Godly Goal Setting

On June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1 Thess 4:11-12 [ESV]

What do you aspire to achieve?

Currently I have a list of projects that include writing an article, a Bible study, and a workbook that focuses on godly decision making. Also, replacing the gravel in my backyard and sanding and staining the deck all of which have been buffeted by icy winds and snow in winter.

When we speak of aspirations it usually references something of high value. It improves our life or the world around us. This was most likely Paul’s reasoning as well when he instructed the church at Thessalonica to aspire to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands.

Yet knowing why the instructions were given provides insight into how Paul wanted this church to put into practice his advice.

Although we cannot know for certain why Paul penned those words, persecution of the early church was common and when Paul taught the gospel message in Thessalonica Jews dragged many believers before the authorities. The uproar was so great it drove Paul and Silas to Berea (Acts 17:10).

Therefore, some commentators write that Paul’s instruction to live quietly was to prevent persecution. Yet, to stop spreading the gospel due to resistance does not seem scriptural since Jesus commanded Christians to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20). Also, Paul stirred controversy in many places because of opposition to the message, even though it was good news.

Since Paul also instructed them to stop meddling in other people’s business and get a job, these three exhortations are likely linked. The fact he gives more detail on the issue of idleness, and its repercussions, in a second letter to the Thessalonians suggests this problem was an issue in the church.

Explicit Guidance

In this second letter, Paul was more explicit. “Keep away from fellow Christians walking in idleness,” he states (2 Thess 3:6). Paul and the other missionaries set an example by laboring to pay for the food they ate because they did not want to be a burden. Christians were not to feed the idle among them. “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thess 3:10b).

According to Paul, instead of being busy at work these people who walked in idleness were becoming busybodies. “Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living,” wrote Paul (2 Thess 3:12).

In his Bible handbook, Henry Halley wrote that many Christians with property were selling their assets and distributing the money to poorer brothers and sisters in all the Macedonian churches. Therefore, some who were not wealthy took advantage of the opportunity and drifted toward laziness. Others might not have been working because they believed the return of Christ was imminent.

In His Word

The Christians in Thessalonica were not wrong to live expectantly. No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return (Matt. 24:36). We do know the rapture will be quick, in the blink of an eye (Matt. 24:36). However, if this was the reason they were idle, they needed to know what to do as they waited.

In the parable of the 10 minas in Luke chapter 19, Jesus gave instructions. The servants were to do business, or invest what was given them, until their master returned.

Peter gave instructions on what “conducting business” might be like as well. He instructed:

“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:7-10 NLT

Paul’s list might be added to Peter’s along with any other insight on living in a godly manner we find in the Bible.

Walking it Out

When I consider Paul’s mandate to work with your hands I am reminded that he wrote something similar to the Ephesians, adding that by doing honest work they would have something to share with those in need (Ephes 4:28). Good works are important and the widows and children at that time were desperate for aid. They were the needy, not those who could work. Also, after he told the Thessalonians in the second letter to “work quietly and to earn their own living” (3:12) he added “do not grow weary in doing good.”

When we are occupied with the work at hand, whether laboring for resources or putting what we earn to good use, we will not have time to stir up trouble or stick our nose into the affairs of others. We will lead an exemplary life, one that glorifies God rather than draws attention to ourselves. And that is something for which to aspire.

When Scripture Application Seems Vague, ask God “How?”

On June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 [ESV]

As a student of God’s Word, I love to read and study the Bible, digging deep into the text. Yet God’s instructions can leave me stuck. Sometimes I grasp the meaning of the Scripture, but am stymied when it comes to walking it out.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, expressed her confusion when the angel Gabriel came with a message from God announcing she would conceive and give birth to the Son of the Highest who would reign in a never-ending kingdom. Still a virgin, she simply asked “How?”

God did not leave Mary confused; He gave her an explanation. She would conceive the child by the power of God when the Holy Spirit overshadowed her.

God’s Faithful Direction

I have found that God does not leave us in a state of confusion either when we are stumped on how to apply Scripture if, like Mary, we ask “How?”

Recently I was confounded by Philippians 2:4, which reads: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” ESV

“How am I to know the interests of others that I might look out for them?” I prayed. Soon after this request, God gave me the direction I needed.

God Shows and Tells

I was walking through the sanctuary and passed a door that led to a hallway providing access to antiquated restrooms. We had just finished building modern, handicapped accessible facilities in a different location, so I posted a sign redirecting people. However, one woman requested to use the old ones. As the volunteer janitor of our small church, I silently balked at the thought of extra work, until the Holy Spirit changed my perspective.

I noted the hallway was near the row of seats where this woman usually sat. She could use the restroom during the service without being disruptive. My heart softened as the Holy Spirit revealed the request from her point of view. I knew allowing access to the old restrooms would be the considerate decision. I would be looking out for the interests of others.

My husband shared that he was baffled by Jesus’ teaching that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matt.18:3) He knew we were not to be childish but was not quite clear on how to become as a little child. The Holy Spirit whispered, “Watch children,” and so he did.

He particularly noted their behavior when they were with their loving earthly father. In the care of a loving parent, the children were uninhibited and open, freely expressing their emotions and receiving his instruction. They did not hesitate to run to him.

In His Word

As Jesus prepared His disciples for life after His crucifixion, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to teach them how to walk in His ways. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV

We have a great teacher, but good students ask questions when they lack understanding. Jesus tells us to ask: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

James gives us additional direction. He writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith with no doubting…” James 1:5-6a ESV

Walking it Out

Mary had the attitude of a seeker. A few months before, the angel Gabriel visited Zacharias to tell him he would be the father of John the Baptist. He too asked a question but his attitude was one of unbelief.

Mary’s quest was for fruition of God’s spoken word. “How will this be?”

The next time you draw a blank when determining the application of Scripture, ask “how?” Then trust the Holy Spirit to teach you.

Grateful God Never Gives Up on Me

On May 27, 2025May 27, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Holy SpiritLeave a comment

I keep journals. That provides opportunity to look backwards for signs of spiritual growth. In review I have realized that many of my current struggles are also past struggles. I have plateaued.

Most recently, while reading through pages of an old journal I discovered the frustration that stumbles me now is something I have been battling without victory. It seems I should have worked through this issue. But there has been little progress.

I mentioned my discovery to a friend the other day, telling her how surprised I was to find transformation was so slow in coming. She nodded, confirming I was not alone in this plight.

Then, miraculously a breakthrough came. At the time I wasn’t doing anything to address the problem. It was an “out of the blue” occurrence… a complete surprise. Tucked into a chapter of a book I was reading, I found a sentence that explained the problem. I get frustrated when my will is violated. Instead of surrendering a situation to God and responding “thy will be done,” I insist “my will be done.”¹

This explanation fits every frustrating situation I encounter. When I can’t get Zoom to work correctly and I want to participate in an online class. When I get behind a slow-moving truck on Highway 395 and I want to drive faster but there is no safe place to pass. When the baristas at Starbucks are behind in their drinks and I want to finish my shopping and get home.

According to the Berkeley Well-Being Institute, “Frustration is an emotional reaction that occurs when an individual is prevented from achieving a goal or fulfilling a desire. It is often associated with feelings of anger, annoyance, and disappointment due to perceived resistance to one’s will or goals.”

The definition clearly identifies the problem, yet I had never noted the “perceived resistance to one’s will or goals” when reading an explanation for frustration.

So how do I deal with this negative emotion? Bible teacher Jenn Wilkins writes, “Both positive and negative emotions are a gift from God, not sinful in and of themselves. But they can quickly progress to being sinful if we do not manage them properly.” Cain’s anger eventually led to his brother’s murder. Why? His “problem was not mere anger, but anger nursed, anger indulged, anger gratified.”

My frustration always escalates because I do not take steps to manage it. If I look to a sovereign God, and surrender the situation with a silent prayer for God’s will to take precedence over mine I might keep frustration from festering into a temper tantrum.

This knowledge is new and untested, but it is a breakthrough. I do not know why it has taken so long for me to understand this as a surrender issue. It could be the Holy Spirit has revealed this before and I just didn’t get it. Or maybe the Holy Spirit has been waiting for the perfect time when I was ready to receive the information.

Either way I am encouraged to know God doesn’t give up on me when transformation is slow in coming. I think of this promise: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Let’s Talk:

1-How has God been faithful in helping you overcome your battles with sin?

2-What are you struggling to conquer now that others might cover in prayer?

Photo from Pixabay

Consider This… Are You Inconsiderate?

On May 13, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in ChristLeave a comment

There are some things that set me on edge. The radio blaring from the cab of a truck parked in the alley for the pleasure of the carpenter working on my neighbor’s fence. Or the sound of banging drums in the shed next door. My thoughts are pulled out of my manuscript by these distractions, since my office, where I write, is in the rear of the house.

I know I am not the only person who gets exasperated by the actions of others. Several common idioms provide proof: “like nails on a chalkboard,” an unpleasant sound that causes discomfort; “drive me crazy,” irritating to the point of distraction; “pet peeve,” a minor issue that always annoys; “getting on my nerves,” a consistent irritant.

Things most people would rarely categorize as annoying can fall into that category. A question posted in an advice column sought guidance on how to get neighbors to remove the windchimes dangling on porch beams. Apparently, what brings joy to one homeowner can be an irritant to another.

So, let me pose this question I have asked myself. What is the profile of a considerate person? It is astonishing to think that hanging windchimes in proximity to my neighbor might be inconsiderate. Yet when we are considerate, we reflect on all the ways our actions might impact others. (based on the definition from freedictionary.com)

Although the Bible does not necessarily use the word “considerate” in most translations the concept is there.

Phil 2:4–Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ESV

Col 3:12-13a–Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another… ESV

Gal 6:2–Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ESV

The English definition of the word encompasses the traits of the agape love found in the heart of Jesus and poured into his disciples. This love is to intensely, intelligently will the best for another. It is an act of the will. Thus, we consider how our behavior impacts others.

May 12, I posted on Instagram a way to consider how our actions impact others by envisioning the wake left by a speed boat. Here’s the post:

Are you considerate of others?

One way to make sure is to envision the wake left by a speed boat as it moves through water. The turbulence can topple paddle boarders and kayakers when no thought is given to those who share a body of water.

Transfer this concept to the rhythms of life. What size wake do you leave as you navigate a grocery store, share a roadway, or conduct business in a coffeehouse?

Other shoppers need time to reach for items on store shelves, are you patient? Those drivers who know the road may want to pass your vehicle, do you pull over and let them by? “Must-take” cellphone calls may be beneficial to your business but disrupt those at the next table, do you take them outside the restaurant?

If you find, after personal assessment, you are not considerate of others you can develop this trait. Remember the analogy of the wake of the boat and become more aware of how your actions impact others. Then make the change.

Let’s Talk

1-What kind of behavior is inconsiderate?

2-How are you considerate of other people in your home, on the road, at work, in public places?

Before Calling it Quits, Ask the Holy Spirit “What am I leaving behind?”

On April 29, 2025April 29, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Holy Spirit, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

Frustration makes me want to quit. No matter the circumstance, whether a routine daily task or a calling from God, I lean toward the easy route. The Holy Spirit revealed this pattern of behavior following two incidents.

The first occurred as I waited to see my dermatologist. I arrived seven minutes early for my appointment but was called to the exam room an hour and fifteen minutes later. My patience waned as I thought about all I had planned to complete that afternoon before such sabotage. This would never happen again! I would find another dermatology clinic.

The second encounter with frustration was ongoing as I struggled to share a manuscript on Google docs with my writing critique group. When I joined, I was assured that those who were not familiar with Google docs would be given clear instructions by the leader. Wanting to fulfill my commitment, I fumbled through the comment process for several weeks. Then it was my turn to submit a manuscript for critique but I couldn’t master the technology. When a message I posted asking for help was not answered, I began contemplating how to graciously withdraw from the group.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes frustration as “a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs.”

Ah yes… I do become insecure in situations where I might look the fool. Unsure how to use Google docs made me vulnerable. And I tend to be dissatisfied with what I determine to be incompetency or injustice. After all, I exhibited respect for the dermatologist by arriving on time yet the clinic destroyed my schedule.

Although frustration is a characteristic I need to address, this time the Holy Spirit was alerting me to the wiles of the devil. God says perseverance is beneficial, so Satan says “quit.” According to Scripture, when we persevere our character is strengthened,¹we spiritually mature,²righteousness increases,³ and we become more resilient.⁴

It seemed as if frustration would be a private struggle, only visible in the privacy of my study while working at my computer to master Google docs, (certainly not in the waiting room of the clinic). Yet my private displays of this behavior weren’t always so private because demonic forces are usually unseen. They see my displays of frustration and thus know my weakness. Who knows how they will use it. Perhaps to drive me out of a place of service, ruin a relationship, and even make me walk away from writing projects.

Most likely Satan knows all that frustrates me. It includes encroaching on time I have set aside for writing or meeting some project deadline, difficulty figuring out how to accomplish something, and being overwhelmed. I can expect demonic forces to whisper in my ear “quit.” But most likely, only at the times I shouldn’t walk away.

As I contemplated my desire to escape frustrating circumstances by fleeing, the Holy Spirit recalled a very old incident with a similar lesson. It was in the 1990s, when I first began teaching Sunday School. The time I spent with the children seemed to do no good. They were not learning, not changing and misbehavior seemed to be the norm rather than the exception. I discussed my struggle with other teachers who encouraged me to persevere. Those who had been teaching for a long time said children they thought would never give their lives to Christ were now walking with Him.

However, it is the words of my husband from that ancient struggle that match this recent situation. When I told him I no longer wanted to teach Sunday School he said, “Quit, just quit. Let Satan win!”

It seems the Holy Spirit isn’t teaching me anything new but rather offering me a reminder. When frustrating circumstances tempt me to quit, I will ask Him to reveal what I am leaving behind. An opportunity to become more Christlike? A chance to complete a good work? The perfect time to plant or reap for the expansion of God’s kingdom?

I think I have grasped hold of this message. Testing is sure to come to determine if I have learned it this time or not. And if I fail the test, I am certain the Holy Spirit will continue to teach me and of course remind me when needed.

Let’s Talk:

1-When has the Holy Spirit kept you from succumbing to the wiles of Satanic forces?

2-Have you ever wanted to quit? What steps do you take before walking away from something that is difficult?

Resources:

1-Romans 5:3-4

2-James 1:4

3-Hebrews 12:11

4-James 1:2-3

Emotional Issues are Sometimes for Just God and You to Work Out

On April 8, 2025April 8, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Agape Love, forgiveness, Growing in Christ, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

There are some things we just can’t share with other people. Issues we have with our spouse, or child, or friend, for example, if exposed, will give others a negative view of these people we love. We might feel betrayed, used, unseen, or unappreciated, but to voice it…

Don’t complain, God says. “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” Phil 2:14 (NLT)

Make sure that your words are beneficial and uplifting, God says. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Agape love covers over an offense, God reminds us. To voice our frustrations and hurts causes division that often cannot be repaired. “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 (NLT)

God’s direction is for our own good. Venting can devastate relationships. We are warned in the book of James that our tongue can set our whole life on fire. (James 3:6c)

Yet when we do not give voice to our negative emotions, they stagnate deep within our soul, changing us for the worse. Perhaps a root of bitterness takes seed. We become an Eeyore, the gloomy, pessimistic, sarcastic donkey in the Winnie-the-Pooh books.

We may not be able to correct the other person’s behavior. In fact, we may even be interpreting their behavior all wrong. Our sinful nature tends to make everything about ourselves. Or maybe it is our attitude that is skewed and needs correction.

So, it is important to deal with the issues we have with others, to sort them out, decipher their cause, and determine if they mirror God’s ways. The best way to address them is to go before God.

Sometimes it is best to sit down and lament. At other times, we hold conversations with God under our breath as we go about our day, unable to let go. However, whether we approach God formally or informally, we need to go before the throne of grace.

Hebrews 4:14-16- “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Just today I was fretting over a housecleaning issue, murmuring to God. He didn’t leave me with my resentful attitude for long. At a local coffeehouse, my husband and I ran into a couple we know and we began talking about the longevity of our marriages. The lady commented that marriage is not give and take but give, give, give. She said you don’t always notice the other is giving, but they are in their own way.

It was one of those moments when you know the insight is not human but divine. It may be delivered from a woman’s lips, but the message is from God.

Chances are I have not assessed the behavior of another in the correct light. But whether I have or haven’t made a correct assessment, it’s my attitude that counts. Biblical authors didn’t hide their feelings from God but expressed their anger, disappointment, fear, or despair, because they knew only He could keep their heart from hardening. And God would provide the attitude adjustment.

Photo by Pixabay

Living an Unhurried Life

On March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Satisfaction, Walk in the Spirit1 Comment

I have been living life hurriedly lately. My checklist is long, so I have been rushing from one task to another. Everything I must do is written down so I don’t miss something. These tasks are truly “musts”– Sunday school lessons that had to be distributed to teachers, assignments for a class, a deadline for a writing challenge.

Being pressed for time is a real issue. Recently, I went for a scheduled bone density scan and grabbed a pair of exercise tights just in case the metal zipper in my jeans would hamper the procedure. It didn’t, but the technician told me the scans were scheduled so tightly there was not enough time for patients to change clothing.

So perhaps “piling on,” “over-scheduling,” living at a “fast pace” is a cultural phenomenon. We read about a balanced life but just haven’t quite figured out how to slow down. If we pause for a moment, we won’t achieve all we desire. But problems begin to emerge.

We don’t sleep well because we have “too much mind.” Coffee with friends never occurs. We never write, read, or walk for pleasure. Instead, we do these activities with purpose. Micro-blogs must be posted on Instagram as part of a plan to attract readers, the experts say. Reading is for research, either to assess a publication to know how to pitch an article or to gather information for a piece. And walking is not for sun on your face or fresh air but to stay fit. (These are my examples, what are yours?)

Our behavior not only impacts us but those around us. My husband accused me of half-listening. He said I would glance his way when he tried to talk but I wouldn’t stop what I was doing and give him my full attention. I mentally passed the blame to him for interrupting me. But when time is tight, everything that stops the momentum of a completed “to-do” list is an interruption.

Then God spoke to me. The message was in a little booklet I left on the nightstand next to my bed. Sometimes I read a little before turning out the light, so I flipped randomly to a section one night. I learned there is a difference between being busy and being hurried. In our modern culture, we can’t avoid busyness, but being hurried is another matter.

“Being hurried is an inner condition, a condition of the soul. It means to be so preoccupied with myself and my life that I am unable to be fully present with God, with myself, and with other people. I am unable to occupy this present moment,” wrote John Ortberg, the author of the booklet.¹

The x-ray technician was busy. I was hurried.

Ortberg explained that being busy is an outward condition while being hurried is an inner condition. When we have a full schedule with lots of activities, we are reminded we need God. When we are absorbed in thought, unable to give our full attention to those around us because we are consumed with what we need to do, we become unavailable to God, according to Ortberg.

Yes, I do make time for devotionals each morning, but reading the Bible can become another task to check off the list. I am not really listening to God, even though each word of the Bible is His voice.

Busyness isn’t always a choice. We all have obligations. But hurriedness can be addressed. We can choose to be fully present. To stop and interact with the world around us. First with God and then with all those He puts in our life. We may have tasks on our to-do list that are a must, but we can resist becoming preoccupied by them.

References:

“You Have a Soul,” by John Ortberg. A pamphlet published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Tripped up by Traffic

On March 11, 2025March 11, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Holy Spirit, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

Scripture never fails to convict. And this is good, oh so good. Just when we think “not me” the Holy Spirit says “yes, you too.” This keeps us from becoming arrogant. It keeps us humble.

John 17:17

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” ESV

A trip to the Sacramento metropolitan area took me out of the mountains where traffic jams only occur during roadwork as pilot cars lead a line of vehicles through a construction zone. In cities bumper to bumper seems to be routine as drivers in a rush tailgate those driving slower as if to relay the message, “get out of my way.” As I navigate city streets there always seems to be pressure to drive faster or move over.

One afternoon as I drove to the store with my elderly mother to pick up a few groceries, I became irritated by the pushy drivers. She lives in a small, rural community in the foothills above the city but the roads have become congested with commuter traffic. Drivers zipping through the area make pulling out of driveways or turning onto side streets dangerous.

On the way home a big pickup truck seemed attached to the bumper of my car, but despite the driver’s persistent efforts to increase my speed I held my pace not wanting to whip my mom, who is 95 years old, from side to side. My assessment of this driver was less than kind.

But the incident proved to be a lesson in sanctification by the truth of God’s Word for me, not the irritating driver who followed me to my mother’s house. When I drove back into the mountains, on my return trip home, I found myself pushing drivers in front of me not as familiar with the mountain roads.

And so, I was convicted as the Holy Spirit brought this Scripture to mind. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matt 7:1-2 ESV

I was acting no better than the driver on the Latrobe Road as I returned from the grocery store with my mother. It is a self-centered attitude rather than other centered. It is sin. A simple definition of sin is to “miss the mark.” Generally, it is anything that “falls short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

All who want to be like Jesus Christ in character and deed know this battle. The Apostle Paul describes it in the book of Romans: “I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” Romans 7:21-25 NLT

But remember, Paul tells us as we continue to read Romans chapter eight that we do have power over sin through the Holy Spirit given to us when we receive restoration through Jesus Christ. The old person lingers but we are a new creation.

Paul’s confession of his battle is not permission to shrug off sin. Instead, we are to walk in the Spirit rather than according to the flesh. It is a conscious choice. God gave Cain some directives on how to make the right choice when we are tempted to sin.

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:7 NLT

What or who is in charge, sin, or the Spirit of God? “If our minds are set on the wrong things, our feet will automatically go the wrong way,” writes Tony Evans in his Bible commentary.¹

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 ESV

When the Holy Spirit reveals situations or behaviors of others that cause us to stumble it is time to prepare. We can set our minds on things of the Spirit determining to be gracious, loving, patient and kind. And we will succeed because walking in the Spirit results in self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Reference:

1-The Tony Evans Bible Commentary by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee.

This Moment is Mine

On February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Holy Spirit, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

Our culture is plan focused. We tend to map out our future, creating calendars for each day, one and five-year plans for all the aspects of life, and even itineraries for vacations.

My days begin as planned. This cold, February morning I built a fire in the woodstove while our Cuisinart coffeemaker ground the beans and perked the coffee. My cup of choice was large, and bowl-shaped, enough to complete one day of homework for the seven-week Bible study I am working on, which is focused on various types of prayer. This week we learn to pray for unity in the church. Then I read the section of the book of Mark and a Psalm that is on my read through the New Testament and Psalms plan for this year. Is this my rhythm or my regimen?

God has slowly been teaching me to write plans in pencil rather than ink. To not be so attached to what I view as my best and trust in Him, the God who intensely, intelligently, wills the best for me. A God who sees me, who knows all things, and has thoughts that are higher than mine.

Several months ago, as I stood in line to pay for purchases at a Christian bookstore, I dropped a tumbled marble square by Twelve Stone Art with these words imprinted: “My Future is in Your Hands.” (Psalm 16:5) I was going to give it to a sister in Christ in need of encouragement but had to gather the pieces and pay for the shattered square. Later I glued it together. It now sits in the window of my study, the cracks clearly visible.

That moment in the bookstore, as the stone artwork broke, the Holy Spirit revealed that I was deceived to think I was trusting God with my future. More accurately I was trusting God to complete the plans I made.

I do want to accomplish certain things in life… my dream of writing a book is not dead. Perhaps this desire to have certain dreams come true was the reason the crash between the Black Hawk helicopter and the commercial airliner in January triggered a state of depression. All those dreams, such as skating in the winter Olympics, ending up at the bottom of the Potomac River.

But again, God spoke. “You have this moment in time,” he said. Tomorrow, next week, or next year is not guaranteed.

We do not know the number of our days. But we have this moment. What might we do with it? I am writing this blog.

We shape our future moment by moment knowing God has our best in mind, ultimately, we will be honed into the image of Jesus Christ. I may not write the book but during my writing time I will pursue the dream at appropriate moments in time.

It’s not so much what we are doing but how we are doing it. Each moment is a choice. Will we walk with God or go our own way?

Photo from Pixabay.

Feeling Wobbly in Your Current Situation? Reach for God’s Hand

On February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Knowing GodLeave a comment

“Take my hand.” We say this to children as we cross a busy street or navigate a crowded public venue. Sometimes they grasp hold, fearful of losing sight of us, at other times they pull away desiring to assert their independence.

But our hand is used in more ways than to protect a child or keep a child from getting lost. Sometimes we gently encourage by placing our hand on the child or gently nudging them forward when their feet are stuck in obstinance due to self-consciousness, fear, or self-doubt.

As children of God, we have access to His hand. But what exactly does that mean. How is His hand an asset? Afterall, our heavenly Father is not flesh and blood but Spirit. There is no physical hand to grasp.

Let’s check Scripture to see the significance of having access to the hand of our Father and how we can take advantage of it.

–The Lord is always with us.

God is fully present everywhere, that is the attribute of omnipresence. The author of Psalm 16 finds this comforting. In verse 8 he states that because God is at his right hand he will not be shaken. No matter what we walk through He is right beside us. We can reach up and grab His hand.

–The Lord supports us.

David declares in Psalm 18 that the Lord was with Him in battle bringing victory. “Your right hand supports me,” he states (18:35b). When we are in the middle of conflict, feeling a little unstable in our situation we can know the Lord’s hand is upon us providing stability. We can remind ourself that the hand of an all-powerful God keeps us from toppling.

–He holds our future.

Psalm 31:15a reads: “My times are in your hand.” ESV

The New Living Translation of the Bible translates this section of Scripture as: “My future is in your hands.”

Derek Kidner writes in his commentary on the Psalms, “The very expression “my time” which faces the necessary fact of transience and change, both in one’s own being and in one’s surroundings, makes adversity easier to accept; while the knowledge that change is not chance (thy hand) can make the acceptance positive and personal. The Lord will be the stability of your times.”¹

–The Lord’s hand steadies us.

Life has ups and downs that stumble us in the physical realm. Perhaps an unexpected bill from a medical practitioner, an expense not covered by insurance. But stumble is all such adversity can do because the Lord has our hand keeping us from tumbling to the ground. “Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:24 NLT) That is reassuring!

–God’s grasp keeps us from straying.

Ps 63:8—“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” ESV

Our ability to cling to God has little to do with us and everything to do with the tight hold He has on us. We could easily push away if His strong right hand didn’t have us securely in His grasp.

–God’s hand gives out provisions.

Psalm 104 praises God for the variety of things He has made that benefit all living creatures. For example, the cedars of Lebanon providing a place for birds to nest. Verse 28 states all are dependent upon God for their food. It reveals the personal care God gives by stating, “You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied.”

The image of God’s hand is a reminder that we walk in the presence of God. He is there for us always in every situation. Tell Him what you need and watch for His hand to provide it whether support, stabilizing, security, or straight paths. Take hold when it comes with a grateful heart.