forgiveness?

White stone etching of Christ carrying the cross.

Because I am writing about forgiveness this month, it seems opportunities have come to forgive, or I am more astutely aware because I am blogging about it. Either way, these offenses hurt.

One example from this month, as I loaded my car with groceries at my local Sam’s Club, a woman approached me. She informed me a lady slammed into the front of my parked car with her truck and then drove off to another parking place.

What? No note. No accountability. No, “I’m sorry.”

There are worse examples of offense in the world, and there are lesser ones. As a Christian, I have one job when faced with a loss or evil done to me.

I am to forgive.

The Cross of Compassion

Office windows, at night. The lights inside the office allow you to see ceilings and part of the office settings, and people in a few.

Jesus’ death on the cross was an act of compassion from God to us. Like the men who were going to stone the woman to death, Jesus said that any of them who had never sinned could throw the first stone.

I have sinned. I will sin again. It is a guarantee. And so will you.

“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” (Luke 23:33-34 ESV)

Mirrors Reveal

Remember the first time you stood by mirrors, and their positioning showed an infinite number of your reflections? This statement by Jesus reflects the uncountable number of offenses from the beginning of creation until he returns.

They didn’t know how much this sacrifice pained God.

They didn’t know they were killing the Kind of kings.

They didn’t know Christ’s death would free them from their tresspasses.

Jesus’ compassion, for us, at that moment, cripples my own defense to hold onto an offense. I pray it does for you too.

Someone standing at a door mat that says, Come as you are.

Jesus, help us see when we are being the men with stones in our hands. Amen.

Your Turn

Do you apologize too, when someone shares a painful story with you?

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

PS I would appreciate some prayer as I interview people with applicabale life experiences for my Devotional. Thank you!

Photo by Mike Kononov on Unsplash (Office Windows)

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash (Christ with Cross)

Photo by Henry Be on Unsplash (old books)

Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash (emergency)

100th blog post and You!

small growing greenery with garden sign that reads 100

Welcome to the new look at Walking on Mustard Seeds. I’ve wanted to spiff up the place for you, and I hope you like it! It coincides with my 100 blog post for today. (Thank you, God, for this unplanned coincidence!)

While planning today’s post, I stumbled upon a verse that states the aim of my writing. It is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4. Paul urged the people to live worthy of their calling as Christians. One of his points is that we are to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Verse 3)

Two bears fighting, up close of faces and front legs.

There is nothing worse than a family argument. In the midst of it, the entire house seems off balance. Nothing feels right until peace returns, agreements are made, apologies are spoken, and forgiveness brings the final touch, a healing balm for peace to abide.

“Unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace” (ESV) has always been necessary for God’s children.

As I read through Ephesians, I was touched by how much of it is Paul praying for the people.

You were built for prayer. Yes, you were created to talk with and listen to God, the creator of the universe. That is what prayer is, communication, like with a parent. Simple. With praise, requests, petitions, and more. And you were made to be prayed for.

To celebrate 100 blog posts, Paul inspired me to pray for you. So here goes!

(Inspired by Ephesians chapters 1 through 3.)

string lights in shape of heart standing on a beach.

Lord,

Thank you for my dear reader. They love you so much, and I am grateful they find some small reflection of you when they visit. Give them the wisdom and knowledge they need for this day. May their hearts look forward to your plans for them. You give them power in Jesus’ name for their journey; may they use it well. With Christ rooted in their hearts, may your love fill them to overflowing.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for joining me today!

Your turn

What would you pray for someone who loves God?

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

Photo by Marcel Eberle on Unsplash (100)

Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash (bears)

Photo by Fadi Xd on Unsplash (heart)

How your frustration blocks God’s plan and how to clear the path.

Seen from the back, a young boy standing outside, holding and studying a paper map.

Many years ago, my frustrations blocked my path, literally. I got lost. (Pre-2000) Gripping handwritten directions and sweating in mid-summer with a no-air-conditioning Toyota mini-truck left me little to go on. I missed an onramp–somewhere.

My forty-five-minute trip took six hours. Filled with fear, worry, and some tears, once I stopped and asked someone for directions, I clearly saw how to get home.

Frustration Blurs our View

Blurred image of woman's head with hands, palms facing out, covering her head. Ivy background.

Jonah was told by God to travel to Nineveh. Warn the people, God told him, of the wrong they were committing. Johna did not want these instructions and fled in his own direction. He did not like God’s plan and was going to make sure he was not part of it.

When you try to stop God’s plans, life gets confusing.

Jonah ends up cast into the sea by men afraid of his God and soon after swalled whole by a whale. This is quite a mess he has found himself in!

Mesh garbage bin, with crumpled paper inside and on the floor outside of it.

What is the solution to things that frustrate you? Talking to God. AKA, prayer. It is simple. I finally stoped and asked for directions and received the information I needed. Jonah had already been given his directions.

Peace comes with this simple and humble step. Saying, “I don’t know the right thing to do in this situation, but someone else does,” is okay.

Still frustrated–what to do next.

The bigger issue is a heart issue. I know, you probably hear this a lot, so I appologize for repeating what you already know.

If we look at Jonah again, he was spiteful in his heart even while he did what God directed him to do. He warned the Ninevehites, but was bitter about it.

Was it that he needed to forgive these people? No. They had not hurt Jonah. Call it pride, ego, or lack of practice, God calls us to help people.

This help comes in a most unusual way. Prayer. We are to pray. Pray for those we love and pray for those who hurt us.

Stop. Come back!

There is so much discord in our lives. News bombards us with stories of crime, wrong doing, even uncontrollable weather. What can we really do with any of this news? We have our own lives to live.

If you listen, really listen closely to the effect of all the bad news, it creates an overwhelm and finger pointing.

God does not command us to be undone by news reports. He tells us to pray for those who bring harm. (Matthew 5:44) And Luke says it this way, you are to pray for anyone who uses you. (Luke 6:28)

Do you feel a continual flow of harm and being taken advantage of?

That could be the chorus of any news feed.

Dirty white tennis shoe being worn. Brilliant monarch butterfly landed on the toe of the shoe.

We are to respond with prayer. Does that sound boring and wimpy? The gift from God of peace can dwel in us when we submit to His power.

Tell me what you think about this.

I don’t like all of the news I hear about my town. But when I set aside my opinions and wants, praying for each person involved, I am giving God glory though my act of prayer. Instead of six hours of frustation, like my driving journey, I can release the outcome to God in a small amout of time.

God, help me see where I feel pushed around by a person or group. Guide my heart in prayer for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash (map and chile)

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash (blurred woman with hands)

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash (office garbage bin)

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash (butterfly)