White as Snow

 by Macy Johnson

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet

they shall be as white as snow.”

(Isaiah 1:18 NIV)

 

I woke up early one Friday morning to a freezing chill and dreary skies. A wintry-mix had been predicted for many days, but I skeptically scoffed at the weatherman’s report. Several singers warned others of the pending “storm” during my church’s choir practice the night before. I was scheduled to volunteer at the hospital that morning, but non-essential personnel were urged via email to stay home. Maybe someone knew something I did not?

Delight

 by Macy Johnson

“His delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on His law he meditates day and night.”

(Psalm 1:2 NIV)

 

January brought me a new “Word of the Year”: delight. Merriam-Webster defines delight as “the act of taking great pleasure.” When do I take delight in God’s presence?

Momentum

 by Macy Johnson

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize

for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 3:14 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I watched the Southeastern Conference Championship football game. The announcer declared, “Football is a game of momentum.” I pondered this revelation.

Under God's Umbrella

by Macy Johnson

“I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents

and have compassion on his dwellings;

the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,

and the palace will stand in its proper place.”

(Jeremiah 30:18 NIV)

 

It was our final handbell rehearsal before leading the worship service. One of the pieces tempted me to cross one hand over the other to pick up a bell. I accidentally set the bell down in the wrong place. Then I rang the wrong bell! Handbells, like most things in life, must be kept in their proper place.

Jumping Through Hoops

 by Macy Johnson

“Throwing his cloak aside,

he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”

(Mark 10:50 NIV)

 

Bank of America declined my Norton/LifeLock renewal charge and sent me a fraud alert via text and email. The bank claimed it was suspicious activity. The same amount has been automatically charged for my annual renewal to this card on the same day of the year for the past decade. Yet, I had to jump through a hoop this year to approve the charge.

Deer Whistles

 by Macy Johnson

“The sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder.

Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.”

(Exodus 19:19 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, reminds me to watch for deer while driving on our country roads. It is not a matter of “if” I will hit one, but “when” one will run into my car. We have both had collisions with deer in our rural Georgia community.

 

A Quiet Life

 by Macy Johnson

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,

to mind your own business

and to work with your hands,

just as we told you,

so that your daily life

may win the respect of outsiders

and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV)

 

Every morning I open my Bible to a page in the Old or New Testament so the Holy Spirit can lead me to a verse for the day. My eyes fell to First Thessalonians 4:11 one Saturday morning as my thoughts swirled in preparation for a busy weekend.