Simple Devotions

Christian inspirations and poetry

Thursday, October 16, 2025

The Sea of Hate

Each evening as I prepare dinner, the news plays in the background.  

Sometimes it’s a headline, sometimes just a passing phrase—  but something stirs within me.  

A switch flips, and I find myself contemplating:  

What might God think of our current political climate?  

The poem below is one such reflection—  born from those quiet moments of spiritual pondering.


The Sea of Hate


They are lost in a sea of Trump disdain.

To them, his every move is flawed and profane.

They call him a tyrant, a king in disguise. 

A racist, a hater–truth clouded by lies.


But lost in their own sea of spite and blame.

They point at others, yet play the same game.  

Never owning the wrongs they have done,  

Their hatred exposed in the light of the sun.


When they don't agree with the results of an election,

They riot and burn buildings as an act of rejection. 

Yet they call us MAGA extremist and unkind,  

Blind to the grace that we strive to find. 


But what do we do when we’re let down?  

Do we sulk and rage, wear anger’s crown?  

Or do we pray for those cast aside,  

And love the forgotten with arms open wide? 


Yes, we have values that we make clear. 

We stand for God– the right to life we hold dear. 

We defend the right to bear arms and protect,  

Because our neighbors come first and deserve respect. 


And if your lifestyle differs from our creed,  

We don’t attack or force you to heed.  

We don’t block roads or shout you down,  

We believe all should live free, and never be bound. 


Yet they say we lack compassion and grace,  

While we hold prayer vigils and truth we embrace.

We pray for an end of violence, vengeance, disdain.

For healing and forgiveness, not more pain. 


So for Rosie, Schumer, and AOC,  

I lift a prayer, not hostility.  

They are lost in a sea of hate.

But Jesus alone will alter their fate. 


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson


 





Monday, October 6, 2025

I am Not Deaf

 I am not Deaf


I am not deaf, though some claim that I am.

I hear every prayer uttered by man.

Though at times it may feel as though I'm not there,

I am the God of Heaven and Earth– I am everywhere.


I am not deaf to the cries that I hear.

Nor deaf to the weight of man's fears.

I am not deaf to the pain that I see.

I hold it all in my hand in my sovereignty.


I sometimes say no when men seek my face.

I intervene with love, truth and grace. 

But my no's are all a part of my plan.

To intervene and help you to understand.


I have things to show you when I say no.

And trials designed to help you grow.

So when you cried and asked me to intervene,

My silence was never to be harsh or mean.


You cannot see the Heavenly Realm,

The battles where I stand at the helm.

I am aware that you've asked me before,

But my answers I gave, you simply ignored.


Ask me again– but know that I hear.

As I teach you to let go of your fear.

I could make it so easy, but what would you learn?

Sanctification often comes with a burn. 


And usually, my child, that's what it is. 

As my refining fire gently persists. 

Hold fast to me through every trial, 

I will steady your path and walk every mile. 


It's because I love you as I train you to be,

Someone who will minister before me.

As you come to learn of my ways,

And rest in my presence all of your days.


©2025 Sandra C. Johnson


This poem has been set to music found here:

https://youtu.be/SzDhpJVZLYQ?si=6wtoExKZUEB4E6fM




Thursday, October 2, 2025

Reproductive Health or Reproductive Harm?

In recent years, the term reproductive health has been increasingly used as a euphemism for one thing: abortion.

It’s a curious choice of words. Reproduction implies the creation of life—bringing something into being. Abortion, by contrast, is a procedure that ends that process. It’s not reproductive; it’s anti-reproductive.

True reproductive health should refer to supporting a pregnant mother through childbirth, not terminating a pregnancy. Yet the language has been twisted to obscure the reality.

The roots of abortion in America are darker than many realize. Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, held deeply racist views. Unlike today’s climate, where accusations of racism are often thrown around carelessly, Sanger’s agenda was deliberate: placing clinics in low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods. Her legacy is documented in sources like this USA Today column (https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/07/23/racism-eugenics-margaret-sanger-deserves-no-honors-column/5480192002/) which outlines her ties to eugenics and racial targeting.

Some fact-checkers now try to downplay this history, arguing that Planned Parenthood today is different. But history matters. The era in which Sanger operated was rife with racism, and there is ample evidence that her motivations were not purely about women’s health. Even today, whistleblowers like Abby Johnson—once a director at Planned Parenthood—have faced backlash for exposing what goes on behind closed doors.

Many people I speak with who support abortion believe it’s primarily used in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. They argue that the pro-life movement ignores these women. But the data tells a different story: fewer than 20% of abortions are performed due to serious health risks. The vast majority—over 80%—are not medically necessary.

Those who advocate for abortion often muddy the waters, using compassionate language to mask a procedure that ends a life. It’s a chilling reality, and one that deserves honest reflection.

Yesterday, I saw a post by Abby Johnson that struck a chord:  

“Healthcare heals. Abortion kills.”  

That simple truth inspired everything I’ve written here.

---

Reproductive Health


We call it reproductive healthcare. 

It is supposed to cure, not lay bare. 

Instead of being the place we go to heal 

It misinforms, destroys, and kills. 


We call it reproductive health but that is a lie. 

As the silent screams pierce the sky. 

A world veiled by abortion's curse. 

A name rebranded, an image reversed. 


The title covers the truth. 

So they can re-educate our youth.. 

So these precious young women won’t see.

A child deprived of it's destiny. 


They changed the name to mask the pain,  

To lure the crowd, to shift the blame.  

From “pro-choice” to a softer phrase,  

A cloak to blind, a term to praise. 


They call it reproductive health but the only thing that's true. 

Is they deny reproduction to a child in the womb 

And who knows how many generations have been affected. 

By a procedure that has left them unprotected. 


Abortion was the first term which made it all clear

Kill the future generation before they get here.

Place clinics in neighborhoods of low income and poverty. 

Remove the riff raff from our society. 


They call it healthcare– doesn't that sound grand?

A right for all women right where they stand. 

But healthcare heals, it doesn’t deceive;  

It doesn’t teach young moms to grieve.  


Healthcare should be where hope is found,  

Where cures and comfort do abound.  

Not a place where our bodies are mutilated. 

Genders changed or whatever is contemplated. 


They call it reproductive health but we know that is not true. 

Stop and ponder the life growing inside of you. 

That child, that gift, that sacred plan—  

A life ordained by God’s own hand. 


Children are a gift from God, made in His image. 

We don't get to choose life or death without limit. 

Each embryo worth saving, not for promise or perfection,  

But because it bears His image, cradled in eternal affection.


©2025 Sandra C. Johnson


Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

And before you were born I consecrated you;

I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:4-5


 


Sunday, September 28, 2025

Fret Not

 Fret Not


Fret not if you do not understand. 

There is a greater calling beyond man. 

Your ministry is not of this age.

Have faith, as you turn the page. 


A day is coming for you and others. 

A day where you will minister with your brothers. 

That longing in your heart you have always felt.

Was put there by me where I have always dwelt.


I have a bigger plan for the entire earth.

And many will take part who now question their worth. 

I look not at the great inventions man has discovered. 

It was me who let them see what I alone have uncovered.


I am not impressed by monetary sacrifice. 

Or by those who are generous and nice. 

Because those are simply works of the flesh,

But without me they all still lead to death. 


Fret not because I have not unfolded my plan.

I will, in my own time, help all understand. 

But only I know the time and the hour 

When I will reveal myself with glory and with power. 


I give you small hints, at times, of what is to come.

Before I call you to rule and reign with my Son. 

That is when you will see the fruits of your labor

The lives touched when you followed me and I extended my favor. 


Fret not, because even though you feel that seed that you planted–

Fell on rocky places and many words recanted. 

Have faith because with your human eyes you cannot see–

My purpose in the earth and divine decree.


Fret not my child, all things are under my watchful eye. 

Though it makes no sense and you can't understand why. 

Those who have faith in me in the midst of all they see. 

Are the ones who will minister before me. 


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

 

 


Saturday, September 27, 2025

He Is With Us

 He is With Us


He is with us in our darkest hour. 

When we feel we've lost all power.

When we have no strength to carry on–

He lifts us up and makes us strong. 


He is with us when no one understands. 

When we can't keep up with life's demands. 

He carries us through weary days. 

And revives our souls out of its tearful haze.


You see He feels what we feel.

His heart aches over our sadness so real. 

He gathers every tear, every emotion. 

And holds us in the midst of the storm and commotion. 


He understands us like no one could. 

He bears our burdens like no one else would. 

And sometimes when we look up we see Him there,

Even though we blamed Him in our despair.


He simply waits for us to breathe.

To let go and let Him meet our need.

And when we do, oh such a burden is lifted. 

Others think we are strong, resilient and gifted. 


But unknown to them we're not alone. 

HIS strength is what the world is shown. 

It doesn't mean we never fall apart.

Healing takes time as He mends our heart. 


He is with us today and forevermore. 

He speaks, He guides, and He won’t ignore

He hears every prayer, each silent plea

Our Father leads us out of the dark, setting us free. 


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

This poem has been set to music found here:

https://youtu.be/Ll2hz3u-2AE?si=6i-cEaz0s1x_9LKX


Friday, September 26, 2025

Opposing views

I find it amazing when I watch the news, how both parties make the same claims about the other side.  I know which side I am more alligned with.  The truth is though, Jesus Christ died for all of us.  His truth should be the foundation of what we believe in our heart and even in our politics.  

It's hard though, when both sides claim they are Christian. They declare to be defenders of our constitution. Yet at the same time, both sides have polarizing policies.  I woke up in the middle of the night as the first two lines reverberated in my head. 


Opposing views


Why is it, when we on the right take a stand,  

We're accused of hate, with deception close at hand?  

Yet when the left declares what they believe,  

They're hailed as heroes, destined to achieve.  


Why is it, when we questioned the COVID vaccine,  

We were cast as villains—cold, cruel, and mean?  

But when the left walks through Planned Parenthood’s door,  

It’s called a brave choice, praised all the more.  


When a conservative speaks of what made this nation great,  

He’s labeled a racist, a Nazi, a vessel of hate.  

Yet when a liberal shares his opposing view,  

He’s seen as kind, though none of it’s true.  


This is the world we’re living in today:  

Both sides shout, both sides sway.  

Each claims the other breaks the Constitution,  

Each offers a different, clashing solution.  


Two bibles, two laws, two paths to defend—  

Each side insists theirs is the end.  

But only one truth will rise and shine,  

Only one Word stands the test of time.  


So stand for what’s right, make your declaration,  

Live with boldness, not hesitation.  

For when all is said and all is done,  

The truth is found in God’s own Son.  


We live in a world of opposing views,  

And truth is often hard to choose.  

It’s not the one who seeks to please,  

But the one who clings to Christ with ease.  


Not the voice that avoids offense,  

But the heart that stands in reverence.  

For in the end, what will remain  

Is faith that endures through joy and pain.


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

We Will Not Be Baited

We Will Not Be Baited


We will not be baited thinking we are standing tall. 

We will remain faithful to our God only answering His call. 

We will not be tempted to argue over what we believe. 

And have our words twisted by those who are deceived.


We will not be baited to engage in arguments over words. 

We know the truth and believe in what we've heard.

We will not argue with those who refuse to see. 

But only seek to trap us by their words and creeds. 


We will not be baited by those on the other side. 

As they make false allegations that can be denied. 

As they try to demonize us for our faith and life we lead. 

We will walk away and continue to the Holy Spirit heed. 


We need no words. We will not reply. 

Jesus spoke not a word, just before he died. 

He will give us words to say when the time is right. 

Until then rest in your Savior and resist the fight. 


God will go before us and make the battle cry. 

He will sound the trumpet and we will be ready to reply. 

Just rest in Him my warriors, though you are ready to defend. 

Don't waste time arguing with those who will never be your friend. 


We will not be baited or engaged in your war on Words. 

We understand the battle is spiritual and we believe in what we've heard. 

So we wait on God and ask Him to show us when

To enter into battle because in His power we will win. 


No….we wont be baited no matter what you say. 

Our faith is firm, established as we bow our heads and pray. 

We pray for God's Kingdom to come to earth. 

And stand at the helm with His armor awaiting on His Word. 


© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson