Look Through Heaven's Eyes

Category: Devotions

  • Is Too Much Even Possible

    Is Too Much Even Possible

    “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” ~Ephesians 3:20–21

    “ Julius, you ‘re doing too much again.” That is one of the most common phrases you will hear in our house. Just a few moments spent with Julius, and you can see the energy radiating off of him. Nothing he does is done in moderation. It’s always full steam ahead.  After the children’s message, his feet carry him swiftly down the aisle, causing him to zoom right past our pew. Those sitting around us might hear him asking, “How many more songs until we can flag?”. He can barely contain himself, ready to wave that flag proudly for the Lord.

    At home from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can hear his not-so-little voice, asking questions, making dramatic sound effects for his toys, or singing his favorite song. Amidst all of this will come the moments of tears because he bumped his head once again, the toy he was roughly playing with broke, or he has a scraped knee. After comforting him for the 20th time that day, I will say, “Julius, maybe if you weren’t doing too much all the time, you wouldn’t get hurt so much”.

    Lately, I’ve been thinking that I might be wrong. Yes, even moms get it wrong sometimes. (Don’t tell my husband, as far as he needs to know, I am in fact always right). However, maybe Julius’ full-throttle attitude is just being misdirected and is not what needs to be changed.

    I have spent the last month studying the book of Ephesians. The whole book is filled with reminders of the things that God has done for us. He’s adopted us as children, seated us in heavenly places, given us access to every spiritual blessing, and reached down and brought us back to life. The list is endless and doesn’t account for the specific ways He has shown up in our individual lives.

    When I reflect on all the wonderful things that God has done, extending all the way back to the beginning of time, I can’t help but come to the conclusion that nothing I do to worship God and bring glory to his name is ever “too much”. Nothing we do or give can compare to what God has already done and already given to us, not to mention all the things he’s currently doing and has yet to do. So maybe instead of telling Julius he’s doing “too much”, I should learn to redirect his full-throttle mindset into living a life full throttle for God. While also asking God for some of that energy so that I may be more like Julius, living a life full throttled for God with the perspective that nothing is ever “too much” for God

  • The Gift of A Bumpy Road

    The Gift of A Bumpy Road

    We’re a few weeks into the school year, and the homework has been rolling in. My husband, Josh, and I have been taking turns helping Zaniya with her homework. She’s doing really well, but sometimes the problems get a little complicated. When that happens, we start to hear the familiar words that I’ve said myself during tough moments: “I can’t do this.” “This is too hard.” “I wish this were easier.”

    The advice I give Zaniya is the same reminder I need when things feel overwhelming: if everything were easy, we’d never learn or grow; therefore, we must be thankful and rejoice when things get tough.  Paul writes in Romans,  “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3–4 (NIV)

    Another passage reminds us that trials refine our faith, making it stronger: “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith of greater worth than gold…may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6–7 (NIV)

     Paul  gives us  this powerful command: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

    Paul’s command becomes easier to follow in the midst of trials when we understand what’s on the other side: growth in character and a deepened faith in God.

    But the most comforting truth of all is that we never face trials alone. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us through every challenge: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

    This is also one of the most powerful ways to be a witness. In the darkest circumstances, we get to share the reason for our hope. As Scripture reminds us: “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NIV)

    True joy is unquenchable it is never circumstantial it lasts for eternity and is available to anyone who turns their heart toward Jesus, the One who endured the most gruesome of trials, with a heart full of thanksgiving to demonstrate His love for us.

    So the next time life starts getting a little tough and the road ahead looks bumpy, stop take a moment and Thank God for the opportunity to grow in character, and purify your faith.

  • May It Be Written On Our Hearts

    May It Be Written On Our Hearts

    My husband and I feel deeply blessed to send our children to a Christian school where they are daily taught the Word of God. On top of that, they attend Awanas, where they continue learning scripture, and they receive a special message during our church service that’s just for them. We are so grateful for every person God has placed in their lives to help plant His Word in their hearts.

    Zaniya is now at the age where both school and Awanas require her to memorize Bible verses. The other day, she was working on one and proudly said, “Okay, I know it.” I was proud of her, too. But when I asked her to practice it again the next day, she looked confused and said, “Mom, I already said it.” I gently explained that we don’t memorize scripture just to earn an award, we memorize it so that it can be written on our hearts.

    I shared with her how, at her age, I learned many of the same passages she’s learning now, and how those verses have guided me through life. God’s Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, ESV). It renews our minds (Romans 12:2). It gives us the power to stand against the lies the enemy tries to throw at us (Ephesians 6:17). I told her that I still get scared sometimes. Still, then I remember Psalm 121:3–4, which says that the God who watches over me “will not slumber… indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” When I doubt my value or identity, I remember that I am God’s child (John 1:12), loved and chosen, and that He prepared good works for me to walk in, works He ordained before I was even born (Ephesians 2:10).

    Some days, the tasks before me feel overwhelming, but I remind myself where my help comes from: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). And when I look at the news and wonder why wickedness seems to go unpunished and corruption is praised, I remember that God is a God of justice (Isaiah 30:18), and I am called to be patient and trust in His timing, which is far greater than mine.

    God’s Word truly is amazing. It can carry us through anything when we choose to view every circumstance, every problem, and every day through the lens of His truth written not just on paper, but on our hearts (Hebrews 8:10).

  • It’s All In Your Heart

    It’s All In Your Heart

    In our home, we’ve posted the Johnson Family 12 Commandments (10 was not enough). A simple list to guide Zaniya and Julius in daily choices: no complaining about meals, use gentle hands, no jumping on furniture, and most important, for my sanity, NO SCREAMING!

    While the list helps curb disruptive behavior, that’s not our ultimate goal. The list helps us identify deeper heart issues. If we are struggling with not complaining that reveals a spirit of ungratefulness that has infected our heart, which does not align with the will of God. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

    Likewise, if we are struggling to use kind words and gentle hands, it’s not a lack of politeness, but a more dangerous offense of lacking love and compassion. “Anyone who claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”1 John 4:20 (NIV)

    Behavior is the fruit, but the heart is the root. If we focus only on outward actions, we miss the deeper transformation God desires, a heart transformation. “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45 (NIV).

    Thankfully, we’re not left to fix ourselves. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) As we remain in His presence, soaking in His Word, walking in the Spirit, He reshapes our hearts. Our job is to go to Him and trust Him to finish the work He started. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

    At the end of the day, we reflect on our day and help lead the kids in prayer for turning to God for forgiveness and the strength to do better the next day. It often goes like this.

    Heavenly Father, we thank You for all You have blessed us with, and we thank You for sending Your son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Please forgive me for all the times I didn’t show love to those around me, forgive me for when I didn’t show patience, or gratefulness for what You have given us. Please give me the strength and empower me with Your Holy Spirit to do better tomorrow. Thank You that I can find comfort and confidence in Your forgiveness, and everlasting love. Amen.

  • Following Like daisy

    Following Like daisy

    Psalm 143:10 – “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

    Our dog Daisy has separation anxiety. She doesn’t like being more than a few feet away from us, let alone in a separate room.  She always wants to be close, often right underfoot. When I’m rushing around, it can be frustrating to trip over her, but when Josh is working nights, I welcome her cuddles and closeness. Her presence brings comfort.

    One evening, as Daisy assumed her usual spot, resting her head on my legs, I realized something: her constant desire to be near us is a picture of the kind of closeness I want in my relationship with God.

    I love spending time in Scripture and worship. But as the day goes on, my mind fills with tasks and distractions. I shift from walking in the Spirit to walking in my own strength, focused on my plans, my goals, my pace.

    What if I were more like Daisy? What if I spent my day intentionally following the Holy Spirit, staying close to Him no matter where He leads? Maybe He’d guide me into a conversation that encourages a friend, or prompt me to show kindness to a stranger. If I stayed near Him, I might begin to look more and more like Jesus, becoming His hands and feet in the world.

    I’m grateful that God is far more patient than I am. He never gets tired of our desire to be close. He welcomes us to follow Him, always inviting us into deeper connection.

  • More Than Breadsticks

    More Than Breadsticks

    John 6:25–58 is one of my favorite stories. The crowd had just experienced the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000, and they showed up the next day, eager for more. But Jesus saw through their hunger—not for Him, but for bread.

    When He calls them out, they pivot: “Okay, what good works should we do?” Then they ask for another sign. Maybe more bread? After all, Moses gave their ancestors manna in the desert.

    Jesus gently corrects them: the manna came from God, not Moses. And now, the Father wants to give them the True Bread. They’re thrilled—finally, He gets it! The best bread ever! But then Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.”

    Cue record scratch.

    They’re confused. Disappointed. They can’t eat His flesh, and they don’t understand what He means. So they walk away.

    I laugh a little when I read this. I mean, I get it—bread is amazing. Fresh sourdough? Garlic knots? Sign me up. But I also get the privilege of reading this story knowing who Jesus is and what He’s really offering: something far better than unlimited carbs.

    And then I realize, I’m not so different. I’ve come to God asking for healing, provision, and clarity. When the answer is “no” or “not yet,” I’ve felt disappointed. But God is always good. His “no” is never cruel; it’s a redirection toward something deeper.

    So I keep learning to trust Him. Even when what He offers doesn’t look like what I thought I needed. Because what He gives is always better than breadsticks.

    Heavenly Father, I thank you that you love me enough to say no. I thank you that when I am caught up in the

    moment, seeking instant gratification; You are holding the future in mind.  Help me to remember that your ways are far beyond my ways and that Your love, faithfulness and goodness Never Fails. Amen

  • Back From The Dead

    Back From The Dead

    Julius came racing down the stairs, tears streaming, wailing loudly. Zaniya had left him alone in the playroom upstairs, something that usually doesn’t bother him. He often plays alone, so his panic caught me off guard. When he finally calmed down, he could only say one word: zombies. I’m not sure where he picked that up, but it was clear that he was terrified that if left alone, zombies would come for him. Of course, I comforted him and explained that zombies aren’t real. Later, when I was reading in Ephesians, with zombies on my mind, I couldn’t help but see the similarities.

    In Ephesians 2:1–3, Paul describes our condition before Christ: “You were dead in your trespasses and sins… following the course of this world… living in the passions of our flesh… by nature children of wrath.” Dead while walking. Controlled by the world and the flesh. Don’t tell Julius, but that sounds a little like zombies.

    I haven’t watched many zombie movies, but there’s been a pattern in the ones I have seen the world gets divided into three distinct groups:

    · Group 1: The zombies—infected, unaware, driven by their nature.

    · Group 2: The fearful—avoiding the infected at all costs, believing survival means isolation and elimination.

    · Group 3: The hopeful—convinced there’s a cure, willing to risk everything to save the infected.

    Spiritually speaking, we were all once in Group 1. But God, rich in mercy, sent His Son with the cure. Now that we’ve been made alive in Christ, how do we respond to those still trapped?

    Are we like Group 2—afraid of being “infected” again, praying for the downfall of the wicked, forgetting we were once the wicked? Or will we be like Group 3—believing in the cure, trusting in God’s power to redeem even the most lost, and proclaiming the good news with hope and compassion?

  • Living as A Hallejuah

    Living as A Hallejuah

    “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true and proper worship.”
    Romans 12:1 (NIV)

    Everyone has that one song that ushers them right into the throne room of God, or if you are like me, a whole list of songs that bring me into the glorious presence of the King of kings.  A good praise song fills us up and reminds us of our true purpose. To bring glory to God. However, worship expands way beyond the confines of a Sunday worship service or an impromptu praise session in our car. It is a state of being, a way of life.

    Life becomes a lot less mundane when we approach everything we do as an act of worship. Cleaning dishes transforms from a daunting chore into a small yet beautiful act of worship to God. Changing your 1000th diaper, taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, even shoveling snow, is a way to glorify the maker of all things. The one who made our human bodies capable of doing all these things. The one who has gifted us this world for us to enjoy  never lacking new ways to take in His creativity and enjoy the beauty of it all. 

    Let’s see what happens when we change our perspective. What will happen to our hearts when we go through our day seeing each moment, every encounter as what it is, an opportunity to worship, a chance to do what we are made to do, glorify the Lord of Heaven and Earth.

    When you are out on the golf course, going for an evening walk, are you appreciating his craftsmanship by taking in the beauty of nature? Are you getting some exercise in, or are you recognizing the amazing way he designed our bodies by pushing your limits at the gym? Are you eating a simple dinner? Or perhaps you’re appreciating the creativity He’s placed in those around you, all while enjoying a meal. When we set ourselves on being living sacrifices, our days become a beautiful melody of worship to God. In all we do, whether we eat or drink, do it unto the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Lord, teach me to worship with my whole life.
    Not just in songs, but in silence. Not just in church, but in traffic, in meetings, in messes. Let my choices, my words, my work, and my rest be a living hallelujah to You. Amen.