Not What You Think

by Macy Johnson

“While they were listening to this,

He went on to tell them a parable,

because He was near Jerusalem

and the people thought that

the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.”

(Luke 19:11 NIV)

 

The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27) is the last of Christ’s teachings in Luke before His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The mina, valued at approximately three months’ wages, is a metaphor for the Gospel. God has given each of us the good news of Jesus and we are responsible for how we invest it and share it with others.

April 6 - Be Courageous

“Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

(Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)

 

On an episode of “Air Disasters” a pilot was afraid to manually fly his airline on a runway approach. He depended on the autopilot and the plane crashed. Sometimes God calls me to get my hands dirty, try something new, different, better. My old routine may not work anymore. I will be courageous and follow Jesus into unfamiliar territory. I hope you will, too! 

April 5 - He is Risen Indeed!

 

“Don’t be alarmed,” the angel said,

“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.

He has risen! He is not here.

See the place where they laid Him.”

(Mark 16:6 NIV)

 

I don’t need an earthquake or angels to show me the dead are gone. All those things in my life I am ashamed of are forgiven and gone! His death took my punishment, guilt, and shame. April 3 AD33 is believed to be the day Jesus died. So today, April 5, is His Resurrection Day! I will celebrate it every day. I hope you will, too! 

April 4 - My Shield

 

“But you are a shield around me, O Lord;

you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

(Psalm 3:3 NIV)

 

A friend reminded me, “Yahweh lifts His face toward you. That is attention. He carries you through what you cannot walk through alone. That is strength. He bears the weight of what should have crushed you. That is sacrifice. And He forgives by removing what He bore. That is freedom. That is Nasa (נָשָׂא) Pronounced: nah-SAH.” I will lift up my face to my heavenly Father and praise Him. I hope you will, too! 

April 3 - Watch and Pray

 

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

(Mark 14:38 NIV)

 

A deliberate chunk of my prayer life is spent over a laptop keyboard. I type words in a love letter to God. I am focused on spiritual connection and seek a hallowed response. It is faster than snail mail or email, and I am immediately filled when I write and when I listen. No matter what the method is, I surrender all to Him. I hope you will, too!

April 2 - When

 

“You will seek me and find me

when you seek me with all your heart.”

(Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)

 

When will you come again, Lord? When will this struggle end? When will I find peace? When will you reveal yourself to me? When will I stop thinking of myself? “When you seek me with all your heart,” He replied. My only task is to look for Jesus, to reach out for His hand, and to talk to Him nonstop. I choose to make my When > NOW. I hope you will, too!

April 1 - Not a Fool

 

“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,

and discerning if he holds his tongue.”

(Proverbs 17:28 NIV)

 

The first day of April is observed as a day to play practical jokes and make fools of family and friends. Jesus came to help the wise understand their foolishness. He came to save and not destroy the weak and foolish, not make fun of them. I will keep my mouth shut today and ask God for wisdom to respond with love to cover every offense. I hope you will, too!

Straighten Up

 by Macy Johnson

“Then He put His hands on her,

and immediately she straightened up

and praised God.”

(Luke 13:13 NIV)

 

As a young girl in my parent’s home, my mother would often shake her finger at me and admonish, “You had better straighten up, young lady!” Fortunately, I often got the message the first time. I could almost hear Jesus speak through her, then and now.

March 31 - ASK

 

Ask and it will be given to you;

Seek and you will find;

Knock and the door will be opened to you.”

(Matthew 7:7 NIV)

 

Ask, Seek, Knock - ASK! Jesus taught His followers how to live and commune with our Heavenly Father. If I stay in the center of His will, nothing will be impossible for me. I must humble myself and acknowledge my need and His provision. I cannot do anything apart from Him. I will ask and know that He hears and will provide for all my needs for His glory. I hope you will, too!

March 30 - Thirsty

 

“As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.”

(Psalm 42:1 NIV)

 

Jesus is Living Water. He is the only One who can slay my thirst and refresh my soul. He is in every sunrise and sunset, reminding me of His presence and power. He is in the exchange of smiles and kind words spoken in love. Jesus is in the Source and Execution of my plans. I will trust Him to provide for all my needs today. I hope you will, too!

March 29 - Enough

 

“He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces

He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.”

(Isaiah 53:3 NIV)

 

 

Jesus is enough. While tortured His blood covered every place He went. I would be foolish to try to add anything to His sacrifice. His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. My additions only weigh me down. I am called to decrease so He can increase. I will simplify my thoughts today and focus on Him. I hope you will, too!

March 28 - Not Afraid

 

“When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.”

(Psalm 56:3 NIV)

 

I look out my window to watch dead leaves hanging precariously on the oak branches nearby. They dance in the breeze and refuse to let go. How am I like those leaves? I am afraid to try new things. But when I do the thing I am called to do, scary as it is, my confidence returns and fear vanishes. I am no longer afraid. I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me into unchartered waters. I hope you will, too!

March 27 - Separation

 

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place

he would later receive as his inheritance,

obeyed and went, even though

he did not know where he was going.”

(Hebrews 11:8 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers reminded me, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.” I am called to separate myself mentally and morally from the people and things that do not glorify God. He will let me know the direction I should go, even into the unknown. I will go with Him. I hope you will, too! 

March 26 - My Shepherd

 

“Surely goodness and love

will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

(Psalm 23:6 NIV)

 

My Shepherd not only follows me, He pursues me. I cannot escape from His presence. I would be foolish to try to push Him away or run away from Him. I am a bleating lamb. I am clueless as to what is going on around me. I need a shepherd, the Good Shepherd now more than ever. I will follow His lead. I hope you will, too! 

March 25 - Greater

 

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,

because the One who is in you

is greater than the one who is in the world.”

(1 John 4:4 NIV)

 

While serving at my hospital’s gift shop one afternoon, the chaplain entered and told of a daring rescue in the parking lot. A man had driven himself to the hospital, got out of his car, and collapsed with a heart attack. Nurses rushed to his aid. This world’s goal is to destroy life. I will praise Him for being greater than His creation. I hope you will, too!

Adjust the Seat

 by Macy Johnson

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.”

(Psalm 40:4 NIV)

 

On the way home from camping at Watson Mill Bridge State Park, I looked over at my husband, Jeff, and commented, “I feel like I’m sitting in a hole!” My neck was tight from straining to see over the steering wheel. “Maybe you just need to adjust your seat,” he replied.

March 24 - Return

 

“Even now,” declares the Lord,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

(Joel 2:12 NIV)

 

God’s chosen people wandered away from Him. We, through Adam, once enjoyed sweet fellowship with our Creator in the Garden of Eden. He calls us back. He opened the door on the cross with the death of Jesus, His Son. I cannot understand it, but I don’t have to understand, only believe. Today is the day of salvation! I will return to Him and accept the salvation He provides. I hope you will, too! 

March 23 - Prayer and Praise

 

“Is any one of you in trouble?

He should pray.

Is anyone happy?

Let him sing songs of praise.”

(James 5:13 NIV)

 

Prayer and Praise is the only prescription that works. It does not matter what I face today, I am not alone. I can talk to my heavenly Father, even sing to Him. He created my voice and wants to hear it directed to Him. One day my voice will be restored in His kingdom when I see Him face to face. Until then, I will use what I have now for His glory. I hope you will, too!

March 22 - Invitations

 

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’

None of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are you?’

They knew it was the Lord.”

(John 21:12 NIV)

 

Jesus reveals Himself to me in new ways. Sometimes he invites me to a meal. Sometimes he invites me to sit and be silent while He teaches me something new through a pastor or teacher or friend. I know it is Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. I can selectively listen to or ignore Him. I will choose to pay attention to His invitations. I hope you will, too! 

March 21 - First Place

 

“Do not follow other gods,

the gods of the peoples around you.”

(Deuteronomy 6:14 NIV)

 

What is trying to take over my thought life today? What is becoming a god in my heart? Who do I love more than I love Jesus? If anyone or anything takes first place in my being, it must be removed. The battle is fierce, and I am a soldier. My heavenly Father is a jealous Commander and requires all my allegiance. I will give it to Him. I hope you will, too! 

March 20 - Perfection

  

“I want to know Christ

and the power of His resurrection

and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings,

becoming like Him in His death.”

(Philippians 3:10 NIV)

 

Things in this life break, wear out, and fall apart. When I fail to keep up the pace I set for myself, I cry out to my heavenly Father. He always is there to encourage me to keep on moving ahead. The goal is the glory set before me, just like Jesus. Perfection is His. I will thank the Lord for His life and death. I hope you will, too!

March 19 - Wise Foolishness

  

“God chose the foolish things of the world

to shame the wise.”

(1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV)

 

I think it is better to have wise foolishness than foolish wisdom. When I remember the many Bible scholars I have known, the ones who truly loved Jesus were humble and simple. Their faces would probably never grace a magazine cover, but their love covered many of my offenses. My favorite pastors and teachers were not eloquent speakers, but I learned volumes from them. I will pursue wise foolishness for God to be glorified in my life. I hope you will, too! 

March 18 - Treasure

  

“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!

March 17 - See

 

“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 teenager-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 see. I will try to be a faithful witness of what I see. I hope you will, too!

Back Off

 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. 

March 16 - Blameless

 

“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!

 

March 15 - Peaceful Morning

  

“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!

March 14 - When the Time Comes

 

“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! 

March 13 - Clear the Temple

  

“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!

March 12 - A Better Morning

 

“I despise my life; I would not live forever.

Let me alone; my days have no meaning.”

(Job 7:16 NIV)

 

I opened my eyes to a painful fever blister on my lower lip, and the touchpad on my new laptop died. Instead of asking, “What else can go wrong, Lord?” I put my head down and whispered, “Please help me, Lord, I need you now more than ever.” My thoughts drifted to others who suffer much worse calamities. He touched my computer and my lip and set me on my way for a better morning. I will turn to Him for everything. I hope you will, too!

March 11 - Ode to Spring

 

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights

in the expanse of the sky

to separate the day from the night,

and let them serve as signs

to mark seasons and days and years.’”

(Genesis 1:14 NIV)

 

Green blades of grass peek through the brown stubble. Dry, dead leaves shiver on precarious limbs of oak trees. Spring tries to punch through winter. Squirrels scurry from tree to tree with nut prizes in their mouths. The earth wants to wake up but can barely open its eyes to the sights. I will welcome the new season soon. I hope you will, too!

Tea Party

 by Macy Johnson

“If the king regards me with favor

and if it pleases the king to grant my petition

and fulfill my request,

let the king and Haman come tomorrow

to the banquet I will prepare for them.

Then I will answer the king’s question.”

(Esther 5:8 NIV)

 

During a recent visit, my granddaughter asked if we could have a tea party. I brewed a pot of green tea and found cookies and candies for us to share. Wide-brimmed straw hats were retrieved from pegs in the laundry room. We donned them on our heads and created our best English accents.

March 10 - Trust on Steroids

 

“And my God will meet all your needs

according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19 NIV)

 

Carey Scott wrote, “Faith is trust on steroids, and when we activate our faith, we surrender control and allow the Lord to satisfy us in His timing and His ways.” Lord, I trust you and release control to you. I will surrender my will to you. I know that nothing can touch me outside God’s perfect plan for my life. I will trust Him to meet all my needs. I hope you will, too! 

March 9 - Morning Visitors

  

“How many are your works, O Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.”

(Psalm 104:24 NIV)

 

God comes to me in the morning in the form of a bird. He chatters at me from outside my window while it is still dark. I cannot see him, but he is my friend. He comes when I turn on the light on my writing desk. He speaks while I fashion thoughts to my heavenly Father. Soft music cannot silence the chirping. I listen to God’s creatures. I hope you will, too!

March 8 - Sleepless

 

“Cast all your anxiety on Him

because He cares for you.”

(1Peter 5:7 NIV)

 

Four o’clock in the morning found me wide awake. “Just a few more hours, Lord,” I asked. He placed a distant window in my mind’s eye. A light was on through the trees. “Someone needs your prayers,” He nudged. I lifted them up to Him and found peace as I sang to Him and fell back asleep for a little while longer. I will answer the call, no matter what the time it is. I hope you will, too! 

March 7 - Triggers

  

“Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.”

(Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

 

Alicia Britt Chole reminded me, “Uncertainty is quite revealing. The unknown triggers different reactions in different hearts and exposes our soul’s defaults.” What unknown trigger will strike a dissonant chord in my soul today? What defaults will I gravitate toward when I face the unknown? Will I react as Jesus would? Will I put the needs of others before my own? I must be alert to all triggers that come my way today. I hope you will, too!

March 6 - Renewed Strength

  

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”

(Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

 

One morning after a long, hard week, I glanced out my window to watch an eagle swoop across the water. I am thankful God led me and protected me then and will continue every day for the rest of my time here on earth. I hope only in the Lord and will grow stronger in faith in Him. I hope you will, too!

March 5 - Fast From Fixing

  

“’No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’

Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you,

you have no part with me.’”

(John 13:8 NIV)

 

Do I think I know what is best for God’s kingdom? He calls me to stop trying to fix the problems I face. Faith requires me to surrender, to release all control and trust His way is perfect. It may be painful and seemingly headed in the wrong direction, according to my wisdom, but it is His way, the only way. I will abstain from my way and follow His today. I hope you will, too!

March 4 - Light in Darkness

  

“Such a thing has never been seen or done,

not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt.

Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!”

(Judges 19:30 NIV)

 

I turned off the TV. Changing the station was not enough. My soul was crushed by the sight. Lawlessness and immorality flashed before my eyes on the screen. I vowed to not let anything godless enter my mind. The only solution was to turn up the light of my soul brighter and stronger to push away the darkness. I hope you will, too! 

Cleaning Lady

 by Macy Johnson

“Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him,

asked me, ‘How long will your journey take,

and when will you get back?’

It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.”

(Nehemiah 2:6 NIV)

 

I walked into the Sav-A-Life crisis pregnancy center office one wintry afternoon. “I am here to clean your toilets or do whatever is needed,” I told the administrator. “Who are you?” she asked. After I explained who I was, she said, “We don’t need a cleaning lady, we need you on our Board!” That was the beginning of my service with Sav-A-Life in Birmingham.

March 3 - Humility

 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

(Philippians 2:3 NIV)

 

Humility springs from a secure identity with my heavenly Father. I am inspired by a deep sense of unworthiness from my depraved nature, omitted duties, and violated commands from God’s word. Humility helps me see and meet the needs of others and judge them as more important than my own. It leads me to repentance unto life in Christ. I will follow Jesus to make Him known to those around me today. I hope you will, too!

 

March 2 - Leftovers

 

“They all ate and were satisfied,

and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls

of broken pieces that were left over.”

(Luke 9:17 NIV)

 

Nothing is wasted in God’s kingdom. Nothing is left behind. The earth turns. Night falls and morning rises. This season will pass. New opportunities to serve for God’s glory linger around the corner. Whatever is done for Christ will last. I will quiet my mind and place my soul in His presence. I will feast on His Word and save the leftovers for later. I hope you will, too! 

March 1 - Repentance

  

“All the people, even the tax collectors,

when they heard Jesus’ words,

acknowledged that God’s way was right,

because they had been baptized by John.”

(Luke 7:29 NIV)

 

I must turn from my foolish, selfish ways and walk on the straight and narrow path today. This new day, new month, offers an opportunity to change, to turn around and follow Jesus. He is the only Leader I need or want. Yes, God’s way is the only Way. I will seek Him in a new way today, put Him first. I hope you will, too!

 

February 28 - Never Give Up

 

“Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up.”

(Galatians 6:9 NIV)

 

Phrases of encouragement circled around in my brain: Endeavor to Persevere, Keep on Keeping on. They pop in and out of my mind when I am faced with difficult situations. Now is the time to pay attention to what is ahead and forget what is behind. One day, one step at a time on the path with Jesus. I will march on into today and not be afraid. I hope you will, too!

 

February 27 - Not Ashamed

  

“I am not ashamed of the gospel,

because it is the power of God for the salvation

of everyone who believes:

first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

(Romans 1:16 NIV)

 

The world does not want to hear about Jesus, much less see Him. As I move forward into today, I am reminded of the cold darkness out there. If I stay away, how can God’s love move through me to dispel negative forces? I will shine God’s light on the right path. I will proclaim the love of Jesus today. I hope you will, too!

February 26 - Not Fancy

  

“Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature;

rather serve one another in love.”

(Galatians 5:13 NIV)

 

I needed a new laptop computer before the old one died. I walked into one store and was told they did not have what I was looking for. I crossed the street to another store and found exactly what I wanted on sale for a price I could afford. It is not fancy. As I journey to Christ’s death and resurrection, I will follow the Holy Spirit’s lead to seek only what I need. I hope you will, too!

February 25 - God's Word

 

“My mother and brothers are those

who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

(Luke 8:21 NIV)

 

I thank Jesus for giving me Himself. He is God’s Word, the only Way, Truth, Life, and the only Path to the Father. I thank Him for including me in His kingdom and eternal family. I will trust the Holy Spirit to lead me to diligently study God’s word and walk more closely with Him. I will put His words into practice today. I hope you will, too!

Chasing Numbers

 by Macy Johnson

“But everything should be done

in a fitting and orderly way.”

(1 Corinthians 14:40 NIV)

 

The monthly church payroll journal entry frustrated me. I was not comfortable with the process. A more direct method, in an effort to skip a step, seemed more effective. Yet, I could not get a grasp on where the numbers came from for certain accounts. This struggle kept me up at night.

February 24 - Fruit Trees

  

“When you enter the land

and plant any kind of fruit tree,

regard its fruits as forbidden.

For three years you are to consider it forbidden;

it must not be eaten.”

(Leviticus 19:23 NIV)

 

God instructs me to slow down and not rush into anything. Growth takes time. The plans and projects He has given require thoughtful deliberation before action. I must give the fruit to Him first, then I can enjoy its bounty. I will plant and wait on my heavenly Father to produce fruit in me today. I hope you will, too! 

February 23 - Protect Your Blessings

 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.”

(John 10:10 NIV)

 

Blessings can come at any time and in many different ways. The enemy wants to destroy life and all the wonderful blessings that come in good and bad times. They are God’s gifts and must be protected. With the Bible, God’s Word, in my hands, heart, and mind I will fight all the battles to keep faith in the struggles today. I hope you will, too!

 

February 22 - Provisions

 “So don’t be afraid;

you are worth more than many sparrows.”

(Matthew 10:31 NIV)

 

I watch birds flock to the feeder on my balcony. They come in pairs and sometimes alone to peck at the wild bird feed my husband put there for them. They do not worry whether they will find food or not. When the feeder is empty they stare at me through the glass as if to ask how I could forget about them. I trust my heavenly Father to not forget about me, either. I hope you will, too!