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! 

April 26 - Look Up

 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills -

where does my help come from?”

(Psalm 121:1 NIV)

 

Sometimes the clouds past the tree line across the lake look like mountains. Their formations reach for the sky like snow-covered peaks. My imagination runs wild and I see Jesus coming for me. My Help is in the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let my foot slip. He watches over me. He is always awake. I will lift up my eyes to Him. I hope you will, too! 

April 25 - Rebirth and Renewal

“He saved us,

not because of righteous things we had done,

but because of His mercy.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth

and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

(Titus 3:5 NIV)

 

I cannot take any credit for my birth. My heavenly Father created me to need Him. And, boy, do I need Him! By His mercy I do not get what I deserve. By His grace, I get something much, much better. He is the ultimate prize! I can never thank Him enough but will keep trying. I hope you will, too! 

April 24 - Blessed is the Man

 

“Blessed is the Man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.”

(Psalm 1:1 NIV)

 

I used to think if I tried hard enough, I could be like the man in Psalm 1:1. Then I realized there is only one Man who fits that bill. Jesus is the only man who delights in God’s law and fulfills it. I can follow in His footsteps away from the wicked. I will thank Him today for His righteousness. I hope you will, too!