A Familiar Story from a Different Perspective

 

Photo courtesy Chionsu Barclay

It’s always good to see things from a different perspective even those stories that are very familiar to us.

The Word of God is alive, not stagnant because as you grow and mature so does its meaning. As you dive deeper below the surface the Word evolves from milk into solid food.

everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature (Hebrews 5:13, 14 NASB)

To see a familiar story from a different perspective is to partake of solid food. One such story is the parable Jesus told of the widow who puts her last two coins in the temple treasury.

And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all contributed to the offering from their surplus; but she, from her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4 NASB)

Now, for many years I have viewed this story as one of faith, trust, selflessness and so on and I won't doubt that it is, however in reading what Jesus spoke of before and after He told this story I see it from a different perspective.

Jesus always used parables as a teaching tool, to give His listeners an example they could visualize and relate to, and this story of the poor widow was just that. Immediately before giving this example, in Luke 20:45-47 (NASB) it is written,

And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation.”

And, immediately after Jesus’ poor widow story, in Luke 21:5-6 (NASB) it is written,

And while some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and vowed gifts, He said, “As for these things which you are observing, the days will come when there will not be left one stone upon another, which will not be torn down.”

What are you observing?

Unlike His other parables, Jesus didn’t utter a word about this widow being selfless, full of faith, generous, kind, loving, healed, giving all she had to God, or anything of that nature. None of the usual interpretations we believed and heard of this story Jesus applied to this story.

Jesus first warned His disciples about the vainglory and feigned piety that had become the basis for worship in the temple, then told the story, then predicted the destruction of said temple.

Do you see it?

This story isn’t about a poor widow giving God His due, this story is about a poor widow who was forced to conform to the unholy practices meted out to the poor, the widows, the marginalized and vulnerable of society by the wealthy elite which included the pride-filled scribes who devour widows’ houses.

Jesus’ story emphasized a religious system that was unholy, broken, undeniably corrupt and on the verge of collapse.

Beloved, in his letter to the church at Philippi, Apostle Paul clearly states, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3 KJV), yet to this day we see similar practices in some churches.

The religious system in Jesus’ day saw no problem in taking everything from poor widows, their houses and their last cent, and give them absolutely nothing in return, not as much as a comforting word.

I once visited a gaudily decorated church with its walls draped in deep burgundy velvet curtains and armchairs upholstered in gold fabric atop a stage covered end to end in green carpet. After about an hour or so an army of uniformed youngsters bearing large mop buckets appeared, the time had come to collect tithes and offering from the congregation, as this army moved from row to row, the well-dressed preacher shouted into the mic, “I don’t want to hear anything falling into the bucket!”. 

With the filled buckets now at the foot of the stage, another group of persons, older and in civilian clothes, appeared with another set of buckets, and we were told that it was “first lady’s” birthday and she needed a new car. The people, some of whom arrived at church via public transportation were feverishly digging into their pockets and purses to feed the greed. I did not participate. 

I must confess that after the first hour I wanted to leave but I'd been invited so despite my aversion to the performative Christianity masquerading as church, I stayed to the end. By the way, after church, the pastor drove away in a shiny blue Volvo; I did not see him offer anyone a ride.

Yes, woe upon you, Pharisees, and you other religious leaders—hypocrites! For you tithe down to the last mint leaf in your garden, but ignore the important things—justice and mercy and faith. Yes, you should tithe, but you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone. (Matthew 23:23 TLB)

Was Jesus commending the widow’s sacrifice, or did He use the giving of her last two coins to an institution that promoted greed and practiced exploitation, to highlight the injustice of a religious system that convinced her that she had no choice but to give everything she had?

Jesus was calling out the religious leaders of His day and sadly we see that not much has changed.

Beloved, take a closer look at your own story. Have you been admiring the beautiful stones that decorate your church and standing in awe of the vowed gifts that its leaders receive rather than observing and condemning the social injustice they practice?

Lent presses you to look at the familiar from a different perspective, to really see what is truly embedded in your usual practices and traditional religious belief systems.

Lent challenges you to not justify the vanity of the norm and the mistreatment of the vulnerable but to ask yourself whether what you are condoning is contributing to the demise of the temple – the church, individuals’ temples – people’s lives, and your own temple – your body, physically and spiritually.

This is a season of building up what is spiritually acceptable to God and tearing down what is not. Ask God for His revelation, wisdom and discernment in these times when a different perspective of the familiar is sorely needed.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A Familiar Story from a Different Perspective” ©2026 February 27, 2026

The Bar of Discipleship

 

There’s a cost to giving up your own way to wholeheartedly follow Jesus and do things His way. To make it is to adopt a life of discipline which involves consistency in faithfulness to Jesus and your call to follow Him.

The bar of discipleship may be high but is certainly not unattainable. Those first disciples whom Jesus called weren’t men of noble character but were men willing to set aside their way of life to heed the call.

To Peter, Andrew, James and John Jesus beckoned, “Come, follow me” and without hesitation they left their nets and their boat (ref. Matthew 4:18-22).

Jesus was particular in His choosing but not discriminatory. He eventually chose twelve men from varying walks of life and financial status – from fishermen to tax collectors – who were willing to embrace a new life. It is not an easy road to travel, but you must be willing to go the distance.

Jesus poured Himself into these twelve for three years, that was His process of discipleship which has never changed; He is still pouring Himself into others.

After Jesus pours Himself into you, you then are expected to do the same thing, however, before you can make disciples of others Jesus must become the force that empowers you. If He isn’t then you’ll be making followers of you and not followers of Jesus.

Discipleship is based upon a foundational relationship with Jesus that you must live daily.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul gave him the same method Jesus used for making disciples,

What you have heard me teach publicly you should teach to others. Share these teachings with people you can trust. Then they will be able to teach others these same things. (2 Timothy 2:2 ERV)

Beloved, every believer is called to be a disciple but not every believer is willing to commit to that role, so our churches are filled with a membership exuding lifeless obligation to brick and mortar.

The thought of leaving your loved ones, your career and all that’s familiar seems not the loveliest of prospects but Jesus promises that everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or farms to follow me will get much more than they left. And they will have eternal life (Matthew 19:29 ERV).

As a disciple, committed to your brothers and sisters in Christ, you’ll contribute to the Body of Christ in a meaningful way, and you’ll be someone they can count on.

As a disciple, helping to enforce the beauty of kingdom living, you’ll not only show up and out with good news but with behaviour that demonstrates the character of Jesus and His Kingdom.

Discipleship is about walking persons toward Jesus, persons whose lives may be in shambles or have no faith in anyone or find it difficult to trust or may have heard the whole spiel before and have remained in a life of nothing but hardship or trusted once and were terribly hurt by people in church.

Yes, the bar of discipleship seems a tall order but you’re not in this alone, you are His disciple with His Spirit inside you to guide you. Your job is to point people to a God who loves them.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “The Bar of Discipleship” ©2026 February 26, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Devoted to Prayer

 

Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm…So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church. – Acts 12:1, 5 (NASB)

God’s people were under siege, persecuted by the one in authority, Herod the king. And what did the church do? 

Now it is said that there should be a separation between church and state, however when the state is determined to cause harm to those who belong, not just to the church but to all who God created, then the church must act.

And how does the church act? Pray.

Unfortunately, these days we see atrocities being done to persons the world over and not a murmur from the church.

When Herod stretched forth his hands to afflict and oppress and torment (v 1 AMPC), the church did not just sit back and do nothing, the church gathered to pray, not just a few members meeting to impress one another by uttering disingenuous performance prayers, but the whole church came together as one to pray intensely to God.

What about your church, does your church family gather to pray?

What about your household, do you come together, as a family, to pray?

The early church did not only turn to prayer in challenging times, they were devoted to prayer. Prayer was an integral part of their daily routine; constantly praying was their way of life.

And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it. – John 14:13-14 (AMP)

Jesus promised His disciples that as His representatives, whatever they ask in His name, He would do once it glorified and celebrated the Father in the Son.

Beloved, as followers of Jesus, you and I are His representatives, the church is His representative, so we should all be devoted to prayer. We can ask Jesus anything in His name and He will do it, not my words, His.

We, as the church, ought to put this wonderful promise into practice, praying intensely to our resurrected Jesus for whatever is needed, believing without a doubt that He will answer our prayers.

Jesus gave the assurance that when we pray together, we bring Him into the situation.

For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them. – Matthew 18:20 (AMP)

Simply put, there is power in gathering, so prayer must be a vital part of church.

Praying as a church, or family or a group of friends or individually should never be trivialized or minimized because prayer is fuel for living. Being devoted to prayer produces extraordinary results in ordinary lives.

The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results. – James 5:16 (TLB)

Beloved, you must devote time to God – Father, Son and Spirit – in prayer if you want to see your life and the lives of those you pray for truly flourish.

The bible is filled with examples of how those in the early church prayed; search for the prayers that you can use as models for your own and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in becoming devoted to prayer.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Devoted to Prayer” ©2026 February 25, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

What about Rhoda?

 

Rhoda. Sounds familiar? For those of a certain age, the only Rhoda you may know is Mary Richard’s best friend on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

The name Rhoda does appear in the bible. We meet her in Acts chapter twelve but other than that one mention, nothing more is said about her. She is one of the many obscure characters who play a relatively significant role then fades away.

I’m sure you’ve had similar encounters with persons who enter your life for just a little while then they’re gone – no contact whatsoever, your paths never cross again.

Anyway, long story short…

Peter, who was, more or less, the leader of the disciples, is imprisoned and heavily guarded by16 soldiers. Not only that, he is also bound with two chains, flanked by two soldiers and more of them were at the entrance to the prison. There was no escaping for Peter, not that he was trying but even if he tried, he could not possibly get past all those guards.

But God. Nothing is impossible for Him.

Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing there, and the room was filled with light. (Acts 12:7 ERV)

“Suddenly”! God is the Master of suddenly.

The angel woke Peter up, the chains immediately fell off, he put on his sandals and got ready to move, no questions asked, he simply complied with the angel’s instructions.

Then the angel said, “Put on your coat and follow me.” (v 8)

With that, Peter was rendered invisible. He, in step with the angel, walked past every single soldier right out of that prison through an iron gate that opened on cue, to the end of the street and when they were far enough, the angel “suddenly left” – no goodbyes necessary, his task was done and he was gone.

Talk about an incredible escape, this is better than any suspense movie.

So Peter, left on his own, walked straight to John’s mother’s house. There, Peter knocked on the outside door. A servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it (v 13) but even though she recognized Peter’s voice she did not open the door, instead, giddy with excitement, she went back inside the house shouting to those gathered, “Peter is at the door!”

Beloved, has anything so wonderful happen to you that you forget to do the most basic of things?

Perhaps your brother after many years of living abroad comes home to surprise the family, you go to the door, see him or hear his voice and completely forget to open the door and let him in?

That’s exactly what happened to Rhoda. Peter’s return was unexpected even though he was being prayed for.

Since Peter’s arrest, a group of believers had gathered at this same house, praying to God for him. In other words, the church was deep in prayer. Rhoda was probably included in this gathering as a fellow believer because she knew Peter’s voice well.

At first the others did not believe that Peter was at the door and called Rhoda crazy, but she persisted until they took her seriously, meanwhile Peter remained at the door knocking.

When the angel appeared in prison, Peter too did not believe that he was actually being rescued, he thought he was seeing a vision. It was only after the angel left him that he realized what had happened.

Beloved, have you ever been praying about a situation, then God moves so suddenly that you can hardly believe and it’s a moment before you realize that He has taken you out of bondage? 

It’s in times like these that God will place a persistent witness, like He did with Rhoda, to declare your miraculous escape to others.

Peter explained how God had rescued him to those in the house and Rhoda, a mere servant girl, was used by God to witness and testify to the power of corporate prayer. 

God heard the prayers of the church and answered in a mighty way – He sent His angel, chains fell off, a person was made invisible to others, gates opened by themselves and the captive was made free.

Beloved, keep praying knowing that with God nothing is impossible – He can do anything. If there’s a Rhoda in your life right now then look out, God is about to move “suddenly”.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “What about Rhoda?” ©2026 February 24, 2026

 

Propitiation and Expiation

You must be thinking, “Where are we going with the title of today’s blog post?”

The answer, “Not far.”

Propitiation and expiation are two words used in different translations of the bible for the same Greek word in the same bible verse. Though related, they're not quite the same and so, need to be distinguished.

The verb propitiate means to gain or regain someone’s favour, to appease. Propitiation is the noun and refers either to the act of pacifying a person or deity, or to something that brings about conciliation, such as a sacrifice.

We see the word used in Romans 3:25 NASB translation (also KJV and ESV) where Paul is speaking of the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation to be received through faith.

“whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished”

However, in the Revised Standard Version and some other translations expiation is used instead of propitiation, in the same verse.

“whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins”

Expiation is defined as the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing, atonement.

While propitiation is done with reference to a person, expiation is done in reference to crimes or evil deeds.

For example, Jesus, by enduring God’s wrath on the cross on behalf of guilty sinners, He propitiated God; He appeased God and turned His wrath away from us and unto Himself.

And by His sacrifice at Calvary, Jesus expatiated sin, that is, He removed or wiped sin away; His death expatiated the sin of the world.

This is clearly affirmed by John the Baptist who, upon seeing Jesus approaching declared,

“Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NRSVUE)

Perhaps it can be said that it was necessary for Jesus to provide propitiation in order to provide expatiation? After all, didn’t Jesus avert God’s wrath against sinners so that we may be cleansed, forgiven and pardoned?

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” (Romans 5:9 NASB)

“the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 ESV)

In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7 AMP)

Just some food for thought beloved, as we prepare to commemorate and celebrate what Jesus has done for us. Keep chewing.

Amen †

 Shelley Johnson “Propitiation and Expiation” ©2026 February 23, 2026

 

 

 

Under the Veil

 The author of the Book of Hebrews tells us clearly that the veil in the temple signified Jesus’ flesh.

Therefore, believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus, by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh – Hebrews 10:19-20 (AMP)

But there is something else that the veil represents – the Law of Moses and any other barrier between God and man which pertains to the flesh.

The veil in the temple was made of linen, symbolic of righteousness, and although the high priest was the only person permitted to pass through the veil to enter the Holy of Holies, he was not truly righteous.

No-one was made righteous by the Law; no-one was justified by the Law. God created the Law to reveal sin, not to save us from sin. The Law itself was never meant to save but to highlight the need for a saviour.

Yet some people continue to place themselves under the veil of the Law, seeking righteousness through works.

From Moses’ day to now, anyone who puts himself under any part of the Law or anyone who teaches others to do so, enters under the veil and into a curse according to Apostle Paul.

Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 

those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse 

(2 Corinthians 3:15; Galatians 3:10 NLT)

Beloved, trying to establish personal holiness by observing parts of the Law is foolhardy, trying to observe and obey all that the Law commands is impossible for any human being to accomplish.

Going under the veil makes you spiritually blind as it covers your heart and your mind. Under the veil you’re unable to understand anything spiritual. Under the veil you do not recognize that the Law was never meant to heal sin, only to reveal it. Under the veil you cannot see clearly, you cannot see your dire need for Jesus Christ.

Listen, Jesus was the only person who was righteous in the flesh; He was the only person who could do something about this veil of the Law. Jesus was the only person who walked this earth that could remove the veil between God and man.

Jesus Himself became the veil. When He was crucified and the veil of the temple was torn in two, it signified that what prevented us from entering the Holy Place of the presence of God was removed.

Jesus’ death gave us access, but we now have to fully perceive that truth; we need to come out from under the veil and turn to Him for whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:16 NLT).

The veil was taken away in Jesus who became the very embodiment of the veil, of the Law and of the sin of the entire world, when He hung on that cross at Calvary.  

When we continue to go under the veil of the Law, or any other veil pertaining to the flesh, we reject the veil of Jesus and all that He suffered on our behalf. We have a part to play in all this, we must tear away our own fleshly veils – our religious legalism, our pride, our religious beliefs, and all our other pharisaic behaviour.

Understand that these fleshly veils prevent proper fellowship with God; unless they are torn there will always be a struggle to enter the presence of God and the type of tearing that is required can happen only when we simply turn to the Lord.

Beloved, if you remain under the veil, then you will never experience the fullness of God. Now is the perfect time to turn to God with all your heart [in genuine repentance], with fasting and weeping and mourning [until every barrier is removed and the broken fellowship is restored]; Rip your heart to pieces [in sorrow and contrition] and not your garments.”
Now return [in repentance] to the Lord your God. (Joel 2:12, 13 AMP).

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Under the Veil” ©2026 February 22, 2026

 

 

 

The Living Tithe

 

A tithe is a tenth of something; the tenth part of produce or property or money. References to the tithe can be found in both the Old and New Testaments.

In Genesis chapter 14, we see Abram, under no written obligation, giving 10 percent of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, while he gave the remaining 90 percent to the king of Sodom who had suggested that Abram keep it for himself. Abram did not as he wanted to demonstrate to those around him that it was God, not man, who made him rich.

I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’  (Genesis 14:23 NIV)

Citing Genesis 14, Hebrews chapter 7 shows that in Abram’s day the giving of tithes was seen as a holy deed and pre-dated the law of Moses.

It is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to collect tithes from the people—which means, from their kinsmen—though these have descended from Abraham. But this person [Melchizedek] who is not from their Levitical ancestry received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who possessed the promises [of God]. (Hebrews 7:5-6 AMP)

These two chapters allow us to see the true meaning of the tithe not as an instruction or an example to follow or even a religious precedent but as a symbol of a higher concept that points to a deeper truth.

Jesus, upon entering a village, was met by 10 lepers.

They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17:13, 14 MSG)

On their way to the priests, they are miraculously healed of this dreaded disease.

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. (Luke 17:15, 16 ESV)

Only one out of the ten returned, voluntarily, to Jesus.

Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:16, 17-18 ESV)

Combining Luke’s account of the ten lepers with Hebrews chapter 7 gives a new and higher concept to the tithe, pointing to a truth that we often overlook – the living tithe.

That formerly diseased man was the tithe, the living tithe. This foreigner, like Melchizedek, was outside the genealogy of the Jewish people, just as we are, yet he, after receiving 100 percent from God, gave himself back to God as a living tithe.

Tithing has never been merely about money, and there is so much more about it than one blog post can accommodate. It is so important to dig deeper into the Scriptures, to study carefully and thoroughly, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding.

The living tithe is one who returns to Jesus, willing not just to give a tenth but to offer God every part of him or herself.

Beloved, you may honour God by giving a tenth of your money, but God wants all of you. Jesus gave all of Himself for you, 100 percent was the price He paid on the cross.

This season invites you to return to God, offer yourself to Him as the living tithe, withholding nothing from Him because it begins and ends in Him.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “The Living Tithe” ©2026 February 21, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Journey of Returning

Every single one of us is on the ultimate journey, the journey that takes us back to God and this larger journey is comprised of smaller journeys along the way as we trek upon the spiritual path towards our Creator. Each one of these small journeys is a journey of returning.

For whatever reason, we humans tend to slip off the path from time to time.

It happens to all of us so let’s not pretend that we have never been so distracted by the pleasurable taste of sin that we have never found ourselves heading in the opposite direction meandering away from God.

The problem is that we lose our focus, getting caught up in this and that, we find ourselves spiritually wandering off in a direction which we’re not meant to be journeying, then at some point, we come to ourselves and turn back hoping to resume our journey.

Thankfully, the Lord, who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8) sees us through the sacrifice of His Son and says to you and to me, “…you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Malachi 3:7 NIV).

Beloved, even now you may be asking, “How am I to return?”

Lent is the perfect time to reevaluate your life and the path you’re on. Use these 40 days to consciously journey toward God; return to Him seeking unity and complete fellowship with Him.

This journey of returning is reminiscent of the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness, where like Him, you’re in close communion with the Holy Spirit as He strengthens your resolve to remain on the right path to continue the journey.

A journey of returning is your personal sojourn, it is your act of repentance, prompted not by the fear of punishment but by sheer love and reverence.

You must confess that you have strayed (see 1 John 1:9), crying out to God in sincerity,

Restore me, and I will return, because you are the Lord my God. (Jeremiah 31:18, 19 NIV).

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A Journey of Returning” ©2026 February 20, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shema

 

Shema is a Hebrew word which basically means to listen or hear but it’s much more than that – it is hearing that leads to alignment.

In many places Shema is defined as hearing which leads to obedience however that conjures up an image of forced, coerced submission. But it’s not obedience as in a slave and slave master relationship, it is obedience which stems from loving compliance, and reverence and trust and loyalty.

Every day Jewish people confess these words from Deuteronomy,

Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord].

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. (6:4-5 AMPC)

The very first word “Hear” – “Shema” – is setting the tone for what’s to follow in bringing God’s people into alignment with all that He is and all that He’s about to say.

The Israelites had recently been redeemed from bondage in Egypt and with this redemption came freedom from the ways and customs to which they had become accustomed; God was about to do a new thing, and He needed His people to perceive it.

God was moving them from a materialistic mindset to a divine reality – from Egypt, double difficulty, to Canaan, the Land of Promise.

These once long-enslaved people, with the adoption of their slave master’s ways and lifestyle, had become slaves to their master’s ritualistic practices, including their worship of other gods. "Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad", was a declaration of God’s identity. This act of restoration involved a reintroduction of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of all generations, the only Lord to which they were to align and to love deeply.

The only Lord to which we are to align and love deeply.

During this Lenten season, perhaps we should all seek a reintroduction to God, a realignment to Him and a rekindling of our love for Him.

God wanted His people then and wants us now to truly understand who He is. He wants us to know that He is our Liberator. He gave up His only begotten Son (John 3:16) to set us free.

Beloved, just as the Israelites were unable to free themselves from the more than 400 years of captivity, you and I cannot free ourselves from our various enslavements – our addictions, our vices, our unmanageable lusts and unhealthy habits. It is God who affords us freedom through Jesus Christ His Son because if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free (John 8:36 AMPC).

Understand that you don’t obey to get free, you align because you are already free; you don’t obey to receive God’s love, you align because you are already loved by God.

Shema (the hearing, the obedience, the alignment), is foundational to our relationship with God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Shema is not just a call to hear or listen, it is a call to act, a call to align with Love in love ; Shema is pinned to the outcome of the act of listening to God.

God is calling you out of your skewed alignment with the gods of Egypt – enslaved by money, worldly success, power and status – into alignment with Him, the God of freedom, where He provides everything that you need.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Shema” ©2026 February 19, 2026

 

 

 

 

An Everlasting Love

 

We are all familiar with John 3:16 as we should be, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (NLT) and though this is undeniable proof of God’s love for all people, He has been protesting His love for over thousands of years with several verses in Scripture that corroborate God’s everlasting love for His people.

One such verse, Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) reads,

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  

While this chapter is directed to Israel, it is relevant to all people even today. It is a declaration of God’s love for His people and reveals His heart towards us as He continues to draw all of us to Himself with unfailing kindness.

God’s love is not temporary. His love is not dependent on what we do. He is faithful in His love even when we are unfaithful in our love of Him.

This chapter in Jeremiah is a promise of the complete restoration of a people who, after God had redeemed them from bondage in Egypt and provided for them throughout their sojourn in the desert, defied Him by breaking the covenant He had made with them. They were rebellious at best and suffered punishment for it yet God, with an everlasting love, turned their mourning into gladness and gave them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Sometimes we, like the Israelites of old, cut ourselves off from the intimacy of God when we deem ourselves unworthy of His love because of sin, with its resulting guilt and shame.

We turn away from God, believing the lies that we tell ourselves, the lies that others tell us and the lies we hear from the world around us, and we cling to those things and those people who we hope will satisfy our need for the love we crave but no matter how hard we hold on to the what and the who, we are still left wanting.

But there is a new covenant to which we are bound, fulfilled by the One Who suffered punishment for all the sin of the entire world which includes yours and mine.

Your story hasn’t ended; sin, guilt and shame do not define you. God is pursuing you, but you just won’t allow Him to catch up. He is calling out to you by name, longing for you to turn back, see Him and hear Him saying to you,

“I have loved you with an everlasting love”

Beloved, God’s desire for an intimate relationship with you is evident, His expression of love for you cannot be denied, He longs to draw you to Himself. Won’t you open your heart to receive His love, an everlasting love like no other? You mean everything to God.

As you make your way through this Lenten season, remember God’s deep love for you, not the sin, not the guilt, not the shame, instead get ready to be fully loved just as you are, look back and turn back to Him calling out “Here I am! Ready to receive Your everlasting love.”

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “An Everlasting Love” ©2026 February 18, 2026

Doubting Jesus

 

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.  He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. – Matthew 16:1-4 (ESV)

All too often we behave like the Pharisees and Sadducees always wanting a sign. This simply means that we’re doubting Jesus.

Gideon, doubting the word of God, asked for a sign (see Judges 6). Thomas, doubting Jesus, asked for a sign (John 20).

Gideon had heard time and time again of all God’s wondrous works, yet still he doubted that God would choose him. And Thomas, the Pharisees and the Sadducees had seen all of Jesus’ wondrous miracles, yet that was not enough for them, doubting Jesus, they wanted proof.

Don’t we do the same though? Aren’t we doubting Jesus? Always wanting proof that meets our expectations rather than taking Him at His word or reflecting on what He has already shown us?

We are always seeking proof of some kind instead of trusting God. He has already done so much yet we dismiss it all and require just a little more proof.

“God if this, then do that”

“Lord Jesus, if that, then do this”

Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, we are doubting Jesus, His abilities and His authority. Loyal churchgoers, avid Word-readers yet blind to the spiritual, unable to properly interpret the signs of the times.

Beloved, stop waiting for a sign, stop doubting Jesus instead pay attention to the thread of His faithfulness woven into the everyday moments of your life. Jesus has already given us a spectacular sign in the sign of Jonah which symbolizes His death and resurrection. 

What more do you need? Isn’t that enough? No other proof of His love can be greater (John 3:16).

Jesus has already given us, all of mankind, everything.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Doubting Jesus” ©2026 February 15, 2026

 

Believe to See

The world says “Seeing is believing” but in God’s economy we have to believe to see. This is clearly illustrated in Matthew 20: 29 – 34 (ERV) when Jesus encountered two blind men seated on the roadside.

When Jesus and his followers were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the road. They heard that Jesus was coming by. So they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, please help us!”

 The people there criticized the blind men and told them to be quiet. But they shouted more and more, “Lord, Son of David, please help us!”

Jesus stopped and said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”

 They answered, “Lord, we want to be able to see.”

Jesus felt sorry for the blind men. He touched their eyes, and immediately they were able to see. Then they became followers of Jesus.

Despite the crowd’s castigation of them, these two blind men did not let that deter them from seeking Jesus’ help.

They heard that Jesus was coming their way and put a plan into action. They could not see Him approaching but believed what they had heard.

Most of us always need to see before we believe however, sometimes God is leading us in the opposite direction where He wants us to learn to accept His promises as true before they’re manifested.

With Jesus standing right in front of him, Thomas, the disciple, still desired to see before he would believe.

A week later the followers were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you!”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  – John 20:26-27 (ERV)

Unlike Thomas, these men did not require any proof or signs in order to believe. Unlike Thomas, these two men did not know Jesus personally, but they knew of Him and were sure that He was able help them see. Unlike Thomas, these two men were not doubting but believing.

Persistent, they shouted and shouted and Jesus paid attention. He stopped. He asked. They answered, “Lord, we want to be able to see.”

Beloved, you may have your sight, but are you able to see? Perhaps you have not seen because you do not truly believe.

These blind men believed and Jesus did not hesitate to grant their request. His response was immediate. Feeling compassion for them, Jesus touched their eyes and gave them their sight. In turn, these two men, now able to see clearly, did not walk away from Jesus but became His followers.

What do you want Jesus to do for you? Have you been crying out to Him without a response? Perhaps He is waiting for you to believe to see.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Believe to See” ©2026 February 15, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confronting Confrontation

 

There are times we have to deal with people and situations face to face. We may not want to, but sometimes we haven’t an alternative.

The church at Corinth was plagued with problems, one of which was their struggle with carnality. And in that struggle, there was much confrontation amongst members. To deal with that situation, Apostle Paul was forced into confronting confrontation.

To prepare for this fight, I believe that Paul must have drawn from his store of spiritual knowledge on how to live from a place of victory. He would have taken possession of his soul and not allow his personal feelings towards the Corinthians, the members themselves or their actions, to dominate the situation at hand.

Confronting confrontation requires sobriety where the mind is clear, emotions are checked, biases pushed aside and prayer to bring the whole sordid affair under subjection to God.

At the end of his letter to the church, Paul wrote,

Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service]. – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (AMP)

According to Paul, it is necessary to be razor focused on the task at hand. Distraction is not an option. But how do we get there?

Beloved, in confronting confrontation, it really all boils down to self-control or better yet soul-control; if you allow the body to take control, then eventually everything will end up out of control and that’s not where you want to be when addressing confrontational situations.

As you may already know, self-control is just one of nine elements that make up the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) so, before confronting confrontation, look to the Spirit of God and follow His direction rather than the desires and temptations of your body.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Confronting Confrontation” ©2026 February 15, 2026

 

 

Relinquishing Your Power

 

Beloved, when you allow someone else’s wrongful treatment of you to remain a bastion in your life then you are relinquishing your power to that individual.

I am in no way trivializing trauma and abuse which are serious conditions that need to be properly dealt with due to their long-term emotional and psychological effects. Even if it is not deemed as serious as that, living in dysfunction because of another’s actions even after that person is no longer a part of your life is allowing them to have power over you. Don’t give them that power, take it back.

Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian church members said,

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (12:10 NIV)

On the surface, For when I am weak, then I am strong seems to make no sense, but Paul was saying that he was not dependent on his own strength, instead when faced with all kinds of troubles that he was incapable of handling, he was in the habit of relinquishing his power to Christ Jesus.

In Psalm 27 verse 1, the psalmist says, The Lord is the stronghold of my life, and you must do the same, recognizing that it is the Lord in whom your power rests. The psalmist, in the same verse, goes on to ask, of whom shall I be afraid?

When the Lord is your strength, you don’t have to live fearfully; you don’t have to settle for unhealthy relationships; you don’t have to suffer all the issues that dysfunction brings.

Place your trust in God at all times, He is the rock of your strength (Psalm 62:7 & 8); rely on Him and in the power of His might (ref. Ephesians 6:10).

It is not an easy road to walk and may not happen overnight, though with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Beloved, relinquishing your power to God does not make you weak, it makes you strong. So, keep trusting in God and in His power and not your own.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Relinquishing Your Power” ©2026 February 14, 2026

 

Walls

 

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. – Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

In Scripture, walls symbolize protection, particularly God’s protection so, when Solomon in his wisdom writes that a person who lacks self-control is like a city whose walls have been “broken through” what he is in fact saying is that person, by their inability to regulate their emotions, thoughts and behaviour, is easily manipulated and coerced into compromising their divine security.

The person who lacks self-control allows every negative word they hear and every trial that comes their way to affect their life. When you lack self-control, your walls collapse.

God does His part by providing His protection, but you have to take responsibility to ensure that your spirituality is not infiltrated.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways – Psalm 91:9-11 (NIV)

You must entrust your safekeeping to God. Look at what divine protection affords you when you declare that God is your security and you abide in Him. No outside forces can breach your walls.

The person who lacks self-control is not placing their trust in God but is allowing whatever is happening around them to govern their life.

When you place your trust in God, external circumstances will neither control you nor affect you.

Things happening outside of you do not have to become the things inside you. Poverty that surrounds you does not have to govern your life instead trust God and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

The self-control that the bible talks about has nothing to do with not eating another slice of cake, that’s restraint, biblical self-control has to do with controlling your soul – feelings, thoughts, intentions.

Situations and people’s actions do not have to trigger a reaction from you. Isaiah 53:7 says about the coming Messiah,

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Adopt this as your mantra.

Beloved, when you’re surrounded completely by God’s protection there’s no fear of the walls being broken through by enemies. As He did with Job (Job 1), God places a wall of protection around those who love and acknowledge Him.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. (Psalm 91:14 NIV)

These aren’t walls that we’ve built ourselves which are prone to breach and collapse, these are the fortified impenetrable walls of God; it’s being hedged by God Himself.

Placing your trust in God will keep your walls from being broken through and you can rest assured that the Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV).

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Walls” ©2026 February 14, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Ones

 

The disciples had posed a question to Jesus (Matthew 18:1) and in responding to them He said,

“If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! – Matthew 18:6-7 (NRSVUE)

Then not long after that, in verses 10 through 14, Jesus told them a parable about a sheep that had gone astray; He said to them,

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost”.

Matthew uses the terms “gone astray” and “went astray” in describing what has happened to this single sheep. It is interesting to note that the Greek word that was used in the original text is the verb “planao” which means to lead astray, deceive, wander or roam.

Now Jesus tells this parable to emphasize His point about causing the little ones who believe in Him to sin.

He compares the little ones who believe in Him to innocent, easily lead sheep. Matthew’s record of Jesus’ Lost Sheep Parable, unlike Luke’s of the same title, is not about a sheep that a shepherd lost but is about a sheep that someone has purposely lead astray through deceptive or misleading doctrine.

To have a better understanding, perhaps this verse should be translated as,

If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one of them has been deceived, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that is deceived? 

This parable is about those who have been led away from the Truth and the church’s responsibility to care enough to seek them out; it’s about the church’s responsibility to bring its members, who may be deceived and mislead by false claims, back onto the right path doctrinally and theologically.

As a church what are we doing about the little ones?

Their angels continually see God in heaven, but it is up to the shepherds here on earth – priests, pastors, ministers, preachers – to go out and find those who have stopped coming to church or reach out to those who are seated in the pews but spiritually lost.

Sadly however, some members of the clergy fall into the category of those led-astray-sheep, lost and desperately in need of finding by a responsible shepherd.

Beloved, the truth is we all need to be more active in searching for the little ones who are lost; to make every effort to find and reclaim them for God. Our challenge is not only to seek but to take notice of who might have gone astray, even when immediately present.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “The Little Ones” ©2026 February 12, 2026

This is Madness

 

After everything God had done in leading His people, those same people wanted a change in leadership. In fact, they demanded it. Samuel, as God’s appointed leader, judge, prophet and priest was crushed by their demand for a king to rule them; lusting after worldly solutions rather than trusting God’s rule.

1 Samuel 8:6-9 (MSG) tells us,

When Samuel heard their demand – “Give us a king to rule us!” – he was crushed. How awful! Samuel prayed to God.

God answered Samuel, “Go ahead and do what they’re asking. They are not rejecting you. They’ve rejected me as their King. From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they’ve been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they’re doing it to you. So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they’re in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they’re likely to get from a king.”

They were determined to replace God’s leadership, with human kingship instead.

Though God knew that their choice was imperfect He still gave them what they wanted – He raised up Saul to be king.

Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when the people looked for Saul, they could not find him.  Then they asked the Lord, “Has Saul come here yet?” The Lord said, “Saul is hiding behind the supplies.”  – 1 Samuel 10:21-22 (ERV)

Saul, not wanting to appear hungry for his new role as king, hid himself, displaying a sort of humility. I say sort of because feigned humility can quickly mutate into pride and you’ll see what I mean a little further on.

Keep in mind that humility must mature into obedience, not simply now-and-again obedience but sustained obedience to God that will not collapse under pressure.

Saul led by the Spirit of God experience many victories in battle as true victory comes through Spirit’s leading not human effort.

be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. – 1 Samuel 12:24 (NIV)

With these many triumphs Saul began to go ahead of himself and a military crisis with the Philistines revealed some flaws in the character of this once humble farmer turned king.

Keep in mind, God’s blessings are tied to faithfulness.

When Samuel was late in coming to make an offering before battle, Saul, impatient, took matters into his own hands and made the offering himself (1 Samuel 13:8-9).

Oftentimes we, like Saul, are tempted to rush rather than practice patience.

Beloved, God’s timing may seem slow but moving ahead of God is madness.

Saul’s actions revealed that a spirit of pride was developing. Samuel told Saul that he had done a foolish thing by not adhering to God’s command. Even when God’s instruction is given through another person, we must follow it.

Samuel said, “You did a foolish thing. You did not obey the Lord your God. If you had done what he commanded, the Lord would have let your family rule Israel forever. But now your kingdom won’t continue. The Lord was looking for a man who wants to obey him. He has found that man – and the Lord has chosen him to be the new leader of his people, because you didn’t obey his command.” – 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (ERV)

Saul’s was a display of abject disobedience. Obedience to God is not optional; it is essential. Saul lost out on having his kingdom securely established by God and paid a hefty price for his wanton disobedience. God values obedience above outward success or appearances.

We have a tendency to compromise thinking that disobedience is a light infraction but our obedience to God must overpower our penchant for convenience.

We must take it seriously. We must treasure obedience. Saul did neither.

Now the men of Israel were pressed to exhaustion that day, because Saul had placed them under an oath, saying, “Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening—before I have full revenge on my enemies.” So no one ate anything all day, – 1 Samuel 14:24 (NIV)

Placing his soldiers under such an oath is madness; he put these men in terrible danger.

As an Israelite, Saul would have known the Scriptures well, so the Lord’s declaration of, “Vengeance is Mine and recompense;” (ref. Deuteronomy 32 :35 also quoted in Romans 12:17-19) was not foreign to him yet, sinking deeper into pride, he sought vengeance for himself.

Saul made a hasty decision rather than depend on God’s wisdom.

We must slow down and pause before making any decisions. We must look to God for wisdom and guidance.

Unlike his son, Saul so full of pride was no longer trusting in God. He was fully vested in his own power, wisdom and prideful control. His leadership was driven more by fear than faith.

Beloved, our fears can lead us into making rash decisions and choices.

Fear of being disliked

Fear of being ridiculed

Fear of being criticised

Fear of being exposed

Fear, fear, fear in all forms…

We let fear dictate our stance instead of listening to God, trusting in God, and following His leading.

Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king. – 1 Samuel 15:22, 23 (NLT)

Saul’s pride-led behaviour cost him his position as king.

Beloved, God is not pleased with disobedience or partial obedience or half-witted obedience.  Obeying God when it’s reasonable to you is selective obedience which is still disobedience.

Saul admitted to his sin (1 Samuel 15:24) but was not remorseful and he lost everything, every blessing, every favour (1 Samuel 15:28).

Saul’s pride led to his persistent disobedience which led to his downfall.

Living a life of constant compromise is madness; it repels God’s blessings and favour.

Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and the Lord sent a tormenting spirit[a] that filled him with depression and fear.– 1 Samuel 16:14 (NLT)

A life apart from God leaves one vulnerable and open to all sorts of torment.

Saul made David a commander over his troops ( ref. 1 Samuel 18:5). Then what followed thereafter pushed Saul over the edge. The people sang a song of triumph,

“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”

This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. – 1 Samuel 18:7-9 (NLT)

Saul became increasingly jealous of David’s success in battle; he was unable to rejoice in his newly appointed commander’s victories and triumphs.

God removed His Spirit from Saul to rest upon David.

Saul’s jealousy of David further intensified into hatred and soon enough escalated to attempted murder (ref. 1 Samuel 18:11).

This is madness.

Saul became obsessed with eliminating David, devising ways in which to do so, even resorting to use his own daughter in his diabolical plot. This maniacal obsession blinded him from reasonable thought (see 1 Samuel 19:9-10).

Saul’s hatred consumed him.

Saul’s anger and jealousy dominated his life.

Bitterness and resentment took root in Saul’s heart.

Saul hunted David relentlessly.

Beloved, when we do not surrender hate, anger, jealousy, bitterness resentment and any sinful behaviour to God, it grows into an obsession.

Deeper and deeper Saul sunk into the mire, loosing his footing (ref. Psalm 69:2), as he moved farther away from God.

This is madness…

Thinking that you can overpower God’s plan.

Believing that you can successfully oppose God’s will.

Trying to get rid of God’s true leader.

Purposely fighting against what God has already decided.

Constantly resisting God’s direction.

It will all come crashing down eventually. No matter what, God has the final say.

Saul, in his paranoia, even turned against God’s priests, employing a hitman to kill them (ref. 1 Samuel 22:18). This is madness.

Saul’s rage even destroyed his relationships with his son and his daughter.

Beloved, all of this to show you how humility can morph into pride especially if it is not completely genuine, giving rise to disobedience to God, as you begin to trust in your own ability, then that turns into obsession, paranoia and madness.

This is madness that no psychiatrist could cure because it wasn’t solely physical but it was a spiritual condition and the only cure for Saul and anyone else in a similar position is repentance – to be honest and admit your sin, confess it, take responsibility for it and turn back to God.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “This is Madness” ©2026 February 11, 2026