Remember the Poor

It’s so interesting how God teaches us lessons. For instance, if God wants to teach you to be patient, you’re going to find yourself in every kind of situation that will test your patience. And from my experience it has been no different with other virtues.

In chapter nine of his second letter to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul lets us know that God loves a cheerful giver, and it was only after I’d got that ingrained into my psyche that I was taught that God also loves a gracious receiver. Subsequently I was placed in various positions to test how well I’d receive from others. You see, I’ve come to understand that if you can’t graciously receive from your fellowman, it will be hard for you to receive from God. Very often God will use a person to give you what He has laid up in store for you, and if you do not know how to properly receive, that is, without the self-consciousness, shame, embarrassment or feelings of being a charity case, then what’s for you may prove slow in coming.

Recently, and I mean recently, since I am in the midst of it right now, I am being put to the test in regard to graciously receiving from others – family, friends, and strangers alike. But that’s not all, together with the receiving I’m being taught the art of asking for help as well, not just any help but financial help and not just one or two people but a multitude, and not privately and quietly but publicly and loudly…social media publicly-loudly. When God wants a girl to learn a lesson, He sure has His way of taking her beyond her comfort zone. 

Before God parted the Red Sea, the Israelites had to wade into that water to their nostrils. Sometimes that is the only way to be taught. By walking into the deep water we’re forced to overcome our natural fear and flee inclinations. I haven’t had either the luxury of walking into the deep water or the time to feel the shame associated with having to ask, instead pressing circumstances have caused me to dive right in. So asked I did, and God showed me the hearts of people. The outpouring of genuine concern for another’s well-being and willingness to give love, support, encouragement, time, talent, and money has been incredible.

Paul, in Galatians 2:10, was asked to remember the poor, and he didn’t baulk at the request since it was something that he was eager to do. Going through this period of learning, I have seen, and continue to see every day, persons eager to remember the poor. To keep the poor in mind is an act of Christian charity – an example of God’s love. God knows what a person needs most, so pray and allow God to lead you.

You don’t always require money to help and God can show you other ways to provide for the poor and needy. He can show you who are the right people to bring together to ensure that persons’ needs are met. Just because you don’t have the financial means does not mean you can’t still offer a helping hand. However, if you can assist others financially then do not be tight-fisted. Like Paul, every one of us must be eager to serve God and each other in this way.

As it is written,

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” 

(2 Corinthians 9:11-12 ESV)

Amen†

Remember the Poor

Shelley Johnson June 22, 2017

Legalism is Lethal

Legalism is a topic that is expansive and to properly deal with it exceeds the capacity of this one Blog Post. My aim, as I often mention, is to whet your curiosity to dig deeper for yourself. I give you a starting point and I trust that your interest would be aroused enough for you to desire more, much more.

First, I must let you know that you will not find the word “legalism” anywhere in the Bible. You can scour through for yourself but it is not there, however, Jesus dealt with this malaise throughout His Ministry, in particular during His encounters with the Pharisees and other law experts (see Luke 11:37-54).

Apostle Paul wrote,

So those now who live by faith are blessed along with Abraham, who lived by faith—this is no new doctrine! And that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Scripture backs this up: “Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law.” (Galatians 3:9-10 MSG)

This more or less encapsulates what legalism is about. Simply defined, legalism is attempting to practice the law – applying Scripture – by your own understanding and interpretation and in your own strength. It’s about trying to gain favour with God and impressing your fellowman by doing certain things, all the while neglecting genuine spiritual growth and transformation. Legalism is performance based and ignores the establishment of a personal, intimate relationship with God. It exalts human ability and focuses on externals such as one’s good deeds, without regard to the condition of one’s heart before God.

But authentic Christianity is about the heart. The heart is what God looks at, the internal not the external: …the Lord said to Samuel, “…the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV)

God is concerned with your inner character, that’s what He considers. He is not at all impressed by your so called good works or deeds. God examines your heart and therefore knows your true motives and intentions (1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 12:3). The Pharisees took pride in how they were seen by others. They were well educated and had great knowledge of the Law but their hearts were corrupted. Jesus compared them to “whitewashed tombs”, outwardly beautiful yet full of rot and decay on the inside.

The Pharisees’ major problem was pride, which is the core of legalism. And still today, there are many who possess legalistic tendencies. You see, falling into legalism is easier than you or I might imagine, and the troubling part is, we do not realize when we have stumbled into that trap of a religious and legal practice of God’s Word. 

When you do not properly divide and apply the Word of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit but instead live it out according to your own misinterpretation, that’s the moment you enter into that trap of legalism. Paul, a former Pharisee, warns us of this in Romans 8:3-7 and 12-14 and, in Luke 11:42-52, Jesus, in dealing with the Pharisees and other religious experts cried out all the woes that would befall those who indulged in religious and legalistic practices. Jesus confronted legalism as sin. Therefore, legalism is lethal since the wages of sin is death. 

Too often we get caught up in believing that it’s what we do that determines whether or not we are good Christians. So we start doing this and that, making sure to adhere to all the man made rules like dress codes while overlooking, tolerating and engaging in gossip, greed, sowing discord, lust, malice, lying, scheming, pride…all the things that God hates and detests. 

Pride is like a secret trapdoor that can subtly lead us into all sorts of sinful activity and it is the very root of legalism. Legalism focuses on man’s ability, not God’s; it is mired in self-exaltation and self-righteousness. Legalism is self-seeking and does not even consider to seek God and His Kingdom first and foremost. Legalism abuses and subverts the laws of God, shifting the focus from the heart to the outward appearance, to yourself and away from God and godliness.

Thank God there is an escape from this lethal trap. God is so merciful, He always provides us with a way out and a way up when we fall. He already put a rescue plan in place for us, but we have to cooperate. We simply have to purposefully shift our focus back to God and away from self. Paul tells us how in Romans 8,

“God did something the law could never do. You see, human flesh took its toll on God’s law. In and of itself, the law is not weak; but the flesh weakens it. So to condemn the sin that was ruling in the flesh, God sent His own Son, bearing the likeness of sinful flesh, as a sin offering. Now we are able to live up to the justice demanded by the law. But that ability has not come from living by our fallen human nature; it has come because we walk according to the movement of the Spirit in our lives.

If you live your life animated by the flesh—namely, your fallen, corrupt nature—then your mind is focused on the matters of the flesh. But if you live your life animated by the Spirit—namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God’s law and is incapable of following His path.” (verses 3-7 Voice)

Amen†

Legalism is Lethal

Shelley Johnson June 21, 2017

If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead

Many of you I’m sure have read the Book of James in the Bible. A virtual manual on the topic of faith, James’ teachings is vital to anyone on the spiritual journey. His instruction on faith is an eye-opener for every believer. But did you know that if Jesus had not risen from the dead, James, Jesus’ own brother, would not have become a believer? 

James would have lived and grown up with Jesus, yet did not believe that Jesus was whom He claimed to be, after all John 7:5 clearly states that His brothers did not believe in Him and in Matthew 13:57, Jesus Himself says that He had no honour among His own family. James belonged to the category of persons of whom Jesus asked, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” (Matthew 12:48). 

Even Peter, Jesus’ most zealous disciple and one of three in His inner circle, who walked with Jesus throughout His three years of Ministry, was a witness to every miracle that He performed, was atop the mountain at the time of the transfiguration, was himself a walker-on-water, though just for a moment, and, through the divine wisdom declared the truth of Jesus’ identity, did not fully understand Jesus’ earthly assignment until after His death and resurrection. 

This is evident simply because even though Jesus had told the disciples what was about to occur, mere hours later, it was Peter who drew his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, in an attempt to stop the soldiers from arresting Jesus (see John 8:10). If Jesus had not risen from the dead, Peter may have remained ignorant of Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth.

Where would we have been today if Jesus had not risen from the dead? Can you imagine? 

James’ teaching is critical to our understanding the working of our faith, the joy that is found in various trials we face, the importance of controlling our tongues and the tremendous power that is made available to us through our earnest heartfelt prayer. 

The Book of James, filled with divine wisdom for proper living, would not have been written if Jesus had not risen from the dead.

Peter was instrumental in the establishment of the Church, for it was Peter who, by the power of Divine wisdom acknowledged that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (see Matthew 16:16). To which Jesus, proclaiming “on this rock I will build My church” (see Matthew 16:18), established His congregation upon the truth of Peter’s testimony, yet at the time, Peter himself did not truly grasp the verity of it. Peter was the first disciple to see Jesus alive after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5) and was the first to preach the Gospel (Acts 10). 

The church would not have been built if Jesus had not risen from the dead, for Christ’s resurrection is essential to Christianity. 

Amen† 

If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead

Shelley Johnson June 19, 2017

Rejected but not Dejected

My friends, as you read today’s post you may realize that the subject matter is similar to the post before; clearly this subject is of grave importance to God and to all of us on this spiritual journey. Rejection is something that each one of us will inevitably have to deal with in one form or another. Jesus Himself encountered the most brutal manifestation of rejection and He was not shy in warning His disciples of it. Rejection comes with the spiritual walk package but we’re not to suffer dejection because of it, for Apostle Paul assures us that if God is on your side, there is no need for you to be afraid of anyone who comes against you (see Romans 8:29-31).

With this is mind, I want to encourage you to take heart when people, especially those close to you, do not see you as a person who has come to know God. Remember that they knew you from before and have already formed an impression of you so it’s difficult for them to even fathom that you can somehow change. Furthermore, if they do not understand that a person can be changed through the hand of God at work, they’ll be hard pressed to believe and will reject you, and, your explanation to them will not be received but please do not be dejected, think on Romans 8:29-31 and simply press on. 

The Message translation of Matthew 10:14 is a fitting attitude to adopt when others reject you,

“If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”

Yes, quietly withdraw and be on your way. As the saying goes, “familiarity breeds contempt” and persons who know you hardly ever recognize you as someone who has a deep relationship with God, they can neither understand nor appreciate the new re-created you. They are unable to comprehend who you’ve become but you know you’ve changed, you can literally feel it. You’ve experienced a metamorphosis, an about turn – your views have changed, your very perception has been affected by your renewed spirit and you’re eager to declare, 

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16 ESV)

Keep in mind however, that not everyone has that reverential fear of God and chances are that even though they come and hear, will not be able to grasp what you’ve experience since they’ve never had such an encounter themselves. Still, don’t be dejected by their rejection, instead continue to tell what God has done and is doing for your soul because you can feel the Life that is now inside you. You’re overwhelmed by its energy and its power – the Spirit of God working deep within, transforming you into a new creation, a vessel being properly molded to contain Him, “a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21 AMP).

My friend, you know who you are and to whom you belong so when people reject you, and they will, know that God has chosen you and you are precious to Him (1 Peter 2:4).

Amen†

Rejected but not Dejected

Shelley Johnson June 19, 2017

A Lonesome Road

Jesus told them, “A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child.” – Mark 6:4 (MSG)

Jesus had been all over the region performing miracles, healing the sick, casting out demons and relieving the demon-possessed, yet in Nazareth, His own hometown, He could do nothing. His own people could not benefit from His powerful ministry because they refused to believe that He was the promised Messiah. As a matter of fact, Mark 3:21 tells us that Jesus’ family thought He was crazy.

Can any of you relate?

Your spiritual journey can be a lonesome road. You’d imagine that your family would be your biggest supporters, they’d be your most zealous cheerleaders and encouragers but surprisingly it is those that are closest to you that turn out to be your most ardent critics. If there are people who do not believe in you, then you can be sure they are family members, friends and neighbours. Strangers will respond to you more readily than your own brothers, sisters, parents and other relatives – they’ll quickly see your spiritual calling and respect it but not those loved ones.

When someone came to Jesus to let Him know that His mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak to Him, Jesus asked, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” After which, pointing to the circle of people seated around Him He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.” 

(see Mark 3:33-35).

Your loved ones know you only in the flesh, so it is difficult for them to see you any other way. “Who is this new person…this Bible studying Word processor? Isn’t she so-and-so’s daughter? Where’d she suddenly get all this spiritual talk from; all this wisdom and understanding?” That’s exactly what was said about Jesus in His hometown. 

You see everything that you may be subjected to on your spiritual journey, Jesus went through. Jesus lived it and even at the height of His ministry, His relatives and neighbours completely ignored Him and cut Him down verbally. The saying “Familiarity breeds contempt”, is never more apparent than when a person is called into ministry by God. 

For instance, look at David – not one of his brothers, or his father, believed that God had a great purpose for him to fulfill. In their eyes David was the least likely – the youngest, only good for tending sheep, ruddy and scrawny at best. Not even Samuel, who God sent, could ever imagine that this whisper of a boy was God’s choice, so flabbergasted was he that God had to tell him, “the Lord does not see as man sees” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV). Moses, hiding out in Midian, stammering and unsure of himself was God’s choice. Gideon, did not believe in himself but God believed in him – God knew the person He’d created and chose Gideon and his army of a mere three hundred men to defeat a multitude.

So you see, it doesn’t matter whether or not the people you’re in this life with recognize you as God’s chosen vessel, all that really matters is that God has chosen you and you recognize yourself as such. Your job is to listen to God and not the endless chatter of those surrounding you. You must do what God has called you to do, despite what your family, friends, neighbours or relations say or think or believe. God knows you in spirit and only those that have been given eyes to see will see, others may never understand your calling. Obedience is thicker than blood (see Matthew 12:50).

Apostle Paul, in Galatians 1:10 encourages us to please God and not give into the pressure of men to do otherwise. Similarly, Solomon in his God-given wisdom, tells us that “The fear of man brings a snare, but whosoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be lifted up.” (Proverbs 29:25 JUB). If God has called you, then trust Him, you will be safe. The sting may be hurtful but do not stray from what you’ve been called to do and be.

There will be “noise”, expect it. There will be persecution in varying forms, expect that too. Expect the jeers, the taunts, the demands and commands, the hissy fits, expect the mockery, the spewing of Scripture verses taken out of context in an attempt to prove you wrong…expect it all! Every single person who’s called to the purpose of God has had to endure the same. Jesus Christ was not exempted, He endured the worst, so consider yourself in excellent company beloved. 

The psalmist wrote, 

“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set.” – Psalm 119:1-3 (MSG)

I pray that Almighty God will give you the wherewithal to endure the lonesome road, and that you will not be distracted from His call upon your life, that you will remain steadfast and when you’re feeling weak and defeated you will garner strength from Him, remembering always, that when you are weak He is strong. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen†

A Lonesome Road

Shelley Johnson June 7, 2017

Love Him for who He is, not who you want Him to be

God is God, there is none like Him. He is who He is. When Moses enquired of Him, God’s response was “I Am Who I Am” (Exodus 3:14 NIV). What a perfect answer! After all, God cannot be anything other than who He is and if you truly love God, with wide-eyed childlike abandonment, you will love Him just as He is. But, too often, we want God to conform to our image and likeness; we try to squeeze Him into a humanistic mold so that He fits into our lifestyle. 

This is the written Word,

“You were God before the mountains were born, before the earth and the world were made. You have always been and will always be God!…You remain the same…the One who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming…” – Psalm 90:2 (ERV); Psalm 102:27 (AMP); Revelation 1:8

God has been the same from time immemorial – “yesterday, today, and forever” is how the author of Hebrews put it (see Hebrews 13:8) – yet you dare to ascribe to such an awesome and incredible mere-words-cannot-adequately-describe God, the attributes of man. As great and as wonderful as you think you are (see Proverbs 3:7), you must recognize that God is greater (Job 33:12), and His ways far superior to your own (see Isaiah 55:8-9). He is your Creator. Can the created be greater than the creator?

If you do not even know or understand the least of these truths, then why should you feel that you have the ability, and the wisdom to transform and re-make, and re-fashion anyone, more so God Himself? Who are you to foist upon God, the Almighty, your own characteristics already mired in sin from the day you were born? Furthermore, in your futile attempts to re-create the One who was never created in the first place, you unwittingly lose sight of every pertinent aspect of God, and in so doing fall away from Truth and end up stumbling through life blinded by your self-righteousness. Yes, it is self-righteous…and the pitiful part is, you are utterly unaware of your folly.

Job thought he knew God but it was not until God opened Job’s understanding that he realized just how clueless he was. Through a series of questions concerning his knowledge of God, Job was forced to search himself and mercifully, God taught Job the Truth. In the same way, God, through His Spirit, can teach you, but you must be willing to step away from your self-absorption, get into a state of honest introspection, and really look at yourself, not in the dim light of your misconceptions but in the pure bright light of the Holy Spirit of God.

Paul says, “Who can see into a man’s heart and know his thoughts? Only the spirit that dwells within the man. In the same way, the thoughts of God are known only by His Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 2:11 (Voice)

Every Spirit-inspired word written in the Bible reveals the character of God. So to know Him you need to burrow deep into His Word, allowing Spirit to guide you into all truth, other than that you’re only guessing and making Him up to suit your needs. You must seek to understand, for if you do not know the truth of who God is, you can never love Him for who He is, and you’ll always be seeking to make Him into who you want Him to be rather than getting to know Him intimately. 

Beloved, true love demands deep intimacy. God wants you to search Him out that you may know Him properly (see Proverbs 25:2). He is passionate about you and His desire is for you to love Him “with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:30). But, until the Holy Spirit renews your thinking, you will continue to have a warped perspective of who God is. You will continue to think of God only in natural terms, possessing a limited capacity to love and be loved, and not see Him as He is in all His magnificent glory. 

Right now, you’re depriving yourself of a God who is Love and easily capable to teach you how to love Him as He ought to be loved, and how you can genuinely receive love and give love. Doesn’t everyone yearn for such love? 

My friend, I want you to know that God is an awesome super-natural all-powerful all-loving God whose heart is yours, you just haven’t fully grasped that as yet, but when you do you will love Him for who He is, not who you want Him to be.

Amen† 

Love Him for who He is, not who you want Him to be

Shelley Johnson May 18, 2017