June 17 - Serenade

“The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.”

(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)

 

What does God’s singing voice sound like? Can He produce many tones at once? I hear His voice in the choir during worship and in the instruments that accompany. I hear Him sing a lullaby to lull me to sleep and a marching song to get me going. I will rest in His arms and enjoy His serenade. I hope you will, too! 

June 16 - Scuffles

 

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

 

Frustrating as it seems, I try to do my best, but fail. There are some successes, some times when I get it right. My joy is in partnering with the Holy Spirit in the good times and bad. When my grip slips, He grabs my hand. I will rejoice in the scuffles. I hope you will, too! 

June 15 - Spiritual Pride

 

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,

who rely on horses,

who trust in the multitude of their chariots

and in the great strength of their horsemen,

but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,

or seek help from the Lord.”

(Isaiah 31:1 NIV)

 

My pastor expertly split our congregation open with the sword of the Word and let all our spiritual pride spill out. Peter was his example of someone close to Jesus who promised to stay close and failed. I will seek help from the Lord. I hope you will, too! 

June 14 - Righteous Blessings

 

“Better the little that the righteous have

than the wealth of many wicked.”

(Psalm 37:16 NIV)

 

The important distinction in this verse is the righteous vs the wicked. Wealth is a gift from God and is to be enjoyed, not used for evil purposes. Jeff and I know from experience, the more we have, the more we have to take care of. I do not want to spread myself or my gifts too thin. I will be content with my blessings and spread them for His righteousness and glory. I hope you will, too!

June 13 - In the Beginning

 

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.”

(John 1:1 NIV)

 

Eternity spreads in all directions. My finite intellect cannot absorb this concept. Maybe one day, face to face with Jesus, He will help to explain the big picture. Thankfully, it is beyond my pay grade, beyond my responsibility. I do not need to know how the power bill will be paid, just enjoy the use of electricity in my life. All I need to do is believe, like a child trusts a parent. I hope you will, too! 

I Told You So

 by Macy Johnson

“The promise is for you and your children

and for all who are far off -

for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

(Acts 2:39 NIV)

 

On a recent visit, our daughter brought a puzzle for her children to put together while they were in our home. I opened the box and spread out the pieces on our breakfast table. Libby and I sat across from each other to search for the edge pieces - a common ritual with newly-opened puzzles.

June 12 - America, America

 

“O land, land, land,

hear the word of the Lord!”

(Jeremiah 22:29 NIV)

 

“America, America, God shed His grace on thee!” I have enjoyed mini history lessons of this amazing country of mine through the documentaries of various former Presidents. Ulysses Grant, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, and George Washington are a few men who brought the United States a little further along by the grace of God. I pray that we will stand firm in the faith our heavenly Father has given us through our founding fathers. I hope you will, too! 

June 11 - Morning Praise

 

“Praise be to the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion

and the God of all comfort.”

(2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV)

 

A day full of opportunities to serve in many different ways looms ahead. I should get going and close my laptop, but the view out my window stops me. Clouds that covered the sunrise slowly break apart and reveal glories to praise God for. The stillness of the morning brings peace and comfort, urging me to breathe in slowly and exhale a thank-you. I hope you will, too!

Spacebar

 by Macy Johnson

“All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,

wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.”

(Isaiah 28:29 NIV)

 

My laptop computer’s spacebar was sticking. No matter how slow or fast I typed, the words jammed together and created a visual mess. As a pianist, I know when one of my fingers does not cooperate, so I realized my hands were not the problem. A sticking piano key is one problem, but this scenario created a uniquely stressful frustration for a writer.

June 10 - Gifts of Grace

 

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

be with your spirit.”

(Philemon 25 NIV)

 

I like to think of grace as “unmerited favor.” When birds flock to the feeder on my balcony and remind me of their Creator, I am filled with grace. Their tiny, fragile bodies are kept alive by God and sent to me as a graceful reminder of His power and presence. His meticulous order of the natural realm is a gracious gift to me, a keeper of His kingdom. I will honor His grace-full gifts. I hope you will, too!

June 9 - Pruned

 

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,

while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes

so that it will be even more fruitful.”

(John 15:2 NIV)

 

Ouch! God never promised His pruning would be painless. I watch as He cuts off the dead wood and diseased branches of my heart. I cringe as He yanks away the vines of selfish desires out of my mind. I feel new life flowing through my veins to give nourishing fruit to my thoughts. I will humbly submit to His pruning. I hope you will, too!  

June 8 - Perfect Peace

 

“You will keep in perfect peace

him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in you.”

(Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

 

Try as I might, I cannot make peace or keep it. Perfect peace comes only from my heavenly Father. I might not be able to make sense of all that is going on around me, but He can. Nothing can touch me apart from His perfect will and loving hand. I can breathe and accept His will in what may come today, because my mind is steadfast. I will be an instrument of His peace. I hope you will, too!

June 7 - Attitude and Altitude

 

“Your attitude should be the same

as that of Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 2:5 NIV)

 

Attitude or Altitude? The words are similar, but oh, so different. AI defines attitude as a learned, stable predisposition to evaluate a person, object, or concept in a specific way. Attitude is learned and practiced over a lifetime. I can recall times when my attitude was bad, not at all like that of Jesus. Altitude is the vertical distance of an object upward. I will direct my altitude and attitude to be like Jesus. I hope you will, too! 

June 6 - My Guide

 

“He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake.”

(Psalm 23:3 NIV)

 

What does a “path of righteousness” look like? I picture it to be a grassy path, not well-worn, weaving in and out of trees in a tropical rainforest. I must stay close to my Guide as He leads me, for danger lurks behind the trees and bushes at every turn. The indigenous peoples of the forest do not like intruders, especially ones who carry the Light of Truth. I will stay close to Jesus. I hope you will, too! 

June 5 - Shalom

 

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself

give you peace at all times and in every way.

The Lord be with all of you.”

(2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)

 

Shalom, a Hebrew word, means to be complete, whole, or sound. It can only be found in a right relationship with God. I am connected to the Father through Jesus. To have Christ is to have Shalom. I will stay close to Him, so the Holy Spirit will pour His perfect peace into me, and spill it over to those around me. I hope you will, too! 

June 4 - Give Thanks

 

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Ephesians 5:20 NIV)

 

I woke up this morning to electricity in my home. Thank you, Lord! I am not sick or in pain. I have meaningful work to do. Yet, my vision is not what it used to be. My fingers do not move over the piano keys as swiftly as when I was younger. Thank you, Lord! I will thank God for everything today, for it all brings me closer to Him. I hope you will, too!

June 3 - Safe in His Arms

 

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare,

but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

(Proverbs 29:25 NIV)

 

I will not be afraid of the wind that blows or of the stormy people in my life. I know God puts me in the middle of turbulence for a reason. He fills me with peace and calm while leaves push and shove each other. Trees cannot protect me. Neither can my closest friends and family. My God keeps me safe in His arms. I will trust in Him. I hope you will, too!

June 2 - Crucified

 

“I have been crucified with Christ

and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

(Galatians 2:20 NIV)

 

Galatians 2:20 is my very favorite Bible verse. I memorized it years ago and let myself float on the image of Jesus replacing me. I died so He can live in my body. It is a daily struggle to accept I am dead without Jesus. I surrender to His will. I hope you will, too!

June 1 - Godly Contentment

 

“But godliness with contentment

is great gain.”

(1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)

 

A new month awakened today. June welcomed us with open arms. Most school classes are suspended for several months. Excitement looms in the future for families and students. Where does contentment fit in all of the whirlwind of activities? Now is the best time to practice focus. Disciplined visions and plans bring peace. When summer afternoon thunderstorms arrive, or hurricane season starts, I will cling to my Savior. I will seek godliness with contentment every month. I hope you will, too! 

May 31 - Live by Faith

 

“So I say, live by the Spirit,

and you will not gratify

the desires of the sinful nature.”

(Galatians 5:16 NIV)

 

What do I think about? If I think about God and the things of the Spirit, I will not be easily tempted to displease Him. I cannot serve Him and myself at the same time. Choices must be made. What direction will I go? Jesus is with me to help me make the right choices, if I ask Him. I will walk by faith with Jesus today. I hope you will, too! 

May 30 - Wash Your Hands!

“Come near to God

and He will come near to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners,

and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

(James 4:8 NIV)

 

“Dinner is ready! Wash your hands!” My daughter called her children. Jesus calls us in the same way. I can hear Him say, “The feast is ready! Wash your hands!” I want to hurry to the Communion Table here and the Feast in Heaven. I will keep my hands clean and my heart pure so I can enjoy fellowship with my heavenly Father. I hope you will, too! 

May 29 - Suit Up!

 

“Put on the full armor of God

so that you can take your stand

against the devil’s schemes.”

(Ephesians 6:11 NIV)

 

“I like to get dressed when I first get out of bed,” my granddaughter announced. My daughter and I looked at each other. We like to lounge around in our comfy clothes as long as possible. God wants us to be like Dahlia, to be ready to face the day, no matter what it brings. I will put on the full armor of God before I leave my bedroom in the morning. I hope you will, too!

May 28 - Beautiful Spirit

 

“It should be that of your inner self,

the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,

which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

(1 Peter 3:4 NIV)

 

I pray, “Lord, please give me your beautiful Spirit so I can be gentle and quiet in all my comings and goings today. Make me more like Jesus so my thoughts are covered with His cleansing blood. Push my selfish ambitions out of the way and lead me on your path of righteousness for your name’s sake. That is true beauty.” I hope you will, too!

May 27 - Imitation

 

“By myself I can do nothing;

I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just,

for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me.”

(John 5:30 NIV)

 

Jesus had a one-track mind, focused on the Father. Because His Spirit lives in me, I should be the same way. He left the crowds to be alone with His heavenly Father. I should do the same. I will seek to please my heavenly Father and not myself. I will not judge another but lift them up to my Father in prayer. I hope you will, too!

 

May 26 - Eat My Words

“For by your words you will be acquitted,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

(Matthew 12:37 NIV)

 

I have been warned to make sure my words are always sweet, for I may have to eat them. If I always tell the truth, I will never have to remember what lies I have told. Sometimes it is better to keep my mouth shut, not say anything. But, for those times when a word or two is required, I will stop and think before I speak and use sweet words. I hope you will, too! 

May 25 - But God

 

“Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song;

He has become my salvation.”

(Isaiah 12:2 NIV)

 

Through it all, God was with me. Marriage, the rejection of divorce, the uncertainty of re-marriage, miscarriages, childbirth, layoffs, death, and loss all tried to destroy me. But God. But He would not let me crumple and despair. He was my Strength, my Song, my Salvation. I will praise Him for His continual presence and power in my life. I hope you will, too!

May 24 - Fools

“He who walks with the wise grows wise,

but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

(Proverbs 13:20 NIV)

 

A fool lives for himself. Either he does not believe there is a God or does not care. When he pursues honor for himself, people will get in his way. A wise person seeks God in every pursuit and puts the needs of others before his own. A fool wanders in the dark and does not know what lies ahead. I will walk with the wise in the Light of Truth. I hope you will, too!

May 23 - Confess

 

“That if you confess with your mouth,

“Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart

that God raise Him from the dead,

you will be saved.”

(Romans 10:9 NIV)

 

Seems simple, doesn’t it? Just say a few words to get out of hell free. But God knows me. He knows my heart, my inner being, my thoughts, my emotions better than I do. I cannot fool Him. He wants me to know His perfect, unconditional love for me. I will surrender to Him, confess, and believe. I hope you will, too!

May 22 - Spiritual Connections

 

“The man without the Spirit

does not accept the things

that come from the Spirit of God,

for they are foolish to him,

and he cannot understand them,

because they are spiritually discerned.”

(1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

 

It takes one to know one. I often remind myself of that when tempted to find fault. I must be as faulty as they, for me to recognize the other person’s weaknesses. In a more perfect way, the Spirit living in me connects to the Spirit living in others. I see Jesus in their eyes. I hope you will, too!

The Power of God

 by Macy Johnson

“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid.

Stand firm and you will see the deliverance

the Lord will bring you today.

The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.’”

(Exodus 14:13 NIV)

 

Pastor Bob told the congregation a story one Sunday morning about a college student reading his Bible on a campus lawn. The student exclaimed, “Wow! That is amazing!” just as a professor walked by. The man asked the student what he was reading. The student replied, “I am reading how God parted the Red Sea so all of the Israelites could cross on dry land!”

May 21 - Aquifer

 

“With joy you will draw water

from the wells of salvation.”

(Isaiah 12:3 NIV)

 

We live on top of an aquifer. Our well produces enough water to potentially supply our neighborhood. The purity and taste surpass any bottled water product. During hot summer months, I can enjoy ice cold water from the kitchen faucet. It reminds me of the joy of salvation received from the Holy Spirit. He provides an endless supply of salvation for all who call upon Him. I will draw living water from Jesus. I hope you will, too!

May 20 - Instruction

“I will instruct you and teach you

in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.”

(Psalm 32:8 NIV)

 

I take no credit for the words that come through my fingers to the keyboard of my laptop. God gives me every word for God Sightings and anything else He uses to encourage others on their journey with Him. I must follow His lead, His instructions, and listen to the Holy Spirit speak to me. It is a joy to be His instrument. I will listen to Him. I hope you will, too! 

May 19 - Rejoice and Mourn

“Rejoice with those who rejoice;

mourn with those who mourn.”

(Romans 12:15 NIV)

 

My eyes filled with tears. I was a little angry and felt sorry for myself. I was disappointed again. You would think after so many years walking on this planet with Jesus, I would be more resistant to pain caused by others. Jesus knew we would suffer and calls us to mourn with others. I can rejoice, too. There is so much to be thankful for. I will rejoice and mourn with Jesus. I hope you will, too! 

May 18 - All Things Bright and Beautiful

 

“So neither he who plants

nor he who waters is anything,

but only God, who makes things grow.”

(1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV)

 

"All Things Bright and Beautiful" is a classic Anglican hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander and published in 1848.

 

“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.”

 

I will praise God for creating me and putting me in the perfect order of His universe. I hope you will, too! 

Time to Sleep

 by Macy Johnson

“God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked,

for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:17 NIV)

 

I closed my eyes and asked my heavenly Father to please help me fall asleep. Lying on my back, I heard the neighbor’s Labrador Retriever barking outside my window. I flipped over to my side. My husband, Jeff, breathed rhythmically next to me.

May 17 - Blessings

 

“From the fullness of His grace

we have all received one blessing after another.”

(John 1:16 NIV)

 

Stop for just a minute and take in what God has brought to you. What do you taste? See? Hear? Touch? Smell? He has given us five senses to recognize His power in every moment. Blessings abound to reveal His presence. I do not want to miss the sounds, the colors, the smells, the flavors, the textures He has created. I will hesitate periodically to get more of Jesus. I hope you will, too! 

May 16 - Feast

 

“When your words came, I ate them;

they were my joy and my heart’s delight,

for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.”

(Jeremiah 15:16 NIV)

 

God’s Words - I digested them. I assimilated them. I made them a part of me. I devoured them with my eyes and felt them slide down into my heart. I approached His table of the Last Supper with awe and humility. I do not deserve His forgiveness and mercy. I will feast on Jesus, my joy and my heart’s delight. I hope you will, too!

May 15 - Heart Surgery

 

“I will give you a new heart

and put a new spirit in you;

I will remove from you your heart of stone

and give you a heart of flesh.”

(Ezekiel 36:26 NIV)

 

This is the ultimate heart surgery. God does not fix my heart but completely replaces it with the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel explained God’s actions: I have not represented Him accurately to those around me. I have given Him a bad name. He changed me for His glory, not mine. I will surrender to the surgeon’s scalpel. I hope you will, too!

May 14 - Our Struggle

 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world

and against the spiritual forces of evil

in the heavenly realms.”

(Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

 

The Holy Spirit leads me into our struggles. He nudges me in this direction and that way. He reminds me I am not alone. I stay close to Jesus, like a child in the Fun House at the State Fair clings to his parents. I know He will take me into the light. I will hold His hand. I hope you will, too!

Previews of Coming Attractions

 by Macy Johnson

“Since no man knows the future,

who can tell him what is to come?”

(Ecclesiastes 8:7 NIV)

 

As a little girl, I anxiously sat still in my seat surrounded by family and friends in the Florida theater on Palafox Street in Pensacola. We waited patiently for the featured movie presentation to begin. With a bag of popcorn clutched in my hands, we would be entertained first with “Previews of Coming Attractions.”

May 13 - Out of Step

 

“Since we live by the Spirit,

let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

(Galatians 5:25 NIV)

 

I slipped out of step with the Spirit one Sunday. After worship I commented to my husband that one of the worship leaders said, “confession of faith” instead of “confession of sins.” Jeff nudged, “Well, I hope he didn’t hear those wrong notes you played during the anthem.” I cringed. He was right. I am not perfect. I can only try to stay in step with the Spirit in love. I hope you will, too!

May 12 - The Only One

“All the prophets testify about Him

that everyone who believes in Him

receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

(Acts 10:43 NIV)

 

Repentance is not one-and-done, or even a weekly bowing of my head and saying I’m sorry during the worship service. The Bible teaches continual admission of sin and guilt and handing it over to the only One who can forgive. The Old Testament books tell of the coming Messiah. The New Testament books reveal His life and death for us. I will walk in humble reliance and repentance. I hope you will, too!

 

May 11 - Protected

 

“But the Lord is faithful,

and He will strengthen you

and protect you from the evil one.”

(2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)

 

I refuse to give the evil one my attention. He lurks in the corners and wants to distract me from my Lord. Jesus has raised His cross as a barrier. He lies on the ground in front of the gate to protect me. Nothing can drag me away from His perfect, unconditional love. He pours His power through me, and I stand firm in faith. I hope you will, too! 

May 10 - Thankful for Today

 

“This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Psalm 118:24 NIV)

 

Today is a gift from my heavenly Father to enjoy with Him. It is a gift to be alive and able to experience His blessings in many unique ways. Sometimes it is tough to roll out of bed onto my knees and say, “Thank you, God, for waking me to this beautiful new day with you.” Then I remember I did not create this time and space, and I thank my heavenly Father for it. I hope you will, too! 

May 9 - Strong Tower

 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.”

(Proverbs 18:10 NIV)

 

My family visited Point Park on Lookout Mountain when I was nine years old. I wandered off from my parents and ran down the hill to them when I saw them. My mother stepped out of my way, afraid I would knock her down. I ran across the road, jumped over a wall onto a sidewalk, and broke three toes. Jesus’ name will always stop me. I will run to Him. I hope you will, too!

May 8 - Cardinal Feathers

 

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

(Psalm 139:14 NIV)

 

As I watch a cardinal peck at the feed in the tray attached to my window I wonder if my Heavenly Father really knows how many red feathers are on my little friend’s fragile body. He said he knows every hair on my body, every cell swimming in my arteries and veins. In fact, He knows every seed in the feeder tray and the potential for a new plant. I will trust His wisdom. I hope you will, too!

May 7 - The Faithful One

 

“The One who calls you is faithful

and He will do it.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV)

 

Whatever God calls me to do, I know He will equip me to do it. Sometimes I feel like David, the shepherd, alone with his sheep. He probably wondered if anyone really knew him. God does and calls us when we least expect it. He lays out His plan and offers to lead us on His path. I can trust Him. I will follow the Faithful One. I hope you will, too!

Dinosaurs

 by Macy Johnson

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

(Matthew 19:14 NIV)

 

The local library manager sent out an email to recruit a storyteller in two days. I replied to her urgent request and accepted the challenge.

May 6 - Reconciliation

 

“All this is from God,

who reconciled us to Himself through Christ

and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

(2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV)

 

I have been reconciled to God so I can help others be reconciled to Him. First, I must be an instrument of reconciliation between brothers and sisters in Christ. God came to reconcile the world to Himself. Creation must be reunited with the Creator. As a faithful steward of His gifts, I will seek to reconcile financial accounts and people in my Savior’s kingdom for His glory. I hope you will, too! 

May 5 - Feet of a Deer

 

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer.”

(Habakkuk 3:19 NIV)

 

I read somewhere, “It is so easy to get lost in the valley of the mundane, bogged down in the murky waters of discontent.” Only God can give me courage to climb up to a higher level of spiritual maturity. I pray that my physical side will not smother my spiritual side. With His strength I can leap over all boundaries and enter peaceful rest by His side. I hope you will, too! 

May 4 - Redemption

“He did not enter by means

of the blood of goats and calves;

but He entered the Most Holy Place

once for all by His own blood,

having obtained eternal redemption.”

(Hebrews 8:12 NIV)

 

Redeem means to buy back or repurchase, restore, repair, to free from harm. That is what Jesus did for me on the cross. He sacrificed Himself for me. He did it before I was a speck in eternity. He knew me by name before He created me and redeemed me. I will trust His plans before my own. I hope you will, too!