“Even a fool is thought wise if he
keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
(Proverbs 17:28 NIV)
The first day of April is observed as a day to play practical jokes and make fools of family and friends. Jesus came to help the wise understand their foolishness. He came to save and not destroy the weak and foolish, not make fun of them. I will keep my mouth shut today and ask God for wisdom to respond with love to cover every offense. I hope you will, too!
by Macy Johnson
“Then He put His hands on her,
and immediately she straightened up
and praised God.”
(Luke 13:13 NIV)
As a young
girl in my parent’s home, my mother would often shake her finger at me and admonish,
“You had better straighten up, young lady!” Fortunately, I often got the message the first
time. I could almost hear Jesus speak through her, then and now.
Ask and it will be given to you;
Seek and you will find;
Knock and the door will be opened to
you.”
(Matthew 7:7 NIV)
Ask, Seek, Knock - ASK! Jesus taught His followers how to live and commune with our Heavenly Father. If I stay in the center of His will, nothing will be impossible for me. I must humble myself and acknowledge my need and His provision. I cannot do anything apart from Him. I will ask and know that He hears and will provide for all my needs for His glory. I hope you will, too!
“As the deer pants for streams of
water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.”
(Psalm 42:1 NIV)
Jesus is Living Water. He is the only One who can slay my thirst and refresh my soul. He is in every sunrise and sunset, reminding me of His presence and power. He is in the exchange of smiles and kind words spoken in love. Jesus is in the Source and Execution of my plans. I will trust Him to provide for all my needs today. I hope you will, too!
“He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with
suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.”
(Isaiah 53:3 NIV)
Jesus is enough. While tortured His blood covered every place He went. I would be foolish to try to add anything to His sacrifice. His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. My additions only weigh me down. I am called to decrease so He can increase. I will simplify my thoughts today and focus on Him. I hope you will, too!
“When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.”
(Psalm 56:3 NIV)
I look out my window to watch dead leaves hanging precariously on the oak branches nearby. They dance in the breeze and refuse to let go. How am I like those leaves? I am afraid to try new things. But when I do the thing I am called to do, scary as it is, my confidence returns and fear vanishes. I am no longer afraid. I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me into unchartered waters. I hope you will, too!
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to
a place
he would later receive as his inheritance,
obeyed and went, even though
he did not know where he was going.”
(Hebrews 11:8 NIV)
Oswald Chambers reminded me, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.” I am called to separate myself mentally and morally from the people and things that do not glorify God. He will let me know the direction I should go, even into the unknown. I will go with Him. I hope you will, too!
