Get Out of the Boat!

“He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’” – Matthew 14:29-33 (NRSV)

During the storms of life, when the boat you’re in seems a place of refuge, it will surely take more than a little faith to get out of the boat. As a matter of fact, it takes lots of 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. Despite the physical conditions, ignore all your natural senses and trust Him and His love for you.

Remember, 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 †

Get Out of the Boat! ©2013 Shelley Johnson 19-Feb-13

A Stone Instead?

Yesterday’s post, “Our Daily Bread”, has propelled me headlong into today’s.

Because of the many references to bread throughout Scripture, it is obvious to me that Bread was of great importance to our Lord Jesus. I realize that Bread is not only representative of physical sustenance but carries deep spiritual significance.

From the very start of the Gospel, the significance of bread is evident, for even Jesus’ place of birth draws reference to it. An early introduction to Who Jesus was, Bethlehem, means "House of Bread". I know that it will take too many blog posts to flesh out all of its symbolism.

Jesus described Himself, and His flesh as living bread (John 6:48-51). He is the real food, His body, the living bread, broken at Calvary so that we all may partake. Just as the bread was broken and multiplied to feed the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39), so too Jesus’ body was broken at the cross, then multiplied to feed the multitudes, that's all of us.

Jesus came to feed the whole world with spiritual bread. Bread that is far superior to physical bread, and will sustain the eater forever. Jesus is the Bread that we may eat and not die. Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:33, 35).

“You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?” – Matthew 7:9 (NLT)

This reference to bread and stone carries a much deeper meaning than what we first perceive. It is actually a comparison between life and death.

In John 11:39-41, we are told that the stone had to be rolled away for Lazarus to come forth from death to life.

Similarly, the stone, rolled away from the tomb of our Lord, represented His emergence from death to Life but that stone was rolled away after He had already left the tomb (read Matthew 28:1-6 carefully to see this) since neither stone nor death could conquer our Lord Jesus.

If we take this same verse above and replace the words “bread” and “stone” with the words “life” and “death” it will read,

“You parents – if your children ask for life, do you give them death instead?”

Our heavenly Father, has given us the gift of life through His Son Jesus, Who has conquered death on our behalf. We deserve death but our merciful and loving Father has given us both physical and spiritual provision, abundant life, and eternal life instead. Have you asked Him for bread? He will never give you a stone instead!

Amen †

A Stone Instead? Shelley Johnson 28-Sep-15

Our Daily Bread

I am not what you’d call domesticated. For years my mother tried with me, but it just didn’t stick. I do not like the “kitchen”. I can cook but I’m not going to fight you to cook. But when the baking company increases the price of their bread, what’s a girl supposed to do?...Bake her own! 

I went on a one woman campaign in my household to stop the purchase of bread. 

“I will bake our daily bread!” I said. And so began my new assignment…Bread Baker. I pored over various bread recipes but there was just too much involved…ain’t nobody got time for that! I’ll find an easy way to be in and out of the kitchen in no time. If I’m going to be doing this almost every day, I want no tedious measuring, no long waiting, no back-breaking kneading. Then I remembered how my sister made dinner rolls. 

“Throw in some flour, then some baking powder, three handfuls of sugar…” those were her exact instructions to me...needless to say, I was somewhat perplexed at the time. By the way, is it handsful or handfuls? Anyway you know what I mean. That’s my kind of recipe…that’s what I’ll do. I’ll take that recipe, tweak it a bit here and there, and make bread. 

So, I made bread. It was delicious, if I may say so myself. Now the household’s new cry is, “Give us our daily bread!” 

Today I’ve decided to share my bread baking journey with you. It’s bread baking made easy and it’s delicious too.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pack of flour

baking powder

1 stick of butter/margarine melted

1 sachet yeast

3 handfuls of brown sugar

a little cooking oil

lukewarm water

a little milk at room temperature

2 large bowls

1 wooden spoon

baking pans

1 sharp knife

1 rolling pin

1 pastry brush (optional)

1 wooden skewer for testing (also optional)

Now, in one of the large bowls, dissolve the sugar in some lukewarm water; add the yeast and let sit for about 10 minutes...should be all bubbly by then

In the other bowl, empty almost all the flour; throw in some baking powder…mix together. I like to use a whisk.

After the yeast has bubbled up stir well, add the melted butter, mix well, then stir in the milk.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet. 

I do a little at a time and not all at once just because I find it easier to manipulate. 

And, I use the handle of the wooden spoon to stir it in. My husband can't understand why, I just like to...keeps my hands clean.



Note that after a while you won’t be able to use the spoon and will have to resort to getting your hands all messy.

Knead the dough until everything’s mixed in properly, adding more flour until both your hand and the mixing bowl are fairly clean.

The dough should be a little sticky, but not sappy.






Now place a little cooking oil in the empty bowl aka the bowl you used to mix together the flour and the baking powder. You may have to dust it out ever so slightly.



Transfer the dough into that bowl, coat it with the oil by turning it in the oiled bowl on one side then the other. 






Cover with a kitchen towel and leave to rise for 1 hour. 


I like to place mine in the oven, where it’s dark, warm and cozy.





In the meanwhile grease the baking pans, clean up your mess, and in particular a section of the kitchen counter or table where you’d be rolling out the dough in preparation for baking.

The hour’s up, and your dough has risen…wow! See how huge it is? Looks like the surface of the moon! Sprinkle some of the remaining flour onto your cleaned counter top or table...

Punch down the dough a bit and empty onto the floured work space. Cut into sections.

Make into large balls by folding and squeezing the ends together.

Flour the rolling pin and the work space again and roll out the ball into an oval shape. 

(Keep flouring the rolling pin and work space as the need arises.)

Using your hands, roll the dough from one end to the other, pinch seams together to close, fold ends under and pinch to close, place into greased pans seam side down.

Cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes…again I place in the oven...

I also place an oven safe dish of water into the oven...leave it in there while the bread's baking

After the loaves have risen, bake for 30 minutes at around 180 degrees Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit...

Your bread is done! Remove from the oven, brush with some melted butter, remove from pan, and try to let it cool before slicing into it. Yes, you have to let it cool...try.

Cut a couple slices, smear with jelly, jam or butter or a slab of cheddar cheese, or leave it plain and eat. Mmmmmm...

Well done! You're a Bread Baker!

Our Daily Bread Shelley Johnson 25-Sep-15

“I AM the True Vine”

Jesus’ seventh and last “I AM” statement of His identity is found in John chapter fifteen verse one, 

“I AM the True Vine”

It is the climax of His declarations of identity as recorded in John’s gospel. Jesus compared Himself to a vine so that by looking at a vine we can gain a better understanding of who He is. 

Let us take a very brief look at a grapevine:

There is one main vine with many branches or off shoots that extend from it. The root, which we cannot see, feeds the vine; diffusing sap from which the many branches are nourished. This rich source of nourishment causes the branches to bear much fruit. 


The root, the vine and its branches are all connected and work together in harmony as one to produce a bountiful harvest. 

And even when branches are grafted in, they become one with the vine.

Jesus was conveying to us the importance of staying connected to Him. He is not just any vine, He is The True Vine. By using the word true, Jesus is telling us that there is a false vine. 

This false vine is the devil who “masquerades as an angel of light”. Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (11:13-14), warns us about other false vines, men and women who pretend to be prophets and teachers and preachers but are masters of deceit and agents of the devil. If we were to heed their teachings we will be spiritually destroyed and killed (2 Kings 4:39; John 10:10).

Jesus is proclaiming His authenticity as the only True Vine. He is the only legitimate Source of spiritual nourishment and sustenance; He is the giver and creator of Life (Colossians 1:16-17).

The only way we can be sure of the identity of the True Vine, is by knowing the Vine. 

Only Jesus can tell us who He is. Studying the written Word of God will reveal the Living Word of God, Jesus. 

Giving our lives to Jesus completely, allowing Him to abide in us and we in Him, will bring us into intimate relationship with Him and give us a deep understanding of the I AM who I AM.

Amen†

“I AM the True Vine” [John 15:1] ©2013 Shelley Johnson 2-May-13

“I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life”

Who was Jesus really claiming to be when He declared to His troubled disciples, “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life” [John 14:6]? This is a very profound claim by Jesus. 

Jesus, just moments before, had told them, “You know the way to the place where I am going.” [John 14:4] but they did not understand. Jesus was in fact explaining to them the way back to God. He was then, and is now, saying that the only way back to God is through Him. Jesus’ was a conversation of comfort; leaving His disciples with the consolation that eternal life awaits those who trust in God and trust in Him (see John 14:1-3).

When Jesus proclaimed His identity as the Way, the Truth and the Life, He was not giving the disciples merely a list of who He is – I AM 1 2 3 – but was stating, what can only be described as an absolute truth. Jesus was actually saying this:

“I AM the Way BECAUSE I AM the Truth and BECAUSE I AM the Life.”

When Philip asked Jesus to “show us the Father” and Jesus answered, “Don’t you know Me, Philip…? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.”[John 14:8, 9], His claim became even more exceptional.

“I AM the Way to the Father, because, I AM the True living manifestation of the Father.” (see Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23; 2 Corinthians 4-6; Colossians 1:15)

“And, because, I AM the True living manifestation of the Father, I AM the only One who has the power of eternal Life.”(see John 5:24; 10:28; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 John 1:2)

The ONLY way to the Father is through the only true manifestation of the Father, Jesus Christ, in whom there is Life eternal. Jesus secured eternal Life for us on the cross, so that now we may be re-united with the Father. There is no other way! 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life for whosoever will call upon His name. This is the living Truth of God’s infallible Word. 

Beloved, like the disciples in the Gospel account of John 14, you too can find comfort and be confident in who Jesus says He is and, if you know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life, share the good news with others, it may be just what they desperately need to hear.

Amen†

“I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life” [John 14:6] ©2013 Shelley Johnson 1-May-13

“I AM the Resurrection and the Life”

Rejoice! Jesus is alive! Raised from death, and seated at the right hand of God today!

Jesus’ fifth statement of identity [John 11:25] has the power to radically change our perspective of life and death, as it must have for Martha. 

Martha’s beloved brother Lazarus had fallen ill and Jesus was summoned but by the time He arrived, Lazarus had already been dead four days.

John 11:1, 14, 43, as it is written,
“Now a man named Lazarus was sick…Lazarus is dead…Lazarus come out!”

Lazarus being brought back from death was Jesus’ final miracle before His own resurrection – a precursor to The Resurrection.

What no-one understood then was, by letting Lazarus die, Jesus was accomplishing something much greater than anyone could have envisioned. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He was, in fact, demonstrating His victory over death. Jesus was giving us all a foretaste of what’s to come for those of us who are in Christ. Death is not the end; there is indeed life after death. 

By His own resurrection, Jesus further demonstrated that death is not the ultimate end. Jesus conquered death completely on the cross. When Jesus, from the cross, cried out aloud, “It is finished!”, He was affirming that everything that had been ushered in by Adam’s disobedience was now completely and utterly reversed. And death was included in that. 

Jesus came to give us abundant life [John 10:10]. Abundant life is life beyond this earthly existence, beyond what is seen this side of heaven. Understand that we are eternal beings having a brief earthly experience. Jesus came and restored everything that was stolen in the Garden.

Jesus’ fifth “I AM” statement and what follows [John 11:25-26] is another bold declaration of who He is, the Resurrection and the Life, and what it means. By this, Jesus is assuring us that physical death is certainly not the end but merely a transition to a new life in eternity with Him. Our physical death is the beginning of Life. 

A heart that grasps and believes this Truth, must live differently because truly understanding Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life gives us an eternal perspective, creates purpose in our lives and drives us to live in a way that causes others to see and know the hope we have in Jesus.

Amen†

“I AM the Resurrection and the Life” [John 11:25] ©2013 Shelley Johnson 30-Apr-13

“I AM the Good Shepherd”

Jesus announced that He is the Good Shepherd [John 10:11, 14] because the Pharisees, charged with the responsibility of pasturing and shepherding God’s people, were examples of bad shepherds. Jesus wanted the people to know that the relationship of the shepherd to his sheep is one of love, protection and guidance. 

Scripture is rife with illustrations of shepherds. Abel, Abraham, Jacob, the twelve tribes, Moses, David who eventually became King were all shepherds. The angels even announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the field. Those shepherds, the Bible tells us in Luke 2:8, were “keeping watch over their flocks at night”; they were guarding their sheep. 

A good shepherd is one who invests in his sheep. He dedicates his life to caring for the sheep – ignorant creatures unable to care for themselves. He will not abandon his flock when danger comes but instead he stands between his sheep and any threat, willingly and selflessly facing the danger first, running toward it if necessary [1 Samuel 17], in defense of his beloved sheep. A good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. This is the love that a good shepherd has for his flock; love that is rooted in a deep, incomprehensible affection.

When we understand the love of the shepherd for his sheep we will receive a revelation of the extent of Jesus’ great love for us. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lay down His life for us, His sheep. He is not the hired hand who runs away when the wolf attacks [John 10:11-13]. He is the Good Shepherd who offered His life to offer us Life [John 10:10].

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.” 

[Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV]

“I AM the Good Shepherd” [John 10:11, 14] ©2013 Shelley Johnson 

“I AM the Door”

Jesus’ third “I AM” statement, “I AM the Door” [John 10:7], is yet another grace-filled claim of Jesus to give us a better understanding of just who He is. Remember, knowing who Jesus is provides clarity about our own identity, eternity and our relationship with God, our heavenly Father.

Jesus’ claim as being the Door is not ambiguous. Seeing Him as the Door allows us to visualize Jesus in a very practical way. Let’s look at a door for a moment. 

We know that a door gives us access into somewhere; there is always something on the other side of a door; doors make a difference to any structure and it provides protection from intruders.

When Jesus proclaimed to be the Door, He was claiming to be all these things and so much more. Through the Door, we gain access to God, the one and only way to the Father. Jesus is our access into safety with God – through the blood-stained Door, Jesus Christ [Exodus 12:22-23], our refuge from the destroyer.

On one side of the Door is sin, on the other salvation. Jesus offers us an exit from a life of sin and entrance into His holiness. As we go through the Door into salvation, we enter into the new life God is calling us to. 

On the other side of the Door, there is new life in Christ. In Christ, God has provided everything needed to restore man to full fellowship with Him. The cross has swung the door wide open, giving us access to covenant relationship with God.

Have you walked through the Door? If you haven’t, here’s a prayer to guide you through:

Jesus, I know that I have sinned against You so many times; in my thoughts, my words and things that I have done. I am truly sorry Lord, and now I’m asking You to forgive me. Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe that You are the Door to salvation. Amen.

Jesus, the Door, is the only way to eternal salvation.

Amen†

“I AM the Door” [John 10:7] ©2013 Shelley Johnson 29-Apr-13

“I Am the Light of the world”

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

Genesis 1:3 (NIV)

In the beginning, God spoke light into existence; it was on day one of creation, before anything else was created. On that first day of creation only one light existed, there was not yet any other source of light, no sun, no moon, and no stars, there was only the true light [John 1:9] reflecting the glory of God the Father, that is Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

Christ Himself subsequently created the sun, moon and stars (Ephesians 3:9 KJV; Colossians 1:15-16 KJV) to serve specific purposes in connection with the earth and only for a limited time. But the Light of the world is eternal, shining forth from age to age and is so powerful that it still shines today and will continue to be a beacon for every human being in this dark world.

Genesis 1:4 (NIV), as it is written,
“God saw that the light was good...”

God was pleased with the Light of the world that He called into existence for it was this Light, Jesus Christ, through whom man would be reconciled with God. Since then, God had already made provision for the restoration of fallen man through the light of Jesus Christ because it is in the light of Christ that we must examine ourselves in order to recognize our sin.

As believers we are engulfed in the pure white light of Jesus Christ:

· the light of Christ reveals the safe path on which to walk;

· the light of Christ guides our way along our spiritual walk;

· the light of Christ illuminates the clear path to reconciliation with God.

God has given us much more than light for our path, He has given us His own Beloved Son, the Light of the world, in whom He is well pleased.

As the Light of the world, Jesus offers Himself to us as the one who brings clarity and a new perspective to our lives especially after long periods of dark trials and challenges.

It was the blinding Light of Christ that Saul encountered on that road to Damascus that utterly transformed his perspective forever, to the degree that he became a brand new person with a brand new name, unrecognizable from the man he was before. From an overzealous and arrogant persecutor of Christ to an ardent yet humble expositor of the Truth of the Gospel of Christ.

Jesus, the Light of the world, is the guiding light for everyone who chooses to follow Him [John 1:4; 8:12; 9:5].

Genesis 1:4 (NIV), as it is written,
“…and He separated the light from the darkness.”

Recall Judas, and understand that if we choose to separate ourselves from the Light, then we’re walking in darkness, for the Word of God plainly states, “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.” [John 13:30]. Judas chose to walk away from the Light out into the darkness of sin and betrayal. The more we walk in Christ’s light, the less appealing the darkness of sin becomes.

John 12:46 (KJV), as it is written,
“I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.”

When you recognize Jesus Christ as the Light of the world, the beauty of who Jesus is and who you are in Him is revealed, and you will not live in the darkness of sin.

Amen †

“I Am the Light of the world” [John 8:12] ©2013 Shelley Johnson 26-Apr-13

“I AM the Bread of Life”

"I AM the Bread of Life" (John 6:35, 48 & 51), is the first of Jesus' seven "I AM" sentences. 

With this proclamation, Jesus is claiming that whoever comes to Him will never be hungry anymore at any time. In other words, when we are hungry, Jesus can fill us. Jesus is the Bread we need to sustain and nourish us daily.

When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread”, do we truly understand what we are praying for? Understand that when we utter those seven words, it is not just for our daily physical provision; we are actually praying for so much more than our physical needs, we are praying for our daily spiritual provision.   

Jesus is the Bread of Life, and only He can satisfy the hunger of our spiritual stomachs.

Jesus, in Matthew 4:4 quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 by saying,
“It is written: ’Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

The Word from the mouth of God is not “what” but “who”. John tells us clearly that the Word of God is Jesus when he wrote “The Word became flesh” [John 1:14]. 

We are to hunger for the Word of God as a starving man hungers for bread. We are to hunger for Jesus! If we were to really hunger and crave Jesus, how filled we would become of the knowledge, wisdom and fruitfulness of God.

This hunger for the Word of God made Job declare, that he treasured it more than any necessary food. Physical bread can only satisfy our stomachs temporarily but Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, will satisfy our souls eternally.

Partaking of the Bread of Life causes us to abide in Jesus and He in us. 

Jesus as the Bread of Life is offering us much more than a meal; He is offering Himself. 

Jesus provides for more than just our needs, He provides for eternity. 

Jesus satisfies our souls, and when we are satisfied in our souls we never lack nourishment. 

Feeding off of Jesus fulfills our spiritual hunger pangs. 

Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the “food that endures to eternal life” [John 6:27].

Amen†

“I AM the Bread of Life” ©2013 Shelley Johnson 26-Apr-13

“I AM who I AM”

Keeping focused on Jesus will transform a person’s life. In order for us to experience this transformation we need to understand who we are in Christ. In order for us to understand who we are in Christ, we need to know who Jesus is. In order for us to know who Jesus is, we need to study who He says He is. And when we know who Jesus is, it will change, not just how we see ourselves but it will transform who we are.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaimed seven “I AM” statements.

1.  I AM the Bread of Life – John 6:35, 48 & 51
   
2.  I AM the Light of the world – John 8:12
   
3.  I AM the Door – John 10:7
   
4.  I AM the Good Shepherd – John 10:11-14
   
5.  I AM the Resurrection and the Life – John 11:25
   
6.  I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14:6
   
7.  I AM the True Vine – John 15:1

Jesus is all we require to live the authentic Christian life. His all sufficient grace and His power allow us to fulfill the call of God on our lives [2 Corinthians 12:9].

The Word of God tells us that as Jesus is so are we in this world [1 John 4:17], so let us pray for a revelation of this Truth, fix our eyes on Him and be completely transformed, not just in the way we see ourselves, but in every aspect of our lives.

And every day of this week we shall take a closer look at each "I AM" proclamation of Jesus Christ in an effort to understand Who Jesus is and who we are in Him.

Amen †

“I AM who I AM” ©2013 Shelley Johnson 24-Apr-13

Affirming the I am in you

We are created in the image and likeness of God, for God said in Genesis 1:26, 27 (NIV), “Let us make mankind in our own image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” No more convincing is necessary. And, in Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I AM Who I AM”. Now, since we are created in the image of God the Father, we have the I AM of God embedded in us. I AM is who we are, our identity, yet we choose, too often, to identify with “I am not”.

Do not identify with “I am not” but instead, from today, begin to affirm the I am in you by declaring God’s Word over your life.

Declare:

I am God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever [1 Peter 1:23].

I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood [Ephesians 1:7].

I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own [1 Corinthians 6:19].

I am the righteousness of God in Christ [2 Corinthians 5:21].

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works [Ephesians 2:10].

I am alive with Christ [Ephesians 2:5].

I am a new creature in Christ [2 Corinthians 5:17].

I am a partaker of His divine nature [2 Peter 1:3-4].

I am a spirit being alive to God [Romans 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23].

I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power [Colossians 2:10].

I am the head and not the tail; I am above and not beneath [Deuteronomy 28:13].

I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some [1 Corinthians 9:22].

I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty [Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13].

I am free from the law of sin and death [Romans 8:2].

I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind [2 Corinthians 4:4].

I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions [James 1:22, 25].

I am a joint-heir with Christ [Romans 8:17].

I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me [Romans 8:37].

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony [Revelation 12:11].

I am an ambassador for Christ [2 Corinthians 5:20].

I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people [1 Peter 2:9].

I am the light of the world [Matthew 5:14].

I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering [Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12].

I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom [Colossians 1:13].

I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude [Colossians 2:7].

I am called of God to be the voice of His praise [Psalm 66:8; 2 Timothy 1:9].

I am healed by the stripes of Jesus [Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24].

I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power [Colossians 1:11].

I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places; as He is so am I in this world [Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12; 1 John 4:17].

I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus [James 4:7].

I am greatly loved by God [Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4].

“…I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus my Lord.” [Romans 8:38-39].

Amen †

Affirming the I am in you ©2013 Shelley Johnson 4-May-13 

The Birth of Hope

Romans chapter 5:3-4 tells us to glory in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. This Word from God clearly shows us that after we’ve persevered through all our various challenges in life, our characters are established and it’s only after that, that hope is born. 

Hope is birthed through trials. It’s during these seasons of testing that God pours out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) and it’s then that we are able to conceive and give birth to hope. 

This hope of which Romans 5 speaks is not what we habitually think of as hope, it’s not just a feeling of expectation and desire for a specific thing to happen, it’s so much deeper than that. 

Hope is a trust and a doubtless knowing that God will come through for you no matter what you feel, think, hear or see, just because He loves you and wants the very best for you. And God doesn’t give you a handful of His love, even though that may suffice, no, He gives generously, He pours it out.

So, as you face yet another trial, hang on, do not give up but keep in mind the words of Romans 5:3-5, and persevere, for now you know that through it your character is built and hope is born. 

Amen †

The Birth of Hope ©2014 Shelley Johnson 13-May-14

Anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

If only we would stop focusing on the situation and look upward. God is right here. Christ has risen. The Spirit has been poured out. They are all present with you right now so, do not be anxious. Anxiety saps your strength and is the result of looking away from God. God loves you and cares for you deeply and wants you to be at peace. God is at your side, turn to Him, present your requests to Him, let Him know everything, and thank Him.

Anxiety ©2013 Shelley Johnson 5-Feb-13

Let us pray...


Oh Holy and Most Merciful Father, I love and adore You. I cherish the relationship that I have with You and I thank You for Your wonderful Son, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I come before You this day to give You thanks and praise for where I am right now and for all that You have done and are doing in my life but Father, as You know, it is sometimes difficult for me not to be anxious. I ask You now to calm my spirit and fill me with Your strength, courage, and patience. Help me to focus on You and You alone.

Help me to always remember that You work in the supernatural realm, so that what I may see in the natural has no bearing on what is happening in the supernatural.

Help me always to live by faith and not by sight.

Help me not to concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me but to be still and quiet and wait on You Lord with confidence because I know that You, Who made the promise, are faithful. 

My confidence in You, Lord, carries a great and glorious compensation of reward, for this, I am truly grateful.

Father, thank You for listening to me and answering my prayers. I will not be anxious, because I know, with unwavering assurance, that Your peace which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.

I love You Father. Thank You for filling me with Your Love and for allowing me to place all my concerns, cares and anxieties upon You.

In the Name of Your Beloved Son, my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

And We Know It Not

God is here. He is omnipresent; that means that God is everywhere that we are. Wherever we are, God is. He is present observing each of our lives unfold. 


The Word assures us that God is not far from each of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).


Jacob exclaimed in his “aha moment”, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not (Genesis 28:16). Therein lies our problem…and we know it not.


God is with us, He is here, and we know it not. We do not truly grasp the concept of our omnipresent God. We do not truly grasp that there is no place He is not; we cannot conceive of a place where God is not. This truth seems to be above our basic comprehension – too lofty for the limitations of our imaginations.


"Where can I go from Your presence?" Psalm 139:7 (see verses 1- 10)


We are never outside of the presence of God. We read it, we say it, but we do not truly understand the enormity of such a truth. That God’s all-pervading presence is ever before us and around us. But alas, like Jacob, we know it not. That is our trouble – we do not know it, we do not know that truth. If we did, what a difference it would make. Knowing and understanding and believing that God is here is an awareness that too many of us do not have. We pray for and seek the manifestation of God’s presence when it is already here.


God is with us even when we are utterly unaware of it. But as we open ourselves to the work of His Spirit within, the more God will be revealed to us. God will manifest Himself to us, for it is the Spirit Who shows us the Father and the Son. And we are drawn nearer into relationship with God.

Amen +

And We Know It Not Shelley Johnson 06-Sep-2015

Bearing Fruit

Galatians 5:22, 23

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

When we allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives, this is the fruit that He will bear in us. This fruit of many flavours contains life changing properties and is the first indication of our inner transformation. However, change often brings discomfort. Our inner transformation is not an easy process but is worth everything that we have to face.

Think of a tree; the more fruit a tree has, the more it gets stoned, shaken, climbed and abused. Branches are tugged at, pulled and even broken. The sweeter the fruit, the worse the abuse. 

We too will have to endure such suffering as the Holy Spirit changes us and we begin to bear the sweet fruit of the Spirit. Thankfully, God gives us grace to go through whatever we have to go through to make us over (1 Peter 5:10).

God encourages us to stay in faith, co-operate with the Holy Spirit, be steadfast and persevere, as He works to recreate us.

Bearing Fruit ©2013 Shelley Johnson 7-Feb-2013

A Plant that does not Grow cannot bear Fruit

Any plant that does not grow cannot bear fruit. A growing plant needs to be exposed to sunlight. Its root system needs to be properly developed and anchored. 

Water is essential for its growth and an adequate supply of nutrients must be applied if your growing plant is to bear healthy, rich, sweet fruit.

In many passages of Scripture we are compared to plants and trees, and like plants and trees we, as Christians, are expected to grow and bear good fruit [see Matthew 3:10; Matthew 7:17-20]. But how are we to bear the good fruit that God calls us to bear?

In the Gospel of John Jesus said,

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4

“Abide”, in the original Greek, is “Meno”, which means remain, persist, continue – to continue along the course of.

Also in Job 24:13, it is written, “There are those who rebel against the light; They do not know its ways nor abide in its paths.”

These two passages of Scripture clearly tell us what we are to do if we are to grow and bear good fruit:

• remain in Christ and He in us by our complete submission to His leading and guidance, moment upon moment, day by day, and
  
• stay in that path or continue walking along that course. 

How do we “meno”? 

As the plant needs sunlight to grow, we need to be exposed to the light of the Son (see Isaiah 2:5; John 8:12, 9:5); 

As the plant needs to be fed, so too we must feed on the Word of God by studying and meditating upon it day and night (see Joshua 1:8; 1 Timothy 4:13-15); 

As the plant needs to be watered, so too we need the continuous hydration of the Holy Spirit (see Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37-39; Ephesians 3:19, 5:18); 

As the plant needs to be nurtured, so too we are to nurture our souls through prayer (see Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) – our conversations with God.

We are to remain aware of the presence of Christ’s Holy Spirit in us, meditate upon the Word of God and allow His Spirit to operate in, from, by, and through us, for it is through the work of Spirit in us that grows our characters, and our knowledge of God. It is the Holy Spirit Who bears the fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-25). 

Amen †

A Plant that does not Grow cannot bear Fruit ©2013 Shelley Johnson