Blessed

 

Question: “How are you?”

Answer: “Blessed”

How many times have you asked someone that question and that was their answer? And, how many times have you been asked that question and that was your answer?

When persons say that they are blessed, what do they mean?

Do they claim to be blessed because they consider themselves better off than others?

Is their answer “Blessed” because they think it demonstrates godliness?

Do people say that they are blessed because they believe it’s a right response?

Is giving “Blessed” as the answer to that question simply trendy?

When persons answer “Blessed”, is it because they honestly believe that they are blessed?

Here are some verses from the Word,

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed – Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)

When was the last time you truly blessed someone? Not with lip service but with genuine words and actions.

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” – Luke 11:28 (ESV)

Have you been hearing the Word and keeping it?

Jesus said that it’s the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, who are blessed, and He also said, when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account, you’re blessed (see Matthew 5:1-11)

Do any of these relate to you? Are you the peacemaker?

Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:8-9 (MSG)

Again, do you fit the bill? Do you bless rather than retaliate?

remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘You will have a greater blessing when you give than when you receive.’” – Acts 20:35 (ERV)

Are you hard-pressed to give but looking to get? Are you reluctant to donate but seeking favour? Are you receiving a salary but dropping only a dollar into the collection basket? Do you respond to people’s needs, or do you just ask God to bless you by responding to your needs?

If you don’t give of yourself in any way, how can you expect to receive a greater blessing?

Seeking God and walking in His ways leads to His blessings.

Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. – Genesis 1:24 (NIV)

So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life – Job 42:12 (NLT)

Beloved, to be blessed is a divine pronouncement of favour and the assurance of grace that God bestows upon you, so when you answer “Blessed” be sure that you know what being blessed entails.

“Blessed” carries great responsibility.

Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater. – Luke 12:48 (TLB)

“Blessed” is not a word to be bandied about for your good pleasure; contrary to what many believe, it’s rarely tied to things that are visible.

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. – Ephesians 1:3 (GNT)

“Blessed” speaks of a life lived at a much higher level from a place within you at a much deeper level.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Blessed” © 2026 October 10, 2026

 

 

 

What about Azubah?

 

Azubah, not a familiar name to most I’m sure, but for me and my family, we knew that name well. Azubah was the name of one of my aunts.

The name Azubah appears in 1 Chronicles 2:18-19, as the name of Caleb’s wife, and in 1 Kings 22:42 and 2 Chronicles 20:31, king Jehoshaphat’s mother.

Neither of these women is afforded any extraordinary accolades, however, the influence the king’s mother must have had on him must not be overlooked.

Jehoshaphat ruled over the country of Judah. He was 35 years old when he became king, and he ruled 25 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi. – 2 Chronicles 20:31 (ERV)

You see, king Jehoshaphat was outstanding for his godliness and he, understanding the importance of knowing the only true God, sent out princes, priests and Levites to teach the people the Law of the Lord.

During the third year of Jehoshaphat’s rule, he sent his leaders to teach in the towns of Judah…These leaders, Levites, and priests taught the people in Judah. They had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went through all the towns of Judah and taught the people. – (2 Chronicles 17:7&9 (ERV)

It’s no secret that mothers, by far, have the most influence on their children and just as my Aunt Azuba impacted the lives of her children, there is no doubt that Jehoshaphat’s mother, Azubah, would have impacted his.

Other than being the mother of Jehoshaphat, the wife of king Asa and the daughter of Shilhi, we aren’t told much more about Azubah. So, everything else we can garner about her is pure supposition based solely on the uprightness of her son.

Taking a cue from Jehoshaphat, we can easily attribute the godly characteristics he displayed to his mother Azubah.

Azubah was not in the spotlight but to be the wife of a king who fought against idolatry and the mother of a king who destroyed all the pagan places of worship and the symbols of the goddess Asherah in Judah (2 Chronicles 17:6 GNT) and ensured that the Law of the Lord was taught throughout the land, says a great deal about this woman without saying a word about her.

This barely mentioned woman was a queen who birthed a legacy by raising a son who walked by faith at all costs, obeyed godly counsel, was unyielding in his commitment to righteousness, unwavering in his dependence on God, and trusted wholeheartedly in God’s faithfulness to provide, to protect and to give victory.

Jehoshaphat’s prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20 gives credence to his faith in God.

O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless against this great multitude which is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You. – 2 Chronicles 20:12 (AMP)

Surely, Azubah would have been the one to instil all these virtues into her son; she must’ve been the one to teach him not to give into failure, defeat or limitations.

Azubah must have been the one who taught Jehoshaphat about God and the importance of developing and maintaining a sound relationship with Him.

As the mother of a future king, Azubah would have prepared her son to carry the weight of a nation, not from a military standpoint but through compassion, love and treating people fairly no matter their social standing.

Beloved, the bible did not give us much to work with regarding Azubah, but the fact that she was named let’s us know that she played an essential role in the reformation and reshaping of Judah as a wife and a mother of kings.

Azubah must have possessed a silent strength and resilience. There is much we can learn from such a woman who left us a great example of godliness in her son, Jehoshaphat.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “What about Azubah?” © 2026 October 9, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entirely for God’s glory

 

photo courtesy Tricia Stephens-Joseph

The first seven verses of John chapter nine recounts Jesus’ healing of a man who was born blind. When asked by His disciples the cause for the man’s condition, Jesus responded with, he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him (John 9:3 AMPC).

The cause of his blindness was entirely for God’s glory.

Not only was this man born blind to display the indescribable workings of God, but Isaiah 43:7 is very clear in that, we were all created for God’s glory.

Even everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made. (AMPC)

We know the importance of giving God glory (see Revelation 4:10-11), but we must also know the importance of bringing Him glory.

As Apostle Paul told the Corinthians,

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 AMPC)

Everything you do, no matter what it is, must be done entirely for God’s glory.

Our finite minds cannot truly grasp the awesomeness that is the glory of God. When the apostle, in his letter to the Ephesians speaks of the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1:18), do we, even as God’s people, comprehend its profoundness?

The thing is, whether we get it or not, we can understand that each of us has a part to play in God’s eternal plan. You and I were created entirely for God’s glory – for His glory to be manifested, displayed and illustrated in and through us.

We must do our part to bring God glory.

If you preach, ensure that whatever you say is entirely for God’s glory.

If you evangelize, make sure that your sharing is entirely for God’s glory.

If you are a missionary, ensure that your service is entirely for God’s glory.

Whatever your ministry may be, make sure that it is entirely for God’s glory.

Beloved, the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1a) and so should you in all that you do. You are called by His name, created for His glory.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Entirely for God’s glory” © 2026 October 8, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born that way

My right eye doesn’t work well; from it, every image is blurred but colours and shapes are recognizable. Looking at me, you’ll never know. I had always known this about myself, and so, as a child, I simply took it for granted.

It wasn’t until I was about eleven, when my left eye, strained from carrying the workload, started to weaken and I began having trouble seeing the blackboard at school, that my mother found out about my deformity, after a visit to the optician.

I could see her dismay, as my mom asked if anything could be done to correct my vision. With apologetic tenderness, the optician responded, “No, she was born that way.”

While Jesus was walking, he saw a man who had been blind since the time he was born. Jesus’ followers asked him, “Teacher, why was this man born blind? Whose sin made it happen? Was it his own sin or that of his parents?”

Jesus answered, “It was not any sin of this man or his parents that caused him to be blind. He was born blind so that he could be used to show what great things God can do. – John 9:1-3 (ERV)

This unnamed man that Jesus encountered along His walk was born blind; he had absolutely no vision. He could neither see shapes nor colours. He had been born that way.

Clearly, from the followers’ reaction, they could barely fathom that sin was not the cause of the man’s blindness. Someone must have sinned in some way, the man’s parents or the man himself. But that was not the case. This man was not being punished for his sin or the sin of his parents.

The cause of his deformity was entirely for God’s glory.

Beloved, you may not have been born with a physical deformity but there may be something in your life that you consider a “deformity”; something that you perceive as a hindrance to your existence or your progress in life.

Some crippling experience from childhood that’s impacted you your entire life. Whether it’s an actual physical abnormality or a person who has had a paralyzing effect on you, the reason for it just might be more than you ever imagined.

Perhaps you, like the man along Jesus’ way, are being used by God to show what great things He can do? It probably hasn’t happened yet but eventually it will.

God often does things in mysterious ways, ways which we don’t understand. Why don’t you reach out to Him? Ask Him to show you how you can be used to demonstrate His glory despite your “deformity”.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Born that way” © 2026 October 7, 2026

 

 

Is Religion Necessary?: Food for Thought.

 

What is religion? Here’s a rather broad definition that I came across…

a belief in a divine being or divine beings and the practices and moral code that result from that belief

A Google search gave me,

a shared system of beliefs, values, and practices that connect people to a god, gods, or the supernatural

A simple definition describes religion as a system of faith and worship

While my Bible dictionary says that the word religion is derived from the Latin verb religare which means “to hold, restrain”. It goes on to say that it came to be applied to the services and ritual and rules by which faith in and devotion to deity were expressed but it didn’t indicate why or how from a verb meaning to hold or restrain, we got to this context.

There are so many religions in the world. There are monotheistic religions – belief in one god; polytheistic religions – belief in many gods; and for those who believe in a chief god with lesser gods and goddesses, there are henotheistic religions.

And then there are all the various denominations attached to the religion of Christianity. It’s mind boggling.

To the church at Philippi, Apostle Paul wrote,

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves – Philippians 2:1-3 (NIV)

This bible verse demonstrates how the Christian religion was supposed to be, however, over the years Christians have used religion to justify some of the world’s most horrendous atrocities and even in more recent times the religion has sparked battle-worthy conflicts, even among members of the same denomination.

As a people called Christians, let’s focus our attention on our religion – a morsel of food for thought.

For those united with Christ, we seem to have moved away from the Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves state of like-mindedness to a “what I want from God” mindset.  

People seem to have more faith in the system of religion than in God Himself. In ancient Hebrew, there is no word for religion, and it makes you wonder if we were ever meant to classify the Way of Jesus Christ, a religion.

People love to ask, “What religion are you?” when what they really want to know is your denomination, but why does that matter so much to some?

You and I as Christians believe in the same God. How does “religion” factor in. Why the need to know?

Religion has divided us – Methodists and Catholics and Pentecostals and Evangelicals and Adventists and Moravians – when in fact, we all have one foundational belief. We all believe in the One True Living God, we all believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, I ask the question, is religion necessary?

Matthew 18:20 (NIV), records Jesus as saying,

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

This being so, can two or three gather in Jesus’ name without involving religion? Is religion, in the way it’s commonly practiced today, beside the point?

Before anyone starts turning somersaults, I am not suggesting that we all abandon church, but I am questioning the way we do church under the banner of Christianity.

Because according to what Paul said to the church in Philippi, I don’t see it in church nowadays and I’m not the only one. I listen to others who’ve made the same observation and sadly it stems from the clergy, from the head and trickles down.

The common sharing in the Spirit, tenderness and compassion, being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind are all hard to find within the church.

Have we become so connected to the religion that we’ve lost our connection to God?

Religion has turned transactional – do this and you’re guaranteed a reward, a blessing – instead of relational, where it’s all about our relationship, love and service to God and others with no thought of “what will I get in return”.

Beloved, if all your “doing” is for your own benefit, to look good or be in a position of note, then you are simply practicing religion and not demonstrating to anyone what being united with Christ is about.

You have a responsibility to be true to your relationship with God; don’t let religion get in the way of that.

 

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Is Religion Necessary?: Food for Thought.” © 2026 October 6, 2026

 

 

 

Purpose

 

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].  – Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)

God created you for purpose. Everyone has a purpose for being here, you weren’t created by chance. You may think it hard to believe that God needs you, but you are significant and play an important role in God’s plan, especially when you’ve been reborn from above – spiritually transformed, renewed – you are certainly ready to be used.

You must understand that you have purpose – a mission here in this earthly, physical realm that has a great effect and impacts the spiritual realm.

Too many of us like to say over and over again that we have no purpose; if you are one of those persons, perhaps you’re trying to find purpose in what rather than Who.

This stems from the self-seeking mindset that we all seem to possess. The thing is, we all have needs – we need food, we need water, we need clothes, we need a job, we need money, we need more time, we need to exercise, we need to sleep, we need to go to church, we need and we need and we need this and that and some more of that. Frankly, our list of needs is exhausting.

In actual fact, what we do need is to become persons who aren’t driven by self-serving needs. According to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, the point of life isn’t to get everything we need; that should never be our fixation.

After all, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:31-33 (AMP),

do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’…for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

Do you see on Whom you should be focused?

Jesus and Paul are pointing in similar directions. Our primary purpose for which we were created is to serve God, not ourselves.

Beloved, God knows every material thing that you need. He knows what is necessary for you to survive here on earth. However, He needs you to understand, like Mary of Bethany, that only one thing is necessary (read Luke 10:38-42). That one thing is to align yourself with divine intent.

For this, you need to let go of being religious, focus on God and fulfil the purpose for which you were created – serving Him, taking the path which He set, and living the life which He prearranged and made ready for you.

Start serving God and stop endlessly striving to get something from Him. You’re here to help Him as an integral part of His eternal plan. Ask God how you could be of service to Him.

Remember always that it’s His plan, His purpose and your privilege to be a part of it.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Purpose” © 2026 October 5, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

When the enemy is at the table

 

Faced with challenges of one sort or another, we pray asking God to take them away and there are times when He does and there are times when He does not.

Three times Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove a thorn in [his] flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment [him] (ref. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8).

It’s not always God’s will to simply remove our enemy, as He chooses to try us and purify us by means of that enemy.

Sometimes it’s the only way to strengthen our faith and lead us into spiritual maturity; maturing can be very painful.

David must have understood this when he wrote You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23:5). However, other verses in Psalm 23 reveal that that was not the only thing David understood.

Throughout this beloved psalm, David never once asked God to get rid of his enemy, in fact he acknowledged that his enemies were very present.

David knew that even though his enemies posed clear and present danger, the Lord being his Shepherd, he was well-protected and provided for. From the jump he made that declaration,

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.

David had an acute comprehension of what Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 (CEV),

Don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell.

David did not have a fear of people but a reverential fear of God and that is why despite all that he’d done, God could testify that he was a man after my own heart (see Acts 13:22).

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

David obviously knew that he was from God and [had] overcome them, for he who is in [him] is greater than he who is in the world (see 1 John 4:4) so, he did not possess a spirit of fear and timidity but of power.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Unlike you and me, God’s Spirit, the Comforter, was not in David but was with David for he proclaimed to God, you anoint my head with oil.

In the ancient Middle East, the shepherd rubbed oil on his sheep to keep harmful pests, like flies, away; David considered himself the Lord’s sheep. In the Old Testament, to be anointed with oil is symbolic of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

We see in Psalm 133 that the anointing is correlated to the unity of spiritual brethren.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!  It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head

The Good Shepherd anoints His sheep with the Holy Spirit to protect us from the enemy, even in the presence of that enemy.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

God blesses us in the presence of our enemies.

That with the outpouring came the promise of lifelong Presence, was not lost on David; he had no doubt that God’s goodness, lovingkindness and steadfast love were his constant companions.

Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

Beloved, Psalm 23 is assurance that even when the enemy is at the table with you, there is no need to fear.

David was not fearful, because he was keenly aware of the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon him and was therefore confident of His presence.

After his transgression, as seen in Psalm 51, David beseeched God,

Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me

You are better off than David because the Holy Spirit is not just with you, the Holy Spirit, God’s own Spirit, lives within you because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Please understand that fear causes you to feel disconnected; fear dampens your faith, spiralling you into a state of unbelief.

In fear is exactly where the enemy wants you to remain, as your own fear steals your reward (see Matthew 25:24-29) and makes you blind to your true spiritual authority and power.

There are no excuses for fear, even when the enemy is at the table, for the Spirit of God is in you.

So, beloved, keep walking through the sunless valley of the shadow of death without fear, confident that the light of the Comforter is shining from within you, His rod is protecting you and His staff is guiding you through.

 

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “When the enemy is at the table” © 2026 October 3, 2026