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!