The Mustard Seed

Year 2023 is ending today, but a new year will usher in to tomorrow. What better way to end and start a new year than with a bit of Mustard--Seed faith for the last and the first days! In fact, we are told by the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End to have a bit of mustard-seed faith.

My Mustard-Seed

I have only a tiny seed.

I hope it will grow something good; 

Not just a bitter weed.

A tiny mustard-seed I hold in my hand,  

But I am about to toss it into this tilled-up land.

I’m resolute,

It’ll take root;

Grow fruit.

It only takes a bit of faith and belief 

To see growth of a tiny leaf

Created by the Commander-In-Chief.

It only takes a bit of faith to blossom

Into something awesome;

It only takes a bit of water from tender tears,

Intermixed with prayers

For a tiny mustard-seed to take root,

And bear fruit.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/31/2023 

 

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17: 20 NIV. (v21 KJV “Howbeith this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.) 

 

Focus Motto

With 3 more days left in 2023, I don’t want to waste a minute preparing for a new beginning. What better time than today to get started! 

     The motto I will strive to live by is Focus On Jesus. If I can stay on tract I expect to achieve: 

 

F ear less

O vercome problems

C ease worrying

U sher in love (because God is Love)

S in less

Lord, I confess I have ignored you. I want to do better and keep my focus on You.

He Comes!

Once again, the year is about to end and a new one will appear. One day there will be a final coming, and He will come riding on the clouds and all will see Him. 

 He Comes

He comes with the clouds.

All within the crowds will see the King.

Heaven’s bells will ring!

All will see the Beginning and the End;

The Alpha and Omega.

He comes!

The First and The Last!

The trumpet will give a mighty blast.

The Almighty will appear!

Those found faithful will cheer.

All will bow! 

All will cry before the King on high.

He comes riding on the clouds;

All will see within the crowds,

A shining Knight, adorned in white.

He Comes!

The Lamb that was slain.

He comes to break the chains; 

He comes to reign!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/26/2023 

 

“He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” 

Revelations 21:6a

 

 

 

Gift of Christmas

I am excited? It is Christmas Eve, the night we open gifts. I know that any gift I get from family and friends or give to family and friends will be appreciated and used, but they will not last forever. 

     However, Jesus’s gift of His spirit coming into my heart is the gift that will last forever.  It is the gift to be excited about year round. 

     “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. Galatians 4:4-6 

Good Tidings

 Good Tidings I wish for all this Christmas Season! 

Jesus is the Reason.

I pray that our divisions will cease; 

That our joy will increase,

And all will walk with Jesus, the King of Peace. 

"Mary" Christmas

Since my name is Mary, I found the article by Judy Wallace in the Baptist Trumpet interesting. It was titled, A “Mary” Christmas. She talked about three Marys who had their lives turned around because of Jesus’ birth. The following all comes from Judy Wallace’s article briefly summarized: 

 

“Mary, the mother of Jesus found herself pregnant while she was engaged to be married. Subject to Old Testament law, she should have been stoned. Then there was her fiancée whose trust she had shattered. However, Mary believed in God’s promise, His power, and His purpose, and she lived faithfully.

     Mary Magdalene was a woman who had 7 demons and was totally bound, chained, and tormented by these evil oppressors. Jesus saved her, forgave her, and released her. Mary never forgot what she had been and what Jesus had done for her. She lived faithfully. She was with Christ as He ministered to others. She was with Christ when He suffered on the cross. She was with Christ when it came time to anoint His body. She was the first to be with Christ after His glorious resurrection. Her life was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

     Mary, the sister of Martha had intentional discipline and dedication. Mary was more concerned about how her heart looked than about the cleanliness of her house. Mary had a molded mind, an anointing spirit, a humble attitude, and a responsive heart. She was totally attuned to Jesus and drawn to His teachings. When she is seen in Scripture, she is sitting at the feet of Jesus.” 

 

Because of Jesus’ birth, I (Mary) have had my life turned around and changed. I am looking forward to having a “Mary” Christmas with Jesus as the center of it all. The greatest gift I could give back is to follow the example of the Marys in Scripture who worshiped and followed Him with faithful and devoted hearts. 

Maps

I was just thinking about maps. I remember a time when I had to pull over to the side of the road and study the map to find my way when I had gotten lost and taken the wrong turn. Maps have mostly gone by the wayside. Do they even make them anymore? 

     With GPS, maps are no longer needed. Although the GPS will sometimes take me the long way around, it will usually get me to my destination if I don’t argue with it which I have done quite a few times. 

    I am actually pretty good at disagreeing with the GPS and just as good at disagreeing with the roadmap of life. My travels would be so much easier if I pulled over to the side of the road more often, studied, and actually followed God’s directions without arguing and taking wrong turns. I would get to my desired destination so much quicker with less stress. His map is always the best map! 

The Gift of Christmas

There are many presents under my tree, but I am sure some will not really be wanted or bring joy to the recipient. In my defense, I had to get something!  Some of the gifts were purchased in haste and will end up really be a waste of my cash or an increase of my charges on credit. But, as most would say, it is the thought that counts.  When I think about it, it is really the Good News that I should give. This is one that will be treasured and kept forever. 

The Gift of Christmas 

 

This Christmas, I expect a gift

Paid for with credit or cash;

Simply bought in hurry and dash

And soon to be tossed in the trash.

Whatever!

It may be worn a time or two

When it is new,

Or it may get broken in a bit;

It may be an original or counterfeit;

Certainly not really made to last.

The gift will be tossed as in the past.

So?

What I want is the gift of Good News;

That’s what I choose.

I want One of value and worth;

The Good News brought to earth.

I want One that will not fade;

One not man-made.

I want One not paid for with silver or gold;

One I can forever hold.

I want the spotless Lamb

Who saved my soul.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/21/2023

 

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors , but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1: 18-19

 

 

 

No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles

I love to write about Christmas and Jesus. His birth is the wonder of the Season! I like to say there is magic in Christmas; however, the birth of Jesus was not magic; it was planned for you and I. 

No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles

 

There were no planes, trains, or automobiles

with wheels;

No easy way to travel

Across paved roads or gravel.

There were only donkeys or camels;

Rough riding mammals

For Mary, a 9-month pregnant woman.

It would seem almost inhuman

To travel such a distance,

In such a way, today.  

But Mary was persistent. 

She journeyed, on a donkey, to Bethlehem city; 

The trip long, dusty, and gritty.

Luxury motels did not exist.

She had no shelter from the nighty mist.

There was found only an ill-built barn, holding no charm,

But she was soon to hold a babe in her arm.

There was no crib for this new-born child,

But I imagine she smiled

When she spied an animal feeding trough,

Which, by today’s standards, we’d scoff. 

But Mary needed a bed

In which to lay her baby’s head. 

There were no blankets or quilts;

They were ill-equipped, 

But there was hay.

“No way!” people today would say.

I bet Mary didn’t have a physician,

But she was fulfilling God’s mission.

I bet she didn’t have a pain-killer

Or a pillow,

And she was about to deliver.

A King was to be born

That early Christmas morn,

And the angels blew their horn.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/18/2023 

 

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 KJV

Stewardship

Our service today was about stewardship taken from Luke 16 entitled, “Faithful To The Right Master.” It appears there was a servant to whom his master was asking for an account of his stewardship before it was taken away. At one point our pastor brought up how Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Is that what I am doing when I am not faithful to the right Master? Is that what I am doing when I am not responsible with the gifts God has given me? . 

     I thought, what are my priorities? Am I being a Judas- selling Jesus? I decided I needed to compose a theme statement to develop my stewardship of planning and responsibility.

     My next thought was how do I serve? Immediately, the 4 “Ws” crossed my mind. “Who! What! When! Where!

     My who to serve is the Lord and others, not me.

     My what to serve is love for God and others.

     My when is daily.

     My where is wherever I am

 

With that said, my stewardship theme or motto sentence is: 

 

Who, Lord, should I serve but You and others, and what I serve up, let it be a heartful of love when I rise in the morning and where I am found.    

    

     

Christ in Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It is about the Christ child! For that reason, I strive never to shorten the spelling with "Xmas". 

     During our recent Sunday School Christmas get-together, one of the ladies accidently knocked over a small figurine of the manager scene,  When the broken parts of the manger scene were retrieved from the floor, Baby Jesus was missing. This reminded me of how we get so busy with gifts, etc. that we leave Jesus out of Christmas. We all know that without Baby Jesus, Christmas has no meaning. So once again, I renew my pledge never to spell Christmas with the short version of "Xmas".  It holds no meaning for the Season in which we celebrate. 

     Jesus is the center, the wonder, the reason, and the gift of Christmas. Lord, I pray to never leave Christ out and always remember, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Daily Dress

Seldom do I sleep late and by late I mean seven, for I am usually awake by six. That does not mean that I get up right away. I like to enjoy coffee and my time with God cuddled beneath my blankets for a while.  This morning I was reading about God's armor, and it got me to thinking about my daily dress and what I kept in my closet. 

What To Wear! 

 

I slept in this morning,

But time is burning.

I must get dressed for the day.

I hope my closet doesn’t leave me in dismay.

Let’s see!

What is here and what to wear?

I still have what was given me in my youth;

I see the belt of truth.

 I wear that with my body armor.

It wasn’t meant to make me a model or a charmer.

It was provided to protect,

But my dress is for me to select.

I still have shoes given to wear;

They are simple-nothing fancy or with flare;

They’re made for daily walking and running-

Nothing stunning!

But there’s comfort in these shoes-

A peace from Good News!

My closet holds several of my choice-

I just have to listen to the right voice.

I still have my shield-

A shield of faith to keep me strong and never yield.

I see where it’s at.

Maybe I’ll carry that.

It’ll deflect arrows sent my way,

For I am Satan’s target every day.

I think I need a hat or something like that. 

Maybe my helmet-

My salvation given, when Jesus we met. 

He's my hope

When I’m at the end of my rope.

Somewhere, I have a sword-God’s Word!

It needs to be sharpened a bit

To make it the right fit.

I must remember that daily dress is to give me rest. 

But these aren’t all the garments from the Lord.

A must is daily prayer

To complete what I must wear.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson -  12/9/2023 

 

“Therefore put on the full armor of God…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit…” Ephesians 13a,14-18a

 

 

 

The Yoke

How often do we misunderstand and argue with God? I can hear Him now, in frustration, as He makes His plea with my stubbornness. Too often, this is how our conversation might go: 

 

Jesus spoke, “Take my yoke.”

 

I thought in my head and said, “But won’t that will make, heavy, my tread.”

 

Jesus: “No my child, it will lighten your load upon the road. I will carry the weight and make your steps straight.”

 

Me: “But, when you enter my space it will slow my pace.”

 

Jesus: “Sometimes, too fast is your stride. I’ll be your guide. Easy is my yoke, not like one made of oak. 

Me: "If I slow, things might not go my way or get done today. 

Jesus: Trust me! Your burden will become light, easing your plight. Take my yoke and wear my cloak."

I love how patient God is with me, His wayward child! His Words are always true: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 NIV 

 

 

 

 

Spread the Rumor/Truth

The Bible teaches not to gossip and spread rumors. The following is written in the form of a rumor, but it has been verified by Scripture and the testimony of people. The information is true, so please pass it on. It will help the unbeliever. It will heal and cleanse rather than injure.

 The Man Of Galilee

 I’m not gossiping, but have you heard?

Now don’t tell another soul;

It came from someone else’s word.

There once was a man in Galilee.

Now this didn’t come from me.

But…

He healed the sick.

Maybe it was just a trick!

I also heard he made the lame to walk.

Or at least that’s someone’s talk.

You know…

They say He healed a cripple,

And He walked on water without it leaving a ripple.

Now this didn’t come from me-

Just what others say;

Sin He cast away,

Along with helping people through their tears

And their fears.

This all may be hearsay,

And someone’s take-away,

But…

I heard He’s the Son of God.

He came from Heaven on this earth to trod;

He came to die,

But…

I don’t know why.

It may be a rumor,

But…

I’m told

He died for you and I. 

I heard that He arose

And the Christian knows.

He opened their eyes from being blind

So they wouldn’t be left behind.

Now, this didn’t come from me,

But…

His gift of grace is free;

He lives, and He forgives. 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/6/2023 

 

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” Matthew 3:13 

 

 

Food

Certain diets and fasts can be good. However, I have also heard, “Food is good for the soul” So, I have to conclude that proper food is good, as well. Scripture shows us that Jesus sat often at the table with friends. He was even hungry at times and was ready for a meal.

     So what can food represent? 

 

F- eeding the hungry (delving together into the Word)

O- pening time with what is good (praying together)

O- vercoming hunger (sharing relationships in love)

D- eliving fillness  (Providing nourishment to body and soul with Jesus’s love)

 

 

Patience and Kindness

One of my devotionals this morning was on knowing God's voice. The other one was on how God teaches us patience. One way, the author wrote, was to place me in a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles or at a delayed doctor appointment. I laughed at that because I have certainly been there. 
     God has also taught me kindness as happened to me just this week. I was out of town, had just gone under a green light, and about to turn into a Walmart  parking lot when I looked behind me only to see flashing blue lights. I promptly found an empty parking space and rolled down the window to ask the police office what I had done because I was sure the light I had gone under was green and not red but was already doubting myself. Let me just note right here that I was asking kindly. It turned out I had a tail light out or should I say my husband had a tail light out since I was the driver of his truck. 

     I may have been a bit kinder to the officer than to my husband when I found out the problem. The whole process was friendly. We visited with the officer about people he knew in a town near ours, and we thanked the officer for his service when he handed me the warning ticket which I promptly passed on to my detailed husband, with confidence  he would immediately take care of the problem. 

     Kindness goes a long way in making situations pleasant and in being considerate of what is required for others in performing their job requirements.