Category: Walk in the Spirit

Leaving What Is Familiar

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Holy Spirit, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

Matthew 4:20—Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 4:22—Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. ESV

               When Christ called, I did not walk away from all I knew. I remained in the fourplex my husband and I rented, writing in the extra bedroom on the second story.  To supplement my income, I continued serving tables in a family-owned restaurant, where the owners treated their employees like family. My heart’s desire was to write freelance full time, and that too remained unchanged.  

               My clothing closet was not culled, nor my grocery list edited, and I strapped on my running shoes each morning to exercise on the American River Bike Trail a mile from my house.  Although the TV shows I watched and the movies that drew me to the theater didn’t have the Christian Good Seal of Approval, I was not dissuaded by conscience or any other deterrent from viewing them.

               What I did do, similar to the first disciples, was to find a good source of teaching. I found a Bible-teaching church and began to attend regularly.  In the Scripture from Matthew chapter four, quoted at the top of this blog, the reference is to the response of Simon Peter and Andrew, as well as James and John, when invited by Christ to follow Him. In the era when Jesus called this group of brothers, young men were invited by Rabbis to study under them. They would follow the Rabbi around to absorb his teaching. This was by choice, not by summons. 1 They followed a good teacher.

               Leaving the Familiar Way

               Although the twelve disciples Jesus chose to apprentice with Him left their professions and homes, like us they didn’t immediately become like Jesus. They had some personality traits that needed refining and they had to be taught Jesus’ ways.  

When Jesus told of His death and resurrection, Peter proclaimed that it should not happen. At this proclamation, Jesus answered, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23)  

Jesus rebuked James and John when they asked to consume the residents of a Samaritan village with fire from heaven, when they did not receive Jesus.

When we walk out of the world and into the Kingdom of God, we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. Much biblical instruction is counterintuitive to our sin-nature.  Let me give some examples.

–In humility, count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3b).

It is difficult to live selflessly, refraining from asking, “How does this impact me?” Meeting the needs of others often requires that we give up something important to us such as money set aside for something we wish to purchase or the free hour we hoped to sit down and read a book.    

–Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

We try to “wrap our minds” around situations. But sometimes God is doing a work, and we just need to place our trust in Him. Remember Abraham and his journey to the region of Moriah to sacrifice his son Isaac? When Abraham took the knife to slay his son, God stopped him. The purpose of the request was to test Abraham’s reverence for God and his confidence in God’s faithfulness to keep His covenant promise. 2 Abraham did not lean on his own understanding, but trusted God instead.

In His Word

               We become transformed by renewing our mind through the reading and practice of God’s Word.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)  

God’s ways are perfect. As we practice them in our everyday life, we prove the statement the apostle Paul made to the Romans is true.  Do we choose familiar worldly ways, or do we test God’s ways by putting them into practice? When we do practice them, we discover God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect.2   

Walking It Out

               Jesus would teach God’s ways and demonstrate to the disciples how to walk in them. The Holy Spirit teaches in the same way. We read the Word, looking at the context of the passage to comprehend it, then try to determine how to live it if applicable. The Holy Spirit brings it to mind at times it is applicable to help us learn how to walk it out. 

For example, to teach the disciples selfless service, Jesus took the role of a servant and washed the disciples’ feet. This passage may come to mind when we are faced with a menial task we might be tempted to think is beneath our dignity.  This is the point of choice. Will we do what is unfamiliar and immediately follow Jesus’ teaching, becoming more like Him as we do, or not try to practice it?

Let us determine to step immediately into the unfamiliar way, the way that seems counterintuitive, and trust the Holy Spirit to help us learn to walk it out.

© 2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo from Pixabay

Resources:

  1. Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik (enduringword.com/bible-commentary/Matthew-4/)
  2. Spirit Filled Life Bible published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville. Kingdom Dynamics page 36.

Longing for the Lord’s Return

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

2 Tim 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” ESV

     There’s a crown for believer’s who long for Christ’s return and live in anticipation of His kingdom. It’s the Crown of Righteousness, a reward given in heaven.

     If I am honest, the thought of Christ’s return is rarely foremost in my mind. I am wedded to this familiar life on earth, beginning with a cup of coffee at sunrise and ending with a few pages of a good book before the bedside lamp is turned off. Yes, “Come Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22:20), but first let me…

     Host one more deck dinner. I have a list of people I want to invite into my backyard garden to dine at tables set up on my deck. As the sun sets, strings of lights cast a glow on guests passing dishes prepared with agape love, and conversation flows.

     Also, there is a cardboard regatta on the calendar for next August. The first was this year at the Canyon Dam boat launch on Lake Almanor, and the contestants and their crews were inventive and fun. I want to participate rather than spectate.

     Then there are writing projects, such as my Bible study, which is a work in progress, and household improvement projects like the plans for painting the living room, as well as places to explore and adventures to experience.

     Could you create a list of things you would like to finish, accomplish, see happen before Christ returns?

What Are We Waiting For?

     Jesus has prepared a place in his kingdom for believers and will return for them.

     One place we find this promise is John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” ESV

     According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, there are over 300 references to Christ’s second coming in the New Testament.

     Another familiar verse is 1 Thess 4:15-18: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” ESV

     This verse is a description of the rapture of the church, a time when Jesus comes for believers both living and dead. In the book of Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul introduced the concept of the rapture. It is the English term for the Latin verb rapere used in the Latin Vulgate translation of the New Testament. Rapere is the Latin word for the Greek word harpadzo, which means “caught up.”1

In His Word

Christians through the ages have expected Jesus to return. Although He hasn’t appeared yet, we don’t know the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). In the book of 2 Timothy, Paul wrote that “on that day” he would receive the crown of righteousness along with all Christians who have loved Christ’s appearing. Some Bible versions read “longed for his appearing” (NIV) or “who eagerly look forward to his appearing”(NLT). 

Bible scholars state the crown referenced is figurative rather than anything that could be placed on someone’s head. They believe the Apostle Paul may have had the victor’s garland in mind for athletic events such as a footrace. This seems probable, since Paul mentioned three victories: fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith.

F.F. Bruce suggests in his Bible commentary that it might describe righteousness, once imputed, as becoming a reality. “A crown will be the lot of all whose lives have been controlled by the prospect of his appearing,” writes Bruce.

Walking It Out

     I think of the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 when I read Bruce’s comment. In this parable, a man going on a journey entrusts his property to his servants, each according to their ability. Two of the servants invest what was given them, and the third buries it. The two who invested wisely were called faithful upon their master’s return and rewarded for their work.

Paul is like these faithful servants. God sent him out as a missionary, and he faithfully spread the gospel and discipled those who believed his message. There are plenty of instructions in Scripture that tell us how to be living as we wait for Christ’s return. In keeping with his discipleship duties, Paul left a list. You’ll find it at the end of his letter to the Thessalonians in verses 5:12-22.

     His advice is to honor our leaders in the Lord’s work. Show great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. No one is perfect; therefore, love, honor, and respect are given despite their flaws and mistakes.

     We are to live peacefully with each other. Instead of living in a critique mode, refrain from judging. Ask if the issue is that important on a scale of one to ten. The format of the church bulletin, the menu for a luncheon, or how a ministry is organized is often just a matter of opinion.

     Those who are idle should be warned. People are to be doing what Jesus has instructed when He returns. Erin Davis in a podcast episode of “The Deep Well” said to call people out of the pews and into the work of the church. Help them see their gifts and remind them Christianity is not a spectator sport.

     The body of Christ is to help one another be ready for Christ’s return, so we encourage those who are timid, lacking courage or confidence. We take tender care of the weak, whether the ailment is physical or spiritual. Patience is required for everyone.

     If we are wronged in some way, rather than trying to “pay back evil for evil,” we do good to each other and all people.

     Because we belong to Christ Jesus, we are always joyful, thankful in all circumstances, and consistent in prayer. After all, we are living in light of His return.

     We are to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us and through us and not scoff at prophecy, but test it. Hold on to what is good, but avoid every kind of evil.

     We can do all these things as we go about our activities of daily living, enjoying coffee in the morning and reading a good book before bedtime. We don’t drop out of life, but we live life differently, aware that our present reality is not forever. Jesus Christ will return.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Resource:

1-The Rapture of the Church by Don Stewart published by Eternity Bound Publishing, San Clemente, California.

Godly Goal Setting

On 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.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

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

On 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.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

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

On 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,1 we spiritually mature,2 righteousness 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.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

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 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.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo by Pixabay

Living an Unhurried Life

On 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.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

References:

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

Tripped up by Traffic

On 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)

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Reference:

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

This Moment is Mine

On 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?

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo from Pixabay.

The Love that Marks You as a Disciple of Jesus

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn Growing in Christ, Knowing God, Walk in the SpiritLeave a comment

         New Year’s Eve my pastor gave a short sermon titled “Now that You Know the Story, Now What?” Throughout the Christmas season he covered what God has done on our behalf to restore us to Himself after our relationship with the living God was severed long ago in the Garden of Eden.

         What do we do now that we know the great work God did on our behalf? We agape love one another.

         Jesus said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

         We begin to reflect Jesus as we gain clarity on Biblical characteristics, especially agape love. We are told in Romans 5:5 that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. But until we understand what it looks like we don’t always walk it out. The Holy Spirit gave us clarity in the book of 1 Corinthians.

1 Cor 13:4-7–Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ESV

–Love is patient

         We are told that love is patient, sometimes translated from the Greek makrothumeo as longsuffering. Patient love seeks to understand others, and endures behavior that might be inconsiderate or selfish. It doesn’t issue ultimatums— “Just one more time!” It doesn’t stomp out of the room exclaiming, “That’s it, I have had enough!”

         –Love is kind

         The kindness Paul speaks of is chresteuomai in the original Greek, which is a desire to help or assist people. It complements patience or long-suffering because it stands beside the person ever ready to do good regardless of how he or she is treated.

         –Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude

         While Paul provides two characteristics that exhibit agape, he lists six characteristics that show its absence. It does not envy, meaning we do not desire what another person has in talent, fortune, or personality traits.

         At the opposite spectrum from wishing you possessed attributes or material goods belong to another, which is envy, is boasting about our abilities as if we are better than others. It is difficult to connect with people if we think we have more education, are more sophisticated, fashionable, and knowledgeable than they are. Because agape love is not arrogant, we make no distinctions between ourselves and others. When we do we can become rude, mistreating and dishonoring others.

         — Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful

         This love does not insist on having its own way, which is the opposite of desiring to please others. Of course, when we don’t get our own way, we become downcast resenting the other person who received the grade, job, raise, house, homelife, family, or lifestyle we desire because it just isn’t fair. Often when we are resentful, we hold a grudge and if given the chance can rattle off a long list of grievances. Perhaps this tally we keep when we are resentful is the reason this concept is translated “keeps no records of wrongs” in some Bible versions.

— Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth

         It does not seek or rejoice over the misfortune of others or try to harm them but instead stands in the gap for another to prevent such unrighteous acts from happening to them. Instead of pushing someone in front of a train, we are willing to step onto the tracks to push a stranger to safety.

         Finally, when we exhibit agape love we bear, believe, hope, and endure all things. In the New Testament to bear is “to cover over in silence,” therefore love does not expose the faults of others, nor does it dwell on them.

         We don’t point fingers and tattle. Other people’s problems, weaknesses, or vulnerabilities are not a topic for conversation with others. We believe in this person, that he or she can change for the better, and therefore we wait expectantly for our Heavenly Father to do a great work and we don’t give up.

         1 Corinthians 13:8 begins with the words “Love never fails.” It’s long lasting, and what it produces will last as well.

My husband frequently states: “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” Many who hear that statement will be hooked and ask: “What happens tomorrow?” His reply is: “I get better looking every day.”

         The responses to his news vary. Some think he is full of himself, puffed up and arrogant. Others laugh because it seems impossible, after all day-by-day we grow older and with the aging process comes wrinkles, paunches, and reduced stamina. Those who consider such a statement personally can’t seem to connect. They see physical and character flaws that aren’t very flattering.

         Yet the beauty he references isn’t in the physical realm but the spiritual realm. As God’s Word permeates our hearts and minds, we do get better looking.

2 Cor 3:18–So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. NLT

Look forward to tomorrow. But don’t check your portrait in a mirror for your progress as the sun rises to mark a new day. Instead, check the reaction of the people God puts in your path to determine if they see Jesus in you.

©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved