Cheers to Peers

 by Macy Johnson

“Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

 

The hospital auxiliary board meeting was moving along through items of interest, old and new. As the Gift Galley manager, I reported the results of the past quarter and answered questions posed. A new volunteer had recently offered to help me with buyer duties and I sang her praises. The president asked if I would like to honor her at the upcoming quarterly general meeting of the auxiliary. I said I would.

July 24 - Justice and Righteousness

 

“Let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

(Amos 5:24 NIV)

 

Human life flourishes where there is justice and righteousness as plant life thrives near a water source. Matthew Henry recommends, “Let justice be duly administered, let not the current of it be stopped by favoritism and bribery - let it be pure as running waters, not muddied with corruption.” Oh, that our land would be free from pride and selfish greed. I lift it up to my heavenly Father in prayer. I hope you will, too! 

July 23 - Blanket of Love

“Hatred stirs up dissension,

but love covers over all wrongs.”

(Proverbs 10:12 NIV)

 

A mother silently entered the sanctuary of her sleeping teenage daughter. An argument raged between them after dinner. It started at the table in a local diner. Tempers flared and hurtful words were shot between them. The ride home was deathly silent. Now, the mother wished she could take back her words and quietly, slowly lifted a nearby blanket and laid it on her sleeping baby girl. Tears filled her eyes. She poured love on her loved one. I hope you will, too! 

July 22 - The Perfect Puzzle

“O Lord, You are my God;

I will exalt You and praise Your name,

for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago.”

(Isaiah 25:1 NIV)

 

The more I read the Bible, the more I see Jesus on every page. It was all planned in the mind of the Creator before time began. No way can the created being ever begin to understand the ways of God. My pea brain struggles to fit the pieces of the ultimate puzzle together. I will trust Him with every piece. I hope you will, too! 

July 21 - Whatever

 

“So whether you eat or drink

or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God.”

(1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers reminded me, “You need the surgical operation of external events and internal purification.” I must put God first in everything I think, say, or do. The fluff must be removed. I cannot do it on my own. He will guide me in baby steps to follow His lead. I only need to trust the Holy Spirit. I will look to Him for everything today. I hope you will, too!

July 20 - Faithful to Forgive

 

“If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

(1 John 1:9 NIV)

 

Confession means to agree with God on His assessment of my actions and thoughts, and to name my sin to God. John reminds me that my sins are immediately and totally covered by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. I am as forgiven as I will ever be. I will thank my heavenly Father for being faithful to His promises to me, even when I am not. I hope you will, too! 

July 19 - Oil and Water

 

“I appeal to you, brothers,

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

that all of you agree with one another

so that there may be no divisions among you

and that you may be perfectly united

in mind and thought.”

(1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)

 

When my husband makes Italian salad dressing, he measures oil, water, and spices into a bottle and shakes it vigorously. God does the same thing with His children in His church. Then we can add flavor to His kingdom. I will submit to the shaking. I hope you will, too!