“For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.”
(Luke 12:34 NIV)
I like to try to get the cart before the horse. I want the earthly treasure first and hope my heart will follow it. Jesus taught that I must set my mind and heart on eternal things first. If I do not, I will be chasing fluff, things that will not last. I will focus on my relationship with Jesus, the real Treasure, and let everything else rest in His arms in eternity. I hope you will, too!
“Immediately he received his sight
and followed Jesus, praising God.”
(Luke 18:43 NIV)
Louise Peyton was born blind and brilliant. Whatever she lacked in vision, she gained in every other sense. Louise saw my teenage-self better than I did and could put me in my place with a word. The disciples on the road to Emmaus saw Jesus but did not see Him. Thomas had to see before He could believe. I want to see like Louise and the blind beggar in Jesus’ path could. I will try to be a faithful witness. I hope you will, too!
by Macy Johnson
“Stop judging by mere appearances,
and make a right judgment.”
(John 7:24 NIV)
It was a cold,
rainy, dreary Sunday morning. I had a house full of family guests for the
weekend. On my way to church by myself, I drove up to a gray SUV driving under
the speed limit. I had allocated a certain number of minutes, thirty to be
exact, to safely arrive at church.
“Do everything without complaining or
arguing.”
(Philippians 2:14 NIV)
I want to be blameless and pure,
a child of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, shining
like a star in the universe as I hold out the Truth. The Apostle Paul placed a
stern call to the church at Philippi. I know it is meant also for me. I know it
is God working in me to will and act according to His purpose. I will seek to
be blameless in my walk with Jesus today. I hope you will, too!
“God called the light ‘day’
and the darkness He called ‘night.’
And there was evening, and there was
morning
- the first day.”
(Genesis 1:5 NIV)
I turned off the camper AC unit and opened the screen door and windows to a clear, bright morning. Fresh air poured in with morning light. The storm passed and cleansed the trees and ground cover to prepare us for a fresh new day. Spring approached in stealthy steps. Bird calls announced their presence. I will rejoice in the beauty and peace of the morning. I hope you will, too!
“He has made everything beautiful in
its time.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)
Failing appliances, new acquaintances, and unplanned adventures create new worries that snuggle up in my thoughts. “What will I do when THAT happens, Lord?” I asked. “How will I afford to replace the appliance? What should I say to that new person? How will I know which direction to take?” “I will be with you when the time comes,” He replied. I will wait with Him to show me what to do at the right time. I hope you will, too!
“Then He entered the temple area
and began driving out those who were
selling.”
(Luke 19:45 NIV)
The Lord will show me the tables in my life that need to be overturned. I dare not sit by and watch apathetically, but step into the mess and help to clean it up. My body is His temple. My church is His dwelling place. My home is His resort. My community is His Capernaum. I will ask Him to use me to make things right in my piece of the universe. I hope you will, too!
