As I stood there singing, a thought came to me. I was among several other participants, lifting our voices, singing songs of praise to God. There must have been a specific song that included scripture, because I began to consider how the words in the Bible are like tools that are available to us. As I am pondering that idea now, the thought of a carpenter comes to mind. With tools ready in his pouch, securly attached to his belt, he is ready to begin the work.
Will this board fit? Is it the correct one to use? Out comes the measuring tape. These nails could hold this piece together. Out comes the hammer. Somehow, this area just doesn't look straight. Out comes the level to remove all doubt by revealing any misalignment. Without the tools, the carpenter would be severely limited in his efforts.
God has not limited us spiritually. He provides the tools needed by giving us the Bible. By hiding its words in our hearts, we are "strapping" them to our belts. There, they are available to be used to define clarity in aligning our lives with His will.
I am thankful to have His word available to me each and every day. A wise carpenter would never set out to work without his tools--neither should I.
published: 01:59 | 0 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
You may know someone who is currently in the military. Some time ago, I heard an illustration that involved visualizing a possible situation in a soldier's life. It went something like this:
Imagine that an officer is ordered into a battle zone, deep in the lush, green jungle area of a distant country. On arrival, he takes stock of the situation at hand. He realizes that his group of men are not equipped to carry out the orders given. He will need supplies and reinforcements. He takes the walkie talkie in hand and calls the general, relaying his urgent requests.
Could just anyone send out that call and hope to be received? No. It had to be made from one whom certain authority had been given. The soldier had been granted the authority to ask for what he needed.
As forgiven children of God, we are like the officer. When we find ourselves in need of anything during our time of service to Him, we can be confident that He will receive our requests. But what if we never make them? What if we never trust God enough to ask for the reinforcements? What if we are too ashamed to ask, or we feel unworthy to make a request?
Does the officer on the field feel unworthy to ask for assistance? Likely, he would be compelled to react in just the opposite manner. With the authority given him to carry out his mission, he would assess the need, and take the steps necessary to communicate that need to his superior.
Luke 11:9b says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;" We have been given the authority to ask for help. We have been given the distinct privilege of coming to our loving God with our petitions and our needs. As we carry out the mission of our lives, He is continually available to hear us when we call.
published: 12:38 | 1 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Sunday, June 29, 2008
What is a reward? The dictionary says, "something given or received in return."
This verse was first brought to my attention at a women's gathering several years ago. The guest speaker quoted this scripture, and it has since become very special to me. Through every experience of my life, my understanding of God is newly developed. I do want to please Him, and believe.
"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
published: 05:44 | 1 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Saturday, June 28, 2008
There were so many of them. They had filled an area of the parking lot that day, seeking----and finding. It was obvious that they were searching for food; diligently, eagerly, single-mindedly searching. They were intent on their quest. Nourishment was evidently available, and they were there to seek it out.
Am I diligent and eager to find God? Am I single minded about my quest to know Him more? Am I intentional? Seeking? Searching?
Recently, in a Bible study group, we were challenged to consider what it would be like to have our "theology" match our "reality." Will I be focused on bringing the truth of God into alignment with my every day, earthly existance?
I think I'm ready---what about you?
published: 02:11 | 1 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Friday, June 27, 2008
Distraction. It's everywhere. Do this, look at that. Stop here, go there. Wait---what was I intending to do today?
Not all battle tactics are the same. Think of a basketball game. While it may be against the rules to just knock someone down to keep them from catching the ball and scoring, distraction is another thing. If the opposing team can succeed in distracting a player from his focus, if only for an instant, it may be enough to keep him from the victory that was well within his grasp.
I have had several good intentions, many of which that were realized. Sadly, I can also look back and see important plans foiled by seeming procrastination that left opportunities by the wayside, with some impossible to retrieve.
May I not immediately forget God's leading and my most important goals in life, in lieu of luring distractions which seek to draw me off course, away from the victories that await me in serving Him.
published: 08:40 | 1 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Thursday, June 26, 2008
At times I am surprised by something completely new to me. Just a year or so ago, I saw a moonbow for the first time. It was amazing. I didn't know that moonbows existed--that is, until it was plainly visible in the night sky above my house. After a little research, I found several photos of rainbows at night. Somehow, it was just a little unsettling to think I had lived all these years and never known about them.
A few days ago, a similar situation happened. I cautioned my son not to step barefooted on what looked like the broken end of a large glass Mason jar. Upon further inspection, we realized it wasn't broken glass at all. In fact, the clear, bumpy object in front of us was alive. A sea creature known to God since the creation of the world, but introduced to us just then. How intricate it was! Rows of perfectly aligned "dots" circled the top of this crystal-like specimen. About the size of a pancake, it glistened in the sun.
God's ways are infinite. As I continue to journey in my walk of faith, I am sometimes met with the new--the unfamiliar; something I hadn't considered yet. From time to time, God allows me the joy of experiencing a new understanding of faith. With the eyes of my heart opened to the revelation before me, I find myself with the feeling of special surprise that comes with the unveiling of yet another of His wondrous ways.
published: 09:41 | 2 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It was a beautiful, peaceful afternoon. Such majestic calmness, as the water steadily met the shore in even, rhythmic pulses. Birds flew overhead with effortless stillness as the sun was beginning its descent in the west. Companion to this serenity was a reminder of man's increasing wisdom. Just beyond the swaying stalks of foliage, across the distant waters, was the NASA launch area. Two majestic tower-like structures loomed on the horizon, awaiting their next assignment to usher a symbol of Earth heavenward. A testament of human knowledge and understanding, their presence conveyed a silent contrast between God's ultimate power and the limited grasp of the human mind.
published: 04:17 | 3 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
Monday, June 23, 2008
They left everything. They followed Jesus. Who were they? Peter, James and John. Where did they go? Wherever Jesus told them to. Why did they leave? They had heard Jesus speaking to the people, they had witnessed a miraculous catch of fish and He had told them, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men." With that, they left. It was the beginning of a great adventure with God.
Am I ready to get out of the boat?
To lay the net down?
To go?
To follow?
published: 10:59 | 1 comment(s) | Photos with Christian thoughts by Myra Johnson | permalink | edit
