Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 128
March 12, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: March 12, 2013
For we live by faith, not by sight.
The reading comprehension passage in one of our Test Prep workbooks yesterday focused on echolocation. Echolocation is used by animals and humans with limited sight to locate objects and determine distances. Intrigued, I conducted more research. Sonar is a man-made form of echolocation used for navigation in the sea and in the air. Medical ultrasounds are based on the same principle as they detect internal images within the human body using sound waves.
Later in the day, I encountered 2 Corinthians 5:7 in my Jesus Calling daily reading. Today, that scripture appeared in my Experiencing God reading. At my first reading, I sensed an immediate resonance between this verse and the topic of echolocation we studied. The echo of the verse this morning confirmed my initial thoughts.
Through my darkest nights and on my brightest days, God’s words resound in my heart and mind. When He speaks, my soul reverberates. My short-sightedness prevents even one step without faith in His vision. I call to Him with prayer, with scripture, with sounds undetectable to the human ear. He responds with the echo of His promises, guiding me the distance of my journey.
One Good Thing Every Day: March 11, 2013
“Sometimes, nothing ushers in a fresh perspective like a good night’s sleep.”
“Through [David's] example, we are reminded no matter what our circumstances, we can sleep peacefully when we put our trust in the Lord.”
From Henry T. Blackaby’s Experiencing God
“[David] didn’t depend on yesterday’s guidance for today’s decision.”
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
Tremble anddo not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them.Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn them in the fire.
Once more the Philistines raided the valley; so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
I smiled when I saw the statement from A Jane Austen Devotional the day after I lost an hour of sleep because of the time change. But, I can attest that a good night’s sleep makes all the difference when facing a new day of decisions. I love the reminder in Blackaby’s book because a solution from the previous day cannot always be applied to now. Every decision requires calling out to God as David did in Psalms 4 and in 1 Chronicles 14:8-16. Notice how God simply says “Go, I will deliver them into your hands” the first time, but in essence says, “Wait! I want you to climb these poplar trees until you hear them coming. Then attack.” Like David, I need to remember that some days God says “go” and other times He says “wait.” He may say, “I’ve got this one.” Or He may tell me, “Do this first. It may not make sense, and you may not think you can do it. But, if you follow my instructions, you will know what to do when the time comes.” Either way, no matter the season of life or time of the day, I need to be ready to surrender my plans, even if it means resting in the boughs of a poplar tree.
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March 9, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: March 10, 2013
“By biblical standards, reverencing a pastor means honoring him with your words, actions, and thoughts; encouraging, praying for, and building him up. But most important…a pastor is an important advocate, a shepherd who helps guide us in our walk with Christ.” A Jane Austen Devotional
I am posting these references to reverencing our church leaders a day early. As I read them today, they reminded me to pray for my pastor before Sunday’s sermon. They prompted me to pray for my church and the churches of family and friends. They challenged me to pray for leaders within other denominations, especially for discernment for those choosing the papal successor. May God be glorified through “those who spread the Message” and “those who believe the Message”!
One Good Thing Every Day: March 9, 2013
Galatians 6:2-5 NIV
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
“I rob myself and others if I assume their daily problems and needs. When I do for others what they can do for themselves, I keep them from learning life skills and gaining the resulting self-respect.” from Joan C. Webb’s It’s a Wonderful Imperfect Life
After everyone left the house this morning, I thought about going upstairs and making my sons’ beds. I knew they would appreciate tucked sheets and smoothed spreads. But, I stopped myself. My motive for making the beds was wrong. I knew I would be doing it for myself. The appreciation I desired was not theirs. It was my own in seeing the beds made the way I wanted them made.
Making their beds and keeping their rooms clean are part of their daily chores. Each one has household chores over the course of the week. Even though I could assist them by doing these simple tasks for them, today I knew I should resist and insist they complete these chores with their best effort. My assistance–at first met with resistance at my insistence they amend their initial feeble bed-making attempts–came in the form of firm explanation of proper procedure while providing encouragement in helping them de-clutter their rooms. In the end, it was a team effort and learning experience for all.
One Good Thing Every Day: March 8, 2013
“When you find our completeness in Me, you can help other people without using them to meet your own needs. Live in the Light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others.” from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
One Good Thing Every Day: March 5, 2013
“Two words in the Christian lanuguage cannot go together: No and Lord.” from Henry T. Blackaby’s Experiencing God
One Good Thing Every Day: March 4, 2013
“What we practice –what we truly believe–is indicative of what’s in our hearts. Deceiving ourselves is the same thing as thinking we know better than God. Our relationship with Him cannot thrive if we fail to let him inside our hearts and purify them.” A Jane Austen Devotional
“What you do says more about what you believe about God than what you say.” from Henry T. Blackaby’s Experiencing God
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