by Macy Johnson
“Jesus got up, rebuked the wind
and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be
still!’
Then the wind died down
and it was completely calm.”
(Mark 4:39 NIV)
Buoys are
floating markers anchored to the bottom of a body of water. They act like road
signs for boats. They mark safe channels, show hidden dangers, and give
directions.
“For where two or three
come together in my name,
there am I with them.”
(Matthew 18:20 NIV)
Jesus told His disciples that if they agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them. Wow! I believe the key word is “agree.” Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can anyone agree with anyone else, especially in spiritual matters. From that point of view, Jesus’ words are simple and easy to accept. I will come together with my brothers and sisters and agree to do God’s will. I hope you will, too!
“And God blessed the seventh day
and made it holy,
because on it He rested
from all the work of creating that He
had done.”
(Genesis 2:3 NIV)
Because my Creator rested on the seventh day, so should I. One day a week free of pressure is a gift from my heavenly Father. I will ask Him what He wants me to do with this special day, and every day He gives me. My life is not my own. I will follow His lead and rest and worship Him on the Sabbath. I hope you will, too!
“Do not let any unwholesome talk
come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building
others up
according to their needs,
that it may benefit those who listen.”
(Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Blah! Blah! Blah! Wasted words are meaningless. Pride tickles selfish thoughts and suggests I have a right to be heard. I have no rights in God’s kingdom. When tempted to talk about myself, I should ask questions about the other person. I will follow my calling to lift others up to Jesus in His throne room. I hope you will, too!
“Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil;
cling to what is good.”
(Romans 12:9 NIV)
Matthew Henry wrote, “There is a mutual love that Christians owe, and must render. It must be affectionate, respectful, liberal, sympathizing, united, and gracious.” To love half-heartedly would be like accepting a handshake from Jesus. He wants a hug. He wants to pour all of His love through us so we are changed in ways that bless others. I will cling to Jesus and embrace others with the love of Christ. I hope you will, too!
“For whoever wants to save his life
will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me will
save it.”
(Luke 9:24 NIV)
To follow Jesus requires self-denial, complete dedication, and willing obedience. He repeated this command in all four gospel accounts. No other saying of Jesus has been given such emphasis. Do I dare wonder why? He is the forerunner. He came to earth and fulfilled the Father’s demands so I can spend eternity with Him. Jesus gave up His life to save me. I will lose my life for Him. I hope you will, too!
“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father.
We are the clay, You are the Potter;
we are all the work of Your hand.”
(Isaiah 64:8 NIV)
A co-worker in the Gift Gallery confessed her ability to remember was not as it once was. I reassured her that we all drift away. That is how we were made. Aging is a part of life. Only my Creator knows what I go through as my body weakens and I experience pain. I will rejoice as I move closer to having a new, resurrected body. I hope you will, too!
