From Adam to Noah

 

When God formed man from the earth, He named him Adam, demonstrating that names have meaning to God. Since then, people have been given names.

In times of old, only one name was given; some, like Jacob, “supplanter”, related to the circumstances surrounding their birth while others’ names were connected to a promise, Isaac, “he will laugh”.

In the naming of the ten generations from Adam to Noah, is such a case, where each name is connected to a promise. It is the promise that God, in His love and mercy, made to Adam “and the woman”, immediately after their display of wilful disobedience.

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

In this verse, Genesis 3:15 (NKJV), lies the promise of redemption.

The woman’s Seed Who would bruise Satan’s head, is our Lord Jesus. On hearing this wonderful promise of God, faith must have been implanted into the hearts of Adam and the woman, for it was after hearing that promise, that Adam called the woman Eve, "living". And they believed that through Eve would come, the One Who would redeem all of mankind from the sin that the deception of Eve and Adam's disobedience had brought upon the world.

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” – Genesis 3:20 (NKJV)

God’s glorious message of redemption is told in the names of those from Adam to Noah:

Adam – “man”

Seth – “appointed”

Enosh – “mortal”

Kenan – “sorrow”

Mahalalel – “the blessed God”

Jared – “shall come down”

Enoch – “teaching”

Methusalah – “his death shall bring”

Lamech – “despairing”

Noah – “rest”

“Man is appointed mortal sorrow, but the Blessed God shall come down, teaching that His death shall bring the despairing, Rest.”

Beloved, these ten names, from Adam to Noah, conceal irrefutable evidence of a loving God, Who, from the very beginning, had already laid out a plan for the redemption of sinful man.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “From Adam to Noah” ©2013 revisited December 3, 2025

Let us Pray…

 

Abba, Father, You are the true God and Eternal Life, You are the only One Who is able to keep me from falling, You are greater than my heart, and You know everything.

I thank You for the fellowship I have with You. I thank You for placing Your own Spirit in me so that I do not follow mere natural instincts, but I am led by Wisdom and Understanding.

Thank You for teaching me how to build myself up in my most holy faith and how to pray in the Holy Spirit.

Thank You for teaching me how to keep myself in Your love as I wait for the manifestation of Your promise to me in Christ Jesus.

I believe in my heart all that You have said; I have confidence in all Your words and in all Your promises. And I am confident that when I ask anything according to Your will, You hear me. I know that I already have whatever I ask of You.

I know that I am a child of God, born of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

I know that as a child of God, You keep me safe, and the evil one cannot harm me.

I know that as a child of God, Your Holy Spirit gives me understanding, so that I may know Him Who is true.

I know that as a child of God, I am in Him Who is true and He is in me.

I praise You and I thank You O God. I thank You that Your love is made complete in me. I thank You for giving me Your Spirit, so that the One Who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world. I thank You for bringing me out better than I was before. I thank You that the latter is greater than the former.

I give You all the praise and all the glory for this great and wonderful thing You have done in me, through Your love for me; I thank You for loving me. You are my everything.

I offer this prayer in no other name but the name which is above all names, Jesus, my Lord, my Saviour, my Deliverer, and my Redeemer.

Amen†

 

Shelley Johnson “Let us Pray” © 2016 revisited December 2, 2025

 

Meat in the Middle

 

Picture this…

You’ve left the shore and you’re in a boat rowing across a massive lake to get to the other side, to cross over. You’re mid-way there, in the middle of this endless sea of water, when suddenly, without notice, a storm breaks.

The wind is whipping up with unbridled ferocity, and it’s causing the water to heave. Rowing has become pointless as the oars break under the pressure.

What do you do?

The noise of the now swirling wind and crashing waves is tremendous. You call out to Jesus, but you cannot even hear your own voice over the torrent that has now engulfed you.

Is Jesus hearing your call?

You heard His when He told you to cross over to the other side. It was Jesus who told you that He would meet you in Bethsaida.

Then Jesus told the followers to get into the boat. He told them to go to the other side of the lake to Bethsaida. He said he would come later. – Mark 6:45 (ERV).

You know His voice; you’ve heard Him many times before. Could you be wrong this time? Your every fibre tells you that you’re not wrong; so what’s really happening then?

You were going through the middle to get to the other side and everything seemed fine.

You were already half-way there when this storm came out of nowhere.

Know that it’s in the middle of the spiritual journey when the storms come. These storms are not without purpose.

Early on, in the beginning, safely on shore, you were at the infant stage of your spiritual growth, but now the time has come for you to cross over to the other side.

On shore, you heard the Word and became familiar with the basics of the Word of God – this is milk. But you can’t stay at this stage if you’re to grow; no-one remains a baby forever.

For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! – Hebrews 5:13 (AMPC)

The time to be fed solid food must come. Solid food or meat speaks of deep teaching; you’ve done the hearing now it’s time to do the Word of God. It’s time for meat in the middle.

But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law. – Hebrews 5:14 (AMPC)

This spiritual meat builds you up, strengthens you, and develops you by experience.

This spiritual meat that you’re fed in the middle strengthens your character and builds your endurance in preparation for the next half of the journey.

In the middle, you may feel as if Jesus is ignoring your call but remember Jesus will never leave you. If you look carefully, you’ll catch a glimpse of Him through the haze, through the fog, just look beyond the raindrops; He is there waiting for you to come through. And as you regain your focus, even in the midst of the storm, you will see Him. You are not alone.

Do not give in to your fear of this storm you’ve never seen before. Push through it, do not give up and do not give in to your fear. Meditate on Jesus’ own words – “Do not be afraid! I Am!”

Yes, Jesus always “is”, so don’t be afraid. Jesus is always with you; even in the worst storm, He is.

Jesus will meet you on the other side. He may even meet you along the way for short periods to feed you the meat in the middle. Eat the meat. Sometimes the chewing is tedious and the meat hard to swallow but keep on eating.

Oftentimes we try to pound the meat in our own efforts to make it tender but to no avail. No amount of seasoning can make this meat palatable but do not spit it out; keep on eating the meat in the middle.

Beloved, before you know it, the storm would have passed, storms never last, and you’d be on the other side having safely crossed over.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Meat in the Middle” © 2016 revisited December 1, 2025

Being Thankful

 

As you already know, being thankful is God’s will for us. We’ve seen this all through Scripture but in particular, a familiar line in Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica, where he told them, and tells us, quite clearly to “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

So, being thankful is not an option.

Can you imagine what might be accomplished if an entire country came together on a particular day, united in one accord, to give thanks to God? Even two believers, lifting their voices together in oneness of mind and purpose in earnest thankfulness to God can achieve the unimaginable.

Gratitude affects every area of your life; this is a message that is seen throughout the Word of God. Ephesians 5:19, 20 is just one example.

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

When we are grateful in everything, and we say so it touches the heart of God.

When we are full of thankfulness, we are actually acknowledging that it is not our efforts that produce blessings and prosperity in our lives.

When we are thankful, we are acknowledging God as our source.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4 NIV)

Giving thanks to God keeps us humble, not pride-full. Giving thanks to Him keeps us God-centred, not self-centred.

Beloved, let us continue to purpose in our hearts and minds to be thankful every day; it’s not too late to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Being Thankful” © 2012 revisited November 30, 2025

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.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

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.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart

Job 42:2 (MSG)

I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.

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.

Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).

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.

Beloved, from 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.

Proverbs 16:3 (AMP)

Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

How great is that? Shouldn’t you be grateful for that?

Shelley Johnson “Why Be Grateful for Everything?” © 2016 revisited November 29, 2025

The Gratitude Experiment

 

Beloved, be assured that God has already planned a way that is best for you and though yours is specially customized for you, still the Bible has outlined a general way that’s best for every single person to follow. One such instruction, found in 1 Thessalonians, concerns gratitude. In this regard, Apostle Paul said,

“Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 Phillips)

Beloved, God’s desire is that you express your gratitude “whatever the circumstances may be”. In other words, be thankful no matter what.

Beloved, God does not want your life and your happiness to be defined and dictated by your circumstances.

Listen, if being thankful is God’s will, that means it holds great importance to Him and therefore should be a top priority for you. You must always strive to do the will of God in your life, even Jesus Christ, on His way to the cross, said to God the Father, “…it is not My will, but Yours, that must be done.”  (Luke 22:42 Phillips)

Indulge me today as I explore a bit, with you, the will of God as it pertains to gratitude by linking other Scriptures that deal with God’s will to 1 Thessalonians 5:18. After which you and I are going to conduct an experiment over the next three months.

It’s said that it takes just over two months for behavior to change, so I figure in ninety days we should be well on our way to habitual thankfulness. Really and truly the numbers aren’t that important, what matters is for us to get started.

Please keep in mind that this is by no means an in-depth study, just a simple experiment that will have beneficial results for everyone who participates.

Now, reading 2 Peter 3:9 we see that it’s not God’s will that any of us should perish, so from this we can deduce that expressing gratitude will not be to our detriment but something great is bound to come out of it. These days human beings seem terribly reluctant to say thank you. Sadly, ingratitude has become the rule and not the exception.

Looking at Romans 12:2 we can say that to give thanks is good and acceptable and perfect in God’s sight because it’s His will.  Also, Mark 3:35 demonstrates that saying thank you qualifies you and I to be in relationship with Jesus as His siblings because being thankful is the will of God.

Please note that expressions of gratitude must be heartfelt and sincere, not an exercise in shallow lip service.

I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart (Psalm 9:1 MSG)

Recognize that even in suffering according to God’s will we need to be thankful because there’s always a reason for our suffering and through it His purpose will be fulfilled.

So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you. (1 Peter 4:19 TLB).

In other words, those trials and challenges that you face should never stop you from giving thanks. Be in a state of constant gratitude. Yes, it’s tough but doable, else God would not have told us to do it. Remember, His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Beloved, I believe that living in a constant state of gratitude will have a very positive effect, first on you as the grateful person and as you change everyone around you will also begin to change. Sincere gratitude promotes genuine all-round happiness all the time (see Psalm 95:1-3).

In order for this gratitude experiment to work we have to share this blog post, asking family and friends to participate and after three months, we’ll testify to our individual findings. I hope you’re up for the challenge; it’s worth a try.

Thank you for joining me and thank God for what is about to happen in, with, for, and through, all of us.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “The Gratitude Experiment” © 2016 revisited November 28, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving

 

Today Thanksgiving is being observed in the USA. For them, this is a huge celebration – schools close, offices shut down, and people are busy travelling from one state to another to join family and friends for a grand time of food and festivities.

For me, a person living outside of the US, looking on at the buzz that happens at this time of the year in the US, forces me to ponder deeply upon the whole concept of giving thanks.

I have experienced the terrific effort that is put out in the days leading up to, and the incredible energy that is spent in preparing for this single day of Thanksgiving, and thinking about that time, I can’t help but wonder if people, not just in the USA but people everywhere, on a daily basis, would simply be thankful to God on purpose, how lives would change for the better, if even half of this was done every day of their lives.

Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good – 1 Chronicles 15:34 (GNT)

I must admit that even though I intend to give thanks daily, some days I am hard pressed to do so but I know that I must make a better effort because I know that being thankful every day, no matter the events of the day, is to my benefit and the benefit of those with whom I come into contact.

Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done. – Colossians 2:7 (TLB)

Beloved, it’s said that it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit, so I invite you to be intentionally thankful every day for anything, nothing and everything for the next few months. Remember it’s not a limited-edition concept; there really is no time limit on thanksgiving, just be thankful every day, all day. Let God and those around you know just how grateful you are.

Thank the Lord; call on God’s name; proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples; - Isaiah 12:4 (CEB)

Sometimes we do not recognize all the reasons why we ought to be giving thanks but even if you don’t, trust me, there is always a reason, so give thanks anyway.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Thanksgiving” © 2016 revisited November 27, 2025

A wise man will pacify anger

 

A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. (Proverbs 16:14 NIV)

I did not know my husband’s grandmother but from him I knew of her, and one of the things he told me about her is that she’d often say, “It’s the answer that brings the row”.

It takes much determination to live by such wisdom since our natural inclination is to respond to anger with anger. King Solomon, in his wisdom said it this way,

“A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.” (Proverbs 15:1 GNT)

Beloved, you should always seek to bring calm to a heated situation, to diffuse anger rather than intensify it.

You have the power in your mouth to change the atmosphere by using soft, gentle words that bring peace. Always choose to be the peacemaker – that is wisdom. Amen?

Amen †

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “A wise man will pacify anger” © 2016 revisited November 26, 2025

Crossing Into...

 

Do you feel as if your life is at a standstill? Nothing seems to be working out?

You’ve prayed, obeyed, cried out, reached out, fasted, rested, affirmed, declared the Word, marched around the walls of your personal Jericho. You’ve done just about everything you could, yet your situation has remained unchanged?

Know that when you’re faced with challenges to your faith and to your courage, the Lord, your God is with you. He is your support, and He is watching over you.

During times like these, depend on God for the wisdom to make wise choices and sound decisions.

Carefully and prayerfully observe and meditate upon God’s Word to build up a foundation of confidence in God.

Understand that obedience to God is the key to victory, while disobedience to God only results in utter defeat.

With God at your side, you are sure to be more than a conqueror, and He will cause you to walk in victory and cross into your land of promise.

So beloved, get ready to cross into the land God is about to give you. 

Beloved, God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Beloved, be strong and courageous. Be strong and very courageous.

Beloved, be careful to obey all the law; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Beloved, keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Beloved, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

[adapted from Joshua 1:2, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 NIV]

 

Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Crossing Into” ©2013 revisited November 25, 2024

The GOSPEL is Good News!

 

The Bible’s New Testament contains four separate accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings by four people who were associated with Him in some way.

These accounts, called the Gospels, are ascribed to and bear the names of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John who tell us the Good News of Jesus’ coming to earth to save all of mankind from the punishment of sin and death.

The reason Jesus took our place, receiving all the punishment we deserve in the ultimate sacrifice of love, is expressed in one of the best known verses in the Bible found in the Gospel of John – John 3:16,

God so loved the world that He gave His One and

Only

Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not

Perish but have

Eternal

Life

The GOSPEL is Good News!

Beloved, now that you know the Good News, pass it on to someone who doesn't.

 

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “The GOSPEL is Good News!” ©2014 revisited November 24, 2025

God’s Pruning

 

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  – John 15:2 (NIV)

Here, Jesus, in comparing Himself to a vine, speaks of the necessity of staying connected to Him. And in maintaining this vital connection there are certain elements of our lives that must be cut off, so do not be afraid to be pruned by God.

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

Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives all grace. He chose you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever. – 1 Peter 5:10 (ERV)

God’s pruning removes anything that He sees as useless or a hindrance in our lives.

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

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

Isaiah 5:6 lets us know that a lack of pruning results in desolation. So, we need to endure God’s pruning.

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

For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]. – Hebrews 12:11 (AMPC)

Beloved, pruning is a painful but necessary re-shaping of you, both inside and out, so that you become His new creation.

 

Amen †

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “God’s Pruning” ©2014 revisited November 23, 2025

Persistent in Faith

 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a parable about a tenacious widow who comes before a judge who, by his own admission, has “no fear of God and no respect for anyone” (Luke 18:4 NRSV).

Now this widow was relentless in her pursuit for justice and soon enough this judge gives in to her saying, “because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” (Luke 18:5 NRSV).

Then in verse 6, Jesus admonishes us to listen to what the self-righteous judge says and in conclusion tells us,

 “And will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He defer them and delay help on their behalf? I tell you, He will defend and protect and avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find persistence in] faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7-8 AMPC)

Will Jesus find you persistent in faith? Are you persistent in faith even now?

This parable is about constant prayer, but we cheat ourselves by not recognizing that this parable is also about being persistent in faith. Jesus is telling us that we are to be persistent and at the same time, that our God is persistent as well.

God is persistent in His faithfulness toward us, His elect, His chosen ones. Read verses 7 and 8 again; do you see?

God is persistent in faith even before you utter a word of prayer. Unlike the unjust judge in this parable, God’s reason for showing us justice has nothing to do with our being intolerably annoying.

We are to continuously bother God, wear Him out, assault Him through prayer, after all, it is God who insists that we “Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMPC) but oftentimes we pray and still become discouraged.

Through this parable, Jesus is telling us not to allow discouragement to set in but to remain faith-filled.

Through this parable, Jesus is telling us that even when we are considered weak, we can still move mountains through perseverance in prayer and persistence in faith.

Through this parable, Jesus is telling us to be strong and determined in our resolve to see the glory of God on this side of the Kingdom.

Through this parable, Jesus is telling us that as we cry out to God, day and night, He will defend us, protect us and avenge us for He is persistent in His faithfulness toward us (see Lamentations 3:22-23).

Through this parable, Jesus is telling us that, like the widow, we are to boldly approach the Throne, confident that we will receive an answer to our prayer (see Hebrews 4:16).

Beloved, these lessons taught by Jesus, His parables, are meant to provoke our senses – morally and spiritually. This parable is no different, there is so much more to it than meets the eye and deserves more than a mere cursory glance. I encourage you to dive into Scripture, “go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets” (Luke 4:5 NET), you’ll be surprised at what you will catch.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Persistent in Faith” © November 21, 2025

 

 

Mirror, Mirror

 

“Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart.” – Proverbs 27:19 (MSG)

Peer into water and what do you see? You see a reflection of your true likeness. In the same way, your heart reflects your true character. Several times, in this blog, Bethel at Balata, I’ve written that your heart is that place deep within you beyond your conscious thoughts, your inner-most being and it possesses the power to motivate and compel you; if it is evil, you will tend to do evil but if it is good, you will tend to do good. In Luke 6:45 Jesus says,

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (NIV)

Although outside influences affect you, your true character traits come from deep within. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts--murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:19 (NIV).

Clearly, it is what’s in your fallen heart that corrupts your whole being. That is why David, after committing adultery and murder, pleaded with God to create in him a pure heart (Psalm 51:10). He understood that it was in the heart that sin is devised (see Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 6:18), but even more importantly, David recognized that it was not within his own power to overcome, and sought the help of the only One with real power to restore, God Almighty.

So too you must be honest with yourself, come clean with God about what’s really in your heart. Yes, it’s true, He already knows but this confession is not for God’s sake, it is for your sake. As 1 John 1:9 assures,

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)

This verse gives credence to the familiar old Scottish proverb: “Open confession is good for the soul.”

The “open” is usually left out but it is indeed open confession that is the prerequisite to repentance, and forgiveness from a God who delights in forgiving and forgetting.

Beloved, allow me to leave you with a few verses from the Bible upon which you can meditate:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3,4 (NIV)

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:21-23 (NIV)

“Explore me, O God, and know the real me. Dig deeply and discover who I am. Put me to the test and watch how I handle the strain. Examine me to see if there is an evil bone in me, and guide me down Your path forever.” Psalm 139:23-24 (The Voice)

 

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Mirror, Mirror” © 2016 revisited November 21, 2025

 

 

 

Where is your brother?

 

A dichotomy of our human nature dictates that the desire for vengeance and the capacity to show mercy co-exist within every human heart, but the penchant for showing mercy must be more than the inclination for revenge.

When Cain Killed his brother Abel, it was because he allowed his need for revenge to override his capacity to be merciful.

How often do you entertain vengeance rather than taking a step back to give way to mercy?

Later, the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain answered, “I don’t know. Is it my job to watch over my brother?” (Genesis 4:9 ERV)

Is it your job to watch over your brother? Where is your brother; do you even know?

Do you recognize that your fellow believer is your brother? That’s where your brother is. Jesus told us where our brothers are and who they are in Matthew 12:49-50 when He pointed to His disciples and said,

“Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother...” (NET)

Cain killed his blood brother while in a state of anger, not out of hate but sheer confusion. God never gives Cain a reason for His rejection. Instead, God drives him away and he becomes a wandering fugitive, but after discourse between Cain and God, God placed a mark of protection on Cain, and he survives.

Every sermon I have ever heard based on these two brothers, simply pronounces Cain guilty without diving into the meat of the story, just a serving of milk but God showed Cain mercy.

Why after his dastardly deed, did God still cover Cain?

Cain bore the mark of divine protection, yet we cannot see beyond the fratricide that he committed. We only see him in the one glaring light that highlights his actions before he was divinely branded.

Do we even remember the mark, or do we brush past it, ignoring the divine touch upon his life that came after his unfortunate act of misguidance?

What is that thing within us that prevents us from showing Cain mercy? It is that same desire for vengeance that lurks in our own hearts. Are we no better than Cain?

We ask, where is your brother? And with the answer we hear, we quickly condemn because we believe that Cain is his brother’s keeper. But do we truly believe that it is our job, our responsibility, to watch over our brother? Be honest.

God’s protection of Cain, a murderer, makes no sense to our human logic. We cannot reconcile it as it seems to be a contradiction of everything we were taught. We cannot reconcile it because we want justice for Abel. We cannot reconcile it because we, like Cain, see God’s action as unfair.

God did not accept Cain’s offering.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.” (Genesis 4:6-7 NET)

Cain was jealous. Cain was angry. Cain was confused. Cain was misguided.

But, yes but…what are we being taught through this story of brotherly conflict? Remember the two things that co-exist, vengeance and mercy? They aren’t the only two opposing roommates.

There’s also the carnal, calling for revenge and the spiritual, demanding mercy. The old man and the new creation. The older brother and the younger brother. The Cain and the Abel.

Abel took care of the flocks, while Cain cultivated the ground. (Genesis 4:2 NET)

Abel represents our spiritual nature, while Cain represents our carnal nature.

Beloved, how often have you allowed your carnal nature – your constant toiling and dependence on the world – to supersede your spiritual nature – your seeking His Presence and dependence on God? Be honest.

Take heed, “sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”

Genesis chapter 4 is about human duality.

Living the world’s way over living God’s way.

Our desire to control over our need for reliance.

Choosing vengeance over mercy.

It’s time for us to really choose God.

Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV)

God has extended His mercy to every human being, mercy we don’t deserve and every believer bears that divine mark of protection, all through the Blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Where is your brother?” © November 19, 2025

 

 

 

A Prayer For Today

O Lord, You are the One upon whom no limits can be placed, You cannot be contained, and nothing is impossible for You, for You can do anything – immeasurably more than I can ever ask or imagine.

Today I pray that You would forgive me for the limits I have placed upon You, thinking of You in my limited human terms and not as the all mighty, omnipotent, omniscient, universe-filling God that You are.

Cause me to lift up my eyes from the natural realm so that I may truly perceive the spiritual. Teach me the truth of Who You are, the I AM that I AM.

I long to clearly understand Your invisible attributes, Your divine nature, and to experience Your eternal power, in every area of my life.

I thank You for Your Spirit in me, my Teacher, Who brings revelation of the truth and for Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who has made reconciliation with You possible through His incomparable sacrifice.

I pray that I will not yield to temptation, instead I will yield myself to You as never before. Thank You for delivering me from the evil one and keeping me safe under Your protective wings.

To You who alone are God, my Saviour through Jesus Christ my Lord, all glory, majesty, power, and authority are Yours before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!

I pray in the powerful and matchless name of Jesus, Amen†

 

Shelley Johnson “A Prayer For Today” © 2016 revisited November 19, 2025

God wants you to do nothing

 

Several years ago, I was faced with what would surely be considered dire circumstances. I knew I had to do something about the situation in which I’d found myself, so like any good Christian, I came up with a plan.

And, as a good Christian with a brilliant solution to a problem, the first thing that I thought that I must do before executing my well-thought-out agenda was to go to the Lord in prayer to present my plan to Him.  

I “humbled” myself before my God, thanking Him for the incredibly fool-proof plan that I was about to execute to lift myself out of the miry clay and place my feet on solid ground.

What a great solution I’d devised and after I’d poured it all out onto the table, so to speak, I heard, “Do Nothing”

I countered,

“Huh? Say what?”

”Do Nothing”, same response, same gentle tone. 

I protested,

“Do nothing? But what about my incredibly-brilliant-well-thought-out-fool-proof solution to my present danger problem? I can’t just sit and do nothing about it, something must be done, Lord!” 

His response,

“Yes, something must be done but not by you. I Am, already doing something about your situation, be still, do nothing.”

You see, God is always working. He does not sleep, it’s true. He has already devised solutions to every one of your dire circumstances, all you have to do is co-operate, comply, and if you are required to “stand still and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes” (1 Samuel 12:16 ERV), then stand still.

Jeremiah 10:23 says, “I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” (NLT)

And in John 8:28 Jesus said, “…I do nothing on My own, but I say these things as the Father instructed Me. (NASB)

Understand that Jesus, though Divine was also human and therefore in complete subjection to the Father, He did nothing on His own initiative, and that’s how God wants us to operate. Not on our own but to totally depend on Him, in complete subjection to His way and will. I know, for some, this is a hard pill to swallow. 

 During my time of trial, some of my closest relatives asked me why I was not doing something about my situation. They called me lazy, and stupid, and, reading from the book of Exodus, they said I was stiff-necked, stubborn and arrogant, and proclaimed me a fool for believing nonsense.

They accused me of doing my own thing because God would never tell me to do nothing. They quoted from the Bible, “God helps those who help themselves!” – this is not in the Bible, but I didn’t have the heart to interrupt their rant to let them know that.

They cited the account of Noah, saying, even Noah built the ark when God told him about the flood. Yes, a feat which took more than 50 years mind you and for all those years, Noah was being obedient to God’s instructions, doing nothing on his own initiative, again I did not interrupt the rant.

It was during that time that I recognized that people who believe they know what’s best for you will not understand and you cannot make them understand, only God can penetrate the closed hearts of those who’ve already come to their own conclusions. But you have to be obedient to Him, no matter what (read Matthew 10:16-42).

We don’t see the entire picture but God does, and believe it or not He does not need our help to carry out His plan for our lives – a Truth that Job painfully had to learn. Oftentimes God allows us to take part, but it’s never that He can do nothing without us, on the contrary, we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5).

Ephesians 1:11 clearly states, “…God is the One who makes everything agree with what He decides and wants.” (ICB)

Since then, when God tells me to do nothing, that’s exactly what I do because I know that He has His reasons and it’s not necessary for me or any of us to know what those reasons are. If God chooses to let you know then be grateful, if not, still be grateful. The truth of the matter is, we just need to trust God’s way of doing what He does. 

Beloved, genuine followers of Jesus follow the examples Jesus Himself set for us – do nothing of your own initiative but do anything and everything that God would have you do. 

So, in the midst of flying objections from every side, do nothing if God wants you to do nothing. 

 

Amen†

 

 

Shelley Johnson “God wants you to do nothing” © 2016 revisited November 18, 2025

 

 

 

 

When you know what’s Right, do Right

 

As recorded in Hosea 4:6 (MSG), the Lord says,

“My people are ruined because they don’t know what’s right or true. Because you’ve turned your back on knowledge…”

Okay, to be fair, if you don’t know what’s right then you can’t do right. But how can you know what’s right? 

God’s Word.

In God’s Word you will learn God’s will and His ways and what’s right, in His eyes.

In God’s Word you’ll learn about Jesus, how He lived, what He taught and what He has done so now there’s no need for any of us to ever again be destroyed or “ruined because they don’t know what’s right or true”.

The problem is, like most people, you think you already know what’s right and you don’t just turn your back on knowledge, you actively reject it.

When you refuse to even thumb through a Bible and heaven forbid that you should step foot in a church because “I know all that already, I don’t need to go to church, there’s nothing anybody could tell me that I don’t already know; yes, I read my Bible once a year, I don’t understand it but I read it…”

Believing that you know it all is pride, another topic for another day but for today, be reminded “First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 MSG).

We often believe we know what’s right but human reasoning can be quite flawed so, to avoid that, we need to turn to the Bible. 

The Bible is the handbook for every topic we could ever imagine, but if you don’t read it, you won’t know and when you don’t know you become an easy target for Satan. Yes you will, because, he is the deceiver and when you do not know the truth, you will believe his lies, and when you believe the lies you’ll live a sin-filled life of misery which will ultimately lead to your ruin.

Remember, where there’s no vision – divine revelation of truth – people perish (see Proverbs 29:18). God’s Word is that revelation of truth.

Beloved, ask God to give you a yearning for knowledge, and a strong desire to study and understand His Word of truth so that you will know what’s right and therefore able to do right.

As Jesus said in John 13:17 (ERV),

“If you know these things, great blessings will be yours if you do them.”

Amen†

Shelley Johnson “When you know what’s Right, do Right´© 2016 revisited November 17, 2025

 

 

God is good all the time, and all the time…

 

“God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble.” 

(Nahum 1:7 MSG)

Nahum reminds us that God is good. Goodness is one of God’s many character traits. Good is not just what God does, good is who God is and He cannot be anything else but good. This is why, God is good ALL the time, and ALL the time God is good.

“…No one is good, only God.” 

(Mark 10:18 MSG) 

Because God is good all the time, you must expect Him to respond in ways that are consistent with His character. So that when troubles arise, and they will from time to time, remain in faith and take refuge in God, knowing that He will bring about the very best solution. 

 “You are good, and the source of good…my troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook.”

(Psalm 119:68 & 71 MSG)

Understand that God knows who is trusting in Him and He has already designed a great plan for your deliverance even before your troubles started. Be mindful that, when you place your trust in God, you’ve already won the battle long before the war began (see Romans 8:35-37).

So, do not worry and do not be afraid, God is fighting this battle for you, all you have to do is take refuge and trust in Him.

When king Jehoshaphat found himself in desperate trouble surrounded by enemies, he went to God looking for help, God recognized and welcomed him and said,

“Don’t be afraid; don’t pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God’s war, not yours...You won’t have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm…and watch God’s saving work for you take shape. Don’t be afraid, don’t waver.”

(2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 MSG)

What God said to Jehoshaphat then, is the exact same thing He is saying to you right now.

Beloved, just believe because “…if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"

(John 11:40 NIV)

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “God is good all the time, and all the time…” © 2016 revisited November 16, 2025

 

 

 

DO NOT GIVE UP!

  

You go through all sorts of trials and challenges sailing along on this journey called life.

In the midst of them, your vision becomes blurred, you can't see anything clearly, and you're not sure of the outcome.

But these are the times when you are to take hold of the promises of God.

His promises are sure. God has promised you that He knows the plans He has for you, to bring about the future you hope for…

This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.

(Jeremiah 29:11ERV)

So beloved, no matter what you're going through right now, no matter what it looks like, hold on.

DO NOT give up!

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “DO NOT GIVE UP!” ©2012 revisited November 15, 2025

Climbing a Tree to See

 

 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. – Luke 19:2-4 (NIV)

Jesus had entered Jericho and His good reputation having far preceded Him, commanded great crowds to gather.

The people yearned to hear Him, to touch Him and to see Him. Zacchaeus was no different, as he too clamoured to see but due to his diminutive stature, was overshadowed by the massive crowd. So, he runs ahead and climbing a tree to see, unknowingly, had positioned himself to have an encounter with Christ.

Now, first-century Jews despised tax collectors, they were seen as betrayers of their own people because they worked for Rome, the enemy of the Jews.

It’s no surprise that Zacchaeus, as a wealthy, very high-ranking tax collector possessed an awful reputation.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. – Luke 19:5-6 (NIV)

Jesus stopped and called out to Zacchaeus, beckoning the traitor to come down from his perch. Needless to say the Jews were flabbergasted.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” – Luke 19:7 (NIV)

Yes, Jesus had gone to be the guest of a sinner.

That right there is the whole crux of the matter.

We, rather than encouraging those deemed sinners to repentance by being welcoming, treat them as outcasts due to our own ingrained bias while proudly displaying a WWJD band on our wrists.

Certainly, Jesus would not do those things we do. He sports no such band on His wrist – What Would Christians Do.

Yes, Jesus still goes to be the guest of sinners.

Sadly we, who claim to be followers of Jesus, are just like those first-century Jews, muttering criticisms under our breath about those persons we see as unworthy. Casting judgment on this sinner and that sinner, conveniently forgetting that we have all sinned and fall short of God’s divine greatness but for His grace, through the blood sacrifice of Jesus, we are made free from sin (see Romans 3:21-31).

I am sure that Zacchaeus wasn’t lost on the reputation he had in his community, but he climbed that tree anyway not knowing that his life was about to be impacted in an unimaginable way.

Beloved, like Zacchaeus, despite what others may think of you, and in spite of your past or present misdeeds, you just have to run ahead, not aimlessly but with purpose, climbing a tree until you’re able to see, and position yourself to encounter Jesus.

Proverbs 4:12 (AMPC) tells us,

When you walk, your steps shall not be hampered [your path will be clear and open]; and when you run, you shall not stumble.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Climbing a Tree to See” © November 13, 2025