The Full Armor

by Macy Johnson

“Put on the full armor of God

so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

(Ephesians 6:11 NIV)

 

I was shocked as I sat and watched a report on television one night. A father was carried away from his Tennessee home by armed FBI agents. His offense? He had participated in a peaceful demonstration at an abortion clinic many months before. I cannot recollect the details, because I was so taken aback by the fact that it could happen to me. Can officers of the law drag me away for standing for the Truth?

Unwelcome Visitor

 by Macy Johnson

“Then the man (Adam) and his wife (Eve)

heard the sound of the Lord God

as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day,

and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

(Genesis 3:8 NIV)

 

The exterminator came on Thursday morning. I expected his chemical shower to stir up all the pests in our compound. My husband said he saw several large ones in the middle of the courtyard. Some were even on the stone pathway, exposed to danger. They seemed confused, like they were searching for a new home away from us.

Fish Story

 by Macy Johnson

“Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore.

It was full of large fish, 153,

but even with so many the net was not torn.”

(John 21:11 NIV)

 

While camping at Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton, my husband and I walked next door to a Georgia Trout Hatchery. During two prior camping visits to the park we endured distractions of construction noises across the creek. The park ranger suggested we check out the facility’s new additions.

Broken and Bent

 by Macy Johnson

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

(Psalm 34:18 NIV)

 

Something was wrong with an old crown on a back tooth. A sharp edge was poking into my cheek. The irritation distracted me from routine tasks and absorbed my thoughts. I googled “what to do about sharp edges on teeth.” It was suggested I smooth it with a nail file. I tried that with little luck, since the crown was at least thirty years old and crafted out of metal, not softer porcelain.

 

Watched

 by Macy Johnson

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

(Luke 12:7 NIV)

 

I enjoyed watching “The Truman Show” one night with my husband. In the 1998 film, Truman (Jim Carrey) was the star of a television show that aired 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Over five thousand cameras in a small town on an isolated island gave viewers insight into everything he did. They spied on Truman’s every-day comings and goings.

Living in Limbo

 by Macy Johnson

“The creation waits in eager expectation

for the sons of God to be revealed.”

(Romans 8:19 NIV)

 

I waited for a response from a dear friend. My next move depended on her reply. In resolve, I turned to my husband and said, “Guess I’ll be in limbo for a while.” He tossed back at me, “We live in limbo!”

Linger Longer

 by Macy Johnson

“When the Samaritans came to Jesus,

they urged him to stay with them,

and he stayed two days.”

(John 4:40 NIV)

 

There is a street named Linger Longer Road in the center of my community’s lake area. I often wondered how a street could be named for what I thought was a colloquial saying. I believe the meaning behind Linger Longer Road is to encourage visitors to remain in the resorts and relax. When I cross that street at a very busy intersection I am tempted to laugh out loud. The cars and trucks that speed up to cut in front of others are not about to linger longer on Linger Longer Road!