You’re Not in this Alone

As a person of God, you can expect to face obstacles, all God’s people do, and there are no exceptions. When you do, the main question that arises is, “Where is your faith?” Is your faith in your own abilities? Are you self-reliant? If it is, and if you are, then you will focus on the obstacle before you, its size and its strength, then at the inadequate resources at your disposal, and your weakness, and you will conclude that there’s no way that you can overcome, and the battle will be already lost. But you’re not in this alone. 

King Jehoshaphat was facing three enemies at once – a vast army for which his army was by no inkling of the imagination a match. Jehoshaphat, powerless, admitted that he did not know what to do and turning to God, here’s what God told him,

“Do not be afraid or discouraged…For the battle is not yours, but God’s…You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged…the Lord will be with you.’”– 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 (NIV)

Beloved, God does not leave us to fight battles on our own. The truth is, the battle is really between God and His adversary the devil, but as one who belongs to God, you get caught in the melee. Your role is to trust God wholeheartedly, focus on Him and His ability to triumph under all circumstances, stand firm on His Word no matter how things appear to be, and only believe. After all, those who believe will see the glory of God (John 11:40).

Another Word of assurance comes through the prophet Isaiah,

“Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you.” – Isaiah 43:1-2 (TLB) 

Whatever insuperable circumstances you are faced with, your Father wants you to know that you are not alone, He is with you even when you don’t feel His presence. Remember, He promises to never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5), now that’s another Word upon which you can stand firm.

Throughout your life, there will be times of conflict, it is inevitable but you must recognize that you have a God who will fight every battle on your behalf. All He wants you to do is leave the fighting up to Him and don’t stop believing Him for the victory, for it is by His mighty powerful hand that every battle is won.

Regardless of how insurmountable the obstacle or how extraordinary the situation, remain God-reliant. Know that God is with you always, walking beside you, your hand in His, and giving you strength in times of warfare. He will accomplish great victories for you to the glory of His name.

Amen†

You’re Not in this Alone   Shelley Johnson 29-Sep-2016

Blessings upon Blessings

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: - Deuteronomy 28:2 (NKJV)

God promises to bless you abundantly on condition that you diligently do what He tells you to do. Throughout the bible, in both Old and New Testaments, we see that obedience to God is always rewarded. These rewards for obedience are to be received and enjoyed now. Psalm 19 says that every word that comes from God is to be more desired than gold, and that in obeying His word “there is great reward”.

 

Heeding God’s voice opens avenues of blessings for you that you did not even know existed or were a possibility. Obey God, not out of some type of man-designed duty but out of your love for Him and a burning desire to please Him. You see, it’s not about “have to”, it’s about “want to”. Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (NIV) and in John 15:7, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (NIV). Gladly receiving Jesus, and His word and keeping both (1 John 2:3) gives you the privilege of being able to ask for whatever you wish and it being given to you – now, if that isn’t a blessing then what is? 

Understand also that when you obey God, He is glorified (Matthew 5:16). So, do not merely listen to Him, do what He says (see John 2:5; James 1:22). Psalm 128:1 assures that if you walk in obedience to God, you’re already blessed. 

God’s greatest blessings come in obeying Him in what you may consider most insignificant, but you do it anyway. God’s call to you always demands your response but try not to linger or be hesitant, instead always be quick to obey (Psalm 119:60). Your obedience does not only bring blessings your way, it also benefits those around you and especially the ones closest to you – your family and your friends. When Peter obeyed the Lord, everyone around and beyond benefited. His obedience opened a road for them to receive blessings that would change their lives forever (read Luke 5:1-11).

Today be encouraged to make a firm decision to obey the voice of the Lord your God, not because you have to but because you want to out of your love for Him, and see His blessings upon blessings come and overtake you.

Amen†

Blessings upon Blessings    Shelley Johnson 29-Sep-2016

God is not holding onto your past

All they knew of me, in fact, was the saying: “The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they thanked God for what had happened to me. – Galatians 1:23-24 (Phillips)

Apostle Paul, before his conversion, was tireless in his resolve to destroy the early church. He relentlessly persecuted the followers of Jesus, and decried the Lord Himself. Paul had been passionate and determined in his severe cruelty and violence against the church – he was committed to the task, yet God called him into His service. 

Can you imagine that God would forgive someone like Paul…a man who consented and approved of the killing and imprisonment of so many followers of His beloved Son Jesus Christ? The truth is, God not only forgave Paul but raised him up from spiritual death and gave him his ministry and authority. He was appointed, commissioned, and sent out by God to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Galatians 1:1). 

Just as Paul had been tireless in his pursuit of the destruction of the church then, so he was tireless in his pursuit to build up the church now. After all almost all of the New Testament is penned by Paul.

God used Paul in a mighty way, and He will use you too, no matter your past. And God will employ the elements of your character in a positive way, for His glory, just as He did with Paul. Paul displayed that same passion, determination, and commitment in this new task. 

I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead...Philippians 3:13,14 

Today, release your past to God, who is able and willing to forgive you through His beloved Son Jesus Christ. He does not recount your sins, as a matter of fact, God blots out your past mistakes and forgets about them (see Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12). It’s really up to you to believe that God is not holding onto your past, to realize that you need to let go of it too, and determine to go in the opposite direction (repent), forgive yourself, forgive others and receive His forgiveness. 

Amen†

God is not holding onto your past    Shelley Johnson 27-Sep-2016

“Worthless Religion”

Worthless religion, that’s what James calls the practice of someone who is careful to observe all the duties of his faith and at the same time talks at will, saying whatever he wants to, and even distorts the truth by taking Scripture out of context, changing God’s eternal Word. James says that that person is delusional. 

“You might think you are a very religious person. But if your tongue is out of control, you are fooling yourself. Your careless talk makes your offerings to God worthless.” – James 1:26 (ERV)

It is quite possible to regularly attend church, teach Sunday School, be the choir master, the organist, a steward, or even the preacher, and yet practice worthless religion – saved but still walking in error. If you consider yourself a genuine Christian, then you need to be mindful of your words.

In Matthew 15:11 Jesus Himself warns, “Listen, and take this to heart. It’s not what you swallow that pollutes your life, but what you vomit up.” 

Your words can be your downfall; they are the expressions of your heart, which is that place deep inside you beyond your conscious thoughts. Jesus, quoting from Isaiah said,

“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me...” – Mark 7:6,7 (NKJV)

Heed the Word of God and keep a tight rein on your tongue. You’re not obliged to let every single thing come out your mouth. You are responsible for guarding your tongue. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived said that there’s “A right time to shut up and another to speak up” – Ecclesiastes 3:7 (MSG)

Until you bring your words under submission to God, your service will be useless and you will continue to walk in error. As a Christian, if you believe that it’s okay to say whatever you want because “That’s just who I am, a direct person…I don’t hold back, I speak my mind.” you are self-deceived and practicing lawlessness (see Matthew 7:20-23). God’s law, His Word, tells us what to do, how to behave – and we do not “do” to keep up appearances but out of a love which motivates us to please God. 

Only by sincerely searching God’s Word, developing your relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, and allowing His Spirit to truly teach and guide you, will you be able to come out of worthless religion and into God’s “perfect law of liberty” (see James 1:22-25).

Amen†

“Worthless Religion”    Shelley Johnson 26-Sep-2016

Treasure His Word…

“I have treasured Your word in my heart…” – Psalm 119:11 (HCSB)

When you think about treasure, what comes to mind? I always think of treasure as something of great value that’s buried, hidden or placed somewhere, a secret place, for safekeeping. The Bible tells you to treasure God’s Word in your heart. In other words, bury it, or hide it away in that secret place deep inside you. At the same time you're being told that you are to place much value on God’s Word.

Psalm 138:1-2 tells of the great value God has placed on His  Word – He exalts it above all else and magnifies it above His name. What manner of treasure is God’s Word, that He should hold it in such high esteem? The Word of God is eternal and stands firm (Psalm 119:89). His Word was the beginning of all things, and all things came into being by His Word. Creation is engulfed in and sustained by His Word. All of who you are, can be, and are meant to be is wrapped inside His Word. 

John 1:1 and 14 say that the Word was with God from the very beginning and the Word was God and the Word became flesh – that is Jesus, the beloved Son of God. No wonder God considers His Word invaluable. The Word, God’s Word, therefore contains every attribute of Jesus Christ inside it, possessing dynamic, creative, restorative, and life-giving power. 

When you treasure His Word you hide it deep within you and by so doing you absorb the divine nature of Jesus…you abide in Him and He in you. In other words you are abiding in the Word and allowing the Word to abide in you, and according to John 15:7, Jesus said, “If you live in Me and what I say lives in you, then ask for anything you want, and it will be yours.” What a promise!

As you learned in a recent post, speaking the Word aloud, you hear it, receive it, retain it and it’s planted (buried) as a seed deep in your heart – you treasure His Word. You’ve been doing that this entire week. By grabbing hold of God’s Word and not letting it go, you have released His power into your life, for “no Word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment” (Luke 1:37).

Today I affirm, I trust God and I believe in the indescribable power of His Word. With God nothing is ever impossible and no word from Him shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment…every time I hear the Word I treasure it in my heart. Because I abide in Jesus and His Word abides in me, it will be done to me according to what God has said. Amen†

(adapted from Luke 1:37; Psalm 119:11; John 15:7; Luke 1:38)

Treasure His Word… Shelley Johnson 23-Sep-2016

Say It Back

“Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. That’s how it is with My words. They don’t return to Me without doing everything I send them to do.” 

Isaiah 55:10-11 (CEV)

Dear ones, know that God has empowered His Word to accomplish His will and purpose. If you want to see your life transformed and restored, persist in declaring, affirming, and proclaiming God’s Word.

When you speak the Word aloud, you actually say it back to God. Returning God’s Word to Him is not without effect – that is what God Himself tells us in Isaiah 55:11, and God is not a liar. Even though you do not see immediate results, know that God hears every word spoken from your mouth and He watches over His Word to perform it in your life. God is faithful to, and exalts His Word, therefore you must do the same. Give God’s Word the highest place in your life. When you persevere in this, you shall receive what God has promised because you would have been doing His will (see Hebrews 10:36).

So, claim God’s promises by speaking His Word aloud daily and as you speak, God will bring His Word into existence…

I declare that the Lord watches over His Word to perform it in my life. I rehearse God’s Word, therefore I am blessed in whatever I do. He establishes the work of my hands and covers me with His favour. As I say God’s Word back to Him, His purpose is accomplished in my life. I know that God calls those things that are not as though they already were, so even though I do not see I choose to believe…I am blessed, and what I say will come to pass. Amen†

(adapted from Jeremiah 1:12; James 1:25; Psalm 90:17; Isaiah 55:11; Romans 4:17; John 20:29; Mark 11:23)

Say It Back    Shelley Johnson 22-Sep-2016

Raise Your Voice, Speak Loud and Clear…

“…believe and therefore speak” (see 2 Corinthians 4:13)

Every time you speak God’s Word it becomes more alive in you, that’s because the Word of God is a seed, planted in you every time you hear it and seeds take root and grow. And, every time you hear God’s Word, your faith is strengthened, causing you to believe, more and more, the Word which you’re receiving, that Word is now at work in you because you believe.

God’s Word is life-changing, it has the power to transform. So, let God’s Word in your mouth, be God’s power in your life…

Today I boldly proclaim, I believe and therefore I speak and as I speak God’s Word into my life, I hear my own voice and my faith increases. Faith comes from the hearing ear and the hearing ear is from the Word of God. I have hearing ears! I am blessed, because I hear God’s Word and I keep it. I let His Word dwell richly within me…it is alive and active in me…renewing my mind and transforming my life. Amen†

(adapted from 2 Corinthians 4:13; Romans 10:17; Luke 11:28; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 12:2)

Raise Your Voice, Speak Loud and Clear…    Shelley Johnson 21-Sep-2016

Declare, Affirm, and Proclaim…

After yesterday’s post, I thought that it would be a good idea for us to speak positive declarations, affirmations, and proclamations into and over our lives for the entire week. So, let’s count yesterday’s powerful declaration as the first, and the last shall be on Friday. But please do not stop there, continue the practice…simply choose a Scripture verse and personalize it.

Yesterday a very familiar verse was adapted but perhaps you could search for those not-so-well-known yet powerful verses to materialize God’s awesome and power-packed promises into your lives. 

We, too often, shy away from making grandiose declarations over our lives, when in fact, we serve a mighty God who has no limits and for whom nothing is too hard. An amazing God, able to do immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or imagine (see Ephesians 3:20).

We’re boxed in by the confines of this limited world, but God isn’t – as the universe is vast, He is even more so…hummmn, just give that a moment to sink in. Our minds cannot truly grasp the immensity of our God. Think bigger! Expect more! Open your hearts to receive God’s best, and embrace it all…

Today I affirm, that God continues to bless me and enlarge my borders; His power remains with me and He delivers me from evil and keeps me from harm. Amen†

(adapted from 1 Chronicles 4:10)

Declare, Affirm, and Proclaim…    Shelley Johnson 19-Sep-16

One Powerful Declaration

Today I declare,that no weapon howsoever formed against me shall prevail, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment is condemned and proved wrong. To triumph over opposition is my heritage in God; my vindication comes from Him. Amen†

(adapted from Isaiah 54:17)

One Powerful Declaration    Shelley Johnson 19-Sep-16

Thank God for you

“I am constantly thanking God for you in my prayers.” – Philemon 4 (Voice)

That’s what Paul said to Philemon. He considered Philemon to be a great blessing to him and not only did he tell him so, he lets Philemon know that he constantly thanks God for him as well. Have you ever thanked God for the people in your life? Read Paul’s prayers for Philemon in Philemon 4-6. 

You may be thinking that it was easy for Paul to thank God for his friend because of the joy, comfort, and love he brought to him and to others, but the circumstances of your association ought not to make a difference in your remembering to present others to God in prayer. 

Offering genuine prayers for people is an act of love which does not go unnoticed. For instance, it was when Job prayed for his friends that God restored his fortunes, even doubling the wealth that he had before (Job 42:10).

Why don’t you make a concerted effort to remember to thank God for the people who have affected your life? Given some thought, you’d realize that each person has been a blessing in one way or another, even if it may not be readily apparent. People aren’t placed in your life for no reason, and though some come for just a fleeting season, you must appreciate the role every one of them has played and continues to play. 

Paul’s habit of remembering others when he prayed is evidenced in all his epistles. For example, in Romans 1:8, he writes, “Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…”, in Ephesians 1:16, “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly” and in Philippians 1:3, he says, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” How encouraged they must have felt knowing that someone was praying for them. 

We all need to be prayed for, even the most highly regarded Christians – do not for a moment believe that priests and pastors, ministers and members of the clergy, Bishops and preachers, and the Pope are not in need of prayer. Just read John chapter seventeen and you will see that the entire chapter is devoted solely to Jesus praying, first for Himself, then His Disciples, and finally, for all Believers.

If Jesus did it, who are you not to? Form a habit of thanking God for the people He blesses you with, and wherever possible, let them know you are praying for them, it’ll make a difference in their lives.

Amen†

Thank God for you    Shelley Johnson 15-Sep-16

Awaiting the Fulfillment of God’s Promise

“[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith…He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body…No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).” – Romans 4:18,19,20,21 & 22 (AMPC)

Faith as simple trust in the promise of God, is what Apostle Paul is impressing on us in Romans 4:18-22. When a comprehensive understanding of faith is needed, Abraham, the progenitor of faith, is our best bet. As an individual, he is the ultimate example of someone awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promise. God wants every one of us to come to the maturity of faith where you, like Abraham, can confidently say, “we will go…we will worship…we will come back” even while knowing that the worship involves an unthinkable sacrifice (see Genesis 22:25).

Sometimes you have to give up the very thing you so deeply love, in faith that God would keep His promise concerning the said thing. Therefore, you must be obedient in faith, for the proof of the genuineness of your faith lies in obedience. James 2:14-26, lays this open for you, and Hebrews 11:8 is a reminder of Abraham’s obedience in faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he…obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” 

Most times you have to wait for what you may consider a very long time before you see the fulfillment of God’s promise. Such waiting requires patience. In this regard, Hebrews 6:11-12 takes note of the essential patience of faith, but have a look at 2 Peter 3:9. 

Peter gives us a different perspective of that required patience. He tells us that God is also patiently waiting. Quick to believe that it is God who is slow in keeping His promise, never for one minute does it ever cross your mind that God is being patient for your sake. He patiently waits…while you’re learning to walk in faith, for you to finally rest wholly and absolutely on His word of promise, for you to turn back to Him after you’ve grown tired of waiting, for the constant ebb and flow of your wavering belief to settle down, for you to realize that you’ve not been given a spirit of fear…the list continues on and on.

Beloved, it is not in vain that you trust God for the fulfillment of His promise to you. Be confident that when God makes a promise He is “able and mighty to keep His word”. God is so faithful, and full of love for you, that even if you become weary of waiting and expedite your own solution – which by the way, will fail – God will pick up the pieces of your shattered life, gently put you back on the path, and re-affirm His promise with you in such an incredible way that your double-mindedness is completely annihilated. 

Here is the absolute truth: 

God is a covenant God, so when He gives a promise He will not divert from His chosen course.

God neither lies nor changes His mind.

God will never speak and then not act.

God will not make a promise and not fulfill it.

Nothing and no-one can thwart God’s plan.

Amen†

Awaiting the Fulfillment of God’s Promise    Shelley Johnson 15-Sep-16

Another Assignment

“So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke that day. For you heard then how the [giantlike] Anakim were there and that the cities were great and fortified; if the Lord will be with me, I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.” Joshua 14:12 (AMPC)

Sent on assignment to spy out the land of Canaan (Numbers 13), Caleb and Joshua, were the only two out of twelve, who did not come back with a pessimistic report. The ensuing battle for possession of the land was most harrowing but Caleb and his countrymen attained the victory. Their prize, the Promised Land, was divided among the tribes. Caleb, free to choose any lot as his reward, asked for and received the “hill country”, in other words, a mountain to climb. 

At eighty five years old, what was Caleb really asking? Let’s face it, a mountain is no easy climb and certainly not an easy task of clearing for habitation, plus giants still remained on this land. But Caleb, drawing from his previous triumphs, was confident, knowing that even at eighty five his conquering days were not over. He had no doubt that whatever that mountain presented, he would overcome. Caleb was eager for another assignment. 

Both physically and spiritually powerful, his utter reliance on God having given him strength, he boldly declared, “If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said.” (v. 12 MSG). Caleb showed himself a loyal and mighty man of God. He did not waver in his resolve to take God at His Word. He stuck with God and God stuck with him. 

Too many of us believe that after crossing a certain age our purpose is over, but God can use anyone at any age for any assignment. He will equip you for the task. You’re never too young and indeed never too old to be of use to God. He always has another assignment, so please stop thinking that you are no longer useful. 

If your life seems stagnant, why not ask God for an assignment and thank Him for giving your life purpose no matter what your age.

Amen†

Another Assignment    Shelley Johnson 12-Sep-2016

Another Mountain

After years of living away from home and in different countries, someone very dear to me, just shy of turning forty, decided to pack up twenty two years of the life she’d made abroad, and return home. Physically this couldn’t have been an easy task but spiritually, through much prayer and contemplation, she was prepared. And so, she journeyed the several thousand kilometers to uncertainty, remaining confident that God has her back.

How many of you at the age of forty or older, established in your job, and comfortable in your own home, would be willing to pack it all up and venture into unsure territory, in a totally new direction? For some reason her story made me think of the Bible’s Caleb, who at eighty five years old chose to climb a mountain. You see, it appears as though that’s exactly what she has also chosen to do, and at first glance, this may seem like a bad thing, an against the odds kind of journey, but take a good look and perhaps you will see something else emerge. 

We always remember what Jesus said about removing the mountain because it’s a well discussed verse but the Bible does talk about other mountains. Mountains where the Lord met with His chosen ones. Places that were spiritually charged with God’s presence and the movement of the Holy Spirit. For example, Mount Sinai is where Moses first met God and twice after that, for forty days and forty nights. Moses also climbed another mountain in order that he should espy the Promised Land. 

David’s mountain was Mount Zion, there he lived and talked with God. And what about Jesus? Jesus spent a great deal of time on the mountain in fellowship with God. It was up a mountain that He led His followers to deliver the Beatitudes, and it was where He multiplied the loaves and the fish. Jesus’ transfiguration took place on yet another mountain.

Mountains aren’t always symbols of opposition, there is another mountain where we can have a supernatural encounter with God – Father, Son and Spirit. It was upon a mountain that Moses received God’s Word, and where Jesus received supernatural empowerment. Mountains often represent places of great spiritual breakthroughs.

So yes, Caleb did indeed ask for a mountain where he would come face to face with sure opposition but there is another mountain, one where God awaits your arrival, to bless you and empower you…the holy mountain of God. 

Amen†

Another Mountain    Shelley Johnson 12-Sep-2016

Remain in an Attitude of Gratitude

At the end of August I invited you to join me in an experiment where our aim is to give thanks for a period of ninety days. Two weeks in, I trust that you’ve remembered to remain in an attitude of gratitude. If not, that’s okay…please do not beat yourself up, simply jump back into thankfulness mode and move forward.

Allow me to share with you what’s happened with me over these past two weeks. I started purposely giving thanks the very day of that blog post, “The Gratitude Experiment”, and later that day I became aware that I was feeling different – a definite change had taken place. After a quizzical moment or two, it dawned on me that I was actually in a much better mood than I’d been before I started the gratitude experiment. “Wow…”, I thought with a smile, “…this feels good, kind of light, as if something’s lifting off of me.” And with that, my smile broadened to one of those awkward toothy grins, which automatically seem to manifest upon your unsuspecting face when you realize that you’ve made a new discovery.

There was no stopping me now! 

God knew what was headed my way. Not a day later, I was faced with a challenge. Without burdening you with too many details, the fact of the matter was that I’d made a small down payment on a piece of equipment that I desperately required, in anticipation of receiving a cheque for work done a month before, only to find out that there was a “problem” with the cheque, so I’d have to keep calling to see when it would be ready. 

The balance I owed was due the following day, but the amount I was owed, was nowhere in sight. What a dilemma!

Feeling a lot defeated, I made the decision to remain in an attitude of gratitude. Immediately I began thanking God for working all things together for my good and His glory, for being my strength, for providing for me in every area of my life, for the lessons to be learnt in this situation, for being the only Source of all that I need, for this and for that. I just went full throttle into thanking Him. 

Any thoughts of defeat soon dissipated and I knew that no matter what, God is still in control. The next day was the day that I was required to pay off for the equipment. I called back to enquire about the cheque and was told that it was ready for me to collect. However, when I got there, I was then told that due to “cash flow problems” they could pay only a portion of the amount. “Thank you” was my response, as I took the envelope from a young woman with an apologetic look upon her face. 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

I may have received only a quarter portion from man but God is my full portion forever – in Him is everything that I ever need. I peered into the envelope and I thanked God for the little that I could see and the more than enough that I could not see.

To cut an already long story short, I paid for the equipment, the balance due in full on the day that it was due. God, through an unexpected way, made it possible.

Under the aforementioned circumstances, it would have been really easy for me to dwell on the lack that was before me, on what was said to me, on the deadline to pay the balance due, on what appeared to be sure defeat, on the brokenness in spirit…so many things were available for me to latch on to. I could have begun a serious complaining and murmuring session, with intermittent bawling, but I remained in an attitude of gratitude, being thankful in this circumstance, and God worked it out. 

Remain grateful despite what you may be feeling, thinking, seeing and hearing. Do not place any confidence in your natural senses, you know the truth, so stay in the will of God and keep on giving thanks. To know God’s will but not do it, is more tragic than if you never knew His will to begin with (see John 6:38 & 2 Pet. 2:21).

Amen†

Remain in an Attitude of Gratitude    Shelley Johnson 10-Sep-16

Mind Your Own Business

Apostle Paul’s calling was the conversion of the Gentiles. He was commissioned by God to teach the Gentiles how to live a holy life by walking in love. From his various letters to Gentile believers, today you have the opportunity to learn the same things that Paul taught them. His writings demonstrate how you are to treat with the practical everyday issues of life, particularly as it applies to your spiritual walk or journey. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul gives instructions on how to live in order to please God, and in verses 10, 11 he says, “…we encourage you…to mind your own business…” (HCSB). 

Before now, did you know that Paul specifically said to mind your own business? Honestly, it came as a surprise to me.

When your behavior is not biblical you create an atmosphere of negativity, not only in our own life but also in the lives of others. The biblical concept is “to mind your own business”, therefore cultivating a habit of minding other people’s business will adversely affect your Christian walk. Keeping your nose out of others' lives leads to a quiet life, fosters good relations between yourself and your neighbour, and promotes brotherly love. 

If you’re a habitual snoop, the day you stop interfering and employ this lesson you’ll find a certain enjoyment of life that you’d never before experienced. That’s because you are relieved of the burden of nosiness. My friend it takes much time, effort and energy to be constantly meddling in everyone else’s affairs. 

Getting involved in things that do not concern you is an unnecessary distraction from your Christian walk that takes you away from those things that do. The time, effort and energy which you should expend on your own business are all wasted on another’s. Now, this doesn’t mean that there won’t be times when God requires you to get involved in assisting persons in one way or the other but it's an entirely different situation when your motive is just to satisfy your hunger for prying or to be in the know. Even if you’ve been told that you have a talent for it, know that God does not anoint anyone to pry, it is not a gift of the Spirit and you need to cut it out. 

When you make it your business to mind your own business you show respect to God, your fellowman, and you win the respect of others. 

Amen†

Mind Your Own Business    Shelley Johnson 08-Sep-16

Sight-Seeing Christians

“My word is not enough; you only believe when you see miraculous signs.” (John 4:48 VOICE)

This was Jesus’ response to “a certain official from the king’s court” whose son was on the brink of death. I wonder how many of us can relate to this statement? There are quite a number of Christians who are walking by sight and not by faith, living their lives professing belief and trust in God to anyone that would listen but in actual fact, when the time comes for them to act upon what they’re professing, unless they see a sign it’s difficult for them to truly take God at His Word. They just do not trust what He says. They are sign seeking, sight-seeing Christians – non-believing Believers who must see to believe and aren’t able to grasp the concept of exercising faith (James 2:14-26).

There are many oh-ye-of-little-faith Christians who depend solely on their sight for seeing. Possessing no vision, they are keenly unaware that they are perishing (Proverbs 29:18), and with hearts that follow their eyes, their belief is wrapped up in the gratification of their physical senses. Their trust is purely on the surface, making them surfers of the Word and not divers. Preferring to remain close to shore, never venturing into deep water, they read their bibles daily but never get past the words. 

Sight-seeing Christians can only walk in times of light, in the dark they’re completely lost, with no idea how to get around or where things are, even in a familiar place and so they become paralyzed with fear. Completely relying on their sight for seeing, they’ll cry out, “What sign then are You going to do so we may see and believe You?” (John 6:30 HCSB) but as Christians we are to walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and like that certain official we must take Jesus at His word (John 4:50). Christians need to remember always that God cannot lie and He does not change His mind, whatever He says He will do He’ll do and whatever He has promised will be fulfilled (Numbers 23:19).

If you are a sight-seeing Christian, know that a Christian’s mark of authenticity is believing before seeing, which denotes genuine faith in God, which is the assurance of things you have not yet physically seen.

If you are a sight-seeing Christian, Jesus is saying to you today, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” (John 20:29 MSG)

Amen†

Sight-Seeing Christians    Shelley Johnson 07-Sep-16

Son-ship

A person can enjoy many wonderful privileges as a born again believer but too many Christians do not understand their birthright and therefore never experience the freedom of their true heritage. Like Esau, they show contempt for their birthright and end up exchanging their due inheritance for sod pottage (see Genesis 25:29). In earnestly seeking to satisfy their fleshly appetites they ruin every spiritual privilege that has already been provided for them through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. 

One such privilege is son-ship. Son-ship includes the right to be called a son of God, not by our own admission but by God, the Father. He conveys this title, with its undeniably great rewards, upon every believer who chooses to “cast out the bondwoman and her son” (see Galatians 4:30) in order that the son of the promised inheritance may be established. Please understand that, in this regard, “son” has no bearing on gender. As Apostle Paul explains in Galatians 3:28 (MSG), “In Christ’s family there can be no division into…male and female…”

True authentic sons are born not by flesh but are born again from above by the powerful work within of the Holy Spirit of God. It is a spiritual rebirth which occurs when first, you believe that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be and would do what He said He would (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26), then you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you out of a life of bondage and into the joyous liberty of son-ship. 

“All who follow the leading of God’s Spirit are God’s own sons.” (Romans 8:14 Phillips)

Scripture makes it clear that apart from the Holy Spirit, there’s no son-ship. He alone empowers every believer to become a son of God by adoption, and so a fellow heir with Christ Jesus. He alone bears witness with your own spirit to your son-ship and makes known to you who you really are – heir to an unbelievable inheritance as a child of the Living God (Romans 8:15-17).

“…God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6 NLT)

Outward forms of expression can neither produce sons of God nor secure the blessings that son-ship affords, it’s entirely an internal process where you must die to self and sin, arise into a new life, and become a member of God’s family. 

“For you have become a part of Him, and so you died with Him, so to speak, when He died; and now you share His new life and shall rise as He did.” (Romans 6:5 TLB)

Through this process of divine renewal your spirit grows full with that sense of son-ship, where you recognize Christ as your older brother, God your Abba, Father and Spirit your teacher, guide and counsellor. You are a son, well provided for, with complete access to an incomparable inheritance – the very best of everything that God your Father has for you in this life and the life hereafter. 

Son-ship is your journey into freedom – free to be your authentic self, unbound by the burden of sin and shame, free to experience your rightful heritage and to confidently claim your birthright. 

Amen†

Son-ship    Shelley Johnson 06-Sep-16

Trust, Delight, Commit, and Wait

According to Psalm 37 verse 4, there’s a way for each one of us to see our desires fulfilled, we have to delight ourselves in the Lord. But before that can happen there are three other steps that we must take that will ensure that we receive the desires of our hearts. 

God is a God of order, He never does anything haphazardly. The account of Creation is a prime example of the orderly way in which God carries out His tasks. God’s way is a step by step process that cannot fail and it will serve you well to follow His sequence. Skipping steps is foolhardy at best.

When God gives you a promise there are four crucial steps that you must follow if you are to experience the fulfillment of your desires. Each step in this sequence, found in verses 3, 4, 5, and 7 of Psalm 37, has a name and can be applied to every area of your life. 

• The first step is Trust. 

Trust in God, rely on Him, take refuge in Him, submit to Him, and be confident that what He says He will do, He will certainly do. It’s trusting God wholeheartedly, giving Him full control of every situation in your life and allowing Him to have His way. Placing your trust in neighbours, friends, family, or even yourself, is likely to result in failure but God will never fail you, for He is faithful and does not change.

• The second is Delight. 

Delight yourself in God. You do that by keeping close company with God so that you get to know Him intimately and savour His ways. It’s allowing your will to be aligned to His so that He becomes all in all in your life, causing you to earnestly and passionately seek Him first and eagerly give up your heavy-laden labour to Him. When you delight yourself in God, you see Him and embrace Him as your Abba, Father.

• The next step is Commit. 

Commit everything to God – your walk, your cause, your ways, your vision, your goals, your intentions, your plans, your family, and your entire life. It’s relinquishing your control of every single situation and circumstance that concerns you, good and bad, and allowing God to take over completely. It’s taking your hands off of your life, and placing it squarely in His in utter dependence on Him. When you commit in this manner, God promises to act on your behalf to bring about the desires of your heart which are no longer outside of His will for you. God can now be God in your life, for your good and His glory.

• The last in this list is Wait.

To wait patiently for God is seldom an act of passive patience. It’s actively and expectantly waiting on God’s perfect timing. God is never late…everything God says will happen will surely be fulfilled. Waiting on God means to not give up but to remain steadfast in your trust in Him, daily delighting yourself in Him, and resolutely committing all to Him. It’s having a steady belief in God despite what appears to be a delay. When you’re waiting on God take courage and do not get frustrated or weary but instead consistently thank Him as you keep in mind that there’s an appointed time for every matter under heaven. Be patient in your waiting and God promises to be good to you.

Beloved, if you follow these steps as ordered by God, His perfect will for your life is guaranteed to come to pass because your heartfelt desires will align with God’s desires for you, and when they do, He will establish your very thoughts, then blessings will follow in ways beyond your imagination.

Amen†

Trust, Delight, Commit, and Wait    Shelley Johnson 04-Sep-16