Quit evil associations

 Quit evil associations was Obadiah’s warning to the Edomites.

Obadiah was a prophet and the Book that bears his name is the shortest book in the Old Testament and fourth among the minor Prophets.

The Edomites were descendants of Esau, twin brother to Jacob who was renamed Israel and who conspired with their mother to trick Esau out of his birthright.

Not surprisingly, there existed a smouldering hatred between the Jews and the Edomites who rejoiced over the afflictions of the Jewish people.

Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell.
“Tear it down,” they cried, “tear it down to its foundations!” (Psalm 137:7 NIV)

Even though Edom is figured predominantly in many of the prophetic Scriptures, it is the primary subject of the entire book of Obadiah.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV)

When a people has inherited hatred towards another group of people and their core has been pervaded by anger, arrogance, pride, envy, betrayal, egotism, racism and an undeniable lust for vengeance, the hope of brotherhood – living together in unity –  is greatly diminished if not non-existent.

These were the underlying factors that fuelled the Edomites profanity against God’s people, the cause for their evil associations and God’s intense ire towards them.

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” says the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau; I have made his hill country a desolation and his heritage a desert for jackals. (Malachi 1:2-3 NRSVUE)

 Obadiah’s prophecy consists of a series of condemnatory statements against the Edomites. From the very first verse the purpose of this book becomes clear.

The Lord has sent his messenger to the nations, and we have heard his message: “Get ready! Let us go to war against Edom!”
The Lord says to Edom, “I will make you weak; everyone will despise you.
Your pride has deceived you. Your capital is a fortress of solid rock; your home is high in the mountains, and so you say to yourself, ‘Who can ever pull me down?’
Even though you make your home as high as an eagle's nest, so that it seems to be among the stars, yet I will pull you down (Obadiah 1-4 GNT)

Almost every verse in Obadiah is an exacting denouncement of the nation of Edom, and though this is an ancient political prophecy, looking at what is happening in the world today, it may stand as a warning to any of the nations and its people that fit a similar description.

The Day of the Lord is coming soon to all the nations. And the evil you did to others will happen to you. The same bad things will fall down on your own head. You spilled blood on my holy mountain, so other nations will spill your blood. You will be finished. It will be as if you never existed. (vv 15-16 ERV)

In verses 1 to 16, Obadiah tells of the nation’s destruction and predicts the fate of persons who fight against God and His beloved people. And together, verses 12 to 14, constitute an exhortation of all that Edom should not have done; it’s saying that Edom should have quit evil associations.

The ending verses of Obadiah’s prophecy is an assurance of God’s promise of deliverance and restoration of His people (vv 17-21);  

For deliverers will come to Jerusalem and rule all Edom. And the Lord shall be King! (v 21 TLB)

Edom was guilty of associating with the enemies of Israel at a time when they were faced with much trouble. Edom and Israel were twin brothers, Esau and Jacob, but brotherly betrayal caused a rift between them which, after many years became a chasm of separation too vast to reunite.

Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears. (Hebrews 12:16-17 NLT)

Esau had settled in the rugged hill country of Mount Seir (see Genesis 36:8), an area that became known as Edom after the Edomites dispossessed and destroyed the Horites, the original inhabitants. It was here that Esau’s descendants built impressive, fortified cities into the cliffs and boasted military strength. This gave them a feeling of invincibility which bolstered their pride and fostered the inflated view they had of themselves.

Beloved, pride deceives you into believing that you are wiser and stronger than you really are; it lulls you into a false sense of security and shifts your trust and reliance from God to yourself.

Nothing is secure if not under God’s protection – no position (political or otherwise), no university degree, no doctorate, no amount of wealth, no net worth, no fancy job title – and all those who are relying on these things, arrogantly gloating and engaging in evil associations will meet their downfall because their actions don’t ever go unnoticed.

Remember, Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. (Proverbs 16:18 GNT)

God sees all and knows all, and His justice inevitably prevails, no matter how long it takes.

He gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble but sets himself against the proud and haughty. – James 5:6 (TLB) [also Proverbs 3:34 & 1 Peter 5:5]

God humiliates the proud and defends the oppressed. He will not remain silent forever; a day of reckoning is coming for all those nations, leaders, citizens and anyone else who, like the Edomites, refuse to quit evil associations!

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Quit evil associations” ©2026 June 12, 2026

 

 

One who serves

 

In the Easy-to-Read Version of Luke’s Gospel, chapter twenty-two, verses twenty-four through twenty-seven, we read,

Later, the apostles began to argue about which one of them was the most important. But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the world rule over their people, and those who have authority over others want to be called ‘the great providers for the people.’ But you must not be like that. The one with the most authority among you should act as if he is the least important. The one who leads should be like one who serves. Who is more important: the one serving or the one sitting at the table being served? Everyone thinks it’s the one being served, right? But I have been with you as the one who serves.

This passage speaks volumes and more people, especially leaders and elders in church, ought to pay closer attention to what Jesus is conveying to His disciples and to all of us.

Too many of our leaders persist in lording their authority over the “lesser” members of the church.

Apostle Peter himself warned,

I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you…I appeal to you to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. – 1 Peter 5:1, 2-3 (GNT)

Some, placed in positions of authority, use that authority as a power tool to wield over others, while some, who have genuinely received a call from God, seem to have forgotten from Whom the call came and thinking themselves superior to others, behave as though they have never read the Gospel accounts or studied the bible.

The division of members into important and insignificant, great and small does not belong in church and this should be exercised by every Christian wherever they find themselves.

But this display of the-great-providers-for-the-people behaviour is not exclusive to leaders in church but is too often seen in Christians who hold positions of leadership in the workplace, leaving co-workers to question their brand of Christianity.

Jesus tells us that we must not be like that; a leader is the one who serves and does not demand to be served.

When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), it was to provide them an example of what true leadership entails.

he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – John 13:5 (NIV)

Many erroneously believe that this was a ritual of sorts, but it was an act of genuine service; a necessary lesson to be learned. We must be careful not to brush aside Jesus’ teachings concerning service.

Beloved, as a follower of Jesus, you are obliged to accept all of His teachings, not as a mere act to perform from time to time but as a way of life. Wherever life may take you, you must be the one who serves, not begrudgingly but willingly, not haughtily but in authentic humility, keeping in mind always,

People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important. – Luke 18:14 (ERV)

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “One who serves” ©2026 June 11, 2026

 

 

 

 

Two Words

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. – Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Before the serpent, before the eating of the forbidden fruit, before the casting out, every possible need of man was fulfilled; there was no You will work hard for your food, until your face is covered with sweat. You will work hard until the day you die… (ref. Genesis 3:19 ERV).

In the Garden, Adam was well provided for. He did not have to work hard because God had already placed everything in the beautiful Garden before placing Adam there.

Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East, and there he put the man he had formed. – Genesis 2:8 (GNT)

Adam was only required to take care of the Garden (see Genesis 2:15) and enjoy the benefits that his connection with God afforded him.

Then there was the catastrophe of the fall and man’s connection with the divine was severed. But God had a plan to restore connectivity; reconnection to Him is offered to us through Jesus Christ and so today, we have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and the blessings of a divine connection with God, our Source of provision.

Understand that it was never God’s intention for man to carry the burden of survival. As Apostle Paul rightly says,

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 (AMPC)

Struggling to survive, a major side effect of the fall, triggered a self-reliant default setting in Adam’s progeny but restoration through Christ, is meant to alleviate that mentality.

I use the word alleviate because it is not easily accomplished; moving from self-reliance to God-dependence is a process that requires a dogged belief and a great degree of trust in God to break that spiritual stronghold that we’ve inherited.

It begins with declaring the Word to yourself using just two words: “I trust”

I trust that God will liberally supply my every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus

I trust God with all my heart and I do not rely on my own understanding; I submit to Him in all my ways and He makes my paths straight

I trust that God is with me, so I’m not afraid and I’m not dismayed; I trust God to give me strength, to help me, and uphold me with His righteous right hand.

I trust that Jesus came so that I may live a rich and satisfying life.

Beloved, these are just a few examples to give you an idea of what your part in the process should look like. Two words that carry a great deal of weight. Beginning each declaration with “I trust” is powerful enough to shift the atmosphere outside you and inside you.

And as these two words become your personal mantra, soon enough your whole perspective will change from self-centred to God-centred and your life will never be the same.

Amen †

(Bible verses: Philippians 4:19; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 41 :10 ; John 10 :10)

Shelley Johnson “Two Words” ©2026 June 10, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

"Give to God what belongs to God"

 

Time and time again throughout the Gospels, we see the Jewish religious leaders trying to trick Jesus into saying something that would incriminate Him, but Jesus was always a step ahead of them.

In chapter twelve of Mark’s Gospel, they were at it again by posing this question to Jesus,

“Teacher, we know that you are an honest man. You are not afraid of what others think about you. All people are the same to you. And you teach the truth about God’s way. Tell us, is it right to pay taxes to Caesar? Should we pay them or not?” (Mark 12:14 ERV)

You see, in Jesus’ day, Rome was in control and their manner of ruling was founded on arrogance, greed, pride and violence. The people of Israel carried a venomous distaste for the Romans and were rigorously intolerant of the empire.

The Romans had conquered their land and eroded their freedom and to the Israelites, having to pay taxes to these people was unconscionable.

Jesus saw right through the religious leaders’ hypocritical scheme as they salivated at the mouth awaiting His answer.

Jesus knew that these men were really trying to trick him. He said, “Why are you trying to catch me saying something wrong? (Mark 12:15 ERV)

Jesus was no fool, He was not fooled, and He let them know it.

On the one hand, to deny Caesar was to incur the wrath of the state and certain death and on the other, was to incur the wrath of the people and certain ostracising if He were to defend Caesar.

So, what does Jesus do?

They may have thought that Jesus was ignorant of their tactics, but He was not, so Jesus answers their question with an assertion.

Bring me a silver coin. Let me see it.” They gave Jesus a coin and he asked, “Whose picture is on the coin? And whose name is written on it?” They answered, “It is Caesar’s picture and Caesar’s name.”

Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” The men were amazed at what Jesus said. (Mark 12:15-17 ERV)

Caesar’s coin belonged to Caesar so giving it back to him was the right thing to do and all that belongs to God must be given to God.

And just like that, Jesus masterfully avoids their trap, leaving them amazed at what He said. We too should be amazed as we ponder upon Jesus’ words…

“Give to God what belongs to God”

What belongs to God; do you know?

The earth and everything on it belong to the Lord. The world and all its people belong to him…for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. (Psalm 24:1 ERV; 50:10-12 NIV)

Both Psalms answer the question clearly; no explanation is needed.

 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (NIV)

There’s but one Kingdom, however God does give persons the power to rule (see Romans 13:1). He establishes governing authorities but is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth (ref. Daniel 4:17).

So, obedience to the governing bodies can only be in the context of everything belonging to God.

Beloved, it is our duty, first and foremost, to honour God, for He is our Governor. Even though we belong to different churches, and belong to different nationalities, we all belong to God.

While we have earthly citizenship and are in the world, as Christians we are not of the world (see John 17:15-16), for we belong to something far greater, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom.

As Kingdom belongers, our lives must be deeply informed and guided by the thought, language and morality of the Kingdom, as we live our faith in the world.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson "Give to God what belongs to God” ©2026 June 9, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

What about Orpah?

 

You may never have heard about Orpah but I’m sure that you have heard about Ruth, the Moabite daughter-in-law of Naomi who eventually married a rich landowner named Boaz.

Well, Orpah was also Naomi’s daughter-in-law. She, a Moabite like Ruth, was married to one of Naomi’s sons but now both sons were dead and Naomi, also widowed and without her sons, thought it best that if they were to have any chance of survival, they should all return to their own people, she to the Israelites and her daughters-in-law to their mothers.

Naomi told her daughters-in-law, “Each of you should go back home to your mother. You have been very kind to me and my sons who are now dead. So I pray that the Lord will be just as kind to you. I pray that the Lord will help each of you find a husband and a good home.” Naomi kissed her daughters-in-law, and they all started crying. (Ruth 1:8-9 ERV)

Ruth clung to Naomi, but Orpah chose to go back home to her mother.

Then Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye, but Ruth hugged her and stayed. Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her own people and her own gods. You should do the same.” (Ruth 1: 14-15 ERV)

We are not told anything more about Orpah after she went back to her mother, all we can do is speculate about what may have become of her.

In choosing to go back to what she’d left behind so long ago, and the fact that she has faded into obscurity, we can only deduce that Orpah may have gone back to living an idolatrous way of life.

Long story not too long…

The Moabites were descendants of Moab who was born of the incestuous union between Lot and his eldest daughter (see Genesis 19:30-38) making the Israelites and the Moabites relatives. Throughout the years, these two peoples experienced much interaction through altercation, so there was much history between them.

In Numbers 22-24 we read about Moab as it plays a role in the story of Balaam and the talking donkey and in the time of the judges there was a considerable amount of travel between Judah and Moab.

It was in the days of the judges that Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, had taken her and their two sons to Moab from Judah in an effort to escape a famine; it was there that their sons met and married Ruth and Orpah.

Throughout the years there were many prophesies of destruction levied against Moab because of their sin against God and His chosen people. Isaiah 16:6 points out Moab’s prevailing sin aside from idolatry.

We have heard of Moab’s pride how great is her arrogance! of her conceit, her pride and her insolence; but her boasts are empty. (NIV)

And this is what Orpah chose to go back to despite having lived with a family of Israelites, despite her exposure to Israel’s God.

Now, Orpah had every intention to go with Naomi to Judah as she had initially left with her but with her mother-in-law entreating both she and Ruth to return to Moab, she obviously had a change of heart, accepted Naomi’s argument and turned back.

Naomi must have been very concerned not only about her own welfare but that of both her daughters-in-law, as Judah would have held great uncertainty for three widowed women, two of whom were young foreigners.

We can only imagine that her decision to return to her mother, her own people and her gods would not have been made lightly, and we can see from the text that she was indeed heartbroken to leave the people whom she obviously loved deeply.

Orpah’s return to Moab signified her return to the Moabite culture and customs and the estrangement from everything she may have learnt being in an Israelite household – a return to the gods of Moab was a rejection of the God of Israel.

Orpah must have known of the challenges she would face upon her return to Moab but perhaps the thought of the ridicule she would be subjected to as a young widow in a foreign land far outweighed the challenges in her own homeland, making her choose what she considered the easy road, unwilling to take that leap of faith.

It is not easy to step into uncertainty; it requires strong faith to take a leap of faith and perhaps Orpah did not possess such faith.

What about you; are you willing to step into uncertainty, to take a leap of faith into what is unfamiliar?

When faced with a difficult decision, do you choose to trust God and move forward on a new but seemingly bumpy road, or do you return to the road you’ve been on before?

On this Christian journey, challenges will arise, as Jesus said,

“…in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16:33 AMP)

It isn’t easy when you attempt to traverse this spiritual road on your own but clinging to Jesus and following His lead in faith makes for a much easier journey.

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

Beloved, we cannot afford to be Orpahs, we cannot afford to turn back to where we’ve come from because it seems easier, convenient, or familiar. 

Orpah did not have the privilege of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, but you and I do so, we, by the power of His Spirit in us, need to master the art of walking by faith and not by sight (ref. 2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting in and relying confidently in our Lord to direct and establish our every step along the way.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “What about Orpah?” ©2026 June 8, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trying to Transform while Conforming

 

Apostle Paul in writing to the congregation in Rome, tells them,

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2a NIV)

After several centuries things haven’t changed much as there are still many persons attending church Sunday after Sunday to whom this verse applies; people who are trying to transform while conforming to the pattern of this world.

They know of God but don’t know God. Like Philip, they’ve been in church for years but still can’t recognize the Father.

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9 NIV)

They believe in Jesus, but they struggle with change, so it’s easier to hold on to the familiar patterns rather than deal with the “uncertainty” of transformation.

They are saved but have not truly taken ownership of their salvation and they are definitely not prepared to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (see Philippians 2:12).

Beloved, trying to transform while conforming is like spinning a top in mud, it just doesn’t work. You just cannot have it both ways. Transformation is a complete change in your mindset. It’s tantamount to reprogramming. As the apostle says, it is the renewing of your mind.

All your worldly ways of thinking are thrown out, and your thinking is realigned to be in alignment with the will of God, as Paul goes on to say,

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2b NIV)

However, you are not meant to accomplish any of this in your own strength, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

It may be easier to hold on to the familiar, but it is much more beneficial to let go and let God; as for God, his way is perfect (ref. Psalm 18:30).

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Trying to Transform while Conforming” ©2026 June 7, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let us Pray to Refocus

 

Lord, there is so much happening throughout this world right now; everywhere I turn I am faced with chaos, confusion, injustice and mayhem, at home and abroad and the burdens and pressures they bring are taking their toll on me.

Please reverse any psychological or emotional damage this has done to me and refocus my attention on the unseen yet visible Kingdom of heaven, where no pressures or weight exists.

Bring me Your heavenly peace and lightness to my movements, that I may go about listening to the stillness of Your voice which is calming to my spirit.

I submit these stress-filled feelings to You now.

Refocus my attention upon You Lord, so that I may keep my eyes fixed on You and not the world; remind me that You are bigger than any situation.

Accept my prayer dear Lord, in the precious name of Jesus.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Let us Pray to Refocus” ©2026 June 6, 2026