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.”
“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!
“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!
“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!
“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!
“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!
“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!
