August 17 -The Choice

“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 saying 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! 

August 16 - Work of His Hand

 

“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 memories were not as they once were. 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!

August 15 - Love's Direction

 

“Dear friends, let us love one another,

for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God

and knows God.”

(1 John 4:7 NIV)

 

"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." –Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince.

Love originates with our heavenly Father and passes through us. As Christ’s followers, we love others and serve them together, looking outward in the same direction. I will represent Jesus as I love those He loves. I hope you will, too!

August 14 - A Father's Compassion

 

“As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”

(Psalm 103:13 NIV)

 

I remember my father sitting on my bed beside me, explaining why I had hurt his feelings by sinning against him and my mother. Tears flowed, but he never raised his voice. My father never yelled at me. I knew when I had done wrong. Daddy was gentle, just like his heavenly Father. I will show compassion to others as I have been shown. I hope you will, too!

August 13 - Chosen

 

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

the people He chose for His inheritance.”

(Psalm 33:12 NIV)

 

My study Bible identified Israel as God’s chosen people. By His creative power He imposed His order on creation. No one can thwart His plans and purpose to save His people. Israel is safe and secure under God’s protective rule. They are blessed. I am grafted into Israel through faith in Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Friend. I thank my heavenly Father for including me in His kingdom. I hope you will, too!

Stiff-Necked

 by Macy Johnson

“You stiff-necked people,

with uncircumcised hearts and ears!

You are just like your fathers;

You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

(Acts 7:51 NIV)

 

Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin left him in a tough spot. A few verses later in the book of Acts, he was stoned to death.

August 12 - Lean Not

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.”

(Proverbs 3:5 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers reminded me, “We are not taken up into conscious agreement with God’s purpose, we are taken up into God’s purpose without any consciousness at all. We have no conception of what God is aiming at, and as we go on it gets more and more vague.” God smiles when I tell Him my plans and probably asks, “And how is that going for you?” I will trust in God alone for everything. I hope you will, too!

August 11 - Holiness

 

“Make every effort to live in peace

with all men and to be holy;

without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

(Hebrews 12:14 NIV)

 

To be holy is to be set apart from impurity to God. His complete moral perfection should move me to strive for moral purity. I must be self-controlled and set my hope fully on the grace of God. He will help me to live in peace with everyone. I will push away all selfish thoughts and ask for forgiveness and renewal in my heavenly Father’s kingdom. I hope you will, too! 

August 10 - Muck-Rake

 

“Set your minds on things above,

not on earthly things.”

(Colossians 3:2 NIV)

 

In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt said, “In Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" you may recall the description of the Man with the Muck-rake, the man who could look no way but downward, who was offered a celestial crown for his muck-rake, but who would neither look up nor regard the crown he was offered. He is the example of him whose vision is fixed on carnal instead of on spiritual things.” I will lay down my muck-rake and reach for the crown. I hope you will, too! 

August 9 - Ordinary Messengers

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay

to show that this all-surpassing power

is from God and not from us.”

(2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)

 

God uses ordinary messengers to deliver His extraordinary message. When Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, God sent the Holy Spirit to live in the minds and hearts of His children. The works of Jesus continue on earth through those who believe and trust in Him. I will seek His will and obey. I hope you will, too! 

August 8 - Rock of Ages

 

“Trust in the Lord forever,

for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”

(Isaiah 26:4 NIV)

 

Augustus Toplady was sick and neurotic, disliked by friends and family. By 12 years old he preached to anyone who would listen. At age 22 he was ordained as an Anglican priest. Before he died in 1778 he wrote a poem about God’s forgiveness, now known as the best-loved hymn, “Rock of Ages.” I thank my heavenly Father for using weak and offensive instruments in His kingdom to point others to His perfect strength and love. I hope you will, too!

August 7 - Look Up

 

“Then you will know the Truth,

and the Truth will set you free.”

(John 8:32 NIV)

 

Jesus is the Way to the Father, eternal Truth and Life. Pastor Bob reminded his congregation of the significance of Christ’s ascension to the Throne. He nudged them to look up at the crown of gold, not down at the muckety muck gathered at their feet. When I look up into the face of Truth, I will be free from the pull of this life. I will fix my gaze on Jesus. I hope you will, too! 

August 6 - Joyful Service

“Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.”

(Romans 12:12 NIV)

 

Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Serving Christ usually means days of discouragement. The apostle Paul reminded his readers they were serving the Lord and not men.” When life becomes difficult I must not permit the zeal of my faith to grow cold. Mr. Weirsbe continues, “Christian fellowship is much more than a pat on the back and a handshake.” I will share burdens and blessings with others so God is glorified in my daily encounters. I hope you will, too! 

August 5 - Beyond Imagination

“However, as it is written:

‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived what God has prepared

for those who love Him.’”

(1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV)

 

I cannot begin to imagine the imagination of God. Whatever I think eternity will be like, the surface is not even scratched. The Creator of life in blood cells, pictures of thought, drops of water teeming with life, eyes that see, brains that think, is far beyond my imagination. I will praise Him and trust His plan. I hope you will, too! 

August 4 - Words in my Mouth

“’As for me, this is my covenant with them,’

says the Lord, ‘My Spirit, who is on you,

and my words that I have put in your mouth

will not depart from your mouth,

or from the mouths of your children,

or from the mouths of their descendents

from this time on and forever.’”

(Isaiah 59:21 NIV)

 

Matthew Henry wrote, “The Spirit who was on Christ shall always continue in the hearts of the faithful; and thus the Comforter shall abide with the church forever.” I will accept Words He puts in my mouth. I hope you will, too! 

August 3 - Blessings and Prayers

“Bless those who curse you,

pray for those who mistreat you.”

(Luke 6:28 NIV)

 

I have tried, but failed. I cannot be mad at someone I am lifting up to my heavenly Father in prayer. It could be impossible. Jesus asked His Father to forgive His enemies. He said, “They do not know what they are doing.” I can pray the same thing. The people I pray for may not change, but I probably will. I will send blessings to and prayers for those who offend me. I hope you will, too! 

August 2 - Run to Jesus

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation -

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the Stronghold of my life -

of whom shall I be afraid?”

(Psalm 27:1 NIV)

 

What are you afraid of? What do I avoid and run away from? Paul David Tripp reminded me, “God’s presence and promises give us reason to get up in the morning and persevere. With faith, courage, and a glad heart, you can do the things God has chosen you to do.” I will push away all anxious thoughts and run to Jesus. I hope you will, too!

August 1 - God's Workmanship

“For we are God’s workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

(Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

 

Jesus Christ suffered and died so I could be a new creature. As a child of God, I am destined to do good works for His glory. Just like the tree pushes new life into its leaves, God pushes His life into me so I will look and act more like Him. Leaves do tree things and I do godly things. I thank my heavenly Father for preparing me. I hope you will, too! 

July 31 - Restful Sleep

“I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”

(Psalm 3:5 NIV)

 

Carey Scott reminded me that when I toss and turn in my bed and try to turn off my brain, “God is there with you, ready to hear what’s heavy on your heart. He knows every detail about those things keeping you stirred up.” Only He can sustain my life through the night. Sleep is a gift from His loving hands. I will trust Him to provide me with restful sleep. I hope you will, too! 

July 30 - Resist Evil

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

(James 4:7 NIV)

 

Satan wants me to fight for myself and my rights. God tells me I have no rights, no power, no control. He tells me that He has all control and I can trust Him to make everything new and right in His perfect time. Satan wants me to hurry up and fix things for myself. He tells me lies. Almighty God tells me the Truth. I will resist Satan and listen to my heavenly Father. I hope you will, too! 

Contagious Cure

 by Macy Johnson

“Some people brought to him a man

who was deaf and could hardly talk,

and they begged him to place his hand on the man.”

(Mark 7:32 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I enjoyed watching The Last Ship on Netflix. It is based on a novel written by William Brinkley in 1988. An American Navy ship carried the scientist who discovered the cure for the Red Flu which had infected and killed most of the world’s population.

July 29 - Yoke of Jesus

 

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.”

(Matthew 11:29 NIV)

 

The love of God and the hope of heaven make service in His kingdom easy. I discovered His peace and control one Saturday. I drove almost four hours to deliver one grandson to our son. After a delicious lunch with family I drove back to our home with another grandson and granddaughter. I carried the yoke of Jesus and experienced His protection and rest. I hope you will, too!

 

 

July 28 - Choose Good

 

“Do not be overcome by evil,

but overcome evil with good.”

(Romans 12:21 NIV)

 

This world can be a scary place. People want control over other people, especially those who get in their way. I am so thankful I can spread the love of Jesus wherever I go. A few kind words shared with the cashier at Walmart brings joy to both of us. I can think more highly of others than myself. I can choose compassion over criticism, calm over agitated. The Holy Spirit will empower me - I will choose Him. I hope you will, too! 

July 27 - Slaying Giants

 

“Remember those earlier days

after you had received the light,

when you stood your ground in a

great contest in the face of suffering.”

(Hebrews 10:32 NIV)

 

I remembered the days after I fractured my pelvis when I read a devotional about a similar accident. The author’s physician reminded her to remember the story of David and Goliath. “Life has a way of sending more giants. The memory of this challenge will give you new strength.” I will remember how God brought me through struggles to prepare me for new life in Him. I hope you will, too!

July 26 - Reach for Hope

 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

(Psalm 34:18 NIV)

 

Hope is the first thing I reach for when things start to slide apart or away. But it is there for me in the good times, too. Hope is a posture for praise. It calls me to unclench my jaw, open my hands, and receive all that is good from my heavenly Father. He is always close to me, in the good times and bad. I will reach for Him. I hope you will, too!

July 25 - Included

“The Lord is good to all;

He has compassion on all He has made.”

(Psalm 145:9 NIV)

 

Nothing left out. Everything included. That includes me and you! He knows when I am tired and helps me to rest. He knows when I need to be alert and active and gives me the energy I need to do His will. I can only blame myself if I step off of His wonderful path of grace and peace. I will follow Him and seek His will in everything. I hope you will, too! 

Cheers to Peers

 by Macy Johnson

“Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

 

The hospital auxiliary board meeting was moving along through items of interest, old and new. As the Gift Galley manager, I reported the results of the past quarter and answered questions posed. A new volunteer had recently offered to help me with buyer duties and I sang her praises. The president asked if I would like to honor her at the upcoming quarterly general meeting of the auxiliary. I said I would.

July 24 - Justice and Righteousness

 

“Let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

(Amos 5:24 NIV)

 

Human life flourishes where there is justice and righteousness as plant life thrives near a water source. Matthew Henry recommends, “Let justice be duly administered, let not the current of it be stopped by favoritism and bribery - let it be pure as running waters, not muddied with corruption.” Oh, that our land would be free from pride and selfish greed. I lift it up to my heavenly Father in prayer. I hope you will, too! 

July 23 - Blanket of Love

“Hatred stirs up dissension,

but love covers over all wrongs.”

(Proverbs 10:12 NIV)

 

A mother silently entered the sanctuary of her sleeping teenage daughter. An argument raged between them after dinner. It started at the table in a local diner. Tempers flared and hurtful words were shot between them. The ride home was deathly silent. Now, the mother wished she could take back her words and quietly, slowly lifted a nearby blanket and laid it on her sleeping baby girl. Tears filled her eyes. She poured love on her loved one. I hope you will, too! 

July 22 - The Perfect Puzzle

“O Lord, You are my God;

I will exalt You and praise Your name,

for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago.”

(Isaiah 25:1 NIV)

 

The more I read the Bible, the more I see Jesus on every page. It was all planned in the mind of the Creator before time began. No way can the created being ever begin to understand the ways of God. My pea brain struggles to fit the pieces of the ultimate puzzle together. I will trust Him with every piece. I hope you will, too! 

July 21 - Whatever

 

“So whether you eat or drink

or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God.”

(1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers reminded me, “You need the surgical operation of external events and internal purification.” I must put God first in everything I think, say, or do. The fluff must be removed. I cannot do it on my own. He will guide me in baby steps to follow His lead. I only need to trust the Holy Spirit. I will look to Him for everything today. I hope you will, too!

July 20 - Faithful to Forgive

 

“If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

(1 John 1:9 NIV)

 

Confession means to agree with God on His assessment of my actions and thoughts, and to name my sin to God. John reminds me that my sins are immediately and totally covered by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. I am as forgiven as I will ever be. I will thank my heavenly Father for being faithful to His promises to me, even when I am not. I hope you will, too! 

July 19 - Oil and Water

 

“I appeal to you, brothers,

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

that all of you agree with one another

so that there may be no divisions among you

and that you may be perfectly united

in mind and thought.”

(1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)

 

When my husband makes Italian salad dressing, he measures oil, water, and spices into a bottle and shakes it vigorously. God does the same thing with His children in His church. Then we can add flavor to His kingdom. I will submit to the shaking. I hope you will, too!

July 18 - Known by God

 

“For to me,

to live is Christ

and to die is gain.”

(Philippians 1:21 NIV)

 

Matthew Henry wrote, “The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life. Death is a great loss to a carnal man, but it delivers a believer from all the evils of life.” Death ushers me into the presence of the One who loves me more than anyone else ever could. He knows me better than anyone else. What joy to be known by God. I will live and die daily for Him! I hope you will, too! 

July 17 - Humble Repentance

 

“He humbles those who dwell on high,

He lays the lofty city low;

He levels it to the ground

and casts it down to the dust.”

(Isaiah 26:5 NIV)

 

As a student in Austria, I befriended several families whose fathers had fought in the German army in the second World War. Their stories came to life in the visible damage left behind. I saw profound humility in their eyes as they told of their experiences. God humbled them and brought them to repentance. I will humble myself and repent of my rebellion today. I hope you will, too!

July 16 - Eternity Amnesia

“Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

(Psalm 73:25 NIV)

 

In Psalm 73 Asaph, the author, has a case of eternity amnesia. Paul David Tripp brought this to my attention in his “Everyday Gospel” collection, a treasured gift from a friend. Mr. Tripp reminded me that when I forget eternity, my view of today is distorted. Life looks radically different through the lens of eternity. I will thank my heavenly Father for helping me to view eternal life with Him when I am discouraged and confused. I hope you will, too! 

July 15 - Love Covers

 

“Above all, love each other deeply,

because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

(1 Peter 4:8 NIV)

 

I see God’s children everywhere. Some are angry at God for their painful circumstances. Some are proud of their blessings. Some are confused and frustrated, found beating their heads against figurative walls. They are each one His creation. He loves them more than I could ever imagine. Rather than envy the blessed or show anger or resentfulness to the offensive, I will ask my heavenly Father to teach me to love them as Jesus does. I hope you will, too!

July 14 - God is For Us

“What, then, shall we say in response to this?

If God is for us, who can be against us?”

(Romans 8:31 NIV)

 

The world is imploding on itself. Country against country. Peoples against peoples. Families against families. Praise God, He is in control! He provides peace to our hearts, minds, and souls while chaos swirls around us. God is for us! He dreamed of us, each one, and created us uniquely for His glory. I will ask Him for His peace. I will praise Him in the middle of the attacks. I hope you will, too! 

July 13 - Steps of Faith

 

“We live by faith,

not by sight.”

(2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV)

 

I sit here and wait for email responses to my requests. I remember the days when there were no emails, no phone texts, and no cell phones. Was my faith stronger when I needed to exercise it, when answers were not instantaneous? Every step must be taken by faith. Since my pelvic fracture my physical steps are more deliberate. So are my spiritual steps of faith. I will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. I hope you will, too! 

Sparrows

 by Macy Johnson

“So don’t be afraid;

you are worth more than many sparrows.”

(Matthew 10:31 NIV)

 

I walked into my house one Friday afternoon after playing Mah Jongg at the Greene County Library. I joined the group out of curiosity, played several hands, and won one hand. My husband, Jeff, asked me how I liked playing the game with a new group of men and women. I told him I enjoyed it and looked forward to returning the next week.

July 12 - The Prize

 

“Fight the good fight of the faith.

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called

when you made your good confession

in the presence of many witnesses.”

(1 Timothy 6 :12 NIV)

 

The Apostle Paul urges me to claim the benefits of eternal life today! Like a champion in a boxing ring, I will come out fighting. Nothing can hold me back from punching out all the distractions, one at a time. I will take hold of the prize of eternal life in Jesus. I hope you will, too!

July 11 - Forces of Nature

 

“When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.”

(Isaiah 43:2 NIV)

 

Testing hurts, but it will not destroy my soul. Suffering strengthens my faith and turns my face to my heavenly Father. He is always waiting for me to run to Him. I will thank God everyday for being in control of the forces of nature. I hope you will, too! 

July 10 - Suffering

 

“To this you were called,

because Christ suffered for you,

leaving you an example,

that you should follow in His steps.”

(1 Peter 2:21 NIV)

 

Lord, I am humbled and honored when I think about how You have chosen me to follow in Your steps and suffer as You have. You suffer when Your children push You away, try to make it on their own, and reach for Your creation instead of You. I will follow Jesus, His perfect example of suffering, and seek to become more like Him. I hope you will, too!

July 9 - Be Holy

 

“Be holy because I,

the Lord your God, am holy.”

(Leviticus 19:2 NIV)

 

Reginald Heber wrote the popular hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” along with fifty-six other hymns as vicar in his family’s parish. The Bishop of London stopped Reginald from publishing a collection of high-caliber hymns, so he set off for India as a missionary. After he died on the mission field, his widow published his Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Service of the Church Year. I will set my sights on God’s will today, no matter the consequences. I hope you will, too! 

July 8 - The Greatest Factor

 

“Devote yourselves to prayer,

being watchful and thankful.”

(Colossians 4:2 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers wrote, “The one thing that keeps us from the possibility of worrying is bringing God in as the greatest factor in all of our calculations.” If I commit my way to Him and trust Him with even the tiniest detail, He will bring success. It may not be what I want, but it will be the best, because He will be at the center. I will devote myself to a deeper relationship with Him. I hope you will, too!

The Next Pitch

 by Macy Johnson

“Everyone who competes in the games

goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last;

but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

(1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I enjoyed watching the 2026 NCAA Men’s College World Series Baseball Championship. The University of Oklahoma’s team defeated the University of North Carolina’s team in the final game.

July 7 - Wait for the Lord

 

“Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.”

(Psalm 27:14 NIV)

 

God does not procrastinate. When faced with a challenge, I looked for multiple ways to hold off attacking it. I cannot see the big picture, but God can. I have to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wait on His next steps. They always come at the right time and in the right way. I will look to my heavenly Father. I will be strong, take heart, and wait for Him. I hope you will, too!

July 6 - Atonement

 

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and proclaim to her

that her hard service has been completed,

that her sin has been paid for,

that she has received from the Lord’s hand

double for all her sins.”

(Isaiah 40:2 NIV)

 

God became a human and entered this world He created so we could be reconciled back to Him. His perfection required a perfect sacrifice for our rebellion and we could not provide it. Isaiah prophesied that our sin would be atoned for on the cross of Jesus. I accept God’s free gift of salvation. I hope you will, too! 

July 5 - Love in Action

 

“Over all these virtues put on love,

which binds them all in perfect unity.”

(Colossians 3:14 NIV)

 

It does not matter how right I am or how much I know, if I do not show it with love, I am nothing. Like honey bees drawn to flowers for nectar, people will be drawn to genuine caring and love. I see it at the nursing home I visit. The residents do not care about how we sing, only that we care about them. I will ask God to help me care more about others than myself. I hope you will, too!

July 4 - True Freedom

 

“But now, this is what the Lord says -

He who created you, O Jacob,

He who formed you, O Israel:

‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name;

you are Mine.”

(Isaiah 43:1 NIV)

 

Oh, the joy to know I belong to Jesus! No matter where I live or what I do, I am held in the arms of my Savior. No power can ever take that freedom away from me. I will thank Him continually for the freedom I enjoy in this amazing country. I hope you will, too! 

July 3 - Your Labor

 

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.

Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,

because you know that your labor in the Lord

is not in vain.”

(1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

 

God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ. Everything done through faith will stand and be recognized in God’s kingdom. British Missionary C. T. Studd said it best, “Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.” I will strive to do the best I can all the time for God’s glory. I hope you will, too!

July 2 - Humble Submission

 

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and shun evil.”

(Proverbs 3:7 NIV)

 

King Solomon continues in Proverbs 3:8 to say that humility will “bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Sometimes I “jump the gun” and do foolish things that result in injury. I think I know what I am doing, but hastily miss the path of Truth. I will wait on the Lord, fear Him, trust His guidance, and not try to run ahead of His perfect will. I hope you will, too!