Category: Christian Living

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Derailed by A little Acorn

For who hath despised the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10

Walking back from the mailbox today, I took a little

tumble. As leaves and mail showered down on me, I

stared up at the blue. My driveway is littered with little

brown acorns. When you pull in the drive, the sound of

them popping under the weight of the tires is almost

deafening. Unfortunately, I stepped on one of the little

nuts just right and my foot flew out from under me.

I have thought about that little acorn a lot today. Something so small yet it was able to change my path. Often, we

think of small things as unworthy and ineffectual.  Yet God uses the power of small things to accomplish great things.

The Bible is full of examples of how God used seemingly small objects and people to do great things.

Nothing is too small for God to use.

Manna, Exodus 16:14-15 God used fine flake like things to feed the Israelites in the wilderness. No one knew what it

was, but Moses did, “It is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat.” (Exodus 16:16) The Lord used this tiny

substance to sustain his people for 40 years. God sustains his people.

Five little stones 1 Samuel 17:40 Saul’s armor was too big and heavy for David. So, he used what he was familiar.

David gathered up five smooth pebbles from the brook and faced Goliath. It took one stone to defeat the Philistine

enemy. What amazing power in an insignificant rock. Never doubt that you are enough, and God wants you just as you

are. You do not have to act like someone else or compare yourself to someone else.

Moses, meek and humble delivers a nation, Exodus 14. Moses was an unlikely and reluctant spokesman for the God.

Moses was a fugitive with a speech impediment, yet God used him to speak. Often, we feel that we have nothing to

offer in God’s service, however God will use you. All that is required is that you yield to his request. He can and will

use those that are willing.

A small pot of oil, 2 Kings 4:1-7. The widow in the book of Kings was in a pickle. The creditors were going to take her

two sons to satisfy her debts. She had nothing of value in the house but a small jar of oil. Elisha by God’s command

instructed her to go and borrow all the empty jars she could find. Once all the empty vessels were lined up, she was told

to fill those jars with what she had. That small little bit she had filled all the jars she had borrowed. She was able to sell

that oil and pay off every debt and redeem her children. God will use what you have. (Every time I read this, I am

reminded that Jesus was poured out to cover our sins and redeem his children.)

Feeding 5,000 with 2 fish, Luke 19:10-17 Jesus had been teaching the crowds all morning and as he looked out over

them, he knew they hungry and unprepared. The disciples only had five loaves and two fish. Jesus had the people gather

and he blessed the meager food, it was multiplied, and the multitude was fed with twelve baskets left over. God can and

will supply your needs.

God blesses the common, the ordinary, the small and insignificant to accomplish his will. Don’t despise the small

things, in the hands of God they have great potential.

Typist for Jesus

I Just Got New Glasses and I Don’t Like ‘em

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Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 1 Corinthians 11:31

I waited patiently as the lady found my glasses. I was excited to have them, it’s been a while since I had new ones. She cleaned them, made some adjustments, and then slipped them gingerly onto my face. I turned to look into the mirror and my excitement floated away.

“Is there something wrong?” She asked.

“I don’t like them.”

“Why?” Her voice rising in concern.

“Because I can see all my wrinkles.” I answered with obvious disappointment.

When I put on new glasses, I was able to see a few extra lines that I was unaware of. Because I was looking through an old prescription, I was blissfully unaware. I had an image in my head of myself that was now changed. We all are guilty of being content with the vision we have of ourselves. However, we need to take another look through the lens of Christ.

Self-examination is not fun. Anytime we take time to examine ourselves it proves to be an uncomfortable lesson. More importantly it is an opportunity for personal growth and a deepening relationship with Jesus. Though out the Bible we are reminded that we must look inward. Many of us work very hard on polishing the outside. We want to present that we are in charge and above reproach, however most often a well-coiffed exterior hides an ugly inside.

What lens do you use to examine your heart and your motives? Do you have clear sight?

It may be time for a pair of new “spiritual glasses”.

Typist for Jesus

Seasons Change

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“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

I was standing at the sink this morning and a gust of wind sent a shower of golden leaves down.  They were so

beautiful tumbling in the early light.  I love Fall!  Fire pits, pumpkins on doorsteps, comfy sweaters, and hot chocolate.

There is something very reassuring about the changing of the seasons isn’t there? Spring becomes summer, summer

cools into fall and finally the sleep of winter. God’s seasons continue despite all the craziness around us.

There are also seasons in our lives. I have had seasons in my life that I hope to never repeat. I bet you have too. In

fact, some of you may be going through a season right now. I have been for some time now. You may be dealing with a

loss, financial issues, relationship problems or health. Whatever it may be, be certain God is still very much in charge.

The verse for this week is out of Genesis and is part of the covenant God made with Noah after the Flood. Just like the

sign of the rainbow, the cycle of seasons testifies that God will preserve and redeem his creation. Most of us however

probably do not think of the seasons in this way and never in the covenantal symbolism. Until I researched seasons in

the Bible, I did not know either. This promise in Genesis reminds us that though the world maybe in turmoil, God is in

charge and will remain in charge. It is a promise he made to all of us, and he demonstrates it the changing of the

seasons.

Just like the seasons change, this period of your life will change. If you are presently in a difficult period in your

life, please know it is not forever.  These periods in our lives help us grow and mature in ourselves and most

importantly our relationship with God.  Remember the seeds wait patiently under the cover of snow for spring.

Spring is coming,

Typist for Jesus

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Be a Beacon for Christ

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Cairns along Route 1 Iceland. Photo by Melissa Levi
Cairn along road in Iceland. Photo by Melissa Levi

While traveling through Iceland, I saw several stacked rocks that dotted the landscape. It fascinated me to see them running parallel to the highway I traveled.

These stone stacks are known as cairns. Some of the cairns are 1200 years old.  Originally, they were built by Vikings on their explorations of Iceland. Some of these monuments were burial markers and others held messages and food.  However, their most prevalent purpose was as guides to help the Vikings navigate back out of the highlands and to lead others into the land that followed them. The cairns are still used today, Iceland built their main road that encompasses the island nation by these ancient highways.  Travelers today are still following the same route the Vikings established.      

               Unfortunately, tourist over the years have built their own cairns as monuments to their travels. Cairns are still used as landmarks and Pathfinders in Iceland by the residence. These added stacks could make someone lose their way. In some areas the tourist cairns litter the landscape. These false beacons not only confuse the path, but they also damage the mosses that grow on the rocks and the ground.

As I stood next to one of the weathered cairns, spotted with moss and lichen, I thought about how the Vikings built these markers to guide travels and now even 1200 years later they guided me on my journey through the land.

Five thousand years ago, Moses wrote the first chapters of the Bible. Two thousand years ago, the disciples of Jesus wrote of his teaching and healing of the masses. Paul wrote to the churches to encourage and teach. So even today, God’s Word is guiding people, generation after generation to the truth. Teaching the wonderous gift of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. However, just like the tourist cairns, adding to or taking away from God’s Word can lead people a stray. Be careful what you share with believers and non-believers alike. You must always refer to the Word of God and never change it to fit what you want it to say or a point you want to make.  We are beacons showing the way to Jesus and redemption through Him.

Unfortunately, there are many other markers that lead to paths of destruction. Do not be distracted and stand firm in God’s Word. Many will try to lead you away and on paths that lead you further away from God.

Be a beacon for Christ.

Typist for Jesus

Wait with Expectation and Enthusiasm for God

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Haukadalur Geothermal Field, Iceland Photo by Melissa Levi
Haukadalur Geothermal Field, Iceland. Photo by Melissa Levi

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:25-27 NKJV

I stood poised waiting on the next geothermal eruption. My phone in one hand, my GoPro in the other and a camera around my neck. I wasn’t about to miss the moment the earth would belch boiling water into the sky. Of course, I was not the only one. Lined up around the site was roughly 120 people shoulder to shoulder, silent, focused, and expectant. Every time the water rose or fell, a collective gasp traveled through the onlookers. The chilly air was charged with excitement and expectation. As the moments drug on, the spectators did not waver, they had every faith that the geyser would soon erupt and so they waited, patiently. And that patience paid off because the geyser exploded, shooting hot boiling water into the sky and steam engulfed the onlookers.  Laughter replaced the hushed voices as the crowd began to disperse. It was an amazing encounter.

As I stood as close as I dared, I thought about all those people standing on a dirt slope on a cold drizzly day, bundled up against the Icelandic wind, waiting.  Willing to face uncomfortable weather for a moment, literally less than a second to experience the explosion. I also thought how we are taught in the Word to wait expectantly and patiently on the Lord. More interestingly I thought about how few of us would wait in the elements for God. Much less in expectation and with patience.

Why is it that we have so much faith in a water filled hole in the ground and so little in our God? It may seem a bit harsh you think me saying it in such a way, but if we are honest, it’s truth. When we pray to God, we want him to answer immediately. We want the answer to be exactly the way we have envisioned it. Our way, in our time.

God is not a genie. He the author and creator of all things. He does not throw things out there and work on our whims, but rather our lives, those before us and those that will come after us, are meticulously orchestrated to bring glory to God and for the good for those who love him.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV.

I know that it is hard to wait. I know that in our minds we think we know what is best for us, our children, where we live or work, but ultimately is only God that knows what is needed. He knows what is better for us in our journey of growth and in our walk with Jesus.

Trust God and his timing. Wait with expectation and enthusiasm to see what God has in store for you. God can and often does things you never could have dreamed on your own.

Typist for Jesus

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Fear Not, For God is With You and Me

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I have not written in a long time. To be transparent, I have simply found it hard to be a voice of encouragement when I feel only discouragement. Maybe you too feel a bit overwhelmed.
Just watch the news feed for a few moments to see a world in turmoil and hopelessness. Images of murders, suicides, school shootings, rape, child abuse, war and natural disasters weigh heavy emotionally and mentally. That’s just what is going on around you, what about the stuff in your home, workplace, relationships or your personal health. Where do you find a sliver of hope in that?


I have spent a lot of time asking Jesus just that lately.


Where do we find the strength and endurance to walk forward during these difficult times? The answer is simple, Jesus. Though it is a simple answer and one that should not elude even the newest Christian, it still at times is hard to grasp.
Isaiah 41:10 begins with a command, fear not. Fear is the opposite of faith. When we are told to fear not, it is important to take God seriously. Fear, worry, and anxiety are often gateways to sin. It leads to unbelief and the loss of faith. Within the same sentence God also offers a promise. Fear not, for I am with you. How much more we are subject to fear and feelings of discouragement than when we are alone. We fear not and have faith because He has told us, I am with you.
Be not dismayed, for I am your God. When I read this, it was almost as if God is saying, Hey, I’m your God the God of all power and glory. It is a reminder that God is all powerful. I think we get so overwhelmed with everything going on around us that we forget the greatness of God and when we lose sight of that we become dismayed.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. God can help us because of his power but it is his love for us that says I will help you. And he will because he said it and it’s a promise.
After spending time in the word and really looking at these promises, I see the terrible nature of my fear and unbelief. In essence I am saying to God, you aren’t with me, you are not the God of glory and strength, and you don’t really love me. Nothing is further from the truth. God is all powerful, he is my strength, and my rock. Don’t be like me and allow yourself to be blinded by everything in the news, by the way other people treat you by what seems so hopeless. We are not helpless, hopeless or forgotten but rather as he told us in the book of Isaiah, that he is with us, he is strengthening us and he loves us very much.


Fear not, for God is with you and me.
Typist for Jesus

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A Rafter of Turkeys

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

A friend of mine is raising turkeys. She has about twenty maybe a few more. They are funny creatures very energetic, inquisitive, and loud. I never thought about the intelligence of a turkey but honestly, I never thought they possessed very much but since she has been raising them my attitude has changed.

            

  Early one morning my friend was beginning her day when she noticed that the turkeys were much louder than usual. In fact, they also seemed very close. Leaning across the table she peered out the window to see her front porch was full of turkeys. There were turkeys across the porch some on the swing, the railing, and chairs. She went to the door and stepped out. As she looked at them, they all looked up at her expectedly. Afraid that something might have gotten in their enclosure, she headed out across the yard, the rafter following.  Everything was in place except the food dispensers were empty. The turkeys stood all around her watching.

She got busy filling the dispensers and as she did the turkeys filed into the enclosure one by one and began eating breakfast.

              A few days later, the same thing happened again. This time it was because they were anxious to get on with the evening feeding. Again, my friend immediately went out to take care of their needs.

              As she related this story to me, I began to think about how often we will go to other sources to have our needs met rather than to God. We ask our friends, co-workers, family, even a stranger. We ask the doctor for a pill, the bartender for another and nothing is accomplished. The pain, anxiety, confusion, and worry is still there. And the problem. We need to be more like these turkeys. They knew exactly who to go to and they went right to the front door boldly.

              You have front door access to God. He is there waiting for you to seek him. Rather than focus on earthly advice and temporary fixes, seek the kingdom of God.

Typist for Jesus

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It’s all in the Timing

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

I have a schedule in the mornings.  I let out the dogs and the chickens, start the coffee, get in the shower and so on.  I leave at precisely 7:15am.  No earlier or later because from where I live that puts me in lesser traffic by the time I reach town. Today however my eldest came by with my grandbaby.  The day care was closed so my other daughter had agreed to watch her. So of course, we talked she had coffee the grand needed some attention and I obliged.  By the time my daughter left I was running well behind my schedule. And that irritated me….a lot. 

              We all have our little rituals, schedules, list and plans and we do not like them messed with by anyone. So, when God has a different idea or an alternate plan for us, we do not always accept it so easily. I am not a patient person. Once I make up my mind to do something, I want to do it now. I find myself in trouble quite often with that attitude.

              Waiting on the Lord and trusting his timing is not easy. However, the Lord can see your future because after all before you were born, he had a plan for your life. God knows what is coming and he knows what is best for you.

              When researching a verse to go with this story, I choose Psalm 27:14.  I choose it not just because it fit but mostly because first the writer begins and ends the sentence with “wait on the Lord” and second because it is ended with an exclamation point. Obviously our writer knew we needed to be told not once but twice to wait. Waiting on the Lord is not easy, and it does take courage. Courage to ignore the nagging whispers, whispers of doubt and fear. Courage to not listen to other people. Courage to simply wait.

              Now is the time to be trusting God, listening, and courageously waiting on the Lord. Be patient and trust that his timing is the best for you. It is all in the timing. His timing places us exactly where and when we should be to achieve his Will in not just our lives but others that he has strategically placed in our paths. Whether we want to be or even realize it, God’s plans are not just for us but others as well. Our friends, family, children and even strangers are influenced by us.

              Is there a decision in your life right now that you are struggling with? Trust in the Lord to guide you in this decision. Pray for direction. Look expectantly for his answer.

              Wait for the Lord!

              Typist for Jesus

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Don’t Reel It In

I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2

I took advantage of this weekend to get some yard work done.  I will admit yard work is not a favorite, but I love the way a yard looks after some TLC.  I was weed eating the ditch when I noticed my machine was making a lot of noise, but the weeds were not going anywhere.  I flipped the weed eater over and there was just about one inch of green cord sticking out. I tugged at it, bounced the bottom on a rock and twisted the cartridge. Nothing helped.  My daughter came up the hill and asked what was wrong. I relayed the information, and she took the weed eater and removed the cartridge.

“Here’s the problem.  The cord was hung up on this and holding it back from releasing.”

                I returned to my task.  As the grass flew, I found myself thinking about what she said. “the cord was being held back”.  Because the cord was unable to be released, it made the weed eater ineffectual. There was a lot of noise, but nothing was happening.

                There are many things in our lives that may hold us back from realizing our potential and fulfilling God’s Plan for our lives.  Sometimes it is other people, we may blame circumstances, but I believe it is mostly ourselves that hold us back. It is the fear of ridicule, fear of failure, unable or unwilling to take the risk, finances, or lack of confidence. Whatever it may be, we seem to forget that if God has placed a desire, a talent, or a mission within you, he has already taken care of all the issues you are worried about. I struggle with this myself probably a lot more than I should. I worry about being ridiculed or not having the money to do something and I worry that some people will think I am crazy. (Actually, several already do)

                It is easy to be bold when our peers are cheering us on.  It is easy to speak out when our message coincides with popular ideas. However, when we speak the truth and share Christ with others outside our circle it is not as easy. When we act while using the Bible as our guide, not everyone understands or appreciates our reasons.  So, we hold back. We reel it in, and we render ourselves ineffectual.

                Jesus dealt with the same issues during his life and ministry. He knew he had mission; he knew it when it was just 12 years old and boldly announced to his family in the synagogue, “I must be about my Father’s business”. (Luke 2:49) Jesus did not allow his human side to be held back, he walked in faith.  During his ministry he did not carry food or an extra cloak but rather depended on the Lord to provide. And boy did God provide, feeding over 5,000! (Matthew 14:13-21)

                So, as you read this, you may be thinking well that was Jesus of course he had faith and God made his way. I am just somebody, somewhere doing something.  I get it.  However, God has given you a mission.  God has a plan a design and he is eager for you to step up and accept it. Stop reeling it in, let it out and get to it.

Will it be easy? Absolutely not.

 Will everyone like what you do or say?  Absolutely not.

Will all your family and friends support you? Absolutely not.

 Will Jesus walk it with you? Absolutely.

                Typist for Jesus

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Practice Makes Perfect….Eventually

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

When I was in the third grade, I was forever getting failing penmanship grades. I missed some spelling words, not because they were misspelled but because they were illegible. My grades were suffering which meant I was when I brought home the report cards. I was always in a hurry and had other things to do and having to take time to sit down and write things out was frustrating.

One day my mother gave me ten cents and told me to go to the office and buy a tablet and bring it home. I was to practice writing every night after my schoolwork. It was misery. One Saturday afternoon after chores and cartoons were over, I was stuck in the house because it was storming. Bored with toys and games I picked up the tablet and began to doodle. I wrote my name, my full name, my cat’s name, brother, and mom and dad. Slowly, at first and then a little faster, I started to form the cursive letters.

Within a few weeks, my teacher sent home a note congratulating me on my much-improved penmanship. By the year end, I had an A and a little award for best penmanship. I find even now that writing whether in a journal or a Seed, is comforting. I still like a simple No 2 pencil.

Part of practicing something is more about learning control than anything else. By doing repetitive motions your ability to control your movements steadily increases until you are in control. It is the same principle in many things. Controlling a car, your spending, thoughts, and your emotions.

Part of practicing something is more about learning control than anything else. By doing repetitive motions your ability to control your movements steadily increases until you are in control. It is the same principle in many things. Controlling a car, your spending, thoughts, and your emotions.

Self-control takes time, practice, determination, and patience. The Word tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that we have been given this power but only if we choose to nurture it and practice it consistently. It takes discipline. It is easier to let our emotions lead, sometimes exciting but once the situation has passed, we must deal with the aftermath.

You have been given the power of love and self-control are you using them to glorify God and show others to Christ?
Typist for Jesus