May 2 - Temptation

 

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

(Matthew 26:41 NIV)

 

This verse comes to my mind many times during the day when I fall into temptation. I am nudged by the Holy Spirit and reminded of my imperfections. Why do I not reach for Jesus instead of His creation? Why did the apostles reach for sleep instead of Jesus? I believe I need Him more than they did. I thank my heavenly Father for His mercy and forgiveness. I hope you will, too! 

May 1 - Overwhelmed

 

“As you do not know the path of the wind,

or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God,

the Maker of all things.”

(Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV)

 

According to Google, “Feeling overwhelmed is a state of being emotionally or mentally submerged by tasks, stress, or emotions, often causing a feeling of paralysis or inability to cope.” I am more in awe than overwhelmed. As I look around at things and activities, I am amazed at how it all fits and stays together. I will praise my Creator. I hope you will, too! 

April 30 - God is in Control

“From the east I summon a bird of prey;

from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that will I bring about;

what I have planned, that will I do.”

(Isaiah 46:11 NIV)

 

When Isaiah wrote this prophecy about Babylon’s invasion of Israel, God was in control. He reveals His will to His people. I must watch where I step, slow down and be deliberate in all my dealings with the world. I want to be in the center of my heavenly Father’s will. I will seek Him. I hope you will, too! 

Ticker-Tape Synesthesia

 by Macy Johnson

“He said to them, ‘How foolish you are,

and how slow of heart to believe

all that the prophets have spoken!’”

(Luke 24:25 NIV)

 

During a Friends of the Library meeting one morning the discussion turned to audiobooks. There is a concern that hard copy books are losing interest and libraries, as we know them, may soon pass away. A member commented that she was addicted to audiobooks. She reminded us that storytelling is the original way tales and facts of the past were passed down through generations. Before there were books written, people told stories and learned by listening.

April 29 - A Tenant

 

“I tell you the truth,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

(Matthew 25:40 NIV)

 

Pastor Bob reminded me one Sunday that I am a tenant, not the owner of anything. My heavenly Father is the only Owner. I have no rights, no power, no control. He has it all. When I serve others, I am only doing what I was created to do. I need to be reminded every minute of every day. I will surrender my will to serve in His kingdom today. I hope you will, too! 

April 28 - Stop, Look, and Listen

 

“Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak

and slow to become angry.”

(James 1:19 NIV)

 

God gave me two ears, two eyes, and one mouth. With my eyes I see the color and shape of God’s creation. With my ears I listen to music and words. With my mouth I eat and drink. My mouth is also used to create sounds for speech, to talk. I must evaluate what I take in through eye, ears, and mouth so God is glorified in what comes out. I hope you will, too! 

April 27 - Squeaky Wheel

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,

and let your glory be over all the earth.”

(Psalm 108:5 NIV)

 

I had just about given up. The hinges on my new dryer’s door were on the wrong side. The delivery man refused to touch it. The representative on the phone said she would investigate it. Weeks passed and I heard nothing. I made one last plea and in two days it was fixed! I thanked God for nudging me to persist when I wanted to give up. I hope you will, too!