Start a Conversation

In the advertisement department at a newspaper, I sat patiently waiting for the clerk to call me so that I could place an ad and be on my way. There were a couple people ahead of me to be attended to and a number of people in the line to the cashier. I was not expecting this many people to be placing advertisements in the newspaper, having to wait was not factored into my routine for the day.

“Next!”

The person seated beside me got up and went to the clerk’s cubicle. Almost immediately the vacant seat became occupied. Instinctively, I took a quick glance and returned to centre. He was an older gentleman who took the opportunity to start a conversation.

“Good day. Can I introduce you to a friend of mine?”

I had heard that question before, so I knew his intentions. I don’t know who came up with this one-liner, but after hearing it too many times, I did not care for it. I must admit that I was tempted to say no but instead I decided to engage.

How do you start a conversation to tell strangers about Jesus?

Have you ever used that line about a friend of yours?

I appreciate those, like that gentleman, who can easily talk to strangers about Jesus. His approach may have been overused but he, obedient to Jesus’ command in Matthew 4:19, was being a “fisher of men” and used it anyway.

Jesus said to them, “Follow me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” (CEV)

In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples that they will be His witnesses, not just in their neighbourhoods but “to the end of the earth” and as modern day disciples we must do the same, however, approaching perfect strangers is not for the fainthearted; it is not as easy as some religious people make you feel it is and not everyone who witnesses for Christ will all have the same method.

I have never asked anyone if I could introduce them to a friend of mine, unless it was a friend standing next to me and then I’d simply say, this is whoever.

God has given each of us different gifts and talents including different ways of connecting with others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. – Romans 12:6 (NIV)

Starting a conversation with a random stranger may not be your strong point but you may be able to get into people’s lives in another way.

Your genuine kindness towards a stranger might just be the perfect conversation starter for you.

Sometimes you may not even have to say a word.

A simple smile or offering an old lady your seat in a crowded waiting room or giving a generous tip to the young man who delivered your pizza or to the attendant who filled up your tank at the gas station.

You don’t always have to be the one to start a conversation either, simply listening with genuine interest can be an ideal opener because there are hurting people everywhere who just need someone to talk to. I have encountered so many emotionally and spiritually wounded strangers in banks, at the doctor’s office, on planes, even in line at the supermarket.

They started a conversation, I listened with sincerity and it opened the way for me to say,

“Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did!” (John 4:29 TLB)

Well, not literally, but you get the idea, right?

Beloved, forcing a conversation can go terribly wrong; if you are a conversationalist then go ahead and start a conversation outright but if you’re like me and many others it’s okay to use different ways to get the message of Jesus to strangers.

I encourage you to seek God’s guidance in this; pray and trust that He will create opportunities to start a conversation.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Start a Conversation” ©2026, January 7, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

 

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” – Mark 8:27-28 (ESV)

A few years ago, a friend asked me if I truly believed that Jesus was God. I must admit that I was quite surprised at his question because I knew him as an ardent church attendee. Before I answered I enquired, “What’s this about; do you have doubts?” to which he responded with a sheepish yes.

Jesus asked His disciples what people were saying about His identity. From the disciples’ response, none of the people identified Him as the Lord. My friend believed that Jesus lived, however he was now leaning on the side of Him being just another prophet rather than the “only begotten Son of God” or God incarnate.

All his life he clung to his faith and belief but after going through many challenges that left him broken, it wasn’t making sense to him anymore. He was questioning everything and the more he questioned the more his belief and faith dwindled.

What could I say to him that might steer him back onto the spiritual path he had obviously abandoned?

Would he be willing to hear me out; to just look again at some of the things about Jesus that he already knew? I shouldn’t simply walk away, though that would be easiest, I couldn’t.

In cases like these, we must set aside our judgments, our biases, and our assumptions. We need to not bulldoze others with theology and religion but take a gentle approach. Our job is to guide not push, and to allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest; we don’t convict, that’s His job. It is He who awakens and re-awakens our hearts to our need for Jesus.

And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. – John 16:8 (NLT)

Perhaps you’re in a similar situation where your faith and belief in Jesus as God is see-sawing.

Throughout the Gospel, Jesus claimed to be God and this claim can either be true or not. If Jesus was not being truthful, then chances are He knew that He wasn’t and if He did not know then we can draw but one conclusion.

Apostle John, referring to Jesus tells us,

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1 (NLT)

And throughout this same Gospel, Jesus is recorded as laying claim to be God. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, verses 15-16 (ESV) says,

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Hundreds of years earlier, Isaiah prophesied of Jesus saying,

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

I asked my friend a few questions.

“Do you believe that Jesus was deceiving His followers then and us now?”

With a quick shrug he responded, “Perhaps.”

“So, why would Jesus keep up with this colossal deception of being God even during His trial, or when He was being whipped mercilessly, or made to carry the frightfully heavy cross, or being nailed to it?”

“Not sure…people have their reasons for what they do.” Was his answer. I continued,

“At some point along this torturously agonizing experience He would have confessed, don’t you think?”

At this point he offered, “Jesus was a good man, with good morals, a great teacher and orator, like a motivational speaker, life coach or an influencer in His days.”

“Seriously?” I thought but did not voice.

Instead, I said, “Okay, but if you believe that Jesus possessed all those admirable characteristics, how could you believe that He is lying about His identity?”

After a short pause I said,

“What I’m getting from you is that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic or both?”

I could tell that he was taken aback by that question, thought about it for a moment, but did not respond.

“You realize that that’s your only logical conclusion, right?”

Silence. I continued undaunted.

“Now, if Jesus was sincere, He could still have been a lunatic.”

My friend smiled in agreement.

“As you’re aware, there have been a lot of people over the years who claimed to be God, and they sincerely believed themselves and were able to convince others, especially people who were searching for something to believe in, a tangible thing they could see and feel, that gave them purpose. But those proclaiming their divinity nowadays, always seem a little erratic in their behaviour.” I suggested, and he nodded.

“Reading the Gospel accounts, Jesus does not come across as deluded. Does He?”

He shook his head.

“I know that people with mental challenges can be some of the most intelligent among us but Jesus, in all His actions and profoundness in what He said, doesn’t appear to have a mental disorder. Does He?”

Again, he shook his head.

“As a matter of fact, you are well acquainted with the four Gospels, so you would know that in three Gospel accounts, Jesus is recorded as delivering a mentally afflicted, demon possessed man.”

“Of course.”

“Now, it’s not up to me to change your mind, but as your friend, and as a believer in Jesus, I can’t not attempt to point you in His direction. It’s really up to you to investigate the evidence for yourself.”

“I guess” was a murmur escaping from his mouth.

Beloved, with everything I personally know and have experienced spiritually, it will be dishonest of me to tell you that Jesus was either a liar or a lunatic. I can only conclude that Jesus was who He claimed to be – Lord.

My friend could not, with any conviction, say that Jesus was a liar, and neither could he commit to Jesus being a lunatic but at that time, he was still on the fence as to Jesus as Lord.

Finally, I said to my friend, “Liar, lunatic or Lord, any one is possible but which of the three is the most probable? You must make that choice for yourself.”

Our conversation ended on a cliffhanger, as he did not let me know what his conclusion was, but it wasn’t for me to know. We have since lost touch, but I trust that he has found his way.

I will end today’s reflection as John ended his Gospel,

But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is]. – John 20:31 (AMPC)

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Liar, Lunatic or Lord?” ©2026, January 6, 2026

 

 

 

 

Baptized in the desert!

 

Chapter eight of the Book of Acts records an encounter between Philip and an unnamed eunuch from Ethiopia on a desert road.

Now Philip, not the apostle, was a Holy Spirit-anointed evangelist who God used mightily. He was one of seven deacons ordained by the apostles to minister to a growing following of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem.

With the brutal killing of Stephen, Philip’s fellow deacon, and the subsequent relentless persecution of the Church in Jerusalem by Saul, the pre-conversion Paul, Christians “were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria”.

Philip fled to Samaria, where he performed incredible acts of demon exorcism and miraculous healings all the while preaching the good news of Jesus Christ with great power.

“Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.” 

The unnamed eunuch, wasn’t just any Ethiopian, he was an important official in charge of Candace the Queen of the Ethiopians treasure. He had been in Jerusalem worshiping and was on his way toward Gaza when the encounter occurred.

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 

Philip, without knowing the purpose for this sudden change in direction, did not question the wisdom of the Lord’s leading, instead he immediately headed for the desert.

Sometimes things are going really well when suddenly the Lord leads us into a desert place.

We mustn’t let our self-praise and the praise of others deafen our ears to God’s call. We must not let what we see as success blind our eyes from seeing God’s vision.

These will certainly hamper our necessary wilderness journey. Yes, “necessary”. Going to the desert is par for the course. Even Jesus, after His baptism by John, was led into the desert wilderness by the Holy Spirit before His ministry began.

Despite Philip’s successful ministry in Samaria, what was most important to him was obedience to the Lord, to do whatever the Lord wanted him to do and to go wherever the Lord wanted him to go.

Queen Candace’s eunuch, riding in his chariot reading the prophet Isaiah written in Greek, was unaware of what was about to happen.

And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 

Then with one single question, lives were about to be indelibly altered since it is believed that this meeting led to Christianity being introduced into Ethiopia.

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 

Beloved, do you understand when you read Scripture or is it all Greek to you?

The Ethiopian, heading toward physical wilderness, ended up in spiritual wilderness bewildered by what he was reading. But God, who takes good care of all the needs of His children, sent a Greek-speaking Holy Spirit-anointed evangelist to an Ethiopian man going through a wilderness experience.

In the wilderness, God sends angels, even those in human form, to minister to us. He did so for His Son Jesus (Mark 1:12-13 AMPC below), He did so for an unnamed Ethiopian eunuch and He does so for us.

Immediately the [Holy] Spirit [from within] drove Him out into the wilderness (desert), And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually].

God provides in unimaginable ways.

That Ethiopian official had a need for spiritual enlightenment, and the Lord provided a solution in what looks like a near impossible situation. You see, this man had already left Jerusalem, heading south to Gaza, about 34 miles away, which means that Philip coming from Samaria, about 65 miles north of Jerusalem, would have had to have travelled a long distance to catch up to the chariot.  

Beloved, here's a side note: if Philip was on foot, he never would have encountered the eunuch. Philip must've been on-board the Holy Spirit express en route to do God’s work.

Philip not only explained the reading from Isaiah but went on to boldly, intentionally and passionately proclaim the good news about Jesus, after which Acts 8:37-39 (ESV) tells us,

And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 

Baptized in the desert!

And what happened next is the evidence of Philip’s divine transportation.

And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 

Beloved, you may be trekking through a desert place with no sign of relief but know that though it does not seem so right now, the Lord has a purpose for you being there and you will experience His Holy Spirit at work in your life.

So, continue to believe and to trust and to obey. Soon you will come to water, and when you do, rejoice.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Baptized in the desert!” ©2026, January 2, 2025

 

 

 

 

Let’s Gather Together

 

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.”

(Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT)

These present days are filled with all and every sort of challenge – events that test our faith and the love we’re exhorted to have for our fellow man. Oftentimes we just need to be motivated and encouraged through the daily grind so that our faith remains strong and we persevere in love.

Going to church on Sundays in the company of other believers, hearing an inspiring sermon and singing hymns and other songs of worship give us a boost but, is it enough?

Even though church services are great opportunities to gather, Christian people need to gather together outside of the regular once a week service on Sundays. We need to do exactly what Hebrews 10, verses 24 and 25 tell us to do and get together more often.

Beloved, coming together with other believers promotes faith building, provokes acts of love and good deeds, and encourages each person to stay faithful to Christ and to one another. So, this new year, determine to do just that; let’s gather together.

Amen †

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Let’s Gather Together” ©2013 revisited January 2, 2026

Prayers for today

 

Pray…

Father, I pray that You would give me a vision of Your sovereignty that will bring me to my knees in worship and in adoration, that will cause me, like David, to dance and prance, rejoicing before You; that a view of Your holiness will bring me to humiliation at my present state, knowing that I have far to go, but in Christ Jesus I will indeed go and bear the fruit of righteousness.

Teach me, through the working of Your Holy Spirit within me, how to properly work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is You Who works in me, both to will and to work for Your good pleasure. Work through me O God, as I strive for holiness and to be conformed to the image of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ.

Only You are sovereign O God, controlling all that You do through love for Your people. And it is You, the True and Living God, Who works all things together for my good and Your glory, that I pray, through the matchless name of Jesus Christ with thanksgiving, Amen †.

Pray…

Lord Jesus Christ, You have opened the floodgates of grace to me, and so, I now set my heart to experience the more-than-superabundance of Your grace. I declare that from today I see Your grace and favour upon my life each and every moment of every day. Amen †.

Pray…

You, O LORD, are exalted forever! I thank You for exalting my strength – making me as strong as a wild ox, and for anointing me with Your finest oil; for causing me to flourish like a palm and to grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon; planted in the Lord’s own house, I flourish in the courts of my God. I declare even in old age I will still produce fruit, I will remain fresh and green, declaring, the LORD is upright, He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him! Hallelujah! Praise be to God! Amen †

Pray…

Lord, I thank You that the days are coming when You will fulfill the gracious promise You made to me. Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson "Prayers for today" ©2015, revisited January 1, 2026

Get Out of the Boat!

 

He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”

(Matthew 14:29-33 MSG)

During the storms of life, when the boat you’re in is a place of refuge, it will surely take more than a little faith for you to get out of the boat.

As a matter of fact, it takes confident faith to hear the howling wind, feel the blustery weather against your skin, see the billowing waves and taste and smell the salty air yet get out of the boat. But that’s exactly what Jesus wants us to do.

Jesus is beckoning us to look at Him, remain strong in faith, and get out of the boat.

When you look away from Jesus and begin to focus on nothing else but your stormy circumstances, your faith is replaced by fear, and you start to sink into a state of utter uncertainty.

Instead, fix your gaze upon the One who can save. Ignore all your natural senses and trust Him and His love for you.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

(Matthew 11:28 NLT)

Get out of the boat and rest in Him.

Beloved, as you enter a new year, keep in mind that God knows the plan for your life, He designed it after all. His plan for you is not for disaster or harm but it’s to give you a future full of hope and promise (Jeremiah 29:11).

God loves you dearly and His plan for your life is sure and good and bigger than your circumstances.

 Amen †

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Get Out of the Boat!” ©2013, revisited December 31, 2025

Jesus walked on the water; you must walk on water too!

 

And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. – Matthew 14:25 (NRSVUE)

Jesus’ walk on the water is an example for us to follow and, even though His was a physical walk, ours, on the other hand, is a symbolic walk.

Throughout Scripture, water is symbolic of the Word of God and even though in this instance it is sea water the symbolism expressed remains the same.

Isaiah 11:9 (NRSVUE) tells us,

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Jesus tells us,

If you know me, you will know my Father also…The Father and I are one.
 (John 14:7; 10:30 - NRSVUE)

And we know that Jesus is the Word from reading John 1:1 and 14.

When Jesus walked on the water, He was trusting in the knowledge of His Father to hold Him up in the midst of the raging storm. He knew without doubt that His Father was able to keep Him and sustain Him even in the worst situations.

Beloved, Jesus operated solely by the Word of God the Father (John 12:49). He listened and was completely obedient to God and in this account of Him walking on water, Jesus is teaching us to do the same.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Jesus walked on the water: you must walk on water too!” ©2014, revisited December 30, 2025