Cleopas’ Companion

Now for us to speak of Cleopas’ companion, we should first speak of Cleopas. So, in case you’ve never met him, let me introduce you to Cleopas.

Cleopas was a disciple of Jesus, presumed to be one of the seventy-two whom Jesus sent out on a mission.

The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. (Luke 10:1 NLT)

Among other things Jesus instructed the seventy-two to do, He also told them to, Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ (Luke 10:9 NLT)

So, if that presumption is true then Jesus was no stranger to Cleopas and Jesus would have known him. However, we don’t meet Cleopas until his name is mentioned in chapter twenty-four of Luke’s Gospel account, when he and his companion have an incredible encounter.

Long story short…

It was the afternoon of the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The Man who many had followed and were banking on to free them from the despotic rule of Rome had been brutally crucified and now His body was missing (Luke 24:21-23).

Two of those followers, despondent after everything that had occurred, embarked on the seven-mile journey from the city of Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. For them, hope had faded.

As they walked along the road, discussing the events of the past three days, they unknowingly met up with Jesus and after an initial discourse, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:27 NIV).

Keep in mind that what we know as the New Testament was not yet in existence, the Scriptures would have comprised the five books of Moses, known as the Law – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy – and the Prophets, five major and 12 minor.

But even after Jesus explained all the Scriptures concerning Himself, they still did not recognize Him. Do you see what they did not see?

Do you recognize that if at that time only the Old Testament existed then Jesus was there from the beginning just as Apostle John tells us in 1 John 1:1-4.

Luke does not give the details of what Jesus would have said to the two, but we are told that, they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if He were going on, but they begged Him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So He went home with them. As they sat down to eat, He took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. And at that moment He disappeared! (Luke 24:28-31 NLT).

Luke recorded an awesome encounter! But questions remain:

Did Luke not know Cleopas’ companion? Why didn’t Luke divulge his or her name?

Just a couple nights ago my daughter said to me, “Mom, when you relate a story, you always name names, but when I tell a story, for me mentioning the names of people is not important, what’s important is the story itself and the lessons to be learnt from the story.”

And this story of what happened on the road to Emmaus is a wonderful example of that.

Clearly the name of Cleopas’ companion was not integral to the story, so it wasn’t worth mentioning but Cleopas being named must hold some significance, otherwise Luke might as well have left him unnamed too since Cleopas is not a name that’s widely remembered and he is only mentioned this one time throughout the entire bible.

Luke intentionally named Cleopas and I believe that the significance is in the name itself, the meaning of the name.

Cleopas is a short form of the Greek name Kleopatros which means glory of the Father, renowned father or vision of glory. All apt descriptions of what occurred on that road to Emmaus and when they got to Emmaus.

Cleopas and his unnamed companion’s encounter that afternoon was indeed a vision of glory. They experienced the glory of the Father through Jesus, the Son when He opened their eyes to the spiritual.

Beloved, that encounter with Jesus was real and whether you are named or unnamed in the telling of a story, Jesus knows who you are, just as He knew Cleopas’ companion whose name we don’t know to this day.

Jesus showed up for both His followers in their moment of disappointment and despair, and when hope is fading fast, you can rest assured that Jesus will show up for you. Even now He is with you and is not about to disappear. Jesus is patiently waiting for your eyes to open, so you not only recognize Him but realize that He has been walking with you every step of your journey.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Cleopas’ Companion” ©2026 April 20, 2026

 

 

The Traveller’s Psalm

David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. – 1 Samuel 23:14 (NIV)

David, being pursued by King Saul, sought refuge in the hills under God’s protection.  Credited as writing most of the songs in the Book of Psalms, it would come as no surprise if the one, which is called the Traveller’s Psalm, was written while David was in the wilderness.

You see, in this Psalm, numbered 121 in the bible, David speaks of looking at the hills as he releases a heartfelt cry for help,

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

He then answers his own question with surety, indicating that he already knew the answer – help comes from the ultimate Helper – the Lord.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

When you cannot find help, when no one is willing to assist, to whom do you turn? Do you just keep asking others for help?

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

Have you ever been in such a predicament? Have you ever fallen alone? In desperation, that may prompt you to ask, like David, “from where does my help come?” and, like David, you must also know that your help comes from the Lord.

Don’t be like the woman with the 12-year haemorrhage who, only after she’d exhausted her resources, went to seek after the Lord for help (see Luke 8:43-48). Your first line of defence must always be the Lord, after all, He is a very present help in trouble (see Psalm 46:1).

We are all travellers on this journey of life, and David, in Psalm 121, reminds us that we do not travel alone; he lets us know that the Lord stands by our sides (v 5) so when trouble comes, for it will (see John 16:33), look to Him for help and be assured that He will provide divine care and protection.

Beloved, you may not be hiding out in the hills but as you travel along life’s journey, when you find yourself in need of help, the Traveller’s Psalm applied to your life, gives you courage in these uncertain, difficult and challenging times when fear can easily overwhelm.

Be assured that the Lord is with you day and night, offering you help, hope and protection, as you come and go both now and forever.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “The Traveller’s Psalm” ©2026 April 19, 2026

Let us Pray…

Acts 7:56 (ERV)

Stephen said, “Look! I see heaven open. And I see the Son of Man standing at God’s right side.”

Beloved, heaven is open and Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:21). Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) by His death on the cross, healed us of our sins, and at once tore away the barrier between God and man, providing us complete access to the throne of Almighty God.

Hebrews 4:16 (ERV)

With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.

We can boldly go to the throne of God in times of need because today, there is an open heaven, and we are invited to draw upwards into the realities of heaven where…

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ERV)

“No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Heaven is open beloved, we have complete access to God and can go boldly to His throne where there is grace so let us pray…

Let us pray, ascending upward until heaven invades earth.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Let us pray…” ©2026 April 18, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Prayer for Stress Relief

Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail). – Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

Lord, You know things are hard for me right now. I am stressed and don’t see a way out, but I know that You see the bigger picture and that You can work miracles in my life. I release my burden on You trusting that I will get through this, not only surviving but thriving.

Thank You for sustaining me and upholding me so I do not slip, fall or fail.

I boldly declare that I am Your beloved child made righteous through Christ, so You will never allow me to be shaken. I no longer take ownership of this burden of stress, instead, I take ownership of the abundant life, love and healing that come from You.

I proclaim that I am leaving behind anything that causes me stress; all burdens were crucified with Christ on that rugged Cross!

Thank You for caring for me and carrying me along the path that leads to victory.

I will stay in faith, and I will trust You completely Lord.

I now open my heart to God’s presence to the point that there is no room for stress to creep in and settle down anymore.

Thank You that Your perfect love has cast out all anxiety and I no longer live as a prisoner of fear.

I decree that I was created for a life that’s better than the one I’m living; to live a life of victory, to live a life of supernatural abundance and to live a life free of the burden of stress.

Thank You for the river-like peace that now flows within me, for the calm that surrounds me and the tranquillity that attends me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A Prayer for Stress Relief” ©2026 April 17, 2026

You need to rest

 

Life can be overwhelming at times, but more so these days when there is so much happening in the world. And I say that because though you may not be in the direct line of fire, so to speak, our world has become small and the events that take place around us affect us.

On top of everything we have to deal with in our personal lives, we listen to the news, changing from one channel to the next to catch the latest headlines, we surf the web, read the papers and engage in conversations about war and politics and crime and injustice and racism and the list of sordid events goes on and on, all of it feeding our subconscious and we wonder why we’re always so tired.

Day after day we lap it up not realizing the effect all that negativity is having on us.

I have a friend who, genuinely needing someone to talk to, would call to unload his problematic life on me. One day my mother said, “Soon enough, if you continue listening to his problems it’s going to have an adverse effect on you.” I scoffed and continued taking it in because as a good friend that’s what I should do.

Well, after days turned into months of him spilling himself empty while I was getting full, my mother’s words proved true as I began to feel unusually drained. My energy had been depleted to the point of extreme fatigue. I wondered, “Could that be the cause?”

I went back to my mother, her advice to me, “You need to rest. Stop listening because you are absorbing too much negativity.”

Yes beloved, you need to rest; it is essential to your well-being.

He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. (Psalm 23:2 GNT)

This verse leaves no doubt as to who you must turn to for the rest you need. It is no ordinary rest – not a 10-minute power nap. This is rest that only our loving Father can provide – it is supernatural, allowing you to feed on His nature and bask in His Presence.

According to the psalmist, God wants to give you His rest, rest that is refreshing to your soul, rest that strengthens your spirit, rest that provides you with peace that surpasses every circumstance and transcends understanding. It’s not temporary relief but rest that renews, restores and remains.

You need to rest – to rest in Him, where negativity is replaced with gratitude, where weariness is transformed into strength, and where your mind is at peace and your soul finally finds true rest in God alone.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “You need to rest” ©2026 April 16, 2026

Don’t Believe Yourself

 

Don’t believe yourself? What kind of advice is that? Why shouldn’t I believe myself; then who must I believe instead?

I can almost hear you protesting but yes, don’t believe yourself because you lie to yourself all the time.

Okay, so you disagree? Then ask yourself a few questions.

What have I been telling myself?

Have I subjected myself to a consistent diatribe of put-downs or a slew of compliments?

How often do I listen to and believe the self-deprecating voice in my head?

What are the things that voice has been telling me about me?

Does it constantly judge me and criticize me?

What has it been telling me about my life – how I look, how others treat me and think about me, my capabilities, my relationships, my spouse, my job, my friendships, my house, my love life, my hair, my size, the way I speak?

Now, answer this question: Do you believe the voice?

The voice in your head is forever droning on and on and on and it’s mostly a cacophony of negativity.

The voice in your head is lying to you, and you do not have to believe it, you can choose to not believe the lies.

Don’t believe yourself until you change your internal monologue.

It is time for you to replace the lies you’ve been telling yourself with the truth. You’ve been lying to yourself for so long that it may seem a tedious endeavour but you must be determined to get rid of the noise, refuse to listen, and don’t believe yourself until…

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that God made you in such a wonderful way, lovingly knitting you together while still in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:14 & 13).

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that God made you to be like Him with the ability to reflect divine attributes; He created you in His own image, empowered to rule over His creation (Genesis 1:26 & 27).

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that God loves you with an everlasting love and He will always be faithful to you (Jeremiah 31:3).

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that God is for you – He has your back – God is with you (Romans 8:31) and He will fight for you (Deuteronomy 3:22).

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that God’s love for you is so great that He gave His only Son, so that [you] who believe in Him may not die but have eternal life; Christ sacrificed His life for you (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16 GNT).

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that God has a good plan for you, a plan filled with hope and a good future (Jeremiah 11:29).

Don’t believe yourself until you internalize the truth that you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that [you] should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10 ERV).

Remember what Jesus said in John 10:10 (GNT),

The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.

Beloved, don’t believe yourself until you internalize that you cannot have life in all its fullness if you are believing the lies floating around in your head. That inner voice you are believing is like the thief, stealing, killing and destroying your life.

So, speak the truth God says about you until it replaces the lies that you’ve been telling yourself, for as you hear His word, as you accept it, as you embrace it and as you believe it, it will impact you in such an incredibly powerful way that it changes your life forever (1 Thessalonians 2:13).  

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Don’t Believe Yourself” ©2026 April 15, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What about Persis?

 

We often question God. We ask,

“What is my purpose?”

Believe it or not, that is a question driven by self-serving needs. It may seem to be headed in a noble direction, but it has everything to do with you and nothing to do with God.

We are here to serve God, but we get so caught up in wanting to be served that we lose sight of our primary purpose. So, we ask the question, thinking of ourselves and how we can benefit from the answer.

Your purpose is tied to your being in service to God because it is serving God that gives you purpose and renders you significant. You were created to play a role in His eternal plan. It’s not even about being religious, it’s about being aligned with divine intention.

To serve God in any capacity is to fulfil the purpose for which you were created.

Some of us are well-known in our church and consider that our purpose but purpose has nothing to do with popularity. Persis is mentioned only once in the bible so we can conclude that she wasn’t popular, but she did have a purpose.

Long story short…no, her story isn’t long at all, it’s actually short.

Persis was a member of the church in Rome and in Apostle Paul’s letter to the church (Romans 16), she was one of several members to whom he sent greetings.

And though her name appears way down in verse 12, it’s obvious that Paul must have thought very highly of Persis, as he not only refers to her as “my dear friend Persis” but he then validates her significance by adding, “who has done so much work for the Lord”.

Paul recognized the amount of work that Persis had done for the Lord in the establishment of the church. She may not have been a leader or even popular but, as a member, she certainly laboured, not for recognition yet her work did not go unnoticed and the Apostle’s deliberate reference to that was his way of honouring her faithful service.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. – Colossians 3:23-24 (GNT)

We should strive to work for the Lord with all our heart. That ought to be our goal in whatever we’re tasked to do.

Beloved, like Persis, you must work diligently and faithfully for the Lord in all you do. Seek ways to serve Him, after all you are His creation, it’s His world, His plan and His purpose.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “What about Persis?” ©2026 April 14, 2026

 

 

 

Bless the Lord

 

Photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

God blessed nature.

God blessed all the living things in the sea and told them to have many babies and fill the seas. And he blessed the birds on land and told them to have many more babies. – Genesis 1:22 (ERV)

God blessed mankind.

God created humans…God blessed them and said to them, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.” – Genesis 1:27, 28 (ERV)

God blessed the Sabbath.

God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day. He made it special because on that day he rested from all the work he did while creating the world. – Genesis 2:3 (ERV)

God blesses individuals.

Abraham lived to be a very old man. The Lord blessed him and everything he did. – Genesis 24:1 (ERV)

So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. – Galatians 3:9 (ESV)

God blesses nations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord – Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Throughout the bible we see God doing the blessing, but we are also to bless – to bless the Lord. This is made very clear in Psalm 103, with its very first verse exhorting us to bless the Lord with all that is deepest within us, our innermost being must bless His holy name.

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!

This Psalm expresses a deep personal worship and adoration of the Lord and rightly so as the Hebrew word used here means to kneel before, to adore, to salute, to praise.

No matter what, it is always fitting to bless the Lord; He deserves our praise.

Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) – Psalm 150:6 (AMPC)

It is important to remind the soul, and to keep in mind to bless the Lord, as our human nature causes us to forget, especially when we get caught up in all the busyness of life.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. – Psalm 34:1 (AMPC) should be our mantra.

When we bless the Lord, our focus is zoomed in on Him.

When we bless the Lord, we bring His glory to mind and respond in worship.

And as we deliberately call to mind the goodness of God, we must bless the Lord

Psalm 103 in verses 20-22 (NASB) says,

Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the Lord, all you His angels,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the Lord, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the Lord, my soul!

To bless the Lord is to give Him praise.

To bless the Lord is to kneel before Him in adoration.

To bless the Lord is to bow in awe and love of Him.

To bless the Lord is to obey Him.

To bless the Lord is to serve Him by doing His will.

God’s heart is blessed when we bless Him in this way and as we bless the Lord, He inhabits our praises (ref. Psalm 22:3) and imparts His blessings upon us.

Beloved, bless the Lord for Who He is, not only for what He can do, has done, continues to do and will do. Bless the Lord because you are grateful and you love Him.

Blessing the Lord lifts your spirit high above all that seeks to confine you, and you’ll begin to sense His wonderful presence all around you as you break free from the limitations of this life. So, bless the Lord!

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Bless the Lord” ©2026 April 13, 2026

 

 

 

 

You are doomed!

 

The prophet Isaiah said,

You are doomed! You call evil good and call good evil. You turn darkness into light and light into darkness. You make what is bitter, sweet and what is sweet you make bitter. (Isaiah 5:20 GNT)

Scrolling idly through social media, I came across a video where a teacher was showing her teenage students how to calculate 1+1. The teacher, much to her students’ dismay, went through a whole long process from square roots to algebra, resulting in a host of complex numbers before arriving at the answer, 2.

This was meant to be funny, and it was but it got me thinking about all the things that are happening in the world these days, with leaders of nations trying to bamboozle us with their long, drawn-out explanations to justify the outcome of their actions. At least after her convoluted calculations the teacher ended up with the correct answer but the answers these leaders proffer just don’t add up; even the simplest of solutions are murky.

The problem is that it’s not just world-leaders, some of our religious leaders, church members, co-workers, and even some relatives are also guilty of the same disorder. They and perhaps some of us are all falling prey to the topsy-turvy malaise as described by Isaiah. He was warning the Israelites of the day, and this warning is still applicable for all of us today.

Sadly, we are seeing this back-to-front discourse happening in real time every day and it seems to come so easily for some. People have no qualms about calling evil good and good evil, feel no shame in turning darkness into light and light into darkness, and couldn’t care less about making the bitter, sweet and the sweet, bitter.

Isaiah’s severe denunciation, “You are doomed!”, may have been made centuries ago but we must take heed. We must pay attention and not become victims to this wrong-side way of life.

Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 GNT)

Nowadays falsehoods are being offered and accepted as truth.

Someone says a thing and you instantly believe without searching for the truth for yourself. And if more than one person says it, after all, lies, rumours and gossip often spread like wildfire, and you accept them wholesale as the truth, then you’re more than willing to suffer third-degree burns. If you don’t keep away from such people, you are doomed!

When you worship the created rather than the Creator, you’ve stepped onto a path of damnation. But God is merciful and patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins (2 Peter 3:9 GNT), so He always gives you a warning.

Isaiah’s was a statement of fact concerning the future. You are doomed, speaks of coming distress. Even so, it’s no casual proclamation, there is severity in this warning, and you must see it as a clear sign that something is terribly wrong and immediate correction is necessary. The doom will only befall you if the unacceptable behaviour is not changed.

Be keenly aware that there are satanic forces at work blurring the lines between good and evil, light and dark, holy and unholy and acceptable and unacceptable. We cannot afford to remain of the world if we are to escape being the lost of the world.

The world seems to have too much influence over the church these days; the church has to go back to the days when it affected the world. Revival is required and repentance is necessary otherwise we are all foredoomed to life outside of God’s care.

We have to be the true witnesses for Christ that carry the life changing message of the Gospel not only in our mouths but also in our actions and behaviour. The church cannot play its part in saving the world if it is behaving just like the world and condoning the things of the world.

Beloved, I’m sure you don’t ever want to be told “You are doomed!”, I know I don’t.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “You are doomed!” ©2026 April 12, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Prayer

 

In Psalm 92 we are told, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord…”

And in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it is written, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

So, let us offer a thanksgiving prayer…

You hear my voice in the morning; at sunrise I offer my prayer (Psalm 5:3)

Sunrise Cane Garden St. Vincent

Lord, I thank You,

For allowing me to see another day

For the opportunity and the privilege to come to You and to be in fellowship with You

For Your Presence in my household, right now and always, I thank You

For providing for me in every area of my life

For caring for me and enriching me abundantly

For guiding me through any challenges I may face and working all things together for my good and Your glory

For being the great Physician and Healer

For still performing miracles

For answering my secret prayers

For being my Light in darkness

For Your continued protection and covering

For loving me passionately

For blessing me immeasurably more than I can ask, think or imagine

For the Life that You have given me and for the life I’m living, I thank You

Lord, I thank You, for You are the only Source of all that I need

I pray in the Name Jesus Christ my Lord,

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Thanksgiving Prayer” © 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t I or Do I?

 

Solomon, to whom God gave wisdom and exceedingly great understanding (ref. 1 Kings 4:29), wrote an entire book of advice from which we can glean wisdom and understanding to traverse the rigours of this life.

It is the Book of Proverbs in our bibles, and in chapter 26, verse 4 (NLT) we are told,

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.

Simple enough. Understood.

But then, right after that, almost in the same breath, in the very next verse, verse 5, Solomon’s advice is,

Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

What? Don’t answer, be sure to answer? Okay…so, don’t I or do I?

This is but only one example of many seeming contradictions in the bible that challenge logic. Scripture isn’t always clear cut or straightforward, as a matter of fact the bible is downright confusing mostly and that’s exactly how God intended it to be, after all the same Solomon lets us know that,

It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. (Proverbs 25:2 NLT)

Now keep in mind that the bible is comprised of a collection of books, 66 to be precise, written over varying centuries by various people who were spiritually inspired to give an account of events.

Some events are historical, some personal, some orally handed down but they’re all there in an effort to make sense of life, justice, love, peace, and most importantly God and His will and His purpose as it pertains to all of us.

So yes, it’s confusing. God’s Word of apparent paradoxes may fill us with uncertainty but at the same time rightly dividing His Word (ref. 2 Timothy 2:15) forges absolute certainty within us.

This conflict forces us to read the Word with open-minded curiosity, provokes thoughtful analysis which encourages us to dig deep, to wrestle and to question.

The bible was written to form us into thoughtful Spirit-led people, to transform us by changing the way we think (ref. Romans 12:2), to replace our hearts from stubborn to tender and responsive (ref. Ezekiel 36:26), to renew our spirits aright (ref. Psalm 51:10), to re-shape us (ref. Jeremiah 18:6) and to build ourselves up in our most holy faith (ref. Jude 20).

The faith that understands that faith does not need to be simple to be true yet able to recognize the truth of the simplicity of faith even in the complexities of life.

Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trust when you’re mired in mess, when things are complicated, when the place you’re in is so dark that you can’t see past your nose.

The bible forces us to pay particular attention to the words and to the Word for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17 NKJV) and this faith equips us to live in the mystery, to handle the tension, the conflict, the confusion and the chaos, not alone but by seeking Spirit’s guidance

Beloved, you are not meant to sojourn this life on your own, God  has given us a magnificent gift, let’s read it.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Don’t I or Do I?” ©2026 April 10, 2026

 

 

 

 

Revelations from the Lord

 

There is more that I have to say about myself. It won’t help, but I will talk now about visions and revelations from the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 12:1 (ERV)

Apostle Paul spoke of revelations from the Lord, not to boast of his achievements, gifts or blessings but to let his listeners know that revelation leads to encounters with God and those encounters lead to personal transformation. This was Paul’s experience and will be yours if God chooses to give you the same wonderful insight.

We often expect revelations from the Lord to be something grand and stunning and though they can be, they aren’t always, many times the experience presents as simple moments.

These moments can take the form of being immersed in His presence and His peace, as “His Kingdom come” manifests in your life but anticipating more, you run the risk of not recognizing it as a divine encounter.

Without this recognition, receiving revelation can make one proud.

I know a man in Christ who was taken up to the third heaven…he heard things that he is not able to explain. He heard things that no one is allowed to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself. I will boast only about my weaknesses. – 2 Corinthians 12:2, 4, 5 (ERV)

The Apostle was warning the church at Corinth about the pride that could easily set in when revelation is perceived as standing alone.

Revelation comes to enlarge your faith not your head.

I must not be too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. – 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ERV)

Beloved, God releases His revelation so that you will release your faith into that which He has given you insight.

Revelation means to lift the veil or remove the cover and when the veil is lifted, you are given access to the spiritual realm in a much greater way. When the cover is removed, the gate to truth which was at one time hidden opens.

Receiving revelation from the Lord is no joke and must be treated with respect and seen as an honour and a privilege, for not everyone receives revelation.

Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. I am thankful that you have hidden these things from those who are so wise and so smart. But you have shown them to people who are like little children. Yes, Father, you did this because it’s what you really wanted to do. – Luke 10:21 (ERV)

People who are like little children have hearts that are open to revelation. Humility of heart is a qualifier.

When you’re full of yourself, a virtual know-it-all, wise in your own eyes, as Paul, before his encounter, once was, revelatory truth remains hidden.

Jesus declared,

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children – Matthew 11:25 (ESV)

Many people believe that weightier spiritual truths are reserved for those persons who are considered the most intelligent or learned but from God’s perspective it’s those who have a certain eagerness and willingness like that of little children.

Those who don’t understand the mechanics of how revelation comes or to whom but have surrendered their hearts, are those who attract revelation from the Lord.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Revelations from the Lord” ©2026 April 9, 2026

 

 

 

 

Money can buy Happiness: Food for Thought

 

It is said that money can’t buy happiness. This is something we hear and say all the time. But what is happiness? And why can’t money buy it?

Psychology states that happiness is not a permanent state of being but a fleeting emotion. In other words, it comes and goes. It comes from fulfilling possibilities and goes when our needs aren’t satisfied.

Happiness is not an exact science since it’s not a one-size-fits-all concept as everyone’s view of happiness isn’t the same. Happiness tends to fade when what has brought it subsides.

Our circumstances have a tendency to affect our happiness. The ups and downs that we face in relationships affect our happiness. Our happiness depends on the sort of day we have at work or school or even at home. Happiness is situational. For some, finances have a great effect on whether they’re happy or not – happy when they can afford and unhappy when they can’t because they believe that money is tied to happiness.

Purchasing a new car can elevate one’s happiness. Buying a new house manifests great happiness. Acquiring that long-awaited top of the line cell phone can transform a person into a happy camper. Being able to afford a vacation can evoke happiness.

So yes, money can buy happiness, happiness that won’t last forever.

But there is something that’s so valuable that money can’t buy it; it’s priceless and you should do all you can to have it because once you get it, it will last forever.

You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You can’t see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a wonderful and heavenly joy that cannot be explained. – 1 Peter 1:8 (ERV)

This inexpressible joy beloved, a wonderful and heavenly joy that cannot be explained and money can’t buy, comes from our love of and belief in Christ; it is heavenly, a gift from the Lord.

This joy is not contextual; it’s not dependent on whether the attendant at KFC gave you exactly what you ordered.

This joy is not temporary; it does not vacillate.

In Philippians 4:4 Apostle Paul told the Philippians and tells us to Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. (ERV)

But where does this joy come from?

This joy is an element of the Fruit that His indwelling Spirit produces in every believer (see Galatians 5:22).

This joy is an ingrown attitude, that same attitude that gave Apostle Paul the impetus to say,

It has been a great joy to me that after all this time you have shown such interest in my welfare. I don’t mean that you had forgotten me, but up till now you had no opportunity of expressing your concern. Nor do I mean that I have been in actual need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me. – Philippians 4:10-13 (PHILLIPS)

Paul knew the secret, he understood that the joy of the Lord was his strength (Nehemiah 8:10), that God remains faithful even in his brokenness, that joy isn’t an external paradigm but is Spirit-imbued and rooted in God.

We can all agree that happiness is good, but we can also agree that joy is great. We often link pleasurable events with happiness, but pleasure alone is not enough. Joy transcends pleasure.

Beloved, none of us can ever feel good all the time but we can rejoice always because joy, though not based on how good life is, contributes to our quality of life despite what we may be going through.

Chew on this for today.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Money can buy Happiness: Food for Thought” ©2026 April 8, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Domesticating the Gospel

 

Photo courtesy Chionsu Barclay

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSVUE)

The Romans were in control, and the Caesar was the king. He was to be adored, venerated and evangelized – there was no one greater, Caesar was lord.

To call someone other than Caesar king or to evangelize someone other than Caesar was unheard of as it was a punishable offense. But that did not deter the apostles from their mission.

When the apostles went out according to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20, to evangelize Jesus as Lord, they did so with passionate zeal, not thinking of the consequences. They took their assignment to increase the harvest seriously and, without fear, boldly went out to spread the great news of the true King.

Understand that Jesus’ teachings were radical for His time; first century people were not accustomed to this type of teaching, yet the apostles were expected to continue what Jesus had started, share all that they had learned and spread the great news of His Kingship and of His Kingdom.

How dare these men and women be so bold and how dare they spread this kind of news when they knew that good news was assigned to the Caesars alone.

But this wasn’t just good news, this was better than good, the news of Jesus Christ was then and still is now great news.

This assignment has not changed but we seem not to possess the boldness of those first century believers. The harsh reality is that the church universal is rapidly losing ground as church attendance continues to dwindle year after year.

We have tamed the radical message of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension lest we offend the status quo by spreading the whole truth in all its disruptive glory.

We have watered down the great news to okay news, domesticating the Gospel in an effort to make it palatable for human consumption.

Domesticating the Gospel is compromising Christianity. And frankly too many Christians are content with doing so.

Christians who shy away from letting people know their need of repentance are domesticating the Gospel.

Christians who make God into human image and likeness rather than letting persons know of the God who is sovereign, the Creator of all things, the Alpha and Omega with no beginning and no end are domesticating the Gospel.

Christians who are ashamed to let others know how Jesus has impacted their lives in a wonderful way and that’s why they choose to follow Him are domesticating the Gospel.

Christians who are afraid to defend their faith and stand up for Jesus are domesticating the Gospel.

Beloved, the Christian experience is not one of timidity. You must, with the help of the Holy Spirit, enter the mission field with courage and with steadfast determination to do your part without domesticating the Gospel.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Domesticating the Gospel” ©2026 April 7, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Normal

 

For the Season of Lent, most Christians would have observed 40 days of deep spiritual introspection and reflection. Perhaps you would have travelled this 40-day journey and now that Lent is over, you find that things have gone back to normal.

Life has returned to embracing all the habits, foods, or vices you may have forgone during those 40 long days. Life is back to normal.

But why go back to normal? Why go back to what you’ve always done? Why break the spiritual connection you would have made during your 40 days of surrender?

Beloved, believe it or not, you were in a season of transformation, transitioning from normal to supranormal but 40 days is not enough, the discipline must persist, the journey must continue for a lifetime.

During those 40 days of surrender, you would have seen God’s grace weaving through the mess of your life as you experienced a burgeoning faith and trust in Him.

During those 40 days of sacrifice, you would have shifted your focus from material pursuits by immersing yourself into a greater sense of being and purpose.

During those 40 days of release, you would have started crossing the atomically thin line between the physical and the spiritual.

Now Lent is over and you are determined to go back to normal. You are not alone, sadly, for most of us, as soon as that period is over, we go back to normal – all the things we were accustomed doing before Lent are resumed, bringing the spiritual transformation to a screeching halt as we no longer set our minds on things above but on things on earth (see Colossians 3:2).

So don’t remember what happened in earlier times. Don’t think about what happened a long time ago, because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert, and rivers will flow through that dry land. – Isaiah 43:18-19 (ERV)

During those 40 days of spiritual connection, God began doing something new in you and your new normal was about to be birthed but going back to normal is to miscarry everything with which you had been impregnated on this 40-day journey.

Back to normal will only result in a shift of your new-found spiritual perception.

Back to normal is detrimental to your spiritual upliftment; it’s going back to belief patterns that prevented you from truly connecting in the first place.

During those 40 days of higher spiritual realization, you would have begun connecting with the spiritual and not merely the world that exists around you.

That spiritual connection would have afforded you the ability to hear that guiding voice within saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21 ESV). Going back to normal will cause a spiritual disconnection, resulting in a distortion of Truth.

Back to normal is to once again settle into a pattern of detachment from Spirit, depending almost entirely on the outside rather than continuing to look within.

Back to normal is allowing the world to dictate your life.

Back to normal is looking to outside influences in order to thrive.

Back to normal is ignoring the inner voice of God and listening to the loud voices coming from all directions.

Back to normal is stepping back into the crucible of your own way of living rather than drawing on God’s provision, leading and guidance.

Back to normal is missing out on your opportunity to transition, to start over or afresh or anew.

Beloved, the Season of Lent was never meant to be a temporary stopgap measure and going back to normal after spending 40 days in the wilderness with Jesus is to fall into a degenerative backslide of a life. That is not progression but regression.

Will you let it all go to waste? 

There can be no such thing as going back to normal.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Back to Normal” ©2026 April 6, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead

 

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

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

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

This is evident simply because even though Jesus had told the disciples what was about to occur, mere hours later, it was Peter who drew his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, in an attempt to stop Jesus' arrest.

Simon Peter had a sword, which he pulled out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. – John 18:10 (ERV)

If Jesus had not risen from the dead, Peter may have remained ignorant of Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth.

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

James’ teaching is critical to our understanding the working of our faith, the joy that is found in various trials we face, the importance of controlling our tongues and the tremendous power that is made available to us through our earnest heartfelt prayer. The Book of James, filled with divine wisdom for proper living, would not have been written if Jesus had not risen from the dead.

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

“Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for our sins in accordance with [what] the Scriptures [foretold], That He was buried, that He arose on the third day as the Scriptures foretold, And [also] that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve.” (AMPC)

According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, Peter was the first disciple to see Jesus alive after the resurrection and was the first to preach the Good News of His resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Book of Acts. 

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

Amen†

Shelley Johnson “If Jesus had not Risen from the Dead” © 2017 revisited April 6, 2026

Given for me

 

“This is My body, which is being given for you” – Luke 22:19 (NASB)

Read that verse again. Let it sink in. Jesus is talking to you, beloved.

Now say aloud, Jesus’ body was given for me.

We tend to simply go through the motions without truly grasping the enormity of Jesus’ words…

“This is My body, which is being given for you…”

Today marks the culmination of everything that Jesus suffered for you – the teaching, the condemnation, the accusations, the persecution, the betrayals, the agony, the bloody sweat, the cat-o-nine tails, the denials, the pierced side, the abandonment, the crushed lungs, the inability to breathe, the impaired blood flow, the physical trauma, the excruciating pain…

His body, given for us, given for you, given for me.

Jesus suffered to the extreme so that you can have a life worth living in Him.

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. – Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

Jesus gave Himself up for you so stop treating Him as an afterthought.

Given for me…

And now Jesus is risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places, over all rulers, authorities, powers, and kings. God put everything under His power and made Him head over everything and He makes everything complete in every way (ref. Ephesians 1:19-23).

Beloved, Jesus gave Himself for you, so that you may be made complete in Him in every way.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Given for me” ©2026 April 4, 2026

 

 

 

 

The Silence of the Tomb

 

Scripture: Matthew 27:59–60 (NIV)

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb.

Reflection

Holy Saturday rests in stillness. The work of burial has been completed. The body of Jesus lies hidden from sight. No proclamation interrupts the quiet. The future remains unknown.

Lent culminates in this space of waiting. Faith stays with grief, honouring the reality of loss and the depth of silence. Communities learn to remain present when answers are absent.

Even in the tomb, God’s purposes continue unseen. Hope is carried quietly, sustained by memory and promise. The story has not ended, though it has reached its deepest silence.

Prayer

God of hidden faithfulness,

Stay with us in silence.

Hold us when words fail.

Strengthen trust in your unseen work.

Keep vigil with us

Through the night ~ Amen.

Invitation

Sit in silence for a few moments.

Release the need to resolve everything.

Say quietly:

“I wait with you.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 40 | Saturday 4 April | The Silence of the Tomb

 

The Cross

 

Scripture: Luke 23:44–46 (NIV)

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land… Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Reflection

The crucifixion confronts the full force of human violence and injustice. An innocent life is extinguished through public execution. Yet even here, Jesus entrusts himself to God. Trust remains when all visible hope appears extinguished.

Good Friday refuses easy interpretation. It calls the church to witness suffering honestly and to stand in solidarity with all who endure oppression and loss. The cross reveals both the depth of human cruelty and the depth of divine compassion.

In this surrender, love remains steadfast. God receives the life offered and holds it beyond the reach of death. The story pauses here, suspended between grief and promise.

Prayer

God of suffering love,

Hold the pain of the world in your mercy.

Strengthen those who mourn.

Give courage to all who suffer injustice.

Receive our grief

And keep us in hope ~ Amen.

Invitation

Observe a moment of silence today.

Remember those who suffer.

Say quietly:

“God, hold us.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 39 | Friday 3 April | The Cross

 

The Way of Service

 

Scripture: John 13:35 (NIV)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Reflection

Love becomes the defining mark of discipleship, taking shape in service, forgiveness, and mutual care that restore dignity and strengthen community. Through such practices, God’s presence is made visible in the life of the people.

Holy Week places this command within the shadow of the cross. Love continues even when fear intensifies and outcomes remain uncertain. It becomes an act of resistance against division and despair.

Communities that practice such love become signs of the kingdom already unfolding. They embody a future where reconciliation replaces hostility and dignity is restored.

Prayer

God of enduring love,

Teach us to care for one another deeply.

Heal divisions within your people.

Strengthen bonds of compassion.

Let our life together reflect

Your presence among us ~ Amen.

Invitation

Reach out to someone within your community.

Offer encouragement or support.

Say quietly:

“Love binds us together.”

 

Daily Lent Devotions Revd Mark Robinson | Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson Lent Day 38 | Thursday 2 April | The Way of Service