Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 124
April 19, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: April 19, 2013
“When human ultimatums are added to God’s loving directives, the Christian life becomes burdensome. This is not what Jesus wants for me–or for you.” from Joan C. Webb’s It’s a Wonderful Imperfect Life
“Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worthy of My Love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to that question will always be no….your accomplishment as a Christian has no bearing on My Love for you….Bring your performance anxiety to Me, and receive in its place My unfailing love.” from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
April 18, 2013
April 17, 2013
April 16, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: April 16, 2013
“From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I’m mismanaging things. But you don’t know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to live by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing…” from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
April 15, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: April 15, 2013
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain…
Before the veil in front of the Holy of Holies split at the death of Jesus on the cross, few had the privilege of entering. Only the high priest parted the veil once a year, and even then he donned his robes with dangling bells and pomegranates to indicate he still lived beyond it and trailed a rope behind him if he did not. Moses met with the Lord face to face to the point he veiled his own visage to protect the people who could only see the distant cloud of God’s Presence.
Today the privilege of the Holy Spirit parting the veil over my heart reveals His Presence in my life. When I primp before the mirror and examine my face for sags and wrinkles, am I as conscious to prepare myself to reflect His image throughout the day? Afterall, I must put on His face and conceal my own.
One Good Thing Every Day: April 14, 2013
“As Christians, we carry an additional responsibility for checking our hearts against unhealthy obsessions: a very real threat of letting anything–even a good thing–preoccupy us to the point that it overshadows our relationship with the Lord.” from A Jane Austen Devotional
Typically, I have little trouble preparing myself for the day and getting where I need to be. So, it rankles me when unnecessary delays occur. A child unwilling to comply with a morning timeframe ignites me to take responsibility for his lack of action. I stand over him, prodding like a cattle driver. I switch from cajoling to demanding to consoling. All I want is to be on time for church. Isn’t that a good thing?
Not so if my timeframe is kin to “hasten[ing] after another god.” In my preoccupation to take responsibility for another’s lack of it, I did not read these words when they might have encouraged me. I read them a morning late when not only my relationship with the Lord was lax, but my relationship with my child suffered as well. We arrived to church on time, but my heart-effort was misplaced. Even as I instruct my son on valuing the time of others, I must value his needs as well. I need to allow time for him to learn his responsibility and let go of what I cannot and should not control. When minutes tick toward deadlines, I need to settle my heart and let God prompt my son to action. Only if I sense His prod, should I offer assistance. Sunday’s lessons are learned. Now it is Monday. Time to apply and comply.
April 13, 2013
April 12, 2013
April 11, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: April 11, 2013
Nine to twelve inches of snow are predicted for my area. Yet, I laughed when I read this passage. Snow in April is ridiculous. But, God’s sense of humor is poignant and giggle-worthy at the same time.
I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest.
I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and storm.”
Yesterday, I watched a Mourning Dove eat birdseed off the ground. This morning, the seeds are covered with snowflakes. One lone bird is finding shelter and food in my feeder, and the dove is no where to be seen. Still, here are the next words God planned for me to read today.
“Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances.” from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Today I choose to cup my hands under these fleeting, snowy blessings. If I do stick my tongue out, it is only to take a cue from Psalm 34:8.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
