Love over Sacrifice

So, what have you given up during this Lenten season? What have you pledged to do without for these forty days and nights? What is your sacrifice?

“…I want faithful love, not sacrifice. I want people to know God, not to bring burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6 (ERV)

Job did everything right. He did everything that was expected of a man of God. He faithfully observed all the required religious traditions and performed all the required rituals – he upheld the holy feasts, made sacrifices and burnt offerings but Job acted more out of craven fear, than faithful love. Job was terribly afraid of God, and he did not truly know God.

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,

Who is this that darkens counsel [questioning my authority and wisdom]
By words without knowledge?” – Job 38:1-2 (AMP)

You see, like Job, too many Christians become caught up in outward observances because they believe that’s what’s most important. They do all that’s expected of them as a good Christian, making sure to follow all the religious traditions, busying themselves with the various rules of the church, tirelessly working in different church groups and attending a plethora of church meetings, all the while having no genuine knowledge of God. So busy are they with church that they haven’t the time to establish a relationship with God.

Anyone can make a sacrifice. Anyone can present a burnt offering. Anyone can make an outward show of being Christian. And to one’s fellowman you appear to be sincere and genuine in your walk with God, but do not forget that God sees what man cannot see, He sees your heart – what is deepest within you. He knows your true motives and your intentions. God is not fooled.

God wants you to know Him. It is in knowing God that faithful love for Him is produced in you. And out of that faithful love comes reverential fear. Everything you do will then be done out of your faithful love of God. This is what God wants. 

After Job’s genuine interaction with God, Job said to God,

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” – Job 42:5-6 (NIV)

Beloved, God does not want a sacrifice born from trepidation, or from a man-made tradition. God wants you to sacrifice because of the deep love you have for Him. He wants love over sacrifice.

Amen†

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Love over Sacrifice“ © 2017 revisited March 22, 2025

Roasted and Entirely Consumed

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT)

 Just as the Jews chose the best of their flock as a sacrifice for their sins, God chose the best of the human “flock” as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Just as the sins of the ancient people were transferred to their sacrificial lamb, our sins were transferred to Jesus, our Sacrificial Lamb.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us…” (2 Corinthians 5:21NIV)

Just as the lamb was roasted in fire upon wood outside of the camp, the rejection, shame, reproach and suffering upon a wooden cross that Christ endured is symbolic of Him being roasted in fire.

“The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:11-12 NIV)

The lamb is such a fitting and worthy symbol of Jesus, who in innocence, patiently endured suffering as our substitute (see Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19). Christ’s offering of Himself, speaks of His complete unselfishness and His total dedication to God and the will of God. We too must offer ourselves to be roasted by fire, by “dying daily”, and sacrificing our own lives unto God, through His Son, Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:36; 12:1-2).

Just as the Jews consumed the sacrificial lamb, we too are to eat of the Sacrifice. We are to consume God’s own sacrifice, Christ Jesus; but unlike the Jews at that first Passover (see Exodus 12), we do not eat a dead, lifeless lamb but we are, right now, partakers of the Living Lamb (see John 6:54). To eat the Living lamb is to partake of the Divine Nature (see 2 Peter 1:4) and of Christ’s sufferings and His glory (see 1 Peter 4:13, 5:1). We consume Christ spiritually via the Sacrament of Holy Communion and by the meditation and reading of the Word of God. We consume Christ as a sign of fellowship with God and each other. It is symbolic of the great heavenly feast

Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:9 NIV)

Let us pray to understand and grasp the spiritual principles of this Truth, so that we may live our lives, re-born as new creations in Christ, following in His footsteps, partaking in His sufferings and His glory, allowed and encouraged to eat of this amazing sacrifice.

Amen †

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Roasted and Entirely Consumed” © 2013 revisited March 21, 2025

 

Let us Repent of…Foolish Behaviour

According to the Bible’s description of a fool, it has become quite clear to me that I have engaged in foolish behaviour. Being foolish is one thing, but to be a fool of biblical proportions is an entirely different matter; that, is no ordinary fool.

I must humbly admit that from time to time, I’ve been a fool as biblically defined, and I am quite sure that I’m not the only one.

Painting of a Clown by Kathyann Chevalier

God’s word is rife with descriptions of fools and foolish behaviour. There were just too many of which I could choose, so I’ve pulled verses only from the Book of Wisdom – Proverbs. If you can relate to any of these, then you too have engaged in foolish behaviour.

While reading through this long, interesting list of verses, you will realize that you actually know some biblical fools, but it's not about them, it is about you.

I encourage you to be honest in light of the Word of God, examine yourself, take a good look inwardly, repent and re-order your life under God.

Here goes…

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)

 

Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.

Proverbs 1:32 (NLT)

 

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)

 

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Proverbs 12:16 (NLT)

 

The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

Proverbs 12:23 (NLT)

 

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

Proverbs 13:16 (NLT)

 

It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 13:19-20 (NLT)

 

The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

Proverbs 14:8-9 (NLT)

 

Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything.

Proverbs 14:15 (ERV)

 

The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Proverbs 14:16 (NLT)

 

Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

Proverbs 14:24 (NLT)

 

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

Proverbs 15:2 (NLT)

 

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

Proverbs 15:5 (NLT)

 

Fools hate to be told they are wrong, so they refuse to ask wise people for advice.

Proverbs 15:12 (ERV)

 

A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

Proverbs 15:14 (NLT)

 

Only a fool would promise to pay for someone else’s debts.

Proverbs 17:18 (ERV)

 

Intelligent people think about what needs to be done here and now. Fools are always dreaming about faraway places.

Proverbs 17:24 (ERV)

 

Fools don’t want to learn from others. They only want to tell their own ideas. Fools say things to start arguments. They are just asking for a beating. Fools hurt themselves when they speak. Their own words trap them. Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.

Proverbs 18:2,6,7,13 (ERV)

 

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 20:3 (NLT)

 

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

Proverbs 21:20 (NLT)

 

Fools cannot understand wisdom. They have nothing to say when people are discussing important things.

Proverbs 24:7 (ERV)

 

Don’t speak against someone without a good reason, or you will appear foolish.

Proverbs 24:28 (ERV)

 

Singing happy songs to a sad person is as foolish as taking a coat off on a cold day…

Proverbs 25:20 (ERV)

 

Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool does the same foolish things again and again. People who think they are wise when they are not are worse than fools.

Proverbs 26:11-12 (ERV)

 

Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

Proverbs 26:17 (NLT)

 

Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to the trouble and suffer for it.

Proverbs 27:12 (ERV)

 

Even if you pound fools to powder like grain in a bowl, you will never force the foolishness out of them.

Proverbs 27:22 (ERV)

 

If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure;

Proverbs 28:26 (MSG)

 

…The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).

Proverbs 29:9 (AMP)

 

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)

 

Three things are too much for even the earth to bear, yes, four things shake its foundations— (#2) when a fool gets rich…

Proverbs 30:21, 22 (MSG)

 

If you have been foolish enough to become proud and make plans against other people, stop and think about what you are doing.

Proverbs 30:32 (ERV)

 

Amen†

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Let us Repent of…Foolish Behaviour” © 2017 revisited March 19, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let us Repent of…Casting Judgment

 

My brother sent me this photo. Aghast at the sight before me, I immediately responded asking, “What is that?!!” I feared for his safety. He wrote, “it’s my granddaughter’s pet puppy, Nugget.” At that point I was glad that we were not on a video call for I could feel my face transform from an initial expression of horror to horrified. “That’s a dog?” my fingers typed while my brain attempted to align what I saw as “puppy” with what I was seeing in the photograph.

My fingers continued, “That, is an ugly puppy.” My brother replied, “She is the most beautiful dog. You should see how she behaves when we come round. She’s always so happy to see us; she spins around, is very loving and loyal, full of fun. She makes us feel welcome every time we visit.”

That was not my impression. I thought that if I came face to face with that face I’d be running for my life. But, then I thought…isn’t this what we all too often do. We see a person, or a situation and we cast judgment. That is exactly what I was doing with this puppy. She didn’t fit my puppy-mold, so immediately I formed an impression just from sight; from her outward appearance.

I know you know this verse but no harm in a reminder. 1 Samuel 16:7 (CEV)

But the Lord told him, “Samuel, don't think Eliab is the one just because he's tall and handsome. He isn't the one I've chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts.”

I was judging according to what this love-giving puppy looked like. I saw her, did not know her but cast judgment upon her based only on her unique outward appearance.

We have no idea what’s in anybody’s heart. We simply assume certain things and jump onto the cast-judgment band wagon. And please don’t pretend that you don’t do the same thing. Yes you do. Some are always proclaiming, “Me, I don’t judge” yet when an unkempt person enters the church and sits on the pew you’re on, you swiftly skate across to the other side if not get up altogether to move to a different seat. Yes, you.

We are all casting judgment in one way or another and that is why throughout the Word, we come across verses like,

Matthew 7:1-5

Luke 6:37-42

John 7:24

John 8:1-8

James 4:11-12

Romans 2:1-3 and 14:1-13

And there are many more. Casting judgment was an issue then and it certainly is still an issue now.

John 8:6-8 (MSG) says,

They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.

The religious scholars and Pharisees were also casting judgment, not just on the woman but on Jesus. Jesus bent down and wrote in the dirt.

Jeremiah 17:13 tells us this,

Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.

Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel accounts is the one who tells us that we are not to cast judgment; when we do, we are in fact, forsaking the Word. In casting judgment, we, like those religious leaders, renounce the Word. Jesus is the Word. (see John 1:1-14)

Oh beloved, it is easy for us to cast judgment, but our judgment is always a misjudgement. Who are we to presume that we can rightly judge another?  

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbour?” – James 4:12 (NIV)

God is the only Judge; He is the just and righteous Judge.

Let us not cause Jesus to write in the dirt, let us repent of our propensity to cast judgment, and pray to see others through eyes of love, like Nugget, the puppy.

Amen †

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Let us Repent of…Casting Judgment” © March 18, 2025

 

Let us Repent of…Legalism

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

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

Apostle Paul wrote,

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

This, more or less, encapsulates what legalism is about. Simply defined, legalism is attempting to practice the law – applying Scripture – by your own understanding and interpretation and in your own strength. It’s about trying to gain favour with God and impressing your fellowman by doing certain things, all the while neglecting genuine spiritual growth and transformation.

Legalism is performance based and ignores the establishment of a personal, intimate relationship with God. It exalts human ability and focuses on externals such as one’s good deeds, without regard to the condition of one’s heart before God.

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

God is concerned with your inner character, that’s what He considers. He is not at all impressed by your so-called good works or deeds. God examines your heart and therefore knows your true motives and intentions (1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 12:3).

The Pharisees took pride in how they were seen by others. They were well educated and had great knowledge of the Law, but their hearts were corrupted. Jesus compared them to “whitewashed tombs”, outwardly beautiful yet full of rot and decay on the inside.

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

When you do not properly divide and apply the Word of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit but instead live it out according to your own misinterpretation, that’s the moment you enter into that trap of legalism.

Paul, a former Pharisee, warns us of this in Romans 8:3-7 and 12-14 and, in Luke 11:42-52, Jesus, in dealing with the Pharisees and other religious experts, cried out all the woes that would befall those who indulged in religious and legalistic practices. Jesus confronted legalism as sin. Therefore, legalism is lethal since the wages of sin is death.

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

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

Thank God there is an escape from this lethal trap. God is so merciful; He always provides us with a way out and a way up when we fall. He already put a rescue plan in place for us, but we have to cooperate. We must remorsefully repent of legalism, whether we consciously practice it or not. We must purposefully shift our focus back to God and away from self. Paul tells us how in Romans 8,

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

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

 

Amen†

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Let us Repent of…Legalism” © 2017 revisited March 17, 2025

 

 

Let us Repent of…Offense

 

These 40 days of Lent offer us a time for honest self-reflection. We should be submerging deep within ourselves, to examine our behaviour, the ways in which we treat others, react, and respond to them. You see, someone might make a comment and immediately you take offense.

You overhear a flippant remark, and you get so angry, steam is literally escaping from your ears.

An associate expresses an opinion not in line with yours and you’re disappointed to tears.

You say something that others don’t necessarily agree with, and you see it as an affront.

You ask a loved one a question, they answer you in a way that you think they ought not to, and you automatically view it as a personal attack, now you’re highly offended.

Why are you offended?

Why do you think that you are constantly under siege? Why do you feel that everyone should agree with you in every regard? Why do you measure and analyze everything that others say and do in the light of negative criticism?

God made us all different and that includes our opinions. Sometimes we’ll agree and a lot of times we won’t…and you know what, it’s okay.

Offense occurs when you have a false sense of security, misplaced expectations, a need to be always commended for your actions, a desire to be seen as a good person, a feeling that your concerns have been violated, you’re seeking value from the opinions of others, you continuously believe that even the most casual remark is a pot-shot at you, and that you are the target of another’s criticism.

No matter what others say you’re easily slighted – the most innocent of comments said in, what you perceive as off-handed, send you into a tailspin of “it’s about me…boo-hoo”. And, guess what, you are gripped in the claws of offense.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that people don’t deliberately set out to be offensive and to cause hurt, but I am saying that you don’t have to claim it or allow it to claim you. You do not have to take responsibility for the opinions of others. You do not have to place infallible expectations on imperfect humans.

Solomon, by his God-given wisdom, said this, “Don't pay attention to everything people say—you may hear your servant insulting you, and you know yourself that you have insulted other people many times.” (Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 GNT)

People, even you, say a lot of things, but you don’t have to take it to heart. Being offended is rooted in ‘self’. Self-centeredness causes you to believe that everything is about you, and as long as you think that way, you’ll always take offense, even at little things, even this Blog Post. This can only change when you take your eyes off of you. Your value, security and confidence must be rooted in Christ, not in yourself.

Jesus said this, when the woman with the alabaster jar was publicly criticized, “Leave her alone. Why are you attacking her?” (Mark 14:6 VOICE)

When your value, security, and confidence is rooted in Jesus, He will always defend you. Keep your mind fixed on Him and He will keep you in perfect peace (see Isaiah 26:3). Jesus actually shows you how to deal with offense in 1 Peter 2:23 which records that Jesus let God, the Just Judge, take care of the offender.

You are not called to retaliate, to seek revenge, or even to answer back; instead, you are to repent of offense, not by feeling bad about it, but by changing your mind, changing course and praying. Be determined to become better and do this,

Cover offenses: for the sake of love, don’t sweat the small stuff

“…love covers all offenses” – Proverbs 10:12 (HCSB)

“Above everything else be sure that you have real deep love for each other, remembering how ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’.” – 1 Peter 4:8 (Phillips)

Overlook offenses: forgive the offender, focus on love and not on the offense

“A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults…” – Proverbs 19:11 (TLB)

“Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.” – 1 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB)

Beloved, keep in mind that authentic love is the antidote to the poison of offense. Pray that God will so fill you with the love of Christ that your tendency to get offended will be eradicated.

Amen†

 

Shelley Johnson “Let us Repent of…Offense” © 2017 revisited March 17, 2025

 

 

 

 

The Righteousness of God in Christ

Romans 10:3-4 (NLT) states,

“For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.”

God has given His children many gifts; one such gift is Righteousness. Unfortunately, many believers are under the impression that righteousness is a reward for their perfect obedience. They believe that a person must do right in order to become righteous, or that righteousness is achieved through acts of penance. These beliefs are not based in the Truth of God’s Word but are lies of your enemy, the devil. It is part of his strategy of deception that he perpetuates to not only cause the believer to live a life of defeat, but also to dishonour Jesus and His finished work.

You must reject, outright, any teaching that says that you have to earn your righteousness. Being morally upright is admirable but does not make you righteous. Your right conduct is a good thing but cannot establish your righteousness. Righteousness is a gift; you cannot earn it through your own works. If you have to work for it, then it is not a gift.

Romans 4:4-5 (NLT) states,

“When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners..”

When Jesus gave Himself up as the Ultimate Sacrifice at Calvary, He exchanged places with you. Jesus took all your sin and, in its place, gave you His righteousness.

In simple terms,

“God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 (MSG)

Beloved, it is through Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross that makes you righteous. It is not through your own efforts, works, conduct or obedience. When you receive Jesus Christ into your life and, by faith, believe in Him and His finished work, God sees you as righteous.

Romans 3:21-22 (MSG) makes it clear,

 “What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this.”

Today, God is telling you to forget all your misconceptions about righteousness and awaken to the Truth – “You are the righteousness of God in Christ!”

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “The Righteousness of God in Christ “ © February 2013 (revisited March 16, 2025)