Prayer Succeeds

 

In the Gospel of Luke, we are told that one of Jesus’ disciples, we aren’t told which one, said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1 NKJV). And Jesus taught them a prayer they can model, what we know as the Lord’s Prayer.

However, Matthew’s account is quite different; he says that Jesus was teaching His disciples what they shouldn’t and should do when they pray, then He recited the model prayer.

Jesus Himself used parts of this model prayer when He, in His humanity, was in mental anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 NKJV), not once but three times.

Our Father in heaven…Your will be done (Matthew 6:9, 10 NKJV)

In those agonising hours Jesus’ soul was very sorrowful, even to death. He asked Peter, and the brothers, James and John to remain here, and watch with me but they all fell asleep, not one stayed awake.

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:40-41 (NKJV)

So that you are not led or enter into temptation, you must watch and pray, be spiritually aware or awake.

Beloved, these same disciples had, just a little while earlier, promised to die for Jesus (v 35) and now they could not keep their eyes open not even for one hour.

During this sorrowful and troubled time Jesus prayed the same prayer three times, always emphasizing that it is all up to the Father’s will.

The disciples’ intentions may have been good but good intentions weren't enough. You need to be faithful in your prayer life.

Too often we tell persons that we will pray for them and never say a word to God about them. I will admit that I have done that many times.

The disciples failed Jesus when He needed them to bolster Him in prayer and we fail those persons whom we promise to pray for but don’t.

As Jesus said, The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Your spirit is indeed willing but your soul, which governs the body (flesh), needs to be reined in. It wanders away, distracted by the things of this world. There is a danger in that.

Beloved, in moments of temptation, where your flesh is weak, prayer succeeds.

You may look at Peter, James and John and cannot understand how they could do that to Jesus, especially in His hour of desperation; but aren’t you just the same? Instead of being alert, you fall asleep when you should be praying desperately to your Father, especially in these desperate times we’re living in.

You get comfortable, letting your guard down when you should be in constant communion with God, praying continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), mumbling like Hannah as she prayed from her soul (1 Samuel 1:13).

Your prayers must be genuine, coming from deepest within you (Psalm 103:1).

As Jesus told His disciples, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6 NKJV).

Beloved, prayer succeeds when you are open, honest, diligent, persistent and intentional with your Father in heaven. So, pray.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Prayer Succeeds” ©2026 January 25, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Your Sense of Security

 

In Thessalonica, Apostle Paul’s teaching of Jesus as the Messiah was so controversial that it was met by an incredibly violent response in the synagogue of the Jews (read Acts 17:5-9).

This opposing Jewish faction, forming a mob, set out in search of Paul and his missionary companion Silas, however they could not be found, as their friends, to protect their own security, had ushered them out of the city.

The angry mob turning their ire against Paul’s friend Jason and other believers instead, brought them before the city authorities accusing these men of accommodating Paul and Silas and colluding with them in acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus (ref. Acts 17:7 ESV).

Jason and the other believers were eventually released when money was taken from them as security (ref. Acts 17:9).

The fact that Paul’s religious enemies had attacked his character, was not the only problem facing the Thessalonian church, the influence of idol worship was still a lure, and other religious and social issues were troubling its members. So, in an effort to quell the confusion that was brewing among the believers, and to defend himself, Paul wrote to the church. Towards the end of his first letter he writes,  

Now may God himself, the God of peace, make you holy in every way [sanctify you completely/through and through]. May your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—be kept faultless [blameless] when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (EXB)

Paul’s teaching in the synagogue focused primarily on the Thessalonians turning away from their dependence on any form of idolatry and placing their sense of security in the Living God as they awaited His return; a core message Paul emphasized in his letter.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is recorded as telling a parable about a rich man who owned very fertile land (12:16-21). This land produced so much that the man decided to tear down the barns he already had to build larger ones.

Decision made, this rich man then said to his soul,

Soul, you have many good things laid up, [enough] for many years. Take your ease; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself merrily. (v 19)

In saying this, this rich man has implanted in the core of his being that his sense of security is in his possessions. His material wealth in land and its harvest gave this man a sense of security.

The bond that Jason and the others paid gave them a sense of security and the angry mob in Thessalonica hung their sense of security on violence.

In each of these instances, the sense of security was misplaced.

For the wealthy landowner, if his land remained bountiful, then he’s fine however, his dependence on that was a precarious position for his soul.

Contrary to this rich man, the writer of Psalm 42 told his soul to Hope in God. 

While the rich man in Jesus’ parable was thirsty for more and greater possessions, this psalmist was thirsty for the living God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (v 2 ESV)

The rich man put his trust in the material; his stuff kept him safe. Your sense of security must never be entrusted in things that surround you or that you have amassed.

Jesus said, not to be anxious about your life, food, your body, your clothes. Aren’t these all the things you stress over? But Jesus said that life is more than food, more than clothing and tells us to look at the birds and consider the lilies. He wants us to observe the rest of creation to see how God takes good care of them. If God makes provision for them then He will certainly provide for you, for you are more valuable than birds and lilies.

Read Matthew 6:25-34 for yourself.

Beloved, stop looking for your sense of security in all the wrong places. Deuteronomy 28:12 (ERV) assures that,

The Lord will open his storehouse where he keeps his rich blessings. He will send rain at the right time for your land. He will bless everything you do. You will have money to lend to many nations. And you will not need to borrow anything from them.

God’s word is clear, you will prosper and be in good health as your soul prospers, therefore the manifestation of all that God’s word contains in your life begins with a healthy soul. You must plant the good seeds of God’s word into your soul to reap a bountiful harvest in every area of your life; it's all God, in whom your sense of security must lie.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Your Sense of Security” ©2026 January 24, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tending to your soul

Twelve Psalms are given the superscription, “of the Sons of Korah”, or “A Maskil of the Korahites”, a maskil being a meditation, enlightened song or skillful poem. One such Psalm ascribed to this group of Levites who were the doorkeepers and musicians in the tabernacle and temple is Psalm 42.

Psalm 42 may seem like a song of lament with verse five which reads,

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? (NRSVUE)

And verse six,

My soul is cast down within me

But this Psalm is actually a reservoir of encouragement for anyone who is deeply disturbed and troubled.

Beloved, you must be vigilant in tending to your soul. If you are feeling despondent, like the Psalmist, question your soul.

At times you will struggle with feelings of dis-ease, and when you do, talk to your soul. A downcast soul prevents you from believing that God’s promises are not meant for you, or that you deserve them or perhaps you’ve convinced yourself that something you have done disqualifies you from receiving His blessings.

A disquieted soul can arouse anxiety which I am sure you have experienced or might be experiencing even now but Apostle Paul says,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)

And in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus Himself says that we are not to be anxious about anything; not about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

He says that being anxious will not add a single hour to your life span. If you allow anxiety to persist it can crush you and take years off your life, also you deprive yourself of the person God created you to be and all that He has purposed you to offer to others. Furthermore, anxiety stifles your success and stunts your spiritual growth.

Thinking that you are not worthy or not good enough is not how God sees you. He made you in an amazing [awesome] and wonderful way (ref. Psalm 139:14 EXB), in His own image, reflecting His nature and His character; you are everything He is, and He has made it so and it all rests on His sufficiency.

This Psalm gave voice to the Psalmist’s feelings of utter discouragement and at the same time countered the disquiet of his soul by placing his hope in God, when he told his soul these words,

Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

What a beautiful anchor for your soul.

Beloved, hope is believing with confidence that God’s perfect plan for you will eventually happen; it’s an essential ingredient for tending to your soul. Your hope must be in God.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Tending to your soul” ©2026 January 24, 2026

 

 

 

 

Abstract Foolishness

 

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a leader of the Jews, perhaps naturally curious but certainly spiritually led, came to Jesus under the cover of night (John 3:1-2), after all, to do so in daylight hours would have jeopardised his position as a sitting member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish authority.

Nicodemus addressed Jesus as “Rabbi”, His earthly moniker, knowing deep within that there was more to the carpenter’s identity as possibly someone far greater.

Eager to tap into this Rabbi’s divine wisdom, he continued,

“we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.”

“Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” – John 3:3 (NRSVUE)

Thoroughly confused by Jesus’ statement, Nicodemus questioned, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” (v 4)

“Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (v 5-6)

Jesus answered with words that far exceeded the capacity of Nicodemus’ human understanding. To him it was abstract foolishness.

Unsurprisingly, many people today view God’s word as abstract foolishness. They think it’s irrational, illogical and like Nicodemus, they question the validity of it.

Apostle Paul explains,

the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. – 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)

Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in spiritual words, and although he was a religious leader, he did not truly believe thereby making Jesus’ words indiscernible to his carnal mind.

Though unable to understand, Nicodemus was still deeply moved because God created all human beings with ears to hear the plan of salvation before we are born from above. Some are moved by it but sadly there are those who simply ignore it.

Unless we are given spiritual ears, it’s impossible to understand spiritual things, yet even after we have received the ability to hear, we still do not listen.

Some Christians are of the opinion that the Bible, which contains God’s written word (logos) is the only source of His instructions, but God also speaks outside the pages of the bible. He spoke then and speaks now.

How will Spirit teach us “all things” and guide us into “all truth” if He has no voice?

How can we obey the voice of God if He has no voice?

Beloved, God speaks.

The exhortation to listen to the Holy Spirit found in Matthew 17:5 is only one of the verses that prove this truth, the bible is littered with passages that speak of hearing the voice of God.

God wants all believers to hear Him clearly, but we have to be listening.

Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17)

The original Greek word used for “word” in this verse is “rhema” which depicts a “flow” from God’s mouth.

Rhema implies a specific word spoken by God with an applied purpose. A word that God imparts personally and has a practical and immediate function. When you receive a personal word of instruction from God, that is a rhema word.

The rhema of God can be received in several ways.

For instance, it can come as an audible voice that you literally hear from His mouth into your ear, or from a person relaying a message from God into your life, or the sense of being spoken to while reading the Word (logos).

God has His ways of speaking to us but without those spiritual ears we will not hear Him.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God – Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

Every Bethel at Balata blog post contains verses from the written Word of God, both the Old and New Testaments, as they appear in the bible. In the Old Testament, we find the word of the Lord which was spoken through the prophets, while in the New Testament, the word of God is primarily the Good News of Jesus Christ and the apprehension of the Kingdom of God in and through Him, but every word written is entirely God’s truth (ref. John 17:17). It is the truth of His Kingdom, truth by which we ought to be living.

The prophets of the Old Testament were able to discern the spiritual because God had given them the ability to see beyond the limitations of man’s vision (ref. Amos 3:7).

In New Testament times of which we are a part, God has done a new thing, in that even though we are not prophets, He has also given us the ability to see beyond our human limitations but has gone further than that by giving us access to not only see the Kingdom of God but to enter the Kingdom of God.

The caveat, you must be born again to see and to enter.

This is Truth, Kingdom Truth, not abstract foolishness.

Beloved, seeing the word is not enough, you must enter it by putting it into practice. If you believe His Word, then you must live His Word. If you believe His Word, then you must speak it over and into your life. But the problem is with believing. You must believe before you see.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. – John 20:29 (NRSVUE)

You must accept and believe who God says you are in Christ and walk in it, own it and live it.

It’s time that you stop rehearsing negative thoughts and accommodating idle self-talk because that is abstract foolishness. Replace it with whatever God has spoken over your life until it consumes your thoughts and permeates your life.

The beauty of God’s written Word (logos) is that you can convert it to His spoken Word (rhema) by speaking it over your life. That’s a way you can start.

Beloved, if you do not truly grasp this, even if you start the process, you will quit at some point especially if you don’t begin to experience its benefits in what you may consider a timely manner. So, pray that you will be able to grasp just how powerful this process is and the many benefits it will bring into your life.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Abstract Foolishness” ©2026 January 22, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Logos

 

I am pretty sure that you have heard or even said the word “logos” before. Did you know that it’s pronounced “loh-gohs” and not “low-goes”? Just thought to ask as I’ve been a “low-goes” pronouncer for as long as I could remember.

The dictionary says that logos is a transliteration of the Greek term which has a wide range of meanings, including

Word

Statement

Conversation

Speech

Thought

Opinion

Reason

From this list, it appears that we have been imperfect in our translation of logos to limit its meaning to “word” only.

The disciple whom Jesus loved, John, employed the word as the Word, meaning Jesus, in his Gospel, first letter and revelation writings. His was in respect to Jesus being the incarnation of God on earth as the physical expression of divine reason. This concept of divine reason is also applicable to God’s entire process of creation, but we’ll leave that deep dive for another day.

Let’s look at how we should employ logos in its wide range of meaning.

The Amplified Bible’s Classic Edition version of Isaiah 55:11 reads,

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

This verse assures us of the transforming and creative power of God’s word.

When we stand on or under God’s Word, our thoughts and intentions become subject to it as it provides the reality to live by; when you say things contrary to it then you’re subjecting yourself to a reality that is opposed to what God has already ordained and you submit yourself to a solely carnal reality.

Psalm 138:2 says that God has exalted His Name and His Word above all things. You don’t understand that when you declare negativity over yourself and your life, disbelieving what God has pronounced over and into you, you are, in fact, placing yourself above God and His authority.

The very moment you do so you lay yourself bare, without divine protection and wide open for the wicked one to establish a foothold in your life without your even realizing it.

That is what Jesus explained to His disciples in Matthew 13:19 (NKJV).

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

The original Greek did not include the word “one”, but only used the word “poneros”, meaning evil, bad or wicked. Apart from its broad generalized meaning, “poneros” possesses deeper shades of meaning such as, harmful, labour, morally bad, active evil, painful toil, invaluable and troublesome.

Revisiting Matthew 13:19, it can be read as, when you don’t understand the word of the Kingdom, you open the door for painful toil, worthlessness and troubles to come in and snatch away your peace, joy and the ability and capacity for bearing fruit, the fruit that is commensurate with Kingdom living.

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. (Proverbs 4:20-21 GNT)

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness (Colossians 3:16 AMPC)

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul (Deuteronomy 11:18 ESV)

You must exalt God’s logos, allow what He says to dominate your life, rather than your circumstances. When you allow what you see to take precedence, that’s when you swing open the door.

Too often we receive a revelation from God, and at that moment we are ecstatic, then we look at our circumstances and immediately start to apply our own human reasoning and worldly logic to the situation and because it’s not lining up with the divine logos we received, we convince  ourselves that it’s not going to work out and step out of Kingdom reality.

We heard, were filled with joy but were never grounded. So, when trouble starts, we give up because we did not let God’s word sink deep and take root in our heart (see Matthew 13:20-21).

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 NKJV)

For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)

Emotional euphoria is not a sign of faith. If the word of God is not properly planted and nourished it will not take effect in your life.

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. (John 14:10 NKJV)

God’s command is eternal life (ref. John 12:50). Eternal life speaks of life now which prepares you for the life to come. Jesus lived, died and was resurrected to restore the purposes of God and the order of heaven so that you may enjoy eternal life – access to God in every way.

Jesus, the Son, said whatever God, the Father said and the Father who lived in Him performed the work; God watches over His Word to perform it (ref. Jeremiah 1:12). In the same way, as co-heirs with Jesus and as sons of God ourselves, we are to express aspects of the Father, whose Spirit dwells in us, just as His Son did when He lived on earth.

we live like Jesus here in this world (ref. 1 John 4:17 NLT)

When we speak God’s logos it leaves the natural realm, is accepted in the spiritual and the process of “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” begins.

Beloved, God installed His Word (Logos) as the authority in both heaven and earth so that when it is declared it produces the results it was eternally meant to produce. Nothing can turn God’s word from its eternal purpose.

God’s word contains creative transforming power so, by speaking the Word in faith, heaven responds by moving the spiritual reality of heaven into the physical reality on earth.

Remember that the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17 NLT); this unity between God and man is the reality in heaven and on earth that most of us have failed to grasp or apprehend.

So, beloved, now that you know this truth, what do you intend to do? Leave it on the pages of this blog or start speaking God’s logos? It won’t hurt to put it into practice. Amen?

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Logos” ©2026 January 21, 2026

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Transfiguration Inside Out

 

New day, shall we continue our conversation?

Every human being was created with a body, a soul and a spirit, where the spirit governs the soul and the soul the body; it is an inside out system of governance.

But the one who is united and joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17 AMP)

When we are united and joined to the Lord, what is popularly termed as being saved, an inner change begins to take place, and we start to experience a spiritual transfiguration. But that’s just the beginning.

In Philippians chapter two verses twelve and thirteen, Apostle Paul writes,

continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

So, you have to continuously work out your salvation, it’s not a one-stop-shop thing. It’s like going to the gym to workout but thanks be to God, because you’re united and joined, you get your own personal trainer, the Holy Spirit, who helps with the workout by working in you. Keep in mind, for you to see any results, it’s imperative that you cooperate.

You must cultivate a “You are the Potter I am the clay” approach towards your workout and not give your trainer attitude when He tells you to do three sets of ten reps and you want to quit halfway through. You know how you behave at the gym.

This is a different kind of workout, one that produces awesome spiritual results when you follow the Trainer’s directions.  You become whole, like the unnamed woman who touched the fringes of Jesus’ tallit – her faith in the power of Jesus to save made her whole. The wholeness of salvation is about living the abundant life here on earth right now, in this present time, as it is in heaven (ref. John 10:10 & Matthew 6:10).

Being in union with God in Christ, with His Spirit effectively at work in you to strengthen, energize and re-create you produces a spiritual transformation that emanates from inside out; an inner change that eventually becomes outwardly visible where family, friends and even strangers can see.

Beloved, in Christ you are created anew with an eternal existence, but you don’t recognize this truth. This is what Paul explained to the church at Corinth,

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) becomes unmistakably apparent as you are transfigured into a new creature in Christ.

But spiritual transfiguration is not an easy workout. At times it may involve an uphill hike, a climb that’s never easy to navigate, sometimes you’ll have to go through really difficult terrain or rough waters but always remember that you are never left alone, your personal Trainer is there to lead and to guide. Listen to Him.

During the transfiguration of Jesus, Peter was making a suggestion and while he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and God spoke saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased and delighted! Listen to Him!”

So yes, you may want to suggest or create your own plan for your salvation but discard it and listen to Him. His ways and thoughts are much higher than yours (ref. Isaiah 55:8-9).

For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. – 1 Corinthians 2:16 (AMP)

Taking a little detour at this point to say, one of my nieces will pack two large suitcases and a carry-on bag for a one-week trip, this is just to let you know that we still have some more to unpack.

Beloved, being saved enables your transfiguration not just to secure a place in eternity but for an eternal existence right here right now but it also requires a reprogramming of your thinking – a mental reset.

Jesus said,

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” – Matthew 17:28-30 (AMP)

Go to Jesus and you will find rest for you soul. Jesus did not say that you will find rest for your spirit or your body, He said soul because that’s what He means. Jesus is talking about resting mentally, in order to renew the mind.

Apostle Paul gives a reminder in Romans 12:2 (AMP),

be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes] 

It’s cleansing, getting rid of all the toxic thoughts and beliefs that have clogged up your soul.

Paul wrote down the remedy in Philippians 4:8 (AMP),

whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]

What do you think about? What has been burdening your mind? You were not designed for yoke bearing.

Heavy burdens make the soul sick and when the soul is sick it affects the body. Not my concept, I did not make that up, it’s biblical.

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]. – 3 John 1:2 (AMP)

The spiritual governs the physical. A healthy body is the result of a soul that is prospering spiritually. You need to not conform to the world’s way of thinking with its “superficial values and customs”.

Jesus secured a wonderful soul prospering rest for us at Calvary, but it is up to you to truly grasp this wonderful truth and possess it. Right now, it may all seem strange, mystical and out of your reach but it is not, otherwise Jesus and Paul and John and Isaiah would not have told us how to achieve it. Everything has already been provided beloved; you just have to own it.

Spiritual transfiguration involves a new way of living, it’s the Kingdom citizen lifestyle, it’s the new and living way in Christ that Hebrews 10:20 (AMP) speaks of which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh

Jesus Himself tells you that unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God. – John 3:3 (AMP)

Beloved, you are a citizen of His Kingdom, but you aren’t enjoying the benefits of belonging because you do not recognize yourself as such. Understand that accepting Jesus as your Saviour places you in union with God and being in union with God confirms your identity.

Sadly, we have been taught that this life is only for the life to come but that is not biblical.

Time and time again all we have heard from pulpit after pulpit are messages of separation, intertwined with condemnation as sin is made our identity.

This religious battering has filled believers with a sense of guilt and worthlessness and widened the divide they feel between them and God. Jesus did not promote judgment but mercy, grace, forgiveness and lovingkindness. It’s not that He doesn’t hate sin, but He doesn’t view it as our core identity.

Jesus says, “I do not condemn you go and sin no more” and Paul is adamant about God’s grace having the power to release you from the grip of sin because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

You have a new identity, made right with God in Christ Jesus (ref. 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Recognizing your transfigured self, empowers you to understand that Jesus died to save every part of you, including your soul.

Spiritual transfiguration inside out is evident when you begin to experience the reality of Kingdom Life. It is not unattainable but closer than you probably think. Luke 17:21 (AMPC) records Jesus as saying that the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].

Spiritual transfiguration inside out is evident when you can boldly declare, it’s no longer I who live but Christ lives in me (ref. Galatians 2:20).

Spiritual transfiguration inside out is evident when you come to the realization that you are the light of [Christ to] the world (ref. Matthew 5:14-15)

Spiritual transfiguration inside out is evident when you know that you were not given a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control] (ref. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP)

Get into the habit of filling your mind with, and meditating on, things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious; focus on the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; centre your thoughts on things to praise, not things to curse.

Beloved, determine to put into practice whatever you learn from Spirit, what you hear as you listen. Read the truth of God’s Word and stand under it until you understand it. Let His Word, written (logos) and spoken (rhema), govern your life. And God, who makes everything work together for your good, will work you into his most excellent life altering harmonies.

Prepare to experience the ultimate change, a spiritual transfiguration inside out.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Spiritual Transfiguration Inside Out” ©2026 January 20, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Transfiguration

 

It’s another day, let’s have a conversation.

Do you know that when you have an encounter with Christ Jesus you experience a spiritual transfiguration?

On a high mountain, the appearance of Jesus’ physical body changed right in front of the eyes of His disciples, Peter, James and John; it was an internal transformation that was outwardly visible, first appearing on His face, then radiating throughout the rest of His body as His clothing became as white as light (Matthew 17:2).

On a high mountain, after Moses was consumed by the Presence of God’s magnificent glory for forty days and nights, his face shone brighter than a diamond; he experienced a transfiguration that was solely outwardly visible (read Exodus 34:29-35).

Beloved, you can have your own high mountain experience when you encounter Jesus in all His magnificent glory, however, unlike Moses, yours would be a comingling of both his and Jesus’ as it will be a spiritual transfiguration like no other.

You see, Moses did not have the benefit of the Godhead living inside him because in his day, God’s Spirit was not yet poured out; the outpouring occurred after Jesus’ death and resurrection. But in this time, when you receive Jesus into your life, you acquire Him as your resident divine agent both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 AMP)

Understand that as your soul becomes tethered to His Spirit, Spirit aids in your recalibration with every step you take along this transformative journey.  

Yes, I deliberately wrote soul and not spirit because that’s what I mean I did not make a mistake. Look at what Paul wrote in his epistle to the church at Ephesus.

But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:4-6 (AMP)

Your spirit is already transformed and seated with Christ in the heavenly places because you believed and are in Him. So, it is definitely your soul that needs to be transfigured and transformed, here’s why.

Our English soul’s Greek counterpart is psyche, that is the part of you that thinks and feels, that part concerning your thought processes – your mind, your will and emotions. It is considered the central element of your body-soul-spirit tripartite nature. Your psyche (soul) decides whether to listen to Spirit or the dictates of the flesh.

Too many of us, even those of us that are well on our way, traveling on this spiritual expedition, believe that we have to kowtow to our feelings and emotions, not apprehending that we have the power to dominate our minds, wills and emotions, to refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) (2 Corinthians 10:5 AMPC).

Your soul is yours to steward, you must allow your spirit, already seated with Christ, to lead your soul, that is your mind, your will and your emotions.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, you and I can and must release ourselves from the captivity of our  mindsets, which have perverted the reality of our true identity and prevented us from being our chosen generation selves with God in Christ (ref. 1 Peter 2:9).

Beloved, you are supposed to be controlled and governed from inside not outside influences; you are set free from the bondage of the world’s ways of doing life because you believe and recognize the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, therefore you are victorious and overcome the world (ref. 1 John 5:5).

There’s still a bit more to unpack so shall we continue our conversation another day?

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Spiritual Transfiguration” ©2026 January 19, 2026