Simple Devotions

Christian inspirations and poetry

Friday, April 4, 2025

Just Stop

Just Stop

I've always read the Old Testament and wondered why,

Why the Israelites continued to live a lie.

Just stop! I would think. Don't worship other gods.

It's simple listen to the prophets and not to the mob.


But again and again they would wander back to idolatry.

And God would impose the consequences for their immorality.

As I read I just could not figure out why.

Just stop and follow the lead of your God on high.


But today I look out at our world, it's all the same.

Idolatry is just called by a different name.

People are offended when we call out sin.

It's not the world but the Christians who feel condemned.


Look at the church today we have homosexual pastors preaching.

They changed the word of God and replaced it with man's teaching.

We have people who claim to be Christians supporting abortion's lie.

These are the idols of today and I understand why.


Again I think just stop and listen to what the Bible has to say.

But just like back then, people want to go their own way.

Nothing is new under the sun and it is clear to see.

Today, just like back then, our world is filled with idolatry.


We call it by a different name and use emotions to justify the cause

We say times are different as we break God's sacred laws.

People love who they love and to our heartstrings they pull.

And if you fight for the unborn you are labeled as a fool.


In fact they go further, and it's us they condemn.

We are called hypocrites and self righteous for calling out the sin.

But aren't they doing the same thing when they justify their cause?

Calling evil good and good evil as they cast aside God’s laws?


I don't like to point the finger and judge and far be it from me to say.

But I can't hold back the truth and today's morality is not okay.

As the prophets warned the people thousands of years ago,

So today there are some of us called to do the same and let the world know.


Just stop! That's what I want to say. God knows what is best.

His love is not  based on feelings, it's real love,  nothing less. 

And at the end of the day when we let him lead our life,

We will find fulfillment beyond anything this world will recognize.


So my friends just stop and look the other way.

You don't need to follow the idols of today.

God has a much better plan. Look above and you will see.

Within the pages of his Word holds the key. 


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson 


Wednesday, April 2, 2025

My Prayer

My Prayer


We stand and scream in our righteous indignation

At the sin in our land with serious contemplation

We warn those of the judgment yet to come.

Some point fingers almost in glee as to what they have done.


But today is I was looking out at the world around me,

I felt sadness because so many have failed to see.

While some scream about women's rights and their woke ideology

And believe they are the ones that are living righteously.


We scream too and we call names and fight.

Forgetting God’s love, mercy and light. 

It makes me sad because I know Jesus is coming again. 

And many who don't know him will suffer because of their sins. 


We should not be happy or gloat because of their pain.

We should not be pointing fingers and saying you deserve everything.

Because it breaks our Father's heart in Heaven above

When his people live outside of his love.


As I looked out at our world it's clear to see.

People are living their lives ignorant of what is coming to be. 

I myself too, get caught up in my life day to day.

I've heard so many predictions just fade away.


They gathered on mountains waiting for to be raptured to heaven

They have stood on street corners with signs of warning of sin's leaven.

But I do believe that a day is at hand

It will present differently than some understand.


So as I prepare my heart and look out at the world. 

I pray for God to show us mercy before His judgment is unfurled. 

I pray that men's hearts will be turned back to the Savior

And God's Kingdom will be established as we teach His Law to our neighbor. 


That the lion will graze with the lamb

And the truth will be proclaimed throughout the land. 

I pray for God's Kingdom to be established on earth. 

And we will see His new era come to birth.


© Sandra C. Johnson 2025









 


Monday, March 31, 2025

The Life God Called Us To

The Life God Called Us To


We can talk about the God we know.

Or we can live His life and His love show.

We can invite people to a church to hear

A preacher speak of a God who is near.


Or we can simply wear them out.

Talking over and over what God is about.

Anything we do must be done. 

By the motivation of Jesus the Son. 


He knows what each person needs. 

So we can only do as His Spirit leads. 

God is intricately woven into our lives. 

And leads us each day and always abides. 


It may be a simple act of gratitude. 

Or helping lift somebody's mood. 

But preaching at them and calling out sin

Won't win the hearts of many men. 


In an age of such spiritual confusion. 

Only God in His time knows what He's doing. 

He knows the heart of each person we meet. 

And He alone knows their need and what to speak. 


We need not preach a sermon to glorify Him.

Or try to appear Christlike and pretend. 

But resting in Him as He leads you each day. 

He will show you in each moment what you are to say. 


Love your fellowman the way Jesus does. 

Let them see who Jesus is by your undying love. 

And if they reject the message of the cross. 

Love them anyway, considering all things a loss. 


Laying our lives down is not always preaching a sermon. 

It's walking His path and continually learning. 

It's considering others better than you. 

This is the life God called us to. 


© Sandra C. Johnson 2025



Sunday, March 9, 2025

God Laughs

 God Laughs


God laughs when we make our plans. 

Unknown to us of where we stand. 

He laughs because He alone knows. 

That it was determined by Him a long time ago.


God laughs when we propose legislation. 

He is the one that oversees all or our deliberations. 

He alone is sovereign over everything we do. 

And He alone is the author of all that is true. 


God laughs when try to tell Him what to do. 

We pray to Him, only to get what we want, according to our view.

And when we encounter roadblocks along the way. 

We didn’t think that it’s because we prayed. 


God laughs but not because He doesn’t love. 

But because He sees all things from above.

He sees the story from beginning to end. 

We see here and now and the rest is very dim. 


In His love for us, He knows we will make a choice. 

That opposes His plan for us, but He lets us have our voice. 

He laughs not to make fun or laugh at our ordeal. 

But because He is patient with us, as we learn His sovereign will.


God laughs at kings and nations who devise their master plan. 

Because He knows that they truly don’t understand. 

That they are not the authors of what happens in the earth. 

He is in control of everything, and has been from the very first. 


So next time you face an obstacle or things don’t go your way. 

Remember it’s not your plan but His that will hold sway. 

Submit to Him and He will bless you abundantly. 

He is simply waiting for you to choose his will  accordingly. 


Yes, God laughs when we think we are in the drivers seat. 

And we figure out in time His sovereignty. 

And soon we stop and pause because we can hear him laugh. 

And we have a conversation about our human gaff. 


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson



Friday, March 7, 2025

Upside Down World

Upside Down World


We live in an upside down  world, it's easy to see. 

Man demonizes the godly and lifts up immorality. 

What is evil they consider as good. 

And what is good they demonize as only they could. 


And they even twist scripture to make their point. 

Name calling and shame is all they have going.

But a new low has recently come to pass. 

Denying your gender, to that they hold fast. 


They deny the God of all creation. 

Assuming He must be mistaken. 

She's was born a girl but feels like a boy.

So we mutilate ourselves as if we are fixing a toy.  


God never meant for it to be so. 

We were created in His image a long time ago. 

And God doesn't change with the times like many today. 

Who He created you to be, He meant it that way. 


But these very people didn't stop there

They continue to stand up for evil without a care. 

And if you push back and say enough is enough. 

You are the ungodly one without love. 


We live in a upside down world, it's clear.

Where God has allowed us to live by the lies that we hear. 

He has let us believe these lies as true.

Just as He said long ago He was going to do. 


So next time someone puts you down, 

And shames you because in your heart His law is still found. 

Just pause and pray, because one day here soon. 

It will be evident to all of what is actually true.


Their memes twisting what His Word has to say. 

Will be exposed for all to see on that final day. 

And the world will be put right side up again. 

When He moves in the lives and hearts of all men.


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson




14 Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. 2 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? 4 Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry. 5 I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.’ Ezekiel 14:-5




“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5:20




It's Only a Hat


I saw this meme on Facebook and it triggered me.


I stand amazed at Democrats.  They use God only when its convenient, moreso those who claim to be Christians, standing behind them. They push every anti-Christian policy they can find.  They encourage women to murder the unborn, they push the mutilation of our children, and when it comes to the border, they stand up for the lawbreakers that break into our country to kill, steal and destroy.  

Meanwhile the Christian who is wearing the MAGA hat is worshipping a beast of Revelation?  This is a gross misrepresentation of the scriptures. Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

When I look at MAGA supporters I see love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness as described of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.  When I listen to Trump speak, I see a man who also displays kindness toward others.  Yes, he is a no nonsense person and sometimes has no filter when speaking of those that oppose him, but he is far from blasphemous.  Look at Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos.  They did not mince words when calling Israel out on her idolatry. Like Trump, they were austracized. I'm not saying Trump is a prophet, but  I am  saying he is in good company with them. 

This beast that we supposedly worship supports women's rights, specifically in the sporting industry.  He values human life, even life in the womb, and He honors God Almighty. He is not perfect, and there are some things he stands for that I do not agree with, but the beast of Revelation denies Jesus. Trump acknowledges Jesus.  Below is the actual scripture in Revelation 3:16-17

“16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.[e] That number is 666.”

I have studied this to a certain extent, which is why someone posting a scripture without truly studying to show themselves approved really bothers me.  The beast is described in great detail in the previous verses.  Sadly, so many find what they want to find in the scriptures.  For example some have said the gunshot wound was the fatal wound that is described in the previous verses when Trump was shot.  In reality, they fail to read the entire scripture, which I believe is not regarding any one person but nations that have risen since the days of Judah’s captivity in Babylon when Daniel was given the prophesies of the nations that would rise in the time to come  I, however am not a scholar either, but common sense tells me this is a gross twisting of God's word to which is what the bible said would happen in the last day. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

Be that what it may, putting a hat on is not something that we wear in order to buy or sell, as stated in Revelation 13. Nor is it something that has been forced on us, as the beast would also do according to Revelation 13. It is just a hat. The beast of revelation is an usurper to the throne and lastly the beast of revelation is not a person, if it was, there is a long list of democrats that would fit the bill

But we as conservative Christians are better than that. We don't resort to name calling or calling those on the left the names they call us.  We don't judge their hearts. We pray for them and hope beyond hope that God will turn their hearts. We pray the same prayer for ourselves with all humility.  Upon thinking about this, I wrote the following poem. 

It's only a Hat


It's only a hat that we some of us wear

These MAGA supporters whom you try to scare. 

As you shameful TV hosts spew your hate. 

Using your position to alter our state. 


Its only a hat, not a prophetic prediction.

As you post a meme, exposing your evil intention. 

I stand amazed at how far you will go.

Chaos and division are the seeds that you sow. 


It's only a hat with a famous acronym.

That means we want to make America great again.

Those of us that wear it remember the former glory 

When our leaders honored God and told His story. 


It's not the mark of the evil one or the beast.

Most of us worship the God and Father upon our knees. 

We support the leaders who want to bring God back again.

We wear this hat because we believe God has chosen Him


No, we don't worship him, as he is only a man

This hat is simply our way of taking a stand. 

We don't need to scream in the streets,

Spewing our hate to those who disagree. 


Its just a hat, not a violent protest or riot. 

Our views and beliefs are simply displayed by it. 

Go ahead call it the mark, it's just another lie. 

And I will pray for you to open your eyes. 


Its just a hat I wear an expression of my freedom

And you have the right too, posting your memes and many will read them.

But my prayer is the next time you see one of us. 

You will pause and rethink before you name call and cuss.


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson



Sunday, March 2, 2025

My Heart

 My Heart


God I look at my heart and realize you have a lot of work to do,

Before I will ever come close to being like you.

Yes I was made in your image and I know that in time,

You will transform this carnal and sinful heart of mine.


People may look at me and think I'm a kind generous person.

Fortunately they don't see all of my thoughts and the secret cursing.

I struggle not to judge another after we disagree,

Even when at times, it could be done justifiably.


It's those little things that I need you to help me overcome.

The pride of my heart rears its ugly head before the day is even done.

Someone makes a comment that offends me to the core,

And I just can't seem to stop dwelling on it once more.


I tell myself next time I will have more faith because I know you've got this.

But next time comes and I fail once again and the mark I miss.

God it's those things that I let consume my mind.

I fall on my face because it happens every time.


Then you come and put your hand on my shoulder and smile.

And remind me that it's not me, but you, that will walk the last mile.

It's your faithfulness that gets me through each struggle with sin.

And it's you who is writing your law on my heart once again.


It doesn't mean I won't struggle until the day that I die

Because each day is a reminder of how I need you in my life.

So when I catch myself thinking things I shouldn't think,

I will stop and thank you for allowing me to get to the brink.


Because it's when we fall on our face and only then that we find

You holding us in the deepest hour in our shame every time.

And we realize it's not about us anymore, we gave our life to you

So we can rest in your promises and watch what you're going to do.


God I look at my heart and I realize so much has changed.

I'm not perfect but I see so much that you have arranged.

Each day you are making me more like you.

And I'm thankful for your work in my life and showing me what is true. 


© Sandra C. Johnson 2025


14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.  Romans 7:14-20