Use your Imagination

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Vision can be defined as imagination, so that the verse above can be read as, “Where there is no imagination, the people perish”.

Imagination is that part of you where things are conceived. Without imagination there is no creativity, no direction, no motivation, no commitment, no joy, no passion, no energy, no sight…that’s why you perish, you can’t do anything without it. Where there’s a true and healthy imagination – a clear and precise vision – limitations are broken and you can accomplish anything. Your imagination is a very powerful part of who you are and you can use it to achieve positive results in your life.

We are constantly using our imagination – to give directions, relate a story – we speak so that others can form pictures and when we listen, pictures are created. That is the reason why Jesus taught in the way that He did, so that His listeners could see what He was saying. Jesus spoke of wheat and tares; sheep and shepherds; sowing and reaping; fields, streams, the wind, all things that could easily be imagined and therefore understood.

Adversely, you can also use your imagination to conjure up the negative. When you use your imagination from a position of doubt, fear, unbelief, worry, hatred, un-forgiveness and the like, you start seeing and conceiving negative things and your imagination is forced to start working against you to produce negative results in your life.

It’s time to refuse to think certain things, to stop imagining the negative more than the positive. Amplify and magnify the positive. See yourself not where you are right now but where you’d like to be. See your prayers being answered. See God’s goodness and things working out. Stop allowing your imagination to function against you – if you are worried and anxious, seeing the need but not the ability to meet it, your imagination is working in the wrong way. In John 6:1-14, Jesus and His disciples saw the need but whereas the disciples could not see how to meet it, Jesus saw clearly just how that need would be met. He looked at the little He had, then looked up and gave thanks.

Bless the little you have, do not curse it; do not be limited by what you see physically, see by faith, use your imagination to see the abundance and give thanks to God.

Amen†

Use your Imagination    Shelley Johnson 31-May-2016

“Your Fragrance”

I was having a conversation about God with a dear friend when, in the midst of it, he suddenly asked, “What is that smell?” I responded, “What smell? I’m not smelling anything…” He continued, “It’s unusual, like nothing I’ve ever smelled before…such a lovely smell…” his voice descending almost to a whisper as he sniffed the air around us. Still sniffing, he came up close to me and with a broad grin of discovery, exclaimed, “It’s you!” “It’s probably my perfume.” I said dryly as I sniffed at my forearm. “No…I’m smelling your perfume and it’s not that…it’s more than that, it’s you, it’s your fragrance.”

Puzzled, that conversation tumbled around in my mind for many days, as I contemplated what he’d said, “It’s your fragrance”. What did he smell that day? Was it an actual fragrance or was it his imagination? Whatever it was it was obviously real to him. Then one day, not long after, I stumbled upon these verses in Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians…

“Through us, He [God] brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” 

(2 Corinthians 2:14-16 MSG)

Well knock me down with a feather!

When we tell of God we emit a sweet fragrance to Him and to those who are being saved, it’s “an aroma redolent with life” – fragrant with the life of Christ. It is a spiritual fragrance, your spirit exuding the sweet aroma of Christ, which becomes apparent when we bless God by sharing with others, who He is, and what He has done, can do, will do, and is doing. In other words, when we begin to focus on God and the things of God, we become a sweet savour to Him, and to all those who come to believe in Him and love Him.

John 3:36 tells us, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them."

(see also Luke 6:10)

Unfortunately, those who are perishing – continue to reject the Gospel of Christ – do not smell the lovely aroma, instead they smell the odor of death (2 Corinthians 2:16).

My dear, determine from today, to focus on God and the things of God. Believe Him, bless Him, praise Him, and share Him with others so that your fragrance may be released, to Him and to "those on the way of salvation". 

Amen†

“Your Fragrance”    Shelley Johnson 29-May-2016

Speak the Word

The Word of God says, “Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and don’t return there without watering the earth, making it conceive and yield plants and providing seed to the sower and food to the eater, so is My word that comes from My mouth; it does not return to Me empty. Instead, it does what I want, and accomplishes what I intend.” 

(Isaiah 55:10-11 CEB)

The Word of God holds inherent power. That is, God’s Word cannot be separated from Who He is, His character, His nature. God is His Word and His Word is Him (John 1:1). When God speaks, power is released and whatever He says will accomplish its purpose, make no mistake about that.

When we speak God’s Word, in faith, power is also released and that power can change our circumstances. You see the Word is truth and the truth sets us free (John 17:17; 8:32); free from bondage, sickness, depression, fear, loneliness, temptation, bitterness, anger, doubt, despair, worry, addiction, loss, and other negative circumstances in our lives. All these may be the facts that plague our lives but the truth is more powerful than any negative facts we may be experiencing.

And, even if your life is great, speaking the Word will only make it so much better.

The Word is like a seed that is planted every time we speak it and God promises that it will fulfill its intended purpose. So, speak the Word, declare God’s truth into your circumstances and over your life, and see your life transform.

Speak the Word    Shelley Johnson 27-May-2016

Sing and Shout Aloud! – A declaration of faith

Zephaniah 3:14, 17, 20, (NIV), as it is written,

Sing...shout aloud! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart! The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing…
”I restore your fortunes before your very eyes”, says the Lord.

I declare,

I sing and I shout aloud!

I am glad and I rejoice with all my heart! 

For, the Lord my God is with me; 

He is mighty to save me; 

He takes great delight in me; 

He quiets me with His love; 

He rejoices over me with singing; 

God restores my fortunes before my very eyes! 

Hallelujah! Praise be to God!

Sing and Shout Aloud! – A declaration of faith ©2013 Shelley Johnson 25-Mar-2013

Double Jeopardy

It’s so easy for us to judge people but our judgment is always a misjudgment, for who are we that we presume to pass judgment on our neighbour (James 4:12).

I thank God that He is the just and righteous Judge (Luke 18:1-8), who does not base His judgment on outward appearances but looks at our hearts, and knows our intentions. Something we are not able to do. We do not see the way God sees, that is why only God is able to judge justly. He is our Judge and our Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22).

The Lord has passed His judgment on all of us and found us guilty of the crime of sin, for we all fall short of His glorious standard. Not one of us is innocent of such a crime, punishable by death. But the Lord is merciful, and He loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to pay the price for our sin. Jesus bought our freedom. 

Further to that, the Lord invoked the Double Jeopardy Clause which prohibits being punished twice for the same crime. This means that none of us shall ever have to suffer death on the cross for our sins because Jesus Christ, though innocent, has already been punished for the offense.

That case shall never be re-opened, and there will not be a re-trial.

Over 2,000 years ago, court was in session, the Judge took His seat, the books were opened, Jesus Christ stood trial in our place, was convicted, crucified on a rugged cross, and we were acquitted and given access to eternal life. What awesome good news!

(see also 1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 3:24)

Double Jeopardy    Shelley Johnson 24-May-2016

What I Believe

I believe that God cares for me because He takes care of all His creation

I believe that God is intimately concerned with bringing justice to my causes

God, I pray for You to resolve conflicts in my life – I faithfully believe that You will do so

I shall not lose heart as I fix my eyes on God

I believe and trust that God will correct any times I have been taken advantage of

I believe that God is aware of my situation, He knows every detail, and He will right every wrong

God created this world from nothing, so, I believe that my Creator God can and will repair and restore whatever I have lost

I believe that if I cast, completely let go of, all my anxieties on God, He will take care of me

I believe that I am in the hands of the Living God!

What I Believe ©2013 Shelley Johnson 23-Oct-2013

Let it go

Recently, I was sitting with my two year old goddaughter watching television, when she suddenly sprung up from the couch and burst into song. She was singing the chorus of Let It Go from the movie Frozen and it was just delightful. At only two years old, she was in perfect pitch, all her hand, head and foot movements were exactly as Elsa had done them, but the only understandable words were “Let it go”.

She sang the chorus over and over again, and each time she belt out “let it go”, she became more animated and happier than the previous time. And as I looked on at this glee-filled little girl, I could see the child-like cheerful abandonment that we are required to display when we “let everything go, and let God”. That was so apparent, and so real in the innocence of my little goddaughter, I felt as though I could touch it. And it got me thinking…

Have you ever tried holding a beach ball under water? It takes what seems like every ounce of your strength to do so and still you can’t keep that ball under water. It pops right back up to the surface, bringing you with it. That’s what happens to that thing you’ve buried deep within your subconscious in your attempt to “let it go”. You honestly believe that you have let it go, after all, you buried it in the deepest recesses, so deep that you don’t even think about it anymore. 

So, as far as you’re concerned it is gone but every once in a while something may happen to trigger that long-forgotten-deeply-buried memory to pop back up to the surface bringing with it all the same painful emotions, fresh as the day it occurred. In a flash, every grave inside you is opened up, every old wound emerges, and only then you realize that you have not really let go of anything.

If you’re serious about letting things go, you need simply to ask the Holy Spirit for help. Allow Spirit to go into your graveyard of memories and exhume every one of them. Allow Spirit to rid you of every toxic memory that you've tried far too long to let go but have failed in your attempts. 

Burying your hurtful memories is not letting go of those memories, they’re still there lingering deep inside you, quietly destroying you – your past destroying your present and leaving you hopeless about your future. It’s time to become as childlike as a two year old with a heart full of glee and a disposition of cheerful abandon and truly let it go.

Let it go    Shelley Johnson 24-May-2016

A Circumcised Heart

There are many Scripture verses throughout the Bible telling us about our hearts. This indicates to us that the condition of our hearts must be very important. 

For instance, in Jeremiah 17:9 we learn that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; “, and in verse 10, the Lord says that He searches our hearts, also Apostle Paul in Romans 1:21 tells us that our hearts can be foolish and darkened. Other verses let us know that our hearts can be hard, tested, firm, perverted, broken and contrite. Spiritual seeds can be sown in our hearts. From our hearts we can act, make our own plans, and do the will of God. With our whole hearts we can trust God and love Him. Our hearts can be changed, made pure and, our hearts can be circumcised.

Our hearts can be circumcised? 

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart…” – Jeremiah 4:4 (KJV)

When the Bible speaks of the heart it is not referring to your physical heart but to a place that is much deeper inside you. According to Psalm 103:1, it’s the “all that is deepest within me” part of you – your inmost being from where the rivers of living waters flow (John 7:38). It’s where the deepest activity of the Holy Spirit takes place, beyond our conscious thoughts.

When the Bible speaks of the circumcision of your heart, it’s about the severing of anything that will keep you from being a person whose heart or spirit is right before God. It’s the casting off of your fleshly nature (the old life) and the sins of the flesh (see Colossians 2:11-13). This is an inner, unseen circumcision performed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:29), who cuts away whatever is useless in, and a hindrance to your new life.

When God told Abraham to literally circumcise himself and every male, eight days old and older (Genesis 17), it was symbolic of their new beginning. Today, your new beginning will commence with a circumcised heart.

Amen†

"A Circumcised Heart"    Shelley Johnson 23-May-2016

Thank You for choosing me…Let us pray

Adapted from 1 Peter 2:9 Shelley Johnson 22-May-2016

All things have become new…Just the Beginning

Too often a person asks Jesus to come into his heart to become his personal Saviour, and then he goes right back to living a carnal (earthly) existence. He does not truly understand that the asking is just the beginning of the Christian walk of being re-born. 

Acceptance is the very first step on the journey to becoming a new creation in Christ, where the old things pass away and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old you must give way to the new, and this can only be done through the renewing of your mind by the power of the Spirit of Christ now dwelling in you. 

“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)

It is an on-going process of transformation that has to take place if you are serious about your journey. It’s about changing the way you think because when your thinking is changed, your behaviour will change. 

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” – Proverbs 23:7 (NASB)

This process affords you an understanding of the incredible depths of what Christ has done for you – the work of the cross is what enables your transformation. Your new existence begins with Jesus. 

Now, the old you is tied to the flesh and what is carnal, and it is your natural tendency to cling to the old and familiar, but if this transformation is to work, you must allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in you. If your mind is still anchored in the old way you will never be able to apprehend the Kingdom and its principles. You see, It’s not an ordinary transformation, it is a spiritual transformation – the Holy Spirit striving with your flesh nature to break your carnal will and develop the mind of Christ in you.

Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20 (NLT),

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

And Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23 (NLT),

"If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.”

Your old self must be crucified day by day through the powerful work of Christ’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who begins His work of transforming you from the inside out, that’s why to the natural eye the old you still seems to exist. Spirit works deep within you to give you a new heart and a new spirit, to put God’s law in your mind and write it on your heart (Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 31:33) – transforming you from the old life to the new (see Ephesians 4:17-24).

You are being born again, re-born from above, so do not reject the moving of Spirit in you. He is recreating you so that you may be one with Christ, abiding in Him and He in you in the heavenly places with Him (Ephesians 2), where all things become new.

All things have become new…Just the Beginning ©2013 Shelley Johnson 7-Feb-13/20-May-2016

Teach me, O Lord…declarations from Scripture

Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path…point out the road for me to follow

Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honour You.

Teach me Your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end…make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Teach me Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy Your favour…

(Psalm 27:11; 25:4; 86:11; 119:33,35; 143:10;Exodus 33:13 – NLT)

From whom are you seeking help?

Isaiah 30:7 (KJV), as it is written,

“For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.”

In the Bible, Egyptians are symbolic of those who are estranged from God. This estrangement comes about when one is under the bondage of human effort and religious works. Also when you see Egypt and Egyptians, know that they represent captivity, or any type of enslavement, including enslavement to sin as well as spiritual and physical bondage – any place or state of being from which we need deliverance.

Since the time of Moses and the Exodus, God has been delivering His children out of Egypt and from the Egyptians, yet we continue to go back there seeking help instead of looking to God. 

Today’s Scripture verse clearly tells us that the help of those who are estranged from God is “vain and to no purpose”. In other words, their help is completely useless – as useless as having a pile of tyres but no car. They can do and will do nothing for you, they are incapable of delivering you out of any sort of trouble, it’s to absolutely no avail. 

These kinds of people are worthless to you, they will only bring you shame, disgrace, and utter embarrassment in the end. They’re prideful, full of themselves and their only strength is inaction. I’m sure you know at least one person like that. Someone you cannot depend on, who only makes a show of help – a real busy body but nothing to show for it (hopefully it’s not you).

“Egyptians” are bearers of humiliation and confusion. They are sorely lacking in faith and trust in God but full of faith and trust in themselves. They present themselves as hardworking go-getters, and are eager to volunteer, but they produce nothing of any substance whatsoever.

You know who these people are – they’re in church, at work, at school, your neighbours, and even show up in your own family – and you need to stop seeking their assistance. Go to God in prayer and allow Him to provide the help you require. Stop depending on these boastful talkers who turn out to be all words and no action. Depend on God. Stop placing your hope in man, instead, put your hope in God (see Psalm 42:5, 11; Romans 5:5).

Beloved, God is earnestly waiting for you to turn to Him in confident trust. He is longing to be gracious to you. He is longing to be your salvation in times of trouble. He is longing to bring you stability in every area of your life.

From whom are you seeking help?    Shelley Johnson 19-May-2016

Independence Day

A nation gains its independence, when it is freed from outside control. That freedom from outside influences, is celebrated then, and every year thereafter, with much pomp and ceremony. 

On yesterday’s Blog Post our being raised to be independent by parents and society was briefly mentioned and we were told that God wants us to be totally dependent on Him. The independence that our parents and society urges us to gain is based on becoming solely dependent on ourselves, where we completely rely on our own efforts to control and direct our own lives. But to be truly independent is to be utterly dependent on God because that is the epitome of freedom.

The day you surrender your will to the will of Jesus Christ is your Independence Day. That is the moment when Jesus Christ, the Saviour, sets you free from the control of outside influences. That’s the day you are set free from sin's dominion over your life. You gain freedom in Christ; you gain Eternal Life and death no longer has its hold on you. The spiritual chains of bondage fall away from your soul, and you walk away completely liberated because, when the Son sets you free, you are truly free. That is your ultimate celebration of independence. You can be sure there will be fireworks in heaven on that day.

Independence Day, that day when you are loosed from the old spiritual influences that have you bound. Like Lazarus we’re bound hand and foot with grave-clothes until Jesus cries out, “Loose him, and let him go!” (John 11:44). It is really Jesus Himself who does the loosing, for He was sent by the Father to proclaim liberty to the captives, to set free those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1) but you play an important role by being willing to be set free. 

Are you willing to be set free? Are you ready to celebrate your true Independence Day?

Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

(ESV)

Psalm 118:5
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free.

(NIV)

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

(NIV)

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

(NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 

(NIV)

Ephesians 3:12
In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

(NIV)

Independence Day   Shelley Johnson 18-May-2016

Why Be Grateful for Everything?

It is the Father’s will that you be thankful in all circumstances no matter what those circumstances may be, that’s because He has the ability to take all the elements of your circumstances, the good and the bad, and work them together to bring about not just a good resolution but the best resolution. How great is that? Shouldn’t you be grateful for that?

Remember that the Father designed good plans for your life even before He formed you in your mothers’ womb, so know that He can do all things and that no plan of His can be thwarted. How great is that? Shouldn’t you be grateful for that?

Father, I thank You for designing an amazing plan for my life even before You knit me together in my mommy’s womb. This shows me that You can indeed do all things, You have already established Your plans for me and that’s why no-one and nothing can thwart those plans. Thank You Father. Amen.

The thing is, all of us have been raised by our parents and society to be independent but our heavenly Father desires that each of us be totally dependent on Him. It’s a difficult transition, yet it is a necessary one if you want to remain afloat, especially during challenging times. He longs for you to cast all your cares on Him; He will sustain you and never let you fall. How great is that? Shouldn’t you be grateful for that?

Father, I thank You that I can cast all my cares on You and You will sustain me; I thank You that no matter what You will never let me fall. Amen.

Today, stop your endless striving and, with gratitude, commit everything to the Father. Even now, just because it is your intention to commit, He is already aligning all things in their proper order and putting all the right people in place for the incredible outcome. How great is that? Shouldn’t you be grateful for that?

(see 1 Thessalonians 5:18;Romans 8:28;Jeremiah 29:11;Jeremiah 1:5;Job 42:2;Psalm 55:22;Proverbs 16:3)

Why Be Grateful for Everything? Shelley Johnson 17-May-2016

Good Plans…let us pray

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” 

(Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV)

Let us pray…

O Lord my God, the only true and living God, my faith and trust are in You alone, for You are faithful, and in You there is no variation nor turning shadow; You are not inconsistent, You do not waiver. With You my steps are sure, so continue to lead me and teach me; guide me into all truth by Your Spirit working in me. Each and every day I put my hope in You, for You O God are my Saviour and my God.

You said in Your Word that You know the plans You have for me, that the plans are good plans to prosper me and not to harm me; good plans to give me peace not to bring calamity; good plans to care for me not forsake me, to save me and keep me safe; good plans of double for any former trouble; good plans of complete and utter restoration as You promised; good plans to give me hope and a great future; good plans to send the former rains and the latter rains; good plans to satisfy me fully, and good plans to work wonders for me.

I put my hope and trust in You, and I thank You for Your promises.

Fill me, O Lord my God, with all joy and peace as I trust in You, so that I may overflow with hope in You alone, for my expectation is from You.

You have planned a wonderful future for me, and I thank You. I thank You for Your providential care and Your love that endures forever.

Lord, I believe in You, my trust is in You, and I look forward to the manifestation of Your promised good plans in my life, and in the lives of my family, friends, and others who You will cause to cross my path while on this journey. In Jesus’ name I pray with thanksgiving, Amen†

Good Plans…let us pray    Shelley Johnson 15-May-2015

Spirit’s Home

It is the day of Pentecost, the day we celebrate and commemorate the coming of God’s indescribable gift to man, the promised Holy Spirit. That Divine third Person of the Holy Trinity, who was poured out upon the apostles on that first Pentecost. Do you realize that when you accept and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you also receive God’s precious gift of His Holy Spirit? Yes, when you make the confession of faith in Christ Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross at Calvary, God’s own Spirit, that same Spirit of Comfort sent that very first day of Pentecost by the Father, in answer to the prayer of the Son, takes up residence inside you. As 1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us, “…you yourselves are God’s temple. God’s Spirit lives in you.”

In marvelous condescension One of infinite majesty, glory, and holiness makes His abode within you – an ever-present Comforter, Teacher, Guide, Counselor – to transform your life according to His own perfect will for you. Imagine that, your own physical body becomes the actual dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. Isn’t that too incredible? Your body is Spirit’s home! 

Now that you know this, ask yourself this question, “How do I treat Spirit’s home…God’s home, His temple, my body?” God is very particular about His home and wants you to be also. Your body is Spirit’s home, God’s home, and God wants you to treat His home, your body, with respect. God wants you to take care of your body. He wants you to nourish your body by eating well balanced meals comprising of foods that promote good health. God wants you to exercise regularly, stay active but also get adequate rest. God wants you to keep your body well hydrated by drinking lots of water. God has plenty for you to accomplish here on earth for Him, so He needs you to be healthy, strong and able.

It grieves and angers God when you defile His home, His temple, your body. When you ill treat your body and when you don’t take care of yourself, God is definitely not pleased. First Corinthians chapter three verse seventeen reads, “If anyone defiles and spoils God’s home, God will destroy him. For God’s home is holy and clean, and you are that home.”

Understand, your own body can become a holy place where God’s Spirit lives; it will be Spirit’s home. On this day of Pentecost, if you haven’t done so already, I urge you to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour, confess Him before the world, and surrender your life to the tender love of the Spirit of Life. And, just as the Spirit of Life formed Jesus in the Virgin Mary’s womb (Luke 1:35), so He will form Jesus within your inner being. 

Now, determine to not take your body for granted, it is Spirit’s home, the home of God Himself and God wants you to honour His home, your body. Amen†

Spirit’s Home ©2013 Shelley Johnson 17-Sep-13/14-May-2016

On the road to Pentecost: Waiting for the Holy Spirit Baptism

It is the eve of Pentecost, the day that was set for the coming of God’s promised Holy Spirit and the gathering of the church. At that time, the apostles were required to wait for ten days because it was necessary for them to be all together in one place for the day of Pentecost to be fully realized. The Holy Spirit could not be given until that day had fully come. After Pentecost there was no waiting as can be seen in the accounts of Peter and John in Samaria (Acts 8:14-17) and, Peter and Cornelius’ household (Acts 10).

However, there may be some today who God, in His infinite wisdom, are made to wait…

· those who are not resting in the finished work of Christ Jesus [Matthew 3:11; Acts 11:15-16]

· those who do not know that there is such an experience as the baptism with the Holy Spirit [Acts 19:2]– they lack awareness or knowledge [Hosea 4:6]

· those who have not sincerely renounced sin [1 Corinthians 3:16-17]

· those who have not fully surrendered to God

· those who have not specifically asked [Luke 11:13]

More often than not, the reasons for your having to wait do not lie in God but in you. Today, there are many believers who are waiting on a specific feeling. They do not understand that the baptism with the Holy Spirit has diverse manifestations – there are nine gifts after all [1 Corinthians 12] – and so it is not always the gift of tongues. 

The manifestation is not necessarily expressed as an uncontrollable ecstatic experience. So, if you are waiting on how you believe the baptism with the Holy Spirit will be manifested in you, “STOP!”; instead claim the promise by faith on the very assurance of God’s Word.

Very often, there is no particular feeling of sheer ecstasy or emotion but the simple calm assurance in your heart that you have indeed received. It’s an inexplicable knowing deep within. 

Amen†

Waiting for the Holy Spirit Baptism ©2013 Shelley Johnson

On the road to Pentecost: The Rushing Wind

“Rushing wind blow through this temple, blowing out the dust within, come and breathe your breath upon me, I’ve been born again” 

[lyrics by Keith Green]

The Wind is fast approaching…it’s a rushing Wind, coming full speed ahead to sweep through not just our own individual temples, our bodies, but through the temple, the church. 

On that first Pentecost, the disciples had been in preparation ten days for the coming of the promised Spirit. They did not know what to expect but they trusted their Lord Jesus Christ. Have we any idea what’s headed our way on Sunday 15th May 2016, the day when we shall commemorate Pentecost? Are we truly prepared to receive the Holy Spirit in all His fullness of power? If Spirit comes as He did in Acts 2:2, do you know how you’d react? Think about what your reaction would be if suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind, and filled the entire house where you are sitting. We might easily imagine what that may be like and how we’d react, but not until it actually happens would we know for sure what our reaction would be.

We really cannot tell from which direction the mighty rushing Spirit of God shall come but let us prepare ourselves for His coming through fervently praying, meditating upon the Living Word of God and eagerly expecting to receive. Amen†

The Rushing Wind ©2013 Shelley Johnson 17-May-13

On the road to Pentecost: Spirit, The Intercessor

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” 

Romans 8:26-28

The Christian walk is oftentimes not an easy journey, for being recreated into a child of God from within can be a painfully long experience. It is a time when we are broken and much patience is required. It is a time of severe testing of our faith; a time when we are weakened emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and fervent prayer is greatly sought. 

 

But sometimes, in our weakened state of pre-transformation we become lost on prayer, and, no longer able to properly align our thoughts, we do not know how or what to pray for. Thankfully we have a compassionate God who has given us an indescribable promise, the Holy Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf, searching within the deepest parts of our being to align our will with God’s through powerful prayer. 

Spirit keeps us present before our God, communing with God in a way that we ourselves cannot truly understand. God’s own Spirit interceding on our behalf, not in human words but “expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

The Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God, and the purpose of God for our lives and through His interceding on our behalf, God will cause everything to work together for our good. Amen †

Spirit, The Intercessor ©2013 Shelley Johnson 20-Jul-13

On the road to Pentecost: The Holy Spirit works through you

The work of the Holy Spirit through you is distinctive. He imparts a special gift for a specific purpose. Chapter twelve of Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians explains that the one Spirit imparts diversities of gifts.

It is God’s desire that you become an instrument, a vessel, through which His Holy Spirit may work. As He takes complete control, it’s no longer you but Him – His thoughts, His words – “expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words”, so when one listens to you, they are actually listening to the voice of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13, as it is written,
“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.”

When the Holy Spirit is allowed to work through you, you operate in and by the Spirit’s power.

Jesus is the epitome of this Truth. Throughout His life and ministry here on earth, and even after His resurrection [Acts 2:1], He operated by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit – Luke 1:35

Jesus met and overcame temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit – Luke 4:1

Jesus was anointed and equipped for service by the Holy Spirit – Luke 4:14, 18, 19; Acts 10:38

Jesus performed miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit – Matthew 12:28

Jesus led a spotless life by the Holy Spirit working through Him – Hebrews 9:14

Jesus won the victory by the power of the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:11

The Holy Spirit also equips you for His service through the gift that God determines to give you so that you may accomplish His will and purpose here on earth.

Today, like our Lord Jesus, allow the Holy Spirit to work through you by committing each step of your life to the Him. Amen†

The Holy Spirit works through you ©2013 Shelley Johnson 22-Apr-13

On the road to Pentecost: The Spirit of God

Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians posed a question,

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” [1 Corinthians 3:16]

God’s Spirit Paul referred to in this question is the same Holy Spirit that comes and takes up residence inside us [see 1 Corinthians 6:19] when we receive Christ Jesus into our lives, it is God’s own Spirit, His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in every born again believer. He opens our eyes to sin in our lives [John16:7-11] and sets us free from the grip sin has on us by guiding us into ALL Truth, the Truth of the Living Word of God.

When we study God’s Word, meditate and feed on it, the Holy Spirit inscribes the Word deep within us. He imparts understanding and the Truth is amazingly revealed, not only to us and in us but through us.

2 Corinthians 3:3, as it is written,
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

The Truth of God’s Living Word becomes our new reality and our lives are forever changed. In this newness of life God’s Spirit in us brings God to life, as a living reality, in our personal experiences. The Spirit of God makes God vastly more than just a notion to us and ushers us into personal, intimate relationship with God. Amen†

The Spirit of God ©2013 Shelley Johnson 9-May-13

Prepare to Meet the Holy Spirit

Sunday 15th May 2016 is Pentecost, the day we, as Christians, will commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit, the supreme Gift of God, upon the twelve apostles and other followers of Christ. Are you, like the apostles, preparing to welcome the Holy Spirit of God into your life? Are you ready to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

“In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…” [Acts 1:5]

As Sunday approaches, you ought to get ready for the coming of the Person of the Trinity who desires to give to you a Life you’ve never before known.

For the next few days, meditate upon the Holy Spirit and pray for revelation of the deep things of God. Spirit will be speaking, so listen attentively to what is said to you, for it is written, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…” [Revelation 2:7] and you will be given the right to eat from the Tree of Life.

May Almighty God bless you now with wisdom and understanding as you seek enlightenment from His Holy Spirit who speaks out of the depths of His own wisdom, the precious Truth of God. Amen†

Prepare to Meet the Holy Spirit    Shelley Johnson 08-May-2016

Happy Mother’s Day

A mother who has a reverential fear of the Lord, walks in His ways, is in love with Jesus Christ, and knows the love of the Lord, is not only wise but possesses an overflow of love (Ephesians 3:17-19). And this love is translated to her children. It is a love that is not divided but multiplied and enables her to love each child with an intensity that is impossible to measure – none feels lacking of her love. 

In her wisdom, she recognizes that every child is a precious gift from God, to care for, and nurture. With each birth she’s happy and rejoices. She builds her house (Proverbs 14:1) in love, never displaying favouritism but treats each child as the unique individual that he or she is. 

She brings up her children in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) because she understands that if she teaches her children to choose the right path, when they are older, they will remain upon it (Proverbs 22:6). 

On this Mother’s Day, think of the impact your own mother or the one who mothered you, has had, or still has, on your journey into Christianity. How she, in love, encouraged you in your spirituality. And, as you reflect, meditate upon the true meaning of love, as recorded by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians,

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

As you celebrate the gift of motherhood – mothers and maternal bonds – may your day be filled with the Love of God, and of family. 

Happy Mother’s Day. 

Happy Mother’s Day ©2014 Shelley Johnson 11-May-14

Get Understanding

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

The Word of God tells us that in all our getting we must get understanding. You see, it will profit us nothing to read the Bible from cover to cover, memorizing every Scripture verse in order that we might rattle off any one of them at will, yet not understand one single thing we have read or memorized. You’ve become a master Scripture-quoter but do not ask you for an explanation because you haven’t truly understood a word far less a sentence and worse yet a chapter. In all your getting you did not get understanding.

It happens. I’ve been to some Bible Study sessions where sadly, from the participants’ contributions, it is quite apparent that they have not even a basic concept of what the preacher has said. Religiously they attend, week after week, unaware of the importance of digging deeper outside of a once-a-week Bible Study and Sunday morning sermon.

Friends, we cannot depend on ourselves or others for this understanding that Solomon is exhorting us to get. God is the source of understanding and even though He may use people to impart understanding, ultimately that understanding is from Him. It is a gift from God. We can read His Word until our eyes are protruding from their sockets, unless He gives us understanding we just won’t get it.

So how do we get understanding? We ask for it. It’s that simple. No matter who you are or think you are – whatever your status in life – recognize that you are a servant of God, admit that without His insight you will understand nothing, and humble yourself and ask.

The King James Version puts it like this, “I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.” (Psalm 119:125) and I also like the Message Bible translation,

“I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions.”

Understanding is there for the taking, available to anyone – the educated and the fool alike; the extravagant and the simple; the priest as well as the laity – whosoever will ask for it will be given it. It is God who gives us the ability to understand the Bible; it is God who gives us spiritual understanding. It is His Spirit that brings us a proper understanding.

Pastors, Preachers, Priests and Bible Teachers may lead us to the pasture to feed but in order to properly understand we must seek God’s understanding.

“…stretch your mind toward understanding. Call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding. Seek it like silver; search for it like hidden treasure. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:2-5 (CEB)

Get Understanding    Shelley Johnson 06-May-2016