Sneaky Sin

 

Sin is designed to lure and entrap you in the most surreptitious of ways. The devil is a master of disguise who veils his schemes in things that appear to be innocuous.  He wraps sin up in a variety of packaging, often under the guise of fun and entertainment. A television show, a theatrical play, a game, a movie, even a song, are not exempt from his methods of deceit.

The evil one will place his mark on them all as he seeks to entangle and destroy you. It is his sneaky way of distracting the unsuspecting believer away from the Lord and getting you mired in sin.

Sin can begin as the smallest and simplest of distractions. Something that seems to be just innocent fun turns out to be innocent fun with a side order of sin and sadly, many times, you’ve placed that order yourself. The devil’s expertise is sneakiness, and you cannot afford to be deceived.

Satan has had thousands of years to perfect his trade, so he is crafty and adept at it and it’s easy to be outwitted by him, but you cannot allow folly to outweigh wisdom.

Without becoming fanatical, you need to get into the habit of carefully examining the things that you’re getting involved in; those seemingly “innocent fun” things that are demanding all your attention and taking you into the idol worship zone, are traps that anyone can fall into without even realizing it.

Apostle Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 10 to stay away from idol worship. He reminds us about what happened to the Israelites who indulged in idol worship and subsequently other sinful behavior while they were on their sojourn to the Promised Land. When your focus has shifted to constantly engaging in everything other than the things of God, you’re going to encounter the problem of yielding to temptation. 

Forever prowling (1 Peter 5:8), the devil is counting on your willingness to compromise but Christians must set an example of restraint.

It is not an easy road to walk but if you are sincere and serious, walk you must, always keeping in mind that you are not alone on your journey, you have an aid, a helper, a guide, advocate and counselor – the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will give you a heads-up if you’ll be sensitive to His nudging and attentive to His leading.

The Israelites, throughout their journey to the Promised Land, had the presence of God with them constantly, night and day, hovering and covering, yet still they chose to be wayward. They committed sexual sins, had wild drunkard parties, complained bitterly and tested the Lord. Please know that you can’t have it both ways; you cannot expect to have the Holy Spirit and deliberately partake in sin at the same time as if it's par for the course. 

The Apostle wrote,

“They all ate the same spiritual food, and they all drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from that spiritual rock that was with them, and that rock was Christ. But God was not pleased with most of those people…So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don’t fall. The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God…when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation…So, my dear friends, stay away from worshiping idols. You are intelligent people.”

(1 Corinthians 10:3-5, 12, 13, 14, 15 ERV)

Beloved, you are intelligent, trust God, He is your escape, ask Him for wisdom to quickly recognize that sneaky sin that can so easily entrap you and hinder your spiritual walk.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Sneaky Sin” © 2017 revisited November 9, 2025

Faith is Caught and Taught

 

“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

In the above verse Paul told the young Timothy that he must be an example to other believers and from this same verse we can garner that, as believers, we too must be examples for others to follow, especially in our own families.

In our households, we ought to lead by example. It’s the people at home that witness our true characters. Even our level of faith is revealed by how we respond to everyday life situations. Our behavior at home, godly and ungodly, exposes the fruit we’re cultivating within our hearts, whether spiritual or otherwise. In Matthew 7:16 Jesus says that people can be identified by the fruit they produce, in other words, by the way they act.

How have you been behaving?

Are you one way in public but completely different in private? When your family looks at you what are they seeing? Are they seeing a person who exercises authentic faith? A person who, in spite of the challenges of life, stands firm in faith that is steadfast? A person unmoved by the raging storm because you know that Jesus, in whom you trust, has authority over every storm?

What are they seeing?

Does your family see divine inner strength in you? Do they see a person who boldly goes to the Lord in prayer about everything with thanksgiving, seeking His direction?

Who do they see?

Do they see a person so convinced of the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to provide an abundant life, that you do not hesitate to share with them the faith that you have in Him, so that they too may experience a wonderful faith-filled life?

Are you living by faith?

Faith is caught and if you are unwilling to show your family that you are living by faith in Jesus, then you are not leaving an example of authentic faith for your family to see and follow.

If your family never observes you giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), then you are not leaving an example of authentic faith for your family to see and follow.

 If your family never hears you declaring that God is working all things together for good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), then you are not leaving an example of authentic faith for your family to see and follow.

If you have not demonstrated that you recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), then you are denying your family an opportunity to see genuine faith at work right in their own home.

Giving your family a practical example is just part of the legacy of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. You must also teach your family about Jesus and their need for Him in their lives. I’m not talking here about brow-beating anyone into believing or hitting them over the head with your Bible and condemning anybody of just how much of a sinner they are, no that’s not the way.

If you are genuinely concerned about leading your family to Jesus, then talk about Him. Just as you’d talk about anyone else that you love a lot, simply let them know, from your heart, about Him. Make Jesus the object of your desire, explain how He makes you feel, without turning the conversation into a monologue about yourself.

People need to know what Jesus can effect in their lives. Speak in terms of how God is able to do immeasurably more than they could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Sit together and delve into the Word, not as a chore but read and discuss the Word, for faith comes by hearing God’s Word. 

Love your family enough to let them in on the Good News of Jesus and the unconditional love the Father has for them.

Let them know that God loves them so much that He allowed His one and only Son to die on their behalf for every sin that they have committed, are committing, and will ever commit; dying such an awful and cruel death so that they could inherit eternal life (John 3:16).

Help your family understand the manner of love God has for them and just how much He values them – His treasured and prized creation, fearfully and wonderfully made (see Psalm 139).

Let them know that absolutely nothing can separate them from the love God has for them (Romans 8:38-39).

However, nothing you say to your family will hold any weight if your relationship with them is not the best, you’ll just come across as disingenuous. If you’re not showing love to your own family, then every time you attempt to speak to them, all they will hear is the sound of clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13). You cannot be talking about the love of God and your love for God when you’re not demonstrating love, especially to your children.

Providing your child’s basic needs is one thing, getting involved in their lives through genuine interest and concern and care is another. Too often as a parent, you tend to be constantly critical every time you set eyes on your child, letting loose a barrage of negative speech geared towards everything that child does.

What type of relationship are you breeding?

Cultivate a relationship that would allow you to have a positive influence on your child’s life. When he knows that you care, he’d be inclined to listen to you. Jesus related to individuals in love and then He was able to meet their spiritual needs because He had established a loving connection with them.

The way you treat your child will determine the way they respond to you. And the way they respond to their earthly parent is the way they’ll respond to their heavenly Father. So it is very important to lay a secure foundation upon which they could successfully build; a groundwork for how they will perceive God.

For instance, if you are a parent that keeps his word then they will trust that God will be true to His word. Spend time with your child, enjoy his company, and no matter the age, find ways to stay connected in love.

Beloved, seize those teachable moments in practical ways and teach through love and gentleness. Do all you can to point your family toward Jesus, by the way you live and by what you teach; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Beloved, pray without ceasing for your loved ones. Realize that it is not your responsibility to make a person accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, but it is your responsibility to share the gospel, the good news, of Jesus. Be faithful in doing your part but keep in mind that each of us has been given free will to choose or not to choose Jesus.

Beloved, do not be harsh on your family if they are not responding to Jesus in the way you think they should. Do not give up on them; remember, your family members will receive Jesus only when they recognize that they need Him. Just continue to lift Jesus up and He will draw all people to Himself (John 12:32).

keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. – 1 Peter 3:15 (ERV)

Beloved, pray to be a godly example to others, setting apart Christ as Lord, always prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have and to always do so with gentleness and respect.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Faith is Caught and Taught” © 2017 revisited November 8, 2025

Christ is All that Matters

 

 

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

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

Colossians 3:11 clearly points out that when living as a follower of Christ, one’s nationality, race, physical appearance, social status and education are unimportant.

Too often, even after receiving Christ as Saviour, we quibble about many things that, in the big scheme of things, really do not matter. So much emphasis is placed upon those things, that we lose sight of what is really important and meaningful.

Beloved, as a follower of Christ, you are to place your unbridled attention upon Him and living a renewed life recreated in His image because, when all is said and done Christ is all that matters.

 

Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Christ is All that Matters” ©2013 revisited November 7, 2025

Just One Thing

 

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

My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.

(2 Corinthians 12:9 AMPC)

Beloved, God’s grace is sufficient in your moments of weakness, and He wants you to do just one thing – tap into His all-sufficient grace, which He freely gives to enable you to go through those moments, “that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon” you.

Accept God’s grace in faith…

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

(1 Peter 5:10-11 AMPC)

So be it indeed. Amen †

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Just One Thing” ©2014 revisited November 6, 2025

Angel Assignment

 

Are you aware that as a child of God, you are assigned angels to look over you, “to guard you in all your ways”?

There are many believers who, not only doubt but also deny this Truth. But Scripture provides all the evidence you need. Let’s look at a few verses regarding angel assignment.

Psalm 91:11 (AMPC),

For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

What a promise! Imagine, God Himself gives His angels “especial charge over” you. This speaks of exceptional guardianship.

Understand that as God’s beloved child, you have His Holy Spirit within you and this divine host of angels to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways and wherever you go!

One working internally, others externally, and all at the same time. You are well covered.

Psalm 34:7 (AMP),

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience], And He rescues [each of] them.

The Angel of the Lord, who in the Old Testament, is believed to be the pre-incarnate Christ, Himself encamps around you! That’s the highest level of divine fortification!

Oh, what protection God provides! Your God desires your safety from attacks of the enemy. One translation of this same verse says,

God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. (MSG)

Picture yourself in prayer with a host of angels surrounding you. Not little chubby infants with tiny bows and arrows, as the world loves to portray angels, but gigantic strong warriors brandishing luminous swords, ready for battle. Rest assured beloved, that even while you are praying, you are under His special protection.

Hebrews 1:14 (AMP),

Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation? [Of course they are!]

Of course they are! God’s angels are sent to be of service to you, to help you, attend to your needs and to carry out specified orders and this is for every believer in Christ Jesus.

Beloved, throughout the Bible, the evidence is clear. Angels are all around you. You may not see them, but they certainly see you.

Investigate for yourself and thank God for the unfathomable concern and love He has for you that He should be so mindful of you and care for you.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Angel Assignment” ©2014 revisited November 5, 2025

Jesus Weeps

 

At the site of Jesus’ last miracle was recorded one of the shortest, yet perhaps the most poignant verses in the Bible, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 NIV)

Like the Jews that witnessed this event, many of us believe that Jesus wept because His dear friend Lazarus had died. But was this the reason for Jesus’ tears?

If we go back to verse 33, we see that when Jesus saw Mary, Lazarus’ sister, and the Jews who’d come with her, sobbing, ”he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled”

Moving ahead to verse 38, we read that Jesus was “again sighing repeatedly and deeply disquieted”

Now armed with this information, let’s imagine the scene that has been set for us, keeping in mind that.

This was the same Mary who had sat at Jesus’ feet feeding on the Bread of Life (see Luke 10:39)

The same Mary who, standing at the entrance to Lazarus’ tomb along with her sister Martha, would have undoubtedly heard Jesus say to Martha,

Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God? (John 10:40 AMPC)

It was this same Mary, who Jesus considered a dear friend, loved and held in loving esteem (see John 11:5)

It was that same Mary who, in an offering of love and complete devotion giving herself in an act of humble submission and dependence would take, a pound of ointment of pure liquid nard [a rare perfume] that was very expensive, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. (John 12:3 AMPC)

This same Mary who had chosen the one thing that was needful…

In other words, Mary knew Jesus intimately, yet lapsed into a state of unbelief, sobbing in agreement with those insincere Jews, at a time when her faith in Jesus should have been exercised and proven. And this is why Jesus wept!

Beloved, Jesus weeps when, after all that He Himself has revealed to you, and even after He has arrived on the scene, you still sob in unbelief.

Jesus desires that you believe, believe Who you know He is.

He wants you to have faith and not doubt.

Jesus wants you to agree with what you know and not with what you feel.

Jesus exhorts you to look at Him and not at the scene of your circumstances.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Jesus Weeps” ©2014 revisited November 4, 2025

Not Forsaken

 

In ancient times scripture was learnt by heart. There was no bible as there is today, no division into chapters, no numbered verses, just one continuous scroll and in those days, the tradition was that the rabbi would quote a line and his listeners were able to fill in the rest.

These days, there are some persons who do the same thing, especially with very familiar scripture passages.

Jesus, on the cross, cries aloud, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” as recorded in Matthew 27:46 (NIV) which lets us know that it means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Jesus uttered seven sentences from the cross that day but this one in particular, has always baffled me. Have you ever wondered why Jesus would have felt that His Father had forsaken Him?

The Amplified version says, “why have You abandoned Me [leaving Me helpless, forsaking and failing Me in My need]?”

Had the Father abandoned His beloved Son?

Had the Father left His beloved Son helpless?

Had the Father forsaken His beloved Son?

Had the Father failed His beloved Son in His need?

Over the years I have heard many preachers offer many reasons for Jesus’ sense of abandonment by His Father, our heavenly Father, while He hung on that cross, but I felt sure that there must be more to it than their proffered anecdotes.

What was Jesus doing? The time was drawing near, it was three o’clock, the ninth hour, His fourth sentence.

In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses gives Joshua the assurance that,

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (NRSVUE)

Actually, he had already done so in verse 6, and we see this same assurance in 1 Chronicles 28:20, when David speaking to his son Solomon says,

“Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” (NRSVUE)

This same assurance is again found in the Book of Hebrews, chapter 13 verses 5 and 6,

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (AMPC)

So, what was Jesus doing when He uttered these words of seeming forsakenness?

The Father did not abandon His only begotten beloved Son in His time of need and Jesus was reminding anyone in earshot of His voice of that Truth – those who had gathered at the foot of the cross then and those who gather at His feet now.

This Truth is repeated too many times in His Word for us to ever believe otherwise. We are not forsaken.

God is always with you even when you cannot feel His presence, and that, I believe, was what Jesus was doing; He was giving a reminder of that Truth.

Psalm 22 begins with these words,

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Sounds familiar?

Jesus’ hearers upon hearing this first line of scripture would have, by rote, filled in the rest of this Psalm. Line by beautiful line, they would have been reminded of the love of the Father.

Just a few lines down, they would have remembered,

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”

They would have remembered,

“For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me but heard when I cried to him.”

Beloved, I encourage you to step into the shoes of those who would have heard Jesus’ reminder and read Psalm 22 for yourself so that you may understand that He was not forsaken by God and neither are you.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Not Forsaken” © November 3, 2025

 

 

Affirming the I am in you

 

We are created in the image and likeness of God, for God said in Genesis 1:26, 27 (NIV),

“Let us make mankind in our own image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

No more convincing is necessary. And, in Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses,

“I AM Who I AM”.

Now, since we are created in the image of God the Father, we have the I AM of God embedded in us. I AM is who we are, it is our identity, yet we choose, too often, to identify with “I am not”.

Beloved, do not identify with “I am not” but instead, from today, begin to affirm the I am in you by declaring God’s Word over your life.

 

Declare:

 

I am God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever [1 Peter 1:23].

 

I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood [Ephesians 1:7].

 

I am the temple of the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 6:19].

 

I am the righteousness of God in Christ [2 Corinthians 5:21].

 

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works [Ephesians 2:10].

 

I am alive with Christ [Ephesians 2:5].

 

I am a new creature in Christ [2 Corinthians 5:17].

 

I am a partaker of His divine nature [2 Peter 1:3-4].

 

I am a spirit being alive to God [Romans 6:11].

 

I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power [Colossians 2:10].

 

I am the head and not the tail; I am always at the top, never at the bottom [Deuteronomy 28:13].

 

I am made all things to all people that I might by all means save some [1 Corinthians 9:22].

 

I am obedient to the Lord my God therefore I am redeemed from all curses including the curses of sin, sickness, and poverty [Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13].

 

I am free from the law of sin and death through Christ Jesus [Romans 8:2].

 

I am a believer, so the light of the Gospel shines in my mind [2 Corinthians 4:4].

 

I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions [James 1:22-25].

 

I am a joint-heir with Christ [Romans 8:17].

 

I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me [Romans 8:37].

 

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony [Revelation 12:11].

 

I am an ambassador for Christ, I am reconciled to God [2 Corinthians 5:20].

 

I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; I am God’s special possession [1 Peter 2:9].

 

I am the light of the world [Matthew 5:14].

 

I am His elect, full of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience [Colossians 3:12].

 

I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom [Colossians 1:13].

 

I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude [Colossians 2:7].

 

I am called of God to be the voice of His praise [Psalm 66].

 

I am healed by the wounds of Jesus [Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24].

 

I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power [Colossians 1:11].

 

I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places; as He is so am I in this world [Ephesians 2:6; 1 John 4:17].

 

I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus [James 4:7].

 

I am greatly loved by God [Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4].

 

“…I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus my Lord.”  

[Romans 8:38-39 NIV].

 

 

Amen †

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Affirming the I am in you” ©2013 revisited November 2, 2025

Jesus goes missing!

 

The Festival was over, and the caravan was on its way back home. For eleven years they’d done this journey without incident, so why would it be any different this twelfth year? But it was – Jesus goes missing!

After travelling an entire day, Jesus’ parents, expecting that He was somewhere among family and friends in the caravan, were unaware that He was missing. Retracing their steps, they went in search of their little boy, and found Him after three days of separation. He was in the Temple, and He was different, changed – no longer the same (read Luke 2:41-52).

Three days completely immersed in the will of God can do that to a person. How can you remain the same after that? You too will be found different and changed. Even your closest relatives are ignorant of where you are and what is transpiring with you spiritually, and they fail to recognize that the “you” they’ve always known is missing.

Within you, as His temple, a unique sense of identity is manifested. Your usual worship gives place to extraordinary fellowship with the Father. Just as it is in pregnancy, something begins to grow inside you, an enlarging that you can feel though it’s not yet obvious to anyone else. It is the work of the Holy Spirit stirring deep within, establishing that connectedness to God that was lost, a cementing of your relationship with the Father.

During those days of separation, your spiritual awareness is piqued and that’s when you know that your life is about to change in ways unimaginable, a life that will follow a path you’ve never before tread. And, like Jesus, you also go “missing” as your metamorphosis begins to unfold – the person you once knew is fading away. Changes, some subtle, almost undetectable, while others are drastic. A complete 180⁰ turn, a transition from the “old man” to the new creature.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

(2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

Searching for the old you, expecting to find you familiar, but instead a re-born unfamiliar you who’s growing in spiritual wisdom emerges – beloved, you’ve found Jesus.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Jesus goes missing!” © 2017 revisited November 1, 2025

 

 

 

Jesus, the only way to God

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

Realise that you are on a journey, a journey back to God. God, the Source from which you came. God, the Creator of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is seen and unseen. The mysterious Three in One God – One God, Three Persons, yet each is fully the One.

It is a journey of renewal, a re-awakening of your long-dormant spirit to the reality that is God.

First you must believe in your heart in Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, who came to earth to die on your behalf, so that you may have Life eternal, forgiveness of your sins once and for all – to be your Saviour.

Now, say aloud…

“Jesus is Lord!”

Jesus is the way to God, the Father. He is the Way, He is the Truth and He is the Life – three in one. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

Beloved, Jesus is the ONLY way to God. He is the route. He is the road. There is no other way.

Amen †

 

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Jesus, the only way to God” ©2012 revisited October 31, 2025

Lines of Belief

 

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.

I believe in love, even when I do not feel it.

I believe in God, even when He is silent.”

In Cologne Germany, these lines were found scrawled on the wall of a cellar ravaged by bombs during World War II.

Today, may these lines of belief bring you hope, comfort and peace of mind as they must have done to the one who wrote them.

“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29 (ESV)

Amen †

 

 

 

 

 

Lines of Belief (18-Sep-13) revisited October 30, 2025

Exiled in Egypt

 
Matthew 2:13-15 (NRSVUE) as it is written,

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

The wise men had made the long journey to see Jesus, who by this time was close to two years old but definitely not a baby as is normally suggested and depicted. Herod’s decree evidences this fact; he had ordered the killing of every male child in and around Bethlehem, who was no more than two years old (see Matthew 2:16-18).

This atrocity of Herod’s slaughter of innocent children for his own selfish ambition was retaliation against the Magi’s deception. In a dream, they’d been warned not to return to Herod, so they left for home via a different route.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. – Matthew 2:12 (NRSVUE)

So many of us ignore our dreams. We fail to see the messages they contain, instead we say things like, “Oh, it was just a dream.” But that’s a topic for another day.

Both Joseph and the Magi did not hesitate to act on the messages they received in their dreams. Without a clue as to what might be in store if they hadn’t taken heed, their responses were instant.

For Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus, there was no time to linger, under the cover of darkness they fled to Egypt in exile.

Once a country of Jewish captivity, God used Egypt as a solace of protection for His beloved Son.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. – Proverbs 16:4 (NLT)

God can and will use anything and anyone to fulfill His purpose.

Notice that everyone was forced to change direction, all the wise men and Joseph with his family in tow.

Immediately after God spoke to Joseph, he responded in obedience to God’s instructions. He neither hemmed nor hawed, he did not procrastinate, he did not turn over in bed and go back to sleep, he got up, took up and went.

Joseph left Bethlehem, to live in a land that was not his home. He was a refugee, a foreigner in a strange country. He was exiled in Egypt.

How many times has God spoken to you to leave a situation because of impending danger but you ignore the voice and stay? You stay because of your fear of uncertainty. You stay because of someone else’s experience in the place where God has told you to go. You stay because you still have hope that one day things will change. You stay because you simply don’t want to go. You stay because for you, God’s voice is not enough.

Beloved, God’s voice must be enough; He must be all in all sufficient for you. It doesn’t matter what is in the night because the dawn must come. It does not matter what lay ahead because God is already there; He goes before you.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”  – Deuteronomy 21:8 (NLT)

On this spiritual walk, there will be uncertainties and transitions. God will lead you in a direction you did not see coming but even when your route changes suddenly or the path you’re on leads you into an unfamiliar place, or the road you’ve been traveling for years takes an unexpected turn or you have to immediately trek into a life of exile, remember God is with you every step along the way. Listen to His voice and trust His leading.   

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Exiled in Egypt” © October 14, 2025

 

In God’s Service

 

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. – Genesis 12:4 (ESV)

Can you imagine at the ripe age of seventy-five having to change your entire way of living?

Well, that’s exactly what happened to Abram when God told him to leave his country and everything he knew, to go to a new and unfamiliar place to where God would direct him. Abram did not question God, he obeyed.

We get so accustomed to life in a certain way that we are reluctant to try anything new. Some of us, unlike Abram, would resist God’s call. Abram went as directed, and his obedience resulted in immeasurably-more-than-all-he-could-imagine blessings. Abram left his home in Ur childless, made a pitstop in Haran and by the time he settled in the Land of Canaan, became Abraham, the father of many nations.

Beloved, you must be willing to go wherever God sends you and to do whatever He tells you to do. You must be willing to go somewhere or do something you have never been or done before. You must be willing to accept God’s call even if it means leaving the life you know and love to venture into unfamiliar territory. No matter your age, you must be willing to do whatever God requires of you.

Walking with God is not temporary, but something you’ll continuously do over your lifetime. So, you might as well celebrate every time God directs you into something new; see it as a privileged adventure.

Sometimes the things God asks of you may be overwhelming, but you must always keep in mind that He will always equip you in every good thing to do His will (Hebrews 13:21); He expects you to rely on Him.

“I am the Lord your God; I strengthen you and tell you, ‘Do not be afraid; I will help you.’” – Isaiah 41:13 (GNT)

See every new challenge as a reminder of your utter dependence on God.  Know that it is a blessing to be in God’s service and to be used by Him. To be in God’s service is discipleship. To be in God’s service is a commitment that lasts a lifetime, it never stops.

This is true at every age.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “In God’s Service” © October 14, 2025

 

Self-Evaluation

 

How many of us suffer this malady of self-evaluation? It is a good thing to evaluate yourself but when it only results in negativity then it becomes a malady.

Finding nothing good about yourself is an unhealthy practice which can have a detrimental effect on you mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Constantly berating yourself will eventually lead you down a rabbit hole of self-disparagement where you’ll become discouraged and doubtful.

This state of being is a seedbed for unbelief.

Sadly, some religious people believe that to continuously condemn oneself develops holiness and godliness. Truth is, we are not worthy, and we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) but we “are made right with God by his grace…[we] are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 3:24 ERV).

This is a gift from God, not to be abused but to be honoured rightly and cherished.

Showing an inordinate concern about your own motives and intentions so that you may then condemn yourself is ungodly. Who are you to condemn yourself after Jesus hung on a cross to free you from such a fate? Will you crucify Him over and over again?

And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more. – John 8:11 (AMPC)

Beloved it’s not that you shouldn’t engage in self-reflection, but conviction is not your responsibility; that job belongs to the Holy Spirit of God. He searches your heart and when He finds those things that need to change, then He brings conviction.

the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. – 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit, who resides in every Believer, is committed to our transformation and only He can give us grace to change.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Self-Evaluation” © 2025 October 13, 2025

 

 

Elaborate Prayers

 

I must confess that I used to attend a weekly prayer meeting but after a few weeks I stopped going. Not that I felt that there was no need for prayer but after those who were designated to pray, yes there were designated pray-ers, prayed I left a depressed wreck of a person.

Theirs were elaborate prayers of woe, diatribes of mournfulness that left those in dire need of comfort, discomforted. There was no adoration of God, no repentant confession, no thanksgiving, just accusation and condemnation and torture. Empty words bobbing from their mouths into my ears.

Jesus warned us about these kinds of prayers when He said,

When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who pretend piety by praying publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. Truly, that is all the reward they will ever get. – Matthew 5:5 (TLB)

Regretfully, it seemed like a performance. Elaborate prayers with elaborate words, repeating familiar lines extracted from Scripture but lacking substance, without depth, and with no heart.

I believe that the level of stability of our spirituality can be reflected in our prayers, so if a person is designated to pray for others, he or she ought to be honest enough to submit and release things to God in private prayer before they engage in public prayer.

But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father, who knows your secrets, will reward you. – Matthew 5:6 (TLB)

An intercessor who does not habitually go away by themselves, alone, in quiet prayerful solitude to seek God will experience little to no victories, no matter how elaborate their public outpouring may be.

Beloved, elaborate prayers are not a sign of authenticity, neither a sign of holiness. It’s okay to attend weekly prayer meetings if it serves your needs. It’s okay to have prayer partners if it proves beneficial. But if these leave you in a worse state than ever before, then it’s okay to go away by yourself, all alone to pray.

Pray from your heart, without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:17), having faith that you will see a change in your circumstances, thanking God that the mountain is removed and expect a breakthrough.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Elaborate Prayers” © 2025 October 13, 2025

 

 

Euaggelion

 

“Oh dear! Euaggelion?” I could hear you exclaim. What’s this word, some may be asking while others may already know. So, for those who don’t let me introduce you to the Greek word translated “gospel” or “good news” in English and pronounced “yoo-ahg-gel-leon”.

Euaggelion is superlative, in that it’s of the highest quality or degree of “good news”, meaning  it goes far beyond simply “good news”; it actually speaks of too-good-to-be-true news.

It’s like the too-good-to-be-true news a young virgin received from angel Gabriel when he said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” – Luke 1:30-33 (NRSVUE)

Euaggelion is a word which was oversimplified in its English translation. Its translation of “good news” does not exude the inherent power that exists within its true meaning. Within this word is the power to generate salvation in those to whom it is proclaimed.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns! – Isaiah 52:7 (AMPC)

Euaggelion denotes “good tidings of good”. It is the announcement of something that is wonderful, like the news of God’s saving action through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

This is no ordinary worldly news; these are tidings of a positive nature that bring peace and joy unfathomable that is exclusively hinged to Jesus. It is the too-good-to-be-true announcement concerning Him.

Euaggelion is about Jesus and Jesus Himself is Euaggelion.

Pope Francis once said that we are living our lives like Lent without Easter. And that’s how it is living without Jesus Christ in our lives.

Beloved, Jesus has made it possible for you to access the Kingdom of heaven on earth. His atonement has provided everything that you need for the life of abundance, both here now and in heaven to come (see John 10:10-12).

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Euaggelion” © October 12, 2025

 

Keep your eyes on Jesus

 

Beloved, a new day has dawned, keep your eyes on Jesus as you meditate on Hebrews 12:1-3, as it is written in the contemporary language of The Message translation:

Discipline in a Long-Distance Race:

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it.

Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honour, right alongside God.

When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he ploughed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your soul!

Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Keep your eyes on Jesus” ©2013 revisited October 24, 2025

Doubt, a weapon of the enemy

 

Jesus said,

“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31

“…if you have faith and do not doubt…” – Matthew 21:21

“…do not doubt in your heart, but believe…” – Mark 11:23

Jesus commanded His disciples to not doubt. Doubt is not of God but is a weapon of our enemy, the devil. The devil plants seeds of doubt to try to negate the measure of faith that God has given us (Romans 12:3).

Doubt is a lack of belief, and if allowed to take root in our hearts it will grow into unbelief. Unbelief is a total rejection of faith. Unbelief opens the door for our enemy the devil to wreak havoc in our lives. Unbelief is a danger to us and Jesus was all too aware of this.

God has given us a weapon to combat doubt. It is the Word of God. When plagued by doubt, we must get into the Bible. Reading, studying, meditating on and hearing the Word bolsters our faith, for God’s Word is infused with His faith and as we read His Word, the supernatural faith that it carries will empower us for battle and form a shield of protection around us.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17 (NASB)

When Abraham was attacked by doubt, he stood up to the temptation to disbelieve God’s promise and grew stronger in his faith. Faith produces endurance. It is through God and His Word that we receive the ability to believe. God prepares us for the battle and arms us through His Word.

The devil will do everything he can to weaken our faith. With his lies, he compels us to doubt and disbelieve God. He assaults our minds with doubt, but we are to ignore what’s in our heads, focus on our hearts and listen. God speaks to our hearts, a place deep within us, our inner being.

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32

Beloved, are you in doubt? Go to the Word. As God reveals the truth of His Word to you, your heart will also burn with faith in Him. The devil’s fiery darts of doubt will not prevail against you because God’s Word creates an impenetrable shield of faith around you.

 Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Doubt, a weapon of the enemy” ©2013 revisited October 23, 2025

The Fearless Girl

 

We are introduced to a fearless girl in the Old Testament named Achsah. Her story is not long or what might be seen as remarkable but the lesson that can be learnt from her bravery is not to be ignored.

Achsah was Caleb’s daughter. Caleb being one of twelve spies sent by Moses, in obedience to God’s command, to investigate the land of Canaan. While ten spies came back with a negative report filled with fear and dread, Joshua and Caleb had a completely different perspective and delivered a faith-filled report (see Numbers 13).

For his act of bravery, Caleb was given land of his choosing, however the land he chose was already occupied. He proceeded to remove its occupants.

It’s no wonder that Achsah would demonstrate similar fearlessness as her father Caleb; their story is recounted in Joshua 15:13-19.

Caleb said, “I will give Achsah my daughter in marriage to whoever strikes Kiriath-sepher and captures it.” So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, captured it, and Caleb gave him Achsah his daughter in marriage. (v 16-17 CEB)

In those days it was not uncommon for a father to offer his daughter in marriage as a reward. This is exactly what Caleb had done and it was his brave nephew who won Achsah’s hand in marriage.

Now when she arrived, she prodded Othniel into asking for a field from her father. (v 18a CEB)

We aren’t told the reason why Othniel did not comply to his wife’s prodding but from the second part of this verse, we see that Achsah did the asking, not Othniel.

For a female to approach her father with a request was unheard of but from the time Achsah arrived Caleb obviously knew that she had something to ask because immediately he said to her, “What do you want?”

The fearless girl, no longer astride her donkey, said to her father,

“Give me a blessing. Since the land you’ve given me is in the arid southern plain, you should also give me springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. (v 19 CEB)

Now that is a bold request. Achsah didn’t plead or beg, instead she approached her father with respectful confidence and made her request known to him, and her father honoured her request.

Achsah and Othniel were given land but there was still a need as the land was located in the Negev desert (see Judges 1:15), so water would have been a necessary requirement. Achsah did not murmur, complain or gripe, she got off her high “horse” and fearlessly asked her father to fulfil her need.

Beloved, Apostle Paul says this,

 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  – Philippians 4:6 (AMPC)

Notice that Achsah didn’t ask for just water but springs of water, which would ensure a consistent supply. She was very definite in her request to her father and so should we to our Father.

Notice too that in answer to her need, Caleb gave her more than she asked for, her blessed her with the upper and lower springs. Her need was fulfilled far beyond her expectations.

Beloved, though Achsah’s story can easily be overlooked, it is yet another beautiful lesson of how your heavenly Father treats with his children that lies hidden within the pages of the bible. Know that you can fearlessly approach your Father through prayer, making your definite requests known while thanking Him for all that He has already done and for all that’s to come.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “The Fearless Girl” © October 12, 2025

 

Being Lazarus Part Two

 

You have accepted Jesus as your Saviour.

You acknowledged and confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.

At that point you were saved, born again, re-born, born from above, a new creature in Christ, who awakened you from spiritual sleep [a form of death], brought you out of the darkness of your tomb of carnality and into His marvellous Light [new life] (1 Peter 2:9).

But are you ready to continue on from there?

Are you ready to walk in the Light of Christ?

Are you ready to put to death your own dreams and visions, and ambitions and plans for your own life and begin to really live a new life in Christ?

Along your Christian journey, every death you experience is followed by a resurrection experience. Daily as you die to your self-centred desires and the things of this world, the Lord raises you up, exalts you and promotes you to new levels of spirituality right here on earth.

What you believed to be dead is given life anew!

Jesus commands the barriers of doubt and unbelief to be rolled away and calls forth a new manifestation!

Like Martha, Lazarus’ sister, believe Jesus even when you do not understand what He is doing or saying (John 11:20-27).

John 11:45 says that many people put their faith in Jesus after the resurrection of Lazarus, but Jesus is telling you to place your faith in Him before you see the physical manifestation. You must believe before you see! 

“…if you believed you would see the glory of God” (John 11:40 ESV)

First believe and Jesus promises you that you will see the glory of God.

What you thought was dead is now alive again!

When Lazarus came out, Jesus ordered his release from his burial wrappings; in the same way, when Jesus causes great things to happen in your life, when He resurrects you to a life in the Spirit, you will be set free from the bonds of your old spiritual influences.

Beloved, Jesus is calling you to, “Come out!” and truly surrender your life to Him, for you are Lazarus, ‘he whom God helps’.

Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Being Lazarus Part Two” ©2013 revisited October 21, 2025