by Macy Johnson
“The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be
found out.”
(Proverbs 10:9 NIV)
“Be sure
to wear shoes on the dock!” I called out as my grandchildren ran toward the
water. “Some of the boards need to be replaced soon!”
It wasn’t
long after my warning that my son carried Noah to the house to remove a
splinter from his big toe. As I watched Alex deftly free the tiny sliver of
wood, I was reminded of an incident that occurred many years ago.
by Macy Johnson
“Long life to you! Good health to you
and your household!
And good health to all that is yours!”
(1 Samuel 25:6 NIV)
Long ago I
created a spreadsheet, like a good accountant, for all my medications, medical
procedures, diagnoses, vaccinations, and various reasons for visiting my
physicians. I take this medical spreadsheet with me to every appointment, whether
it be medical, vision, dental, or other.
by Macy Johnson
“Everyone must submit himself to the
governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that
which God has established.”
(Romans 13:1 NIV)
I received
the dreaded jury summons in the mail and dutifully appeared with eighty neighbors
one Monday afternoon in a concert hall. With Gary Sinise’s book, Grateful
American in hand, I read about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
as I watched struggle and animosity brew before my eyes. Where was God in all
of our messes?
by Macy Johnson
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that
prevails.”
(Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
My family arrived home in the early evening, after a
delicious dinner at a local restaurant. I was the first one in the door and ran
straight for the bathroom. At eight years old, I still couldn’t quite judge the
size of my bladder after many glasses of sweet iced tea.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.”
(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
John
Cawood’s hymn, “Almighty God, Thy Word Is Cast” was written in the early
1800’s. It is to be sung by the congregation immediately after the sermon is preached.
The reminder of God’s Word sown as seeds on receptive soil fits perfectly in
the worship service after a pastor’s exposition.
Almighty God, Thy word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of heaven descend
And righteous fruits abound.
by Macy Johnson
“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)
Packing up
the camper one Wednesday morning I strained a muscle in my lower back. I turned
and twisted the wrong way as I lifted the heavy, plywood cover off the seat
compartment. The ride home was excruciating, but I managed to doze off a few
times. The next day I chose to endure the pain and keep a lunch appointment with
a dear friend.
by Macy Johnson
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no
plan
that can succeed against the Lord.”
(Proverbs 21:30 NIV)
It was time
again to cash a check so my husband, Jeff, would have bills in his wallet. I
wrote a check for $100 and attached a post-it note to it that read, “May I
please have five twenties?” As I drove to the bank’s drive-through I considered
asking for a few five-dollar bills to hand out to anyone in need, but didn’t alter
my request. I received the envelope from the teller, stuck it in my purse, and
forgot about it.
