A Quiet Life

 by Macy Johnson

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,

to mind your own business

and to work with your hands,

just as we told you,

so that your daily life

may win the respect of outsiders

and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV)

 

Every morning I open my Bible to a page in the Old or New Testament so the Holy Spirit can lead me to a verse for the day. My eyes fell to First Thessalonians 4:11 one Saturday morning as my thoughts swirled in preparation for a busy weekend.

Old Camper

by Macy Johnson

“Do not judge,

or you too will be judged.”

(Matthew 7:1 NIV)

 

I pulled our camper into the perfect site at Hard Labor Creek State Park, near Rutledge, Georgia. We were thrilled to have booked four nights at a promising campsite with sewer hookup and a charming view. I reserved it one year earlier to secure this particular site for our fifth camping trip to this park.

Slippery Slope

 by Macy Johnson

“Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.”

(Psalm 119:105 NIV)

 

I might be on a slippery slope if I think I know the best way and am not willing to see things from God’s perspective. I dare not shield my eyes from His Light.

 

Our neighbor’s driveway is a steep downhill drop to their cabin at water level on the lake. Over the years my husband and I watched cars and trucks slip and slide up and down their driveway with squealing tires. The spectacle was more prevalent during rainy, autumn days, when the cement was covered with wet leaves.

My Mother's Bible

 by Macy Johnson

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.”

(Psalm 119:37 NIV)

 

There at the large, round, wooden breakfast table, my mother, Ruby Martin, sat with her Living Bible and various commentaries spread out before her. The padded green cover was torn and worn, and notes were scribbled on the pages of scripture in her unique penmanship.

Surprise Visitor

 by Macy Johnson

“Although Joseph recognized his brothers,

they did not recognize him.”

(Genesis 42:8 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I offered the use of our cabin to our church for visiting missionaries. Our guests were scheduled to arrive one Saturday afternoon. Their home church was in Georgia, and they served in Latvia.

People Need

by Macy Johnson

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,

I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

(Revelation 3:20 NIV)

 

One Sunday morning I was the substitute pianist at my church and presented Mark Hayes’ arrangement of “People Need the Lord” for the anthem. Steve Green recorded Greg Nelson and Phill Mchugh’s song in 1984. The lyrics gracefully express the story of our need to help those in need like us:

Provisions

 by Macy Johnson

“He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven

and crops in their seasons;

He provides you with plenty of food

and fills your hearts with joy.”

(Acts 14:17 NIV)

 

My husband and I piled into my car for our monthly trip to Athens, forty-five minutes away. Toilet paper was on my list, because we were almost out. I was concerned that Costco might be hectic with additional customers after the horrendous damage of Hurricane Helene.