Wednesday, 4 November 2015
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Let’s get personal: “In His Time”
Let’s get personal:
From time to time I will share some of my personal experiences with you, in the hope that they might help you with whatever you may be going through. Today is one of those times.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that God is constantly teaching us lessons. It is fortunate when we recognize this.
From time to time I will share some of my personal experiences with you, in the hope that they might help you with whatever you may be going through. Today is one of those times.
“In His Time”
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that God is constantly teaching us lessons. It is fortunate when we recognize this.
Some years ago I’d found myself overwhelmed by anxiety, wondering when and how my life was going to take shape. I was forever trying to figure things out and trying to put certain things in place. (I liked things to be in order…no gray, only black and white)
Despite having placed all my cares and burdens in God’s hands, there I was, unsuccessfully, putting my life in order. One day I’d be as confident as a Venezuelan in the Miss Universe Competition, and the next I felt like Thomas. I know that right now, some of you are thinking, “Thomas? Who the heck is Thomas?” Yes, Thomas. Thomas from the Bible, Doubting Thomas – John 20:24-29.
Anyway, it was on one of my Thomas days that I became unnervingly irritated by my neighbour’s mooing cow. Now this cow had been grazing behind the fence just below my bedroom for over a week and I was cool. Actually, unless someone pointed it out, I really didn’t even notice the cow’s moo. This particular day however, its mooing seemed unbearable, and as I stepped out of the shower, even louder than ever. “Ugh!” I exclaimed in utter annoyance, as I began reminding God of a few things.
I reminded God about having faith, about mustard seeds and mountains, and then, in Jesus’ name, I commanded that cow to “Move!!!” Wow, for five minutes not a sound – I had the power!
Despite having placed all my cares and burdens in God’s hands, there I was, unsuccessfully, putting my life in order. One day I’d be as confident as a Venezuelan in the Miss Universe Competition, and the next I felt like Thomas. I know that right now, some of you are thinking, “Thomas? Who the heck is Thomas?” Yes, Thomas. Thomas from the Bible, Doubting Thomas – John 20:24-29.
Anyway, it was on one of my Thomas days that I became unnervingly irritated by my neighbour’s mooing cow. Now this cow had been grazing behind the fence just below my bedroom for over a week and I was cool. Actually, unless someone pointed it out, I really didn’t even notice the cow’s moo. This particular day however, its mooing seemed unbearable, and as I stepped out of the shower, even louder than ever. “Ugh!” I exclaimed in utter annoyance, as I began reminding God of a few things.
I reminded God about having faith, about mustard seeds and mountains, and then, in Jesus’ name, I commanded that cow to “Move!!!” Wow, for five minutes not a sound – I had the power!
Satisfied with myself, I curled up in bed – peace and quiet at last – time for some relaxation.
Minute seven…
The Diva of Cowdom was at it again. She belt out her best performance ever. She was on a roll – ain’t no stoppin' her now. I felt as though the cow was next to me in my bed. It was that loud. And I took it personally.
Minute seven…
The Diva of Cowdom was at it again. She belt out her best performance ever. She was on a roll – ain’t no stoppin' her now. I felt as though the cow was next to me in my bed. It was that loud. And I took it personally.
Again, I reminded God, also Jesus, and all the angels in heaven, about what the Word said…the faith, the tiny mustard seed, the great mountains just waiting to be moved, about answering prayers, about all the faith I possessed. All this time, to the background music of the Leontyne Price of the meadow. (For those of you who may not know, Leontyne Price is an internationally acclaimed opera singer)
I decided to take my “beef” to the source of my troubles. We were now face to face. We looked each other straight in the eyes. Only chain link and a few arbitrary leaves separated us.
I made the first move…
“Why are you doing this?” I did not wait for an answer as I pressed on, “Who are you mooing to? There are no cows to moo to!” I reasoned, albeit exasperatedly.
She took what seemed like a deep, deliberate breath, kept her stare fixed on me and let me have it. I turned on my heels and marched back to my bedroom. She was relentless as she continued her “bad-mind” throughout the night.
Morning…
I was in my garden when I spied my neighbour, the Cattle Whisperer, fiddling with the rope of a silent calf. Now was my opportunity; I needed answers…I craved vengeance. I sashayed to the fence and created small talk about cows in general, then moved on to my nemesis.
I decided to take my “beef” to the source of my troubles. We were now face to face. We looked each other straight in the eyes. Only chain link and a few arbitrary leaves separated us.
I made the first move…
“Why are you doing this?” I did not wait for an answer as I pressed on, “Who are you mooing to? There are no cows to moo to!” I reasoned, albeit exasperatedly.
She took what seemed like a deep, deliberate breath, kept her stare fixed on me and let me have it. I turned on my heels and marched back to my bedroom. She was relentless as she continued her “bad-mind” throughout the night.
Morning…
I was in my garden when I spied my neighbour, the Cattle Whisperer, fiddling with the rope of a silent calf. Now was my opportunity; I needed answers…I craved vengeance. I sashayed to the fence and created small talk about cows in general, then moved on to my nemesis.
He asked as if he already knew my answer, “Did she keep you awake?”
I smiled as revenge did a happy dance in my mind, I was about to get crass but instead, decency came forward and diplomacy prevailed, escaping through my mouth as a coy and genteel “Oh, no-no-no I did get some rest.”
With that he offered mangoes anytime and we parted ways amicably.
As night fell, it dawned on me that I hadn’t heard the cow’s song since my cordial chat with the neighbourly Cattle Whisperer. I looked over the fence from the balcony of my bedroom, she was not there, only the silent calf stood alone in the silhouette of dusk.
Great God, what a lesson…God can use anything and anyone to teach us a lesson. God, You and You alone have the power! The power to make things happen. The power to turn things around. The power to change situations and circumstances.
Even though God may choose to use us, the power is all God’s. It is His power and it is in His time.
I slept well in the silent darkness.
With that he offered mangoes anytime and we parted ways amicably.
As night fell, it dawned on me that I hadn’t heard the cow’s song since my cordial chat with the neighbourly Cattle Whisperer. I looked over the fence from the balcony of my bedroom, she was not there, only the silent calf stood alone in the silhouette of dusk.
Great God, what a lesson…God can use anything and anyone to teach us a lesson. God, You and You alone have the power! The power to make things happen. The power to turn things around. The power to change situations and circumstances.
Even though God may choose to use us, the power is all God’s. It is His power and it is in His time.
I slept well in the silent darkness.
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“In His Time” Shelley Johnson 10-Apr-2001
Monday, 2 November 2015
He sends us out to work
Acts 13:2~4, as it is written,
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit…
“Paul and his companions…having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to…During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia…we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
We must make ourselves available and be ready to heed God’s call whenever and however it comes. Today, as we wait expectantly upon Spirit for His direction, know that God has made perfect provision for our lives and our lives of service through His Holy Spirit.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit…
It is evident from this passage of Scripture that the Holy Spirit assigns us to definite fields of work and sends us off to do that work. He sets us apart for specific work and then guides us into it. Actually, the Holy Spirit will guide us in every detail of our lives including our service to the Lord, if we would surrender our lives in utter dependence upon Spirit.
In so doing, He will direct our paths and lead us as to where to go or not go and when to go or not go.
In so doing, He will direct our paths and lead us as to where to go or not go and when to go or not go.
We read in Acts 8:29 where the Holy Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” and in chapter 16 verses 6, 7, 9 and 10, it is written,
“Paul and his companions…having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to…During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia…we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
We must make ourselves available and be ready to heed God’s call whenever and however it comes. Today, as we wait expectantly upon Spirit for His direction, know that God has made perfect provision for our lives and our lives of service through His Holy Spirit.
Amen †
He sends us out to work ©2013 Shelley Johnson 9-Apr-13
Sunday, 1 November 2015
“For He is Faithful”
When we are confronted by the thought of faithfulness, we imagine someone who is trustworthy, reliable, true to his word, and adheres to the promises he makes. We are to think the same of God when we read in Scripture of God’s faithfulness, but yet, with God there is still so much more because being faithful is Who God is, it is His character, His DNA. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he writes,
“…He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” [2 Timothy 2:13 – NIV]
This means that God cannot deny Himself! God is bound by who He is and cannot contradict Himself. And, God being God, He must be true to His character. Understand, that contained within the very Fruit of God’s Spirit is the attribute of Faithfulness, therefore Faithfulness is an inherent part of God.
Now that we know this about God, as believers, shouldn’t we take on the responsibility of being faithful? Persons who others can rely on to keep our word? Persons who are trustworthy and keepers of the promises we make? Persons who are consistent with truth? Persons who are faithful to the faith we profess?
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised).” [Hebrews 10:23 – KJV]
Holding fast is a symptom of faithfulness; it demonstrates adherence to something or someone; it indicates commitment to and full conviction of truth. God holds fast to the profession of His faithfulness and as His children we must determine to do the same. Because it is characteristic of man to become double minded, God’s Word exhorts us to stand firmly “without wavering”.
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” [Numbers 23:19 – NIV]
God never wavers, so we can trust God to do what He promises. God always keeps His Word and when He speaks, He speaks Truth and His Words of Truth are spoken into eternity.
God’s faithfulness can awaken faith in us and when we allow our faith to be awakened, we can be sure that God will fulfill every Word He has spoken and every promise He has made, for He is Faithful.
“…He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” [2 Timothy 2:13 – NIV]
This means that God cannot deny Himself! God is bound by who He is and cannot contradict Himself. And, God being God, He must be true to His character. Understand, that contained within the very Fruit of God’s Spirit is the attribute of Faithfulness, therefore Faithfulness is an inherent part of God.
Now that we know this about God, as believers, shouldn’t we take on the responsibility of being faithful? Persons who others can rely on to keep our word? Persons who are trustworthy and keepers of the promises we make? Persons who are consistent with truth? Persons who are faithful to the faith we profess?
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised).” [Hebrews 10:23 – KJV]
Holding fast is a symptom of faithfulness; it demonstrates adherence to something or someone; it indicates commitment to and full conviction of truth. God holds fast to the profession of His faithfulness and as His children we must determine to do the same. Because it is characteristic of man to become double minded, God’s Word exhorts us to stand firmly “without wavering”.
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” [Numbers 23:19 – NIV]
God never wavers, so we can trust God to do what He promises. God always keeps His Word and when He speaks, He speaks Truth and His Words of Truth are spoken into eternity.
God’s faithfulness can awaken faith in us and when we allow our faith to be awakened, we can be sure that God will fulfill every Word He has spoken and every promise He has made, for He is Faithful.
Amen †
“For He is Faithful” ©2013 Shelley Johnson 3-Sept-13
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Finding Purpose and Meaning…
Are you struggling to find purpose and meaning in life?
Are you not finding any value in the life you’re living?
Beloved, the answers to your questions are written in the pages of the Bible. The Bible which contains the Word of God is a treasure, a most precious find of great value.
The Word of God is your answer to your every question. But you must read your Bible and open your heart to receive the Truth that it contains.
The struggle is in your endless, wearisome pursuit of the things of this world that people of the world perceive as worthy: sensory pleasures, fame, power, promotion, careers, knowledge, the next exciting experience, the latest device, money, drugs, shallow relationships, popularity, and other worldly possessions and desires that only provide you with temporary satisfaction.
No sooner you acquire them, you are longing for something bigger and better.
This is temporary gratification!
When the thrill and euphoria have worn off or waned, the struggle begins all over again.
It’s a never-ending cycle and a quick recipe for frustration, disenchantment and distress, causing you to feel that life is without purpose, and meaningless.
There is nothing that the world has to offer you that can fulfill your more-than-you-can-ever-think-or-imagine appetite; you are designed by God to desire more, much more, but it’s not more and more things.
God has placed in you a yearning for something of eternal value.
God has built into your heart a latent desire for Him.
Instead, seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness and He will add…because He knows you and He knows about everything you need and all that you desire.
You are beloved of God, and He promises that if you delight yourself in Him – by getting to know Him intimately through reading the Bible, through prayer and spending time with Him – He will give you the desires of your heart.
Purpose and meaning of life are only found in the One Who can give you permanent satisfaction…God.
Purpose and meaning of life are only found in the One Who can give you permanent satisfaction…God.
Amen †
Finding Purpose and Meaning…©2013 Shelley Johnson 25-Sep-13
Friday, 30 October 2015
A Majority
If you are in a difficult situation, you do not need to struggle in your own strength. You need to look to the One who is able; the One who is always for you, the One who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you; the One who is all mighty to save and deliver you out of any situation and every circumstance – He is God Almighty.
Romans chapter eight and verse thirty one assures us that “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Even when you are faced with the most trying of circumstances, God is for you. Even when you do not feel His presence, God is for you. He is always at your side and on your side. God is for you!
In times of struggle, difficulty, hardship, persecution, trouble and trial, it is important to remind yourself of Romans 8:31 by declaring,
“God is for me, so no-one and nothing and no situation can prevail against me!”
Yes, when God is for you, you and God together are a majority and with God on your side you shall prevail.
So, whatever comes against you, remember this simple equation:
Me + God = A Majority
A Majority ©2013 Shelley Johnson 29-May-13
Thursday, 29 October 2015
“Keep your eyes on Jesus”
A new day has dawned, keep your eyes on Jesus as you meditate on Hebrews 12:1-3, as it is written in the contemporary language of The Message translation:
Discipline in a Long-Distance Race
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it.
Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Amen †
“Keep your eyes on Jesus” ©2013 Shelley Johnson 16-Sep-13
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