Tag: faith

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

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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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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Air Locks, Black Holes and Spontaneous Combustion-

Taking Rogue Thoughts Captive

Photo by Anthony DeRosa on Pexels.com

5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

READ 2 Corinthians 10:1-6  I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

I have been sharing with you my struggle to forgive and release my anger toward situations in my life that have directly affected me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  As I continue to turn to the Holy Spirit and the Word, I want to continue to share what I learn. We are well armed and fitted with what we need to face the tough seasons in our lives. We will always face difficulties in this life, it is the lot of humankind but knowing and trusting in God to help you navigate through the trials makes the difference between defeat and victory.

The battle begins in our minds.

              Our minds often determine our end.  By not controlling my thoughts, I became more angry, more bitter and blinded. I would run the scenarios or something someone said in a loop in my mind and as I did so I became more agitated. Allowing myself to indulge in this “created” internal argument provided strongholds for my enemy to get his foot into.  Then with that stronghold over me, I fell further into depression and anger.  The scenarios were not real, they were manufactured in my mind to feed my anger and push me further from God.

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.

 To some this may seem incredible, however how many times have you allowed something someone said to you fester in your mind? How many times have you allowed what happened at the family dinner to gnaw at you until you are so angry with that family member you aren’t talking to them anymore? And they have no idea why!  What about something said to you against your faith in God and you turned in your mind rather than presented it before God for understanding? We do it everyday on grand and small degrees and we let those imaging run free producing fake emotions, perceived injuries and sparking anger.

..and take every thought captive to obey Christ

Your mind is strong and you, only you, can determine what you allow to play in your mind. When imaginings raise up causing paranoia or doubt, and sinful thoughts take that thought and cast it out.  I literally imagine myself ejecting it from an airlock.  A friend of mine drops her’s in a black hole. It doesn’t matter how you imagine it leaving your mind as long as it does.  Wad it, trash it, sweep it, set fire to it whatever but bring that thought under submission and cast it out. You cannot be in obedience to Christ if you allow these thoughts to occupy your mind unchecked. You leave yourself vulnerable and allow the enemy to seek out strongholds in your mind to use against you.

 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

Typist for Jesus

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I Am the Typist for Jesus

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 5:40

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

              I haven’t written a Mustard Seed in a couple of months.  I had just about decided that it was time to move on to something else. After nearly ten years, I was pretty sure that it had run its course. I had not received a call or even an email asking why there had not been recent publications. No one has asked so no one must be reading them.

              Last night, I decided that I would discontinue the Mustard Seed. I told God that since no one seemed to even notice they had stopped then there was no point. It was a very sad moment for me.

              Today I got a phone call.  “Hey, I haven’t seen a Mustard Seed in a while aren’t you writing them anymore?” I explained the situation to this young lady.  She seemed disappointed to hear that I was discontinuing publishing the Seed. Before I could say anymore her husband called out from another room. “Hey, sorry to be eavesdropping but I heard what you said and immediately I heard “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” God says to tell you, that even if only one person is reading, you need to be writing.  I think you need to pray and make sure that is what God wants. I think He wants you to keep writing.”

Well, I cried after that call and not just a little. I had swollen eyes and snot bubbles all over the place. My daughter came in and was in a panic for a moment wondering what I was going on about. That husband had a message for me, and he delivered it with an authority that I knew exactly where it came from.  He and his wife ministered to me and renewed my desire to get back to the keyboard.

We have the ability and responsibility to minister to one another and should never shy away from obeying God when he speaks to us about another. The Holy Spirit spoke to this man and he obeyed.  I am very grateful for his willingness to be an instrument for God.

I’ve been called to minister to others with the written word, so I better get to writing.  I hope you will join me on some new adventures this year. Maybe invite some others to read along.

I am the Typist for Jesus.

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Sowing Good Seed

Sowing Good Seed

Matthew 13:24-30

The Parable of the Weeds: 

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds[a] among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants[b] of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:24-30

There is a strip of land between my neighbor and me.  Every time it rains, water rushes down, bringing dirt, rocks, and debris into my driveway.  The landlord threw out grass seed many times, but the seeds were washed away or eaten.  One day on a whim, I threw out wildflower seeds and covered it with grass clippings.  In just a few short days, the wildflowers began to grow and quickly filled the slope with lovely yellow, white and an occasional purple bloom.  Grass also began to grow, and the area began to flourish. It was not long before weeds began to pop up between the flowers.  As the weeds multiplied, the flowers decreased, and the lush area began to look a bit scrubby.  I tried to do some weeding, but the roots of the weeds and wildflowers were intertwined.  Pulling the weeds damaged some of the flowers.  So, I left them to grow together.

            In the Parable of the Weeds, (Matt 13:24-30), Jesus clearly tells us that weeds will invade our gardens as evil invaded the original garden.  We must contend with evil in this world.  God allows evil and good to co-exist and will until the end.   This should be an encouragement to believers, and we must not lose heart when our efforts seem hopeless.  We must deal with the reality of opposition and evil and recognize that it does not define the outcome. 

            In verse 30, “Let both grow together until the harvest”, may seem a bit counter productive however unlike God we cannot know another’s heart.  Nor do we know where their lives and choices my take them-or their potential for redemption.  God is merciful and patient. As on my little slope of wildflowers, removing the weeds now would destroy both.  Separation will come at the harvest, in God’s timing. 

Our job in the meantime, is to continue to sow good seed.  

Typist for Jesus

Zoom Out

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passion 2 Timothy 4:3

I got a text the other day.  It read, “little bird taking a dust bath.”  Attached was a video.  I hit play and the sounds of cheerful bird song and passing cars filled the room.  However, I did not see the little bird, in fact I saw nothing but a patch of grass.  Puzzled, I stopped the video and tapped it again and it filled the phone’s screen.  I selected the play icon and again the sound of birds and cars.  Yet, this time in the upper corner, I saw movement.  Zooming out, I saw the little bird in the upper right corner.  He was happily rolling in the dust.  I had to laugh, he looked as if he was having the time of his life. 

If I had not zoomed out, I would have missed the bird completely and thought my friend a little daft.  I cannot help but wonder how much we miss because we do not take time to look at the whole picture?

It is hard to look past what is going on in our little bubble.  We have bills, work, family, and relationships that take up much of our time and keep us distracted.  Unfortunately, allowing ourselves to become distracted and focused on our private bubbles, we miss out on important issues.  Things are changing quickly in the world around us and not all these changes are good.  We as Christians and Americans need to be paying attention.  We need to be voting, educating ourselves about the current issues in the news not just here in America but all around the world.  Most importantly, we need to use our voices and refuse to be silent. 

Zoom out and look at the bigger picture.  Our freedoms are in jeopardy and there are those that are actively working against us.  We must stand up, use our voices, and our votes. Most importantly, now more than ever in our lifetimes, we must be bold and fearlessly share Jesus.  Christian values and teachings are under attack.  Many of our Christians and churches are buckling to society’s demand of a softer, tolerant, and an inclusive approach. Now is not the time to be diluting the Word and Promises of God.

Typist for Jesus    

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Connection Lost

(Read John 16)

This past year we all have learned that there are many ways to work without being at work.  I have been working from home for almost a year now.  Pretty much if you have an internet connection you can work. 

My daughter had a doctor’s appointment and rather than taking off from work I decided I would take my laptop and continue working.  Due to social distancing, only the patient can go back so I decided to use that time to continue what I had been working on that morning.  The nurse called her back and I flipped up the top to get back to my spreadsheet.  Except there was a problem, my system was not working.  Ah, I needed to get the password from the receptionist.  I went to the desk and asked.  Unfortunately, they do not provide internet access. Without the internet my laptop was now useless and my plans for being productive thwarted.

The Holy Spirit is our connection, through prayer and daily Bible study,

we can strengthen our connection.

            It is the same in our spiritual lives, without a connection to the Father and Son, we too are lost. The Holy Spirit is our connection.  With the Spirit we have discernment, wisdom, comfort, and guidance.  The Holy Spirit is a gift from Jesus.  In the book of John chapter 16, Jesus is preparing his followers for his death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. He knew how his followers may feel lost and unable to continue the work that he started with them.  He also knew that 2,000 years later you and I would need the Spirit to guide us in continuing the work that he has started in each one of us. In Jesus’ physical absence he sent the Holy Spirit as guide and comforter those that believe in him. We have that Spirit available to us, filling us and guiding us in the way that the Lord would have us to go.  Unlike the internet, the Spirit can reach you without a password.  Once you accept Christ Jesus as your savior the connection is made, and you no longer navigate this world alone.

            Use the gift that Jesus has left for you, to draw you nearer to him.  Allow the Spirit to teach and guide you. Through prayer and daily Bible study, strengthen the connection.

Cartoon Typist for Jesus
by Bitmoji

The best is yet to come,

Typist for Jesus

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The Best is Yet to Come

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so, they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”  John 2:1-10 (NIV)

              A friend of mine recently recommended this story to be included in my new book I am currently writing.  As I studied the characters and the circumstances that they were facing, I decided that in our current situation as a people across the globe that maybe this story should be shared now.

 As I read my mind created the scene.  It was fall in the land, that is when the weddings were preformed because there was plenty after the harvest and cooler.  The Jewish wedding feast last for five days and during that time food and wine is plentiful.  In the first verse, it states that it was the third day of the feast, that let’s us know it was serious that the wine had run out because there were two more days of feasting to go.  So that is one reason why Mary came to Jesus, she knew that he could remedy the issue. So Mary asked Jesus. Notice that Mary does not argue with Jesus or presses him, she simply tells the servants to “Do whatever he tells you.” She made her request and then left it with Jesus.

What really interest me in this story is the servants and their unwavering obedience.

Mary walks away and the servants look to Jesus. I think they were waiting on Jesus to tell them to run into town or knock on the neighbor’s door but Jesus told the servants to fill the ceremonial jars with water.  Can you imagine what was going through the minds of these servants?  They begin drawing water out of the well and dump bucket after bucket into the vessels. Finally, six huge stone jars are filled to the brim with water.  Their task complete, once again they turn to Jesus, curious maybe a bit confused, and waited for his next command. 

Now take a moment to think about this, what if you had been the servant that Jesus told to draw out the water and take to the head of the banquet?  

Now you don’t know Jesus, but you do know that there is nothing but water in that jar and now in the decanter.  However, being an obedient servant, you take the decanter to the head of the banquet.  As this servant walked through the loud hall filled with singing, winding between the couches and guests, I can only imagine what must have been going through the servant’s mind. I have thought about that a lot since studying this passage. Was he or maybe it was a she, the gender is never specified, scared?  I think that I would have been.  Yet, these servants did what was commanded without questioning. 

  I believe that a true servant must relinquish their will and body to their master.  To do that, the servant must choose to trust the master.  That person knew that they had filled the decanter with water but they took it obediently. When the servant got to the table what a sweet relief it must have been when rich, red, fragrant wine filled the cup. 

Often, we are put in situations where we do not know what God has planned next.  God rarely shares his plans or reasons for what he does.  I find that very frustrating.  I believe that God chooses to withhold that information to cultivate trust, faithfulness, and obedience.  The servant carried the vessel of water obediently to the banquet table not knowing what was going to happen until they tipped the clay jar and wine spilled out. Do not become discouraged or scared, instead like the servants, trust the master.  Do not let what is going on around us discourage you and your faith. Continue to be obedient and faithful to Jesus. 

At the end of the passage, we see that the master of the banquet was very pleased that the best wine had been saved for the end of the banquet. “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 

 No matter what is going on in your life and in this world, remember that the best is yet to come.

Typist for Jesus.

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Away in the Utensil Drawer

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

I love decorating for the holidays. All the glitter and shiny lights. I think I have lights attached to anything that stands still long enough. My granddaughter also loves the decorations, however at 22 months, she just wants to tear everything down, sit on it, step on it and sometimes just yell at it. I have one area that I let her do with as she pleases. It is an old incomplete nativity scene. The animals and shelter are long gone. Only two wise men, Jesus, Mary and Joseph remain. The baby Jesus is her favorite piece. The same size of her hand, she carries him close. She carries him all through the house, cuddling, cooing and kissing him.

I have found baby Jesus in the sink, dog food, dog’s water bowl, bath tub, drawers and multiple times in the floor. He has even appeared waiting in line to see Santa in my Christmas Village. She loves baby Jesus, until something else grabs her attention. Which can be anything from a toy, hunger, sleepiness and of course something she should not be messing with. (like the dog’s water bowl) Unfortunately, we are guilty of the same spiritually. Jesus is great until something more interesting or distracting comes along and then we just leave him to pursue what has grabbed our attention.

As we enter into the new year, let’s not leave Jesus behind packed up with the Christmas decorations. Instead, let’s carry him into the new year and firmly in our hearts. This past year has been challenging on so many levels not the least spiritually. I anticipate this new year will continue to test us. We cannot face these new challenges without Jesus.

Hold to Jesus. Do not allow the distractions of politics, media and personal trials to loosen your grip.

Typist for Jesus