When Nothing makes sense

All too often what God is doing does not make any sense whatsoever. We are left wondering, because there is just no apparent reason for what is happening. 

The situation just does not appear to be in line with what we know about God. And we begin to feel helpless, frustrated, abandoned and doubtful; we begin to not only question ourselves but we begin to question God, His intentions and His plans for our lives. 

In times like these, we need to be reminded of God’s own declaration,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” 

[Isaiah 55:8-9]

Beloved, when nothing makes sense, meditate on this passage of Scripture and be confident that even though you may not understand what God is doing, God knows what He is doing. His way is always the best way. 

Instead of trying to figure out how it will all work out, trust God and know that it will.

When Nothing makes sense ©2013 Shelley Johnson 4-Jun-13

Who do you believe you are?

Who do you believe you are? Have you ever really taken the time to answer that question? Think about it. Who do you believe you are? And the question that must follow is…How do you see yourself?

We often have a particular belief and perception of who we are, from other’s opinions and especially, from what we tell ourselves. Do you know that studies have shown that we believe more of what we say about ourselves than anything else? Imagine that! The things you say about yourself, those words you declare over your life, have the potential to make you or break you. 

The Bible tells us that our tongues have the power of death and life (Proverbs 18:21). So, think carefully, and wisely consider what you’re saying about you because when we listen to our own words and we begin to believe in our hearts what we hear, what we believe in our hearts is what we become. 

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” Proverbs 23:7

Who you think you are in your heart will determine who you believe you are.

What you say about yourself, will determine who you believe you are.

“…the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart…” Matthew 15:18. 

Do you understand what that means? If you speak lies, failure and defeat about yourself, you will accept those things which you’ve heard, to be true about you, then you will never become the person God created you to be. You will never see yourself as God sees you. When you begin to believe who God says you are and when you begin to see yourself as He sees you, your life will be radically changed.

You must change your perception and change your conversation. Study the Word of God and find out the Truth of who you are. Begin to speak God’s words about you, and your life will never be the same again. 

Amen V

Who do you believe you are? ©2013 Shelley Johnson 28-May-13

Aren’t You Thirsty?

Have you ever been so thirsty, that every pore in your body seemed to be crying out, “Water! Water!”? But no matter how much water you drink, your thirst is still not quenched. Hmmm, this may not be a physical thirst...

Our Lord Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water shall flow from within him.” The passage goes on to say, “By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive.” 

John 7:37-39

The Bible clearly tells us that the living water of which Jesus spoke is indeed the Spirit, and we ought to be thirsty for the Holy Spirit of God. In Isaiah 44:3 it is written, “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants.”

It is clear, from the Word, that “thirst” is a condition that precedes the in-filling and the out-flowing of the Holy Spirit. Just as without water life dies, without Spirit we are spiritually dead; like water, Spirit is vital to life. 

God has placed into the words of the New Testament, the absolute necessity for every believer to receive the Spirit as a real and definite experience. God brings us to that point of need, where we realize, deep within our beings, an intense desire for more of Him. We feel parched and extreme dryness and we cry out for His water, His Spirit, to saturate us, quench our thirsty souls, refresh us, and bring forth the reality of Life. It is a calling out for the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

As believers in Christ, everything within us should be crying out, “Spirit! Spirit!” We ought to have a yearning for the baptism with the Holy Spirit that Jesus Himself spoke of in Acts 1:5. And when we cry out for God to satisfy this spiritual thirst, we will be transformed from dry, thirsty Christians to Christians that are vibrant and alive, able to share the Life of God’s own Spirit within us with others wherever we go. 

Throughout the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Spirit is symbolized by water and spoken of in relation to water. We also see this Truth as it relates to thirst in Isaiah 35:7, 41:17-18, 43:20, 55:1, 58:11; Jeremiah 2:13; Amos 8:11; Matthew 10:42; Luke 16:24; John 4:4-15; Revelation 22:17. 

Aren’t you thirsty? Purposely cry out, “Spirit! Spirit!” and allow the Holy Spirit to quench your thirst.

Amen †

Aren’t You Thirsty? ©2013 Shelley Johnson 16-Apr-13

Patiently Endure Testing

James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

Here, James is telling us that God promises to bless us when we patiently endure testing. This is not an easy thing to do and requires faith, trust, and complete confidence in God. During these times of testing, when we find ourselves strained and bombarded on every side with trials and challenges, we are never to disown God or turn away from Him; it is then that we are to hold fast to the love we have for God and more so, the love He has for us – God’s love never fails, His love is always faithful to His beloved children, His perfect love casts out all our fears.

Revelation 2:10, as it is written,

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. “

To patiently endure testing – severe hardship, tribulation, and trials – with unwavering faith in God is an act of courage and demonstrates to God, our love for Him. God has promised special rewards to those who stand firm and endure patiently – the ultimate of which is the crown of life. Let us look at some of those special rewards.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 

[1 Peter 5:10]

“For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” 

[Hebrews 3:14]

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?” 

[Hebrews 10:36; 12:7]

“There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.” 

[Matthew 24:12-13]

“Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials…And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end.” 

[Daniel 12:10, 12]

So be truly glad, to Patiently Endure Testing, for there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. (see 1 Peter 1:6)

Amen †

Patiently Endure Testing ©2013 Shelley Johnson 19-Jun-13

God has set Boundaries

God has set boundaries in nature and also for us, His children. For instance, in Jeremiah 5:22 we read, 

“I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.”

Mustique

God has established clear boundaries that are beneficial to us and are not, as some erroneously believe, restrictions to our freedom. In actual fact, boundaries create a refuge, which, if not violated, afford us the freedom of being as “naked” and unashamed as Adam and Eve once were in the Garden.

“The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden… Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.” [Genesis 2:15, 25]

God’s boundaries help us stay within His will: “…yet not My will but Yours be done.” [Luke 22:42]. 

God provides boundaries of times and seasons, for all of His creation: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” [Ecclesiastes 3:1]

The Pitch Lake

God has set boundaries throughout His Word which give us a comprehensive perspective of the relationship between God and us – they define who we are and allow us to see God as He really is. With these particular boundaries in place, we are able to gain an understanding of the unity and oneness we are to have with God so that we may experience all the intimacy that is possible in our relationship with Him. 

God has set boundaries for us because He knows the dangers of living without them.

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” [Job 2:6]

God set a boundary for Satan concerning Job – you may go this far but no farther. 

God’s boundaries are very important if we are to live as He intends for us to live and violating them keeps us away from experiencing God’s best. 

God loves us and it is out of His love that He sets boundaries. 

God wants us to have the promised abundant life and has set boundaries in order to protect and preserve the best He has for us. 

Amen †

God has set Boundaries ©2013 Shelley Johnson 20-Jun-13

A Good Life...let us pray...

Dear Lord, You are the only foundation of my life. Your wisdom and Your love are without end. You are the Creator of all things and You have planned all things from the beginning of time. And so Lord, I know that You have planned a good life for me, to prosper me, to give me hope and a great future.

I thank You that I have such a life. I thank You that I have love in my relationships with my family, and I live in a happy home. I thank You that I live life in harmony, peace and love. 

Lord, remind me to keep You as the central focus of my life. Help me to always understand that when I accepted Your Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Saviour, a holy and divine covenant was established. Help me to also understand that being in relationship with You does not preclude me from challenges and that even in the midst of those challenges I can still find joy in life as I place complete trust in You. Lord, I realize that if there is any unhappiness and distrust, it is because I have shifted my focus and strayed from the example which Christ set for me. 

I pray that as time goes on, Your Holy Spirit will bear in me the Christ-like characteristics of, patience, kindness, faithfulness and empathy. I pray that I will always listen to Your small still voice. I pray that I will always speak words that lift up and not tear down. I pray that my attitude toward others would create a positive environment and that I will love and accept others unconditionally, just as You love and accept me as I am. 

Holy Spirit, if I am the cause of another’s hurt or if someone is the cause of mine, help me to quickly forgive, and be swift to heal our wounded emotions. Forgive me for those times when I was insensitive, and when I was so self-absorbed that I failed to recognize the needs and the pain of those close to me, those around me, and those I meet along the way. 

Lord, continue to bless me; let me never yield to temptation but deliver me from the destructive plans of the evil one. Remind me to pray, not just for myself, but for others, and help me always to encourage others in the Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

A Good Life ©2014 Shelley Johnson 24-May-14

Just One Thing…

There are times when you may be faced with situations that render you powerless but through every difficulty and every challenge, God wants you to know just one thing,

Beloved, God’s grace is sufficient in your moments of weakness and He wants you to do just one thing – tap into His all-sufficient grace, which He freely gives to enable you to go through them. 

Accept God’s grace in faith…

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” 

1 Peter 5:10-11

Just One Thing… ©2014 Shelley Johnson 17-May-14

God gives without measure

It is not possible to overestimate the value of the gift of the Cross. 

This agonizing and humiliating act of perfect obedience, borne from a love that is too great to fully understand, removed our sins completely and forever, healed all our diseases, brought us into spiritual union with God, made us righteous in God’s eyes, conquered death, utterly destroyed our unseen spiritual adversary, gained our freedom and gave us eternal life by providing the way for us to be reunited to God through Christ. 

Christ gave the ultimate gift of Himself as a ransom for every human being. Not grudgingly but from a heart filled with love for His people. 

We, like Christ, must give to others from our hearts, cheerfully and without worrying about the cost to us. God did not count the cost then and does not count the cost now; He gives without measure.

Amen †

God gives without measure ©2013 Shelley Johnson 14-Mar-13

The Wise Builder...

Crossing Into...

Do you feel as if your life is at a standstill? Nothing seems to be working out? You’ve prayed, obeyed, cried out, reached out, fasted, rested, affirmed, declared the Word, marched around the walls of your personal Jericho. You’ve done just about everything you could, yet your situation has remained unchanged?

Know that when you’re faced with challenges to your faith and to your courage, the Lord, your God is with you – He is your support; He is watching over you. During times like these, depend on God for the wisdom to make wise choices and sound decisions. Carefully and prayerfully observe and meditate upon God’s Word to build up a foundation of confidence in God. Understand that obedience to God is the key to victory, while disobedience to God only results in utter defeat. With God at your side, you are sure to be more than a conqueror and He will cause you to walk in victory and cross into your land of promise.

“…get ready to cross into the land I am about to give…I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous…Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law…do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” [Joshua 1:2, 5, 7-9]

Amen †

Crossing Into...©2013 Shelley Johnson 5-Jul-13

Truly Free

'as free as a bird'

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law…So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. [Galatians 5:1; John 8:36 -NLT]

Choosing salvation through Jesus Christ frees us from those things that once held us captive. Getting to know Him, the Word of God, and understanding the truth of the cross – His crucifixion, death, and resurrection – offers you freedom in so many ways that this world cannot.

Here are just twenty ways salvation through Christ sets you truly free…

…to go and sin no more – John 8:11

…to appropriate the robe of His righteousness – Isaiah 61:10

…to receive His all-sufficient grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9

…from the law of sin and death – Romans 8:2

…to forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead – Philippians 3:13

…to live and move and exist in Him – Acts 17:28

…to ask God for wisdom – James 1:5

…to accept the things that come from the Spirit of God – 1 Corinthians 2:14

…to have the mind of Christ – 1 Corinthians 2:16

…to find rest in Him – Matthew 11:28

…to wait patiently and confidently for, and look forward to something you don’t yet have – Romans 8:25

…to turn the other cheek – Luke 6:29

…to truly worship God, by giving Him your body as a living and holy sacrifice – Romans 12:1

…to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith – Hebrews 12:2

…to live by believing not by seeing – 2 Corinthians 5:7

…to be led by the Spirit of God – Romans 8:14

…to launch out into the deep and let down your net – Luke 5:4

…to come close to God – James 4:8

…to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer – Romans 12:12

…to only believe – Mark 5:36

God is Faithful, Readings from Scripture

God is Faithful…faithful to His Word which He exalts above His Name because a name is only as good as the word of the person behind that name. So you can stand firm in the Truth of God’s Word. 

To encourage you, here are 15 Scripture readings from the New Testament about God’s faithfulness.

God is faithful. He has chosen you to share life with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

[1 Corinthians 1:9]

The One who has chosen you is faithful. He will do all these things.
[1 Thessalonians 5:24]

By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
[Hebrews 11:11]

Every good and perfect gift is from God. It comes down from the Father. He created the heavenly lights. He does not change like shadows that move.
[James 1:17]

Some people will suffer because God has planned it that way. They should commit themselves to their faithful Creator. And they should continue to do good.
[1 Peter 4:19]

I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what He’s trusted me to do right to the end.
[2 Timothy 1:12]

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[1 John 1:19]

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
[1 Corinthians 10:13]

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

[2 Thessalonians 3:3]

…and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
[Romans 4:21]

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
[2 Timothy 2:13]

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
[Hebrews 10:23]

What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, "THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED."
[Romans 3:3-4]

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
[2 Corinthians 1:20-22]

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True…
[Revelation 19:11]

Beloved, you can commit to God’s Word, believing without doubting, for God cannot lie. Be sure of God’s faithfulness always keeping in mind that He watches over His Word to perform it. Now, demonstrate your belief in all that God has promised, by walking in faith because God is Faithful.

Amen †

God is Faithful, Readings from Scripture ©2013 Shelley Johnson 4-Sep-13

Have a Heart to Serve

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’…Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.” – John 2:5, 7

God is looking for a heart that is willing to serve. God is not looking for the best or the one with the most degrees or letters behind his name. God is looking for the ordinary man and woman with a heart to serve. You see God uses the ordinary to perform the extraordinary. God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise and the weak to shame the mighty [see 1 Corinthians 1:27].

God chooses whomever He desires to do His will. He does not look at the things we look at; we look at the outward appearance but God, He looks at our hearts [see 1 Samuel 16:7]. Do you have a heart to serve?

At the wedding at Cana [John 2], Jesus used the servants in the performance of His first recorded miracle. They were not on the guest list, they were there only to serve the specially invited guests and serve they did, beyond what they could ever have expected. The unspeakable at any wedding of the day had occurred – the wine had run out and Jesus turned to the ordinary servants to assist in an extraordinary event.

What was it about these particular servants? They were willing to do whatever Jesus told them to do. They made themselves available to Him. They waited for Jesus’ instruction and direction and followed it precisely. They not only filled the jars when told to do so, they filled the jars to the brim.

Are you prepared to make yourself available like the servants at that wedding at Cana? Are you willing to serve in whatever capacity God may choose? Are you willing to be used by God even at those times when you do not understand what God is doing? Are you willing to accept the task before you know what that task is? Do you have a willing heart to serve?

It takes humility to submit yourself as a vessel to be used by God; to say, “Here I am; send me!” when you hear the voice of God [see Isaiah 6:8]. It takes humility to recognize that God uses different people from different walks of life to carry out His plans here on earth. It takes humility to serve; to wrap a towel around your waist and wash another’s feet. Do you have a humble heart to serve?

Are you ready to place yourself in position to be used by God? Are you willing to believe the unbelievable and see the unimaginable? Are you willing to fill the jar to the brim with water, when wine is required? Are you willing to give 100% of yourself in service to God rather than the 10% you’d normally give? Are you willing to go all the way?

Are you ready to be that person of excellence in your service to God’s work here on earth? Are you ready to follow God’s directions precisely in obedience, in trust and in faith; knowing that, nothing is impossible with God or too difficult for Him? Are you ready to serve whomsoever God will have you serve? For in serving others, you serve God. Do you have a ready heart to serve?

Remember, you are merely the vessel, it is God who does the work through you. So, have a heart to serve, for God is willing and ready to use you to accomplish amazing things.

Amen †

Have a Heart to Serve ©2013 Shelley Johnson 4-May-13

A Revelation of Jesus’ Love

Today, receive a revelation of Jesus’ love for you!

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul prayed that the Ephesians would receive a revelation of Jesus’ love for them. And today, you must also pray to truly understand and appreciate “what is the width and length and height and depth of the love of Christ” for you.

Jesus gave His life for you on the cross at Calvary, and this is what Paul’s prayer was about; he was praying that the Ephesians would receive a revelation of the love Jesus Christ demonstrated through His crucifixion...

• Christ’s all embracing love (width)
   
  
• Christ’s far reaching love (length)
  
  
• Christ’s uplifting love (height)
  
  
• Christ’s profound love (depth)

Beloved it is not your love for Him but His love for you that will open up a whole new perspective; you will begin to see yourself, people, situations and things differently.

When you truly understand the abundant love Jesus Christ has for you, you will be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”, causing you to live a life of victory. He loves you all the time and nothing, absolutely nothing can separate you from His love.

Now, pray for a revelation of Jesus’ love for you...

Father, today I pray for a revelation of Jesus’ love for me, so that I may be rooted and established in authentic love. 

Empower me to grasp how wide, and long, and high, and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this Love that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be utterly filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I thank You for watching over Your Word to perform it in my life, that it does not return to You without effect but achieves and accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent.

Now to You, Father, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ever ask or imagine according to Your power that is at work in me, be all the glory forever and ever! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A Revelation of Jesus’ Love ©2013 Shelley Johnson 8-May-13

One More Time - Let us pray...

One More Time ©2014 Shelley Johnson 19-Jan-14

Are you willing to give all?

“As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth, He said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she in her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4 (NIV)

This poor widow put in the best that she had to offer. The two coins that she put into the temple treasury were worth far more to her than the gifts to the rich. Both were giving, but while the rich gave a percentage from their surplus, the widow gave it all – she actually gave 100%: her coins and herself. 

She was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, for she “put in all she had to live on”. The gifts of the rich did not amount to a real sacrifice, it did not hurt. They may have been giving for purely selfish reasons. The widow’s coins, on the other hand, were of more value since it is the cost to the giver that counts.

God saw that the widow’s heart was in the right place. He saw that her intentions were sincere. Her offering, coming from a spirit of humility, love and selflessness made her sacrifice invaluable.

Are you willing to give all? To sacrifice all that you have and are to Christ? You must be prepared to give up everything to God if He asks. Jesus gave up His life for us because that is what God desired. Jesus prayed, “…yet not My will but Yours” (Luke 22:42).

Like the poor widow, Christ Jesus gave everything He had to live on at the cross. He left the glory of heaven, humbled Himself and laid down His life for a greater cause (see Philippians 2:6-8). You must be willing to give up your comforts and your pleasures and put all you have at the Lord’s disposal.

Beloved, no matter how insignificant your offering may seem, understand that God will give your gift worth. He will do whatever He desires with it and with you.

Remember, your sacrifice is giving back to God what He has already given to you and God gives without measure.

Amen †

Are you willing to give all? ©2013 Shelley Johnson 4-Mar-2013

DO NOT GIVE UP!

You go through all sorts of trials and challenges sailing along on this journey called life...in the midst of them, your vision becomes blurred, you can't see anything clearly, and you're not sure of the outcome...but these are the times when you are to take hold of the promises of God. His promises are sure. God has promised you that He knows the plans He has for you, to bring about the future you hope for (Jeremiah 29:11). So, no matter what you're going through right now, no matter what it looks like, hold on...DO NOT give up!

DO NOT GIVE UP! ©2012 Shelley Johnson 05-10-2012

God’s Pruning

Do not be afraid to be pruned by God. 

We suffer God's pruning so that we could get rid of all the unnecessary things in our lives; those things and people that sap our energy, stunt our spiritual growth and are of no value are cut off completely.

God desires us to produce an abundance of good fruit, fruit that will be of benefit to others, so He prunes us to encourage new life and growth. 

God's pruning refreshes us, revives us and renews us. 

God's pruning causes us to stay fresh and green and still bear fruit in old age (Psalm 92:14).

Amen †

God’s Pruning ©2014 Shelley Johnson 6-Jun-14

Christ is All that Matters

“In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, circumcised or not. It doesn’t matter if you speak a different language or even if you are a Scythian. It doesn’t matter if you are a slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and He is in all of you.” Colossians 3:11 (ERV)

Christ is equally available to all of us and when you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour, your life begins anew. And in this new life, Christ is all that matters. 

Colossians 3:11 clearly points out that when living as a follower of Christ, one’s nationality, or race, or physical appearance, or social status or education is unimportant. Too often, even after receiving Christ as Saviour, we quibble about many things that, in the big scheme of things, really do not matter. So much emphasis is placed upon those things, that we lose sight of what is really important and meaningful. 

As followers of Christ we are to place our unbridled attention upon Him and living a renewed life recreated in His image because, when all is said and done Christ is all that matters.

Amen†

Christ is All that Matters ©2013 Shelley Johnson 2-Jun-13

Confess the Word of God

The Lord says, “So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

God’s Word contains creative power, for when God said, “Let there be”, there was. This creative ability is the very nature of God Himself. Jesus possessed this same ability and this same ability is in you but must be manifested by your confession.

Confessing God’s own Word produces great results because God watches over His Word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). Rest assured that when you confess God’s Word, it will come to pass for His Word does not return to Him without effect but will indeed achieve the purpose for which He sent it in the first place. 

God wants you to appropriate the promises and the blessings contained in His Word by speaking His Word aloud. When you do, He will show you His glory. Praise God Almighty!

Amen †

Confess the Word of God ©2013 Shelley Johnson 21-Mar-13

A Heart of Compassion

Do you know that your loved one is hurting, but instead of reaching out to them you choose to withdraw or become impatient?

Sometimes they’ve even come to you in their pain because they don’t know who else to turn to, but instead of offering a listening ear, you ignore them and treat them as if they do not matter. 

Maybe, you’re the cause of their distress, but because you cannot see or refuse to understand why they’re upset, you choose to behave as though the problem does not exist, and, instead of the comfort and reassurance that the one you love needs, you turn away heartless.

Too often this is the scene in the home – husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister. Your loved ones are crying out in emotional distress but unfortunately you are not affected and you remain unmoved by their tears and the very real hurt they’re experiencing. 

You have developed a heart of stone, corrupted by your own selfish, self-centred and self absorbed conceit. This indicates that there is, in you, neither care nor compassion. What you are in fact doing is closing your heart against that person who you claim to love.

Hear what the Word of God says about this in 1 John 3:16-17 (MSG):
“This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.”

If this is you, recognize that the way you have chosen to act has made God’s love disappear; you are not demonstrating the love of God by your actions. You must ask God to fill you with His love for His children; ask God for a heart of compassion.

A heart of compassion has deep empathy for others. 

A heart of compassion has a strong desire to relieve the hurt. 

A heart of compassion is selfless. 

A heart of compassion listens with care. 

A heart of compassion comforts and reassures. 

A heart of compassion is present and does not turn away. 

A heart of compassion pays attention. 

A heart of compassion brings healing. 

A heart of compassion is patient, kind, humble and gentle. 

A heart of compassion is a heart of love.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” Colossians 3:12 (NASB)

Amen †

A Heart of Compassion ©2013 Shelley Johnson 25-Jul-13

Wisdom

The Bible says in Proverbs 4:6-7, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

As little children we often wished that we could have our very own genie to watch over us. While some, at some point in time, prayed for the protection of a guardian angel. The verses above from Proverbs tell us that wisdom is available to us as a protection and a “watchman”. 

Like King Solomon, we must not forgo wisdom but hanker after it. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom, that is, the kind of wisdom that we can receive only from God, all we have to do is ask for it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

What a wonderful promise! Today ask God for His wisdom, knowing that you will receive it.

Now here are some more verses on wisdom that you can spend time meditating on:

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. (NIV)

Proverbs 1:7
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.(NIV)

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (NIV)

Proverbs 29:11

A [short-sighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, but a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back. (AMP)

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:30

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (NIV) 

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (NIV)

Wisdom © 2014 Shelley Johnson 27-Apr-14

“God looks at the heart”

1 Samuel 16:7, as it is written,
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart!”

What is in your heart? Your outward appearance is of no consequence when it comes to God – God is not fooled, He is not impressed by your outward show; what matters to God is what’s in your heart.

What’s in your heart?

God is not looking at the things you’re looking at. Is your outward appearance more important to you than the condition of your heart? God does not consider your appearance; God does not consider your height, your weight, your looks, your clothes…God rejects the outward trappings, He looks beyond your physical stature and peers into your heart. God looks beyond your public presentation and searches your heart. God looks at the heart!

What’s in your heart?

Do you have a heart for God?

Are you Eliab, or are you David? What is in your heart? Are you Abinadab, or are you David? What is in your heart? Are you Shammah, or are you David? What is in your heart?

God is searching your heart. Have a heart for God and the things of God. Read His Word and plant it in your heart. God looks at the heart.

Amen †

“God looks at the heart” ©2013 Shelley Johnson

Quenching Your Spiritual Dehydration

Are you so dehydrated that even your bones feel dried up? This is no normal dry spell where a drink of cold water quenches your thirst. You’ve tried everything but nothing you do is satisfying this dryness that you’re feeling. That’s because your thirst is not physical but spiritual. You’re in a spiritual drought, in the middle of a dry-bones valley with no hope of quenching your spiritual dehydration.

“…the middle of a valley; it was full of bones…and they were very dry.” (Ezekiel 37:1, 2)

Right now, even though all you see around you is desert, know that there is hope, for God has provided a source of full and everlasting satisfaction for your spiritual dehydration. 

Only God can make springs gush forth in the valleys (Psalm 104:10). Only God can change deserts into springs of water (Psalm 107:35) and to anyone who is thirsty, it is only God who gives water as a gift from the spring of the water of life (Revelation 21:6). This God-given spring is a spring that never runs dry. This never-ending flow of rehydration is available to whosoever believes in His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus Himself tells us of this wonderful thirst quenching spring of water when He said, “…those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). 

Also, in John 7:37-39 we read, “…Jesus…cried out, Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me, and let the one who believes in Me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now He said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive…”

This precious water is the Holy Spirit promised to anyone who believes. The indwelling Spirit of God is the source of this spring of everlasting satisfaction. Only He can quench your spiritual dehydration. How wonderful it is to have this bubbling spring of water within you that completely satisfies even to the bone.

Amen†

Quenching Your Spiritual Dehydration ©2014 Shelley Johnson 30-May-14

“Jesus Prayed For You”

“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they belong to You.” – John 17:9

In John chapter 17, Jesus, before facing His inevitable death on the cross for our sake, looked heavenward and prayed. He prayed for His disciples, and for all believers. This means that Jesus prayed for you, in love and with fervent sincerity.

Read the following, inserting your own name in the spaces and hear the voice of Jesus as He prays for you,


“I pray for _________. I am not praying for the world, but for __________ whom You have given Me, for he/she is Yours…Holy Father, protect him/her by the power of Your Name…so that he/she may have the full measure of My joy within him/her. My prayer is not that You take _________ out of the world but that You protect him/her from the evil one. Sanctify ________ by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. …Father, I want ________ to see My glory. May the love You have bestowed upon Me be felt in his/her heart, and may I Myself be in him/her.”

Jesus Christ so loves and cares for us that He Himself prayed for us then, and still does today as our Intercessor.

Beloved, in John 11:42 Jesus says, “I know You always hear and listen to Me.”, so be encouraged and rest assured that God hears and listens to Jesus’ prayers whenever He prays for you. 

“Jesus Prayed For You” [John 17:9] © 2014 Shelley Johnson 10-Apr-14

There’s Always a Reason to Rejoice!

Today is a new day…Rejoice!

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be happy today.”  Psalm 118:24 (ERV)

Beloved, you have been given this wonderful gift of life; you have awakened to a brand new day; a day that the Lord has made…make a decision to rejoice and be happy today, no matter what. Throughout the Word, we are told not just to rejoice but to be happy and glad as well. 

 “Rejoice in the Lord, good people!” Psalm 33:1

“…rejoice in [God’s] love every morning.” Psalm 59:16

“The Lord reigns…be glad.” Psalm 97:1

“…rejoice for what the Lord has done…shout for joy down to your deepest parts!” Isaiah 44:23

“…be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things!” Joel 2:21

“yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” Habakkuk 3:18

“Sing…Shout aloud! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart!” Zephaniah 3:14

“…brothers and sisters, rejoice!” 2 Corinthians 13:11

 “…rejoice right now in what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:11

“Rejoice always” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. “ 1 Peter 4:13

“Let us rejoice and be happy and give God glory!” Revelation 19:7

Recognize that there is always a reason to rejoice, and to be happy, in each day that the Lord has made. Look out for the things God has placed in your path that bring you joy; those little things that put a smile on your face; silly happenings that cause you to laugh out loud or even those things that inspire fond memories. Whatever the reason, rejoice, be happy and give God glory.

Amen †

There’s Always a Reason to Rejoice! ©2013 Shelley Johnson 26-May-13