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.
“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!
“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!
“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!
“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!
“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!
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.
