“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!
“Surely goodness and love
will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
(Psalm 23:6 NIV)
My Shepherd not only follows me, He pursues me. I cannot escape from His presence. I would be foolish to try to push Him away or run away from Him. I am a bleating lamb. I am clueless as to what is going on around me. I need a shepherd, the Good Shepherd now more than ever. I will follow His lead. I hope you will, too!
“You, dear children, are from God and
have overcome them,
because the One who is in you
is greater than the one who is in the
world.”
(1 John 4:4 NIV)
While serving at my hospital’s gift shop one afternoon, the chaplain entered and told of a daring rescue in the parking lot. A man had driven himself to the hospital, got out of his car, and collapsed with a heart attack. Nurses rushed to his aid. This world’s goal is to destroy life. I will praise Him for being greater than His creation. I hope you will, too!
by Macy Johnson
“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord
his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.”
(Psalm 40:4 NIV)
On the way
home from camping at Watson Mill Bridge State Park, I looked over at my
husband, Jeff, and commented, “I feel like I’m sitting in a hole!” My neck was
tight from straining to see over the steering wheel. “Maybe you just need to
adjust your seat,” he replied.
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
(Joel 2:12 NIV)
God’s chosen people wandered away from Him. We, through Adam, once enjoyed sweet fellowship with our Creator in the Garden of Eden. He calls us back. He opened the door on the cross with the death of Jesus, His Son. I cannot understand it, but I don’t have to understand, only believe. Today is the day of salvation! I will return to Him and accept the salvation He provides. I hope you will, too!
“Is any one of you in trouble?
He should pray.
Is anyone happy?
Let him sing songs of praise.”
(James 5:13 NIV)
Prayer and Praise is the only prescription that works. It does not matter what I face today, I am not alone. I can talk to my heavenly Father, even sing to Him. He created my voice and wants to hear it directed to Him. One day my voice will be restored in His kingdom when I see Him face to face. Until then, I will use what I have now for His glory. I hope you will, too!
