Category: Mustard Seeds

July is coming to a close and something is missing. By now, a friend on social media usually posts that Christmas is less than six months away. And no one has. This announcement would have stirred thoughts of decorating the house, baking sweet treats, and managing traffic and crowds while shopping for gifts. Midsummer upon us and my desire  to make sure I do enough at Christmas begins to overshadow the gift itself.

Hope.

But let’s start from the beginning of the story, at least the beginning of the New Testament story. Joseph found out Mary, his fiance was pregnant with a child he had no part in creating. They were betrothed, and in biblical times, this was beyond our modern promise to marry. It was a legally binding agreement that they would become husband and wife.

Joseph was considered a just man. His intention was to legally break the engagement off from Mary without bringing public shame upon her.

Can you imagine?

The passion that is created knowing who you will spend the rest of your life with, raise a family with, plan and provide a home for? All brought to an end before it began. How disappointing.

But hope entered Joseph’s worry. 

Hope came from an angel of the Lord. 

Truth spoken to darkness.

What did the angel say that changed Joseph’s view? 

Mary carried Immanuel, God with us.

This is  the beginning of victory over the flesh.

Hope of eternal sanctification was about to come onto the scene.

Joseph had his plans for his life, not knowing he was part of a bigger story. Someone who would protect Jesus as a child. The hope of the world.

Hope lives to this very day. It can be celebrated before Christmas comes. Thankfully, my attempts to make Christmas just right, can not lesson the rightful place of hope. 

We have all had plans that have not been able to happen or had to be accomplished a different way. Just like the good plans of Joseph’s, that seemed to have been upended. But God is always offering us hope, the same hope that was born in Bethlehem. Emmanuel, God with us.

We too like, Joseph, can help to keep hope alive.

If you know someone needing some hope today, would you share this post with them? 

If you want to read about Joseph, his predicament, and the visit from the angel, read Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18-25.

Having someone over is a thrilling thought during SIP (Shelter In Place), even for an introvert like me. I am excited to introduce my friend and critique partner, Dianne Marie Andre, who wrote a lovely guest post for us today. Her newest book just came out too! Be sure to take a look. Enjoy!

It’s been some years since I’ve had fresh-squeezed lemonade. I like mine sweet without a hint of tartness. I know better than to drink cold, store-bought lemonade straight from the bottle. Not without first adding a little sugar.

It’s simple enough. Just stir sugar into the room-temperature beverage until it dissolves. Chill with ice cubes, and enjoy the anticipated bounty it brings to your palette and body.

How I wish we could transform the sour elements of our personalities that easily. Pour sugar into our souls and gently stir until goodness dissolves any anger, self-doubt, resentment, revenge, or fear. All the things that make one’s life hard…backed-up plumbing, job loss, hurt feelings, failure, or bad news that a dear friend or relative is seriously ill.

Sweetening lemonade, and choosing to do good instead of harm, involves a process. Each of us has the potential to react in ways that offer positive support. This takes practice. It requires a choice. There is an old saying, ‘if life gives you lemons make lemonade.’

In my newly published novel, Kiss under the Lemon Tree, my characters learn this lesson—like most of us—the hard way.

What if we didn’t have to learn the hard way? What if we could walk through each day, add sugar to help sweeten our sour thoughts toward our failures, mundane tasks, disappointments, and even disagreeable individuals?

What if we offered sweet lemonade, God’s way, to all we came into contact with using these three steps?

1. PRAISE Jesus even when it’s difficult.
2. ASK the Holy Spirit to sweeten our sour attitude.
3. EXPECT God to pour sweet blessings into our life.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9, WEB)

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28,30, NASB)

When the phone would ring in the kitchen, I would run to answer it. It was exciting to discover who was calling. Who was the call for? Only the caller could tell. Sometimes I would recognize their voice and know immediately who they were calling for. If the call was for my mom, I would cover the mouth piece and  call out for her. She had a call waiting.

These days we have our own phones with our own numbers. The screen on our phones reveal who is calling us, or at least the number of the caller. We are not forced to alter much to answer a call. We can answer from any room in the house. No need to stop doing what we are doing. Put them on speaker and keep washing dishes or folding laundry. 

When God calls, all attention needs to be on him. Quieting the world around us, perhaps slipping off to a room by ourselves. A call is not simply an interruption, it has a purpose. We are being asked to change our thoughts to God’s purpose. To hear and consider what is being said, to us. Not for anyone else.

Jesus reminds us that his yoke is not difficult. His call will not crush us or overwhelm us, because he promises rest in the doing, with him.

Lord,

You never ask me to work alone. You are with me. Whatever I am asked to do today, I will give you any weariness in the doing. I ask you to bring my thoughts into focus on the tasks of today. Make me ready to stop at any time for the needs of the people around me. Make me sensitive to their heart needs and provide me wisdom in how to help them. Your call is the best call. I am ready and excited, like answering the phone as a child, to hear your call throughout the day.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation”
(This notice or a portion must be a click enabled Web link to www.lockman.org.)

Hi guys. So this is it, the end of these short devotionals, for now. I plan to post once a week after today. If you want to receive the post to your inbox, be sure to sign up below. If not, I plan to post to social media upcoming posts. 

“But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.” (‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9:31 ‭NIV‬‬) 

My husband who enjoys barbequing, recently made a poor choice, in my eyes. I walked into the kitchen and found him using one of my specialty square shaped baking pans to baste the evening’s dinner, chicken. I stood there, grappling with the reality of the raw chicken resting in my pan, with spices and oil on it’s carass. I explained to him his mistake to which he said, “Ya, but doesn’t it fit perfectly?” And I had to admit it did.

The people in chapter nine are telling God how truly great and amazing he is because he did not destroy or leave his people in their poor choices. Spoiler alert! These people of Nehemiah’s time are not going to get it right either. They too will stray from God’s will for them.

The comparison to my husband’s pan choice is not a good one. A stronger image would be if my pan jumped out of the cupboard and offered itself to hold the chicken rather than the cake batter it was designed for. That is what I do when I grumble at a fellow driver. Or become impatient with my family. It seems appropriate at the moment but it was never intended for me to  become one with those thoughts and actions.

Gracious and merciful is our God. He revealed his eternal lovingkindness best through Jesus Christ. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls that in the end would not protect the people, because they would choose to rebel. As we come out of this time behind the walls of our homes, or remain within them, may we keep our focus on Jesus. The only hope we can be eternally secure in.

Lord,

As we wait for a shift back to normalcy, we praise you. We have peace, joy, and love in this time because of you. Help us gather courage and speak peace and joy into another’s life today. The walls of our homes need not confine us because Jesus is within us. Help us shine your light to those around us. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Hello and welcome back. We are nearing the end of Nehemiah chapter 9. If you have your bible, be sure to open and read all of verse 30 for today. I am highlighting a portion of the verse for today’s devotion. I understand that for some, it would be easier to have a bible link on this page rather than getting out a bible. Not a problem. I am looking into how to link an online bible source to my page. Now, on to today’s devotional.

“And admonished them by Your Spirit through Your prophets, Yet they would not give ear.” (Nehemiah 9:30, NASB)

Tall grass must respond to the wind. The ocean obeys the gravitational pull of the moon. Water flows and rushes down stream. What moves us? 

We are supposed to be moved, we were built to be moved by the voice of our Father. 

The people described in Nehemiah refused to listen to God. Unfortunately their lives read like a soap opera because of it.

Thankfully, when Jesus came, he assured the Apostles, and us, that we would be directed through the Holy Spirit. 

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (John 14:26, NASB)

Lord,

Many voices tumble into my day, diverting my focus and your purpose. I give my fears, concerns, and loneliness to you. I want to hear the Holy Spirit directing me on your path for today. Show me when I am distracted. Help me be moved by your Word as grass bends to the wind. Your purpose for me today, only I can do. May my response to you reflect that you are the push, pull, and flow of this day.

“Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible^® (NASB),
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission. www.Lockman.org“

Welcome back! How is Nehemiah chapter bearing out for you? It has given me much to ponder about God and his ways. For example, he never changes in his holiness. And he wants to give us the opportunity to get things right with him. What has stood out to you about God?

For today, be sure to read Nehemiah 9:29 before you go any further.

“We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9b-10, NASB)

There are rules for operating a vehicle. Rules for how to make minor or major repairs. Rules to keep it legal to drive, like paying for auto insurance and DMV registration. Tires must be rotated to get the best wear out of them. Headlights need replacing when they go out.

If we don’t follow these rules or best practices, we can end up with a ticket, a broken down car, and expensive repairs we could have avoided.

Why do I march into the day without reading God’s word? Why do I step into my own groove part way through the day? Who do I treat people the way I want to rather than how God instructs me to? Why don’t I pray before every decision?

Do you don’t relate to my list of questions? Are there any you would add?

This time of sheltering in place has made me more aware of where I fall short of God’s will. I am grateful for Jesus all over again because I have a hope while walking through this time. A hope of continual relationship with our Abba.

Lord,

Reveal to me any way I am rejecting your will. I want to live today for you. To be captivated and in agreement with your plan. Thank you for the hope of life through Christ. Thank you that although I may not  know how to repair a car, you know how to repair me. 

Colossians 1:9-14 is a beautiful way to pray for others. If you have a chance, sit with these verses and pray them over your family, friends, and church.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation” http://www.lockman.org/

Hi. Welcome back. If you are in the states, we are celebrating Memorial Day today. I thank you for stopping by on such a significant day. Please open your bible to Nehemiah 9 and read verses 26-28. It might be hard to read, it is for me. Fortunately, God is full of compassion. So, please press through to the end.

“When they cried again to You, You heard from heaven, And many times You rescued them according to Your compassion.” (Nehemiah 9:28b, NASB)

To love a child seems an easy task. Raising them, though, takes strength, determination, and purpose. To correct a child today is knowing that another correction will be needed tomorrow and the next. For years to come. This relationship is built upon the repetition of rules and boundaries where love can flourish.

In our reading today we see the reminder of God’s people rebelling against his rules and boundaries. And so life gets very uncomfortable for them. It is hard to read these verses and see how the people turned away from God. It is also hard to be in a household where rebellion against the parents is occurring.

But where repentance and mercy are combined, love wins. 

1 John chapter four explains that Jesus was sent, as God’s love. There was no longer denying God’s love in the physical sense, because here it was, in a real live man who embodied God. And tucked in this chapter is that God’s love removes fear from us. (1 John 4:18)

Lord,

Fear brings thoughts that are not yours. Thoughts filled with fear bring actions you do not intend for us. We lay our fears at your feet. May we remain focused on your perfect love, like a child reaching for its parents embrace.

If you have time, reading 1 John 4 is a great investment for your day! Thanks again for stopping by. I hope to see you again tomorrow.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation” http://www.lockman.org/

Hello and welcome back! Open up your bible and read Nehemiah 9:22-25. There is much celebration that occurs because of what is described in these verses.

“…and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.” (Nehemiah 9:25b, KJV)

Have you ever received something good that you did not earn? Through a follow up phone call to a medical billing department regarding a procedure for my husband, I discovered they had over charged us. By quite a bit. They owed us the money back, and I gladly requested it. There was much celebration in our home that day.

There is nothing I can do in my own strength to bring about the gifts God has given to me. The cool a light breeze brings on a warm day. My children who love me simply because I am their mom. The comfort the sound of my husband’s voice brings to my day. What is your list to  delight in God’s great goodness for?

Lord, 

We have much to celebrate. Remind us today, how you are what we celebrate. You are the giver of all good things. Nehemiah and the people were celebrating you as they listed all you have given and done for the people. As we enter this weekend, may our hearts and thoughts be turned toward you, the giver of favor and goodness. 

I love the reminder of celebrations in the bible. Do you need a reminder of how you were celebrated in heaven? John 15:10 is a great place to see this.

Welcome! Thanks for visiting. Please open your bible and read Nehemiah 9:19-21.

“Indeed, forty years You provided for them in the wilderness and they were not in want;” (Nehemiah 9:21a, NASB)

Have you transplanted a plant? As newlyweds, I wanted to put plants into the ground around our new home. Depending on the plant I purchased, the root ball, once exposed from the pot, needed specific root care. Some needed to be broken up a bit so they would take root in the new ground. Other root systems were delicate and the plant would be destroyed if broken up.

God removed the Iraelites from 400 years of slavery. There was some replanting that needed to occur in the wilderness, for their hearts and minds. A transfer of trust.

God knew what they needed to survive in the desert. Did they complain? Yes. Any replanting produces shock to the system. But God is a good gardener. 

Our lives look very different from what we have known, but God is with us. He withholds no good thing from us.

Lord,

Withering hope is not your plan for us. You remain. You remain unchanged. You remain with us. You are for us and not against us. You are seeing us through. Should we lose hope today, replace our lost hope with your thoughts. You are our needed nourishment.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation” http://www.lockman.org/

Hi. Welcome back! Grab your bible and let’s turn to chapter nine of Nehemiah. Be sure to read both verses sixteen and seventeen.

“But You are a God of forgiveness,

Gracious and compassionate,

Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness;

And You did not forsake them.” ( Nehemiah 9:17b, NASB)

When I was a kid, I would be sent to my room occasionally for a time out. It was for a period of time for me to consider my behavior. I had done something that went against the standards of my home. It was never fun or rewarding to be sent to my room. I was cut off from my family, made to endure time, alone. 

When we rebel against God, the evidence of how this separates us from him is not always as obvious as a time out is for a child. It affects us so very deeply when we rebel against God and his perfect plan for how we live our lives, even if it does not show on the outside.

Perhaps now, more than ever, with slowed down lives for many of us, an over examination of our lives is occurring. It is not wise to go to those places without God. 

He is our correction and comfort.

To enter this place of reflection without his perfect love is to open ourselves up to the prince of lies and fall victim of false conviction. (Romans 8) 

Like a child set free from a time out, that separation has an effect for good when they are loving received back into the family.

Lord,

Is anything in me rebelling against your will? Please show it to me. I want to apologize for it. Gratitude fills me that I am received by you. Your compassion and love go further than anything I can imagine. Thank you, that although I have rebelled against you at times, you are there, waiting to receive and forgive me. Thank you for not turning away from me, but for pulling me closer to you.

Do you have some extra time today? May I suggest reading Romans chapter eight? That chapter never fails to minister to me and weed out any thinking that does not fall in line with our loving Father. 

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation” http://www.lockman.org/