Qash-ti

 

Recently I came across the Hebrew word “Qash-ti”, which translated in English is “my bow”, as in paired with arrow and is the possessive form of the word “qesheth”, translated bow and rainbow. So, which is it? I guess it’s both.  Anyway, in diving deeper, I found out that qesheth  is used over 70 times in the Bible, but only 2 of those times is it translated as rainbow.

Ezekiel 1:28 speaks of “the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain” (ESV), while Genesis 9:13 says,

at qash-ti nata-ti be'an-an ve-hay-ta le-ot ber-it bein-i ve-bein ha-aret

“I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (ESV)

My introduction to this Hebrew word was in reference to its use in the aforementioned verse which had prompted a great debate as to its true meaning. It was being suggested that it was indeed the weapon of warfare bow and not a rainbow that God had placed for a sign of His covenant.

The argument was that God had turned the weapon, once aimed at earth and sinful mankind, toward Himself, by facing the bow outward to the heavens, to symbolize that He had turned His wrath on Himself instead.

Honestly, this made me ponder. Now I am going to give you some food for thought. Suppose it is both a weapon and a beautiful rainbow? The difference being in what God sees and what we see. So, God looks down from heaven to earth and sees “qash-ti” as in “My bow (and arrow)” pointing at Himself as the Sacrfice, and we look up from earth to heaven and we see “qesheth” as in rainbow with its seven colours, instinctively knowing what it represents.

Nothing in God’s creation exists by chance. Every colour in the rainbow is symbolic. The number of colours also bears great significance.

Seven, a divine number found throughout Scripture, symbolizes an oath or covenant, represents the completion of a cycle, speaks of the end of a judgment and the beginning of a new creation. Keep in mind that God placed the bow in the clouds after the Flood – that time of judgment, after which He created civilization anew.

The rainbow signifies our connection to God through a covenant relationship, it reminds us that heaven is connected to earth and shows how after a washing with water, everything is renewed.

“that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” – Ephesians 5:26 (ESV)

Let’s take a brief look at the symbolism that each of the rainbow’s colours holds: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.

photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

Red has quite a few meanings but ultimately it represents sin and all of its consequences which includes the blood that Jesus shed for our redemption – the washing away of the stains of our sins.

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

photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

Orange, associated with gold, is connected with the Divine nature – the very nature of God – spiritual purity, and is related to our tried and tested faith.

"so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." – 1 Peter 1:7 (ESV)

photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

Yellow, like orange, is the colour of Divine nature. The Hebrew word for yellow, “tsahob”, means “glitter” and spiritually relates to the Sun of Righteousness. But this colour, as seen in Leviticus 13:30, 32 and 36 can carry a negative connotation where God uses it as a warning.

"the priest shall examine the disease. And if it appears deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean." – Leviticus 13:30 (ESV)

photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

Green represents anything living. This colour hints at eternal life. Jesus referred to Himself as the Green Tree – the imagery of Jesus as the living and life-giving Tree is conveyed in Luke 23:31.

"For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry" (NLT)

photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

Blue represents the heavenly realm and symbolizes heavenly things. Blue is used in Scripture as a reminder of the reality of heaven as seen in God’s instructions to Moses in the decorating of the Tabernacle.  

"You shall make a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns…" - Exodus 26:36 (ESV)

photo courtesy O'Reilly Lewis

Indigo and Violet are closely related and symbolize royalty or wealth. These colours were represented in the Tabernacle of Moses as purple. Purple is symbolic of the mingling of the divinity of Christ (blue) and His sacrifice (red); we are saved by His Blood (red) and His Resurrection and ascension (blue). We abide in Christ our Priest and King and He in us, giving us access to the Throne Room of God and making us members of a royal priesthood.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…" - 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

Beloved, every colour, a reflection of God’s amazing glory and wonderful creativity, is used by Him to speak to us by their symbolism and significance. We see colours in nature and in His Word. I encourage you to dive deeper for yourselves so that you may gain a better understanding.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Qash-ti” © 2025 June 12, 2025

 

 

A Very Special Lamp

Have you ever tried walking around in the dark? Even though your eyes may adjust, chances are you may still stumble, especially if you’ve found yourself in an unfamiliar place in pitch black darkness. Whatever the case may be, trying to find your way in the dark is disconcerting and frightening.

Sometimes life can seem like that; like wandering around, and groping about in the dark, not at all sure of which way you ought to go. In reference to your life, “the dark” is not being used to describe literal physical darkness but is being used metaphorically to symbolize a certain reality, concept, state of being or mind.

Spiritually, to be in the dark speaks of ignorance about God and the things of God; it’s spiritual blindness, walking in error – known or unknown – and evokes feelings of sorrow, gloom, and distress.

This darkness is not about the absence of physical light.

But you’ve been given a very special lamp whose light darkness can neither comprehend nor overcome; a lamp that can light the way like no other.

This lamp is an extraordinary source of light.

This lamp allows you to see life in a different dimension and from a different perspective.

This lamp, as bright as its light is, and as much as you may desire it to light up the entire path that you’re on, only illuminates one step at a time.

This lamp will shed its light on the next step you must take, only when you are ready to take that next step.

“Your Word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NET Bible)

This lamp is the Word of God.

The Word as a lamp is so very special, because of its three-fold nature, for it is the written Word of God, the spoken Word of God, and the Living Word of God – a three-in-one lamp that gives your life proper direction.

God has designed His Word to shed light on every situation and circumstance in which you can ever find yourself. Every word in God’s Word is like an individual beam of light coming together to form one amazing lamp.

“For the commandments are like a lamp, instruction is like a light…” - Proverbs 6:23 (NET Bible)

God’s Word will not only illuminate the darkness around you (see Psalm 18:28) but when you read it, listen to it, speak it, pray it, and meditate on it, its light shines in your heart (see 2 Corinthians 4:6) and you are enlightened because, according to Psalm 119:130, the entrance of His Word brings light and understanding, allowing ordinary people to truly see and find their way.

In the dark you cannot find your way. God does not want you to walk in the dark, He wants to bring you out of darkness and into His marvellous light. He wants to guide your every step.

“…by paths they do not know I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. These are My promises: I made them, I will not forsake them.” – Isaiah 42:16 (NABRE)

Beloved, if you allow God to guide your steps by the light of His very special Lamp, His Word, He promises to turn every obstacle into steppingstones on the pathway of an incredible life.

Amen†

 

 

Shelley Johnson “A Very Special Lamp” © 2016 revisited June 12, 2025

 

 

 

Love Yourself

 

You are God’s unique creation, wonderfully complex, an example of His marvellous workmanship and an imprint of His own image and likeness. There’s not another person in this world that’s like you, even if you’re an identical twin, you are still one of a kind (see Psalm 139:13-18).

Jesus let us know in Matthew 22:39 that we are to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Now the question is, do you love yourself? For how can you fulfill this great commandment to love, if you do not love yourself?

Please do not confuse loving yourself with the kind of self-love that is mired in vanity, self-centeredness, pride and arrogance – that’s a whole other topic. No, this is about a love for self which promotes inner peace and contentment, love and compassion for others and most importantly love of God.

Sadly, you look at yourself and you see only brokenness but that is not how God sees you. Beloved, God sees you as His unique and wonderful creation; He looks at you and He sees His marvellous workmanship. God looks at you and sees someone precious. For every creature of God is good (1 Timothy 4:4 NKJV) and that includes you.

I believe that the only way that you and I can properly love, self and others, is through a heart that has been truly transformed by God’s Love. As you know, God is Love, that’s who He is, and His love bears no condemnation. But we have a tendency to engage in self-condemnation, to indulge in self-criticism and the depreciation of ourselves.

You see, when all you do is seek out the faults in yourself it makes it very easy for you to find fault in others too and this, in no way, honours God’s creation.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)

Whatever your reason for your lack of self-appreciation, it’s time for you to have a confrontation with Love, God’s love and to abide in that love, a love that enables you to see, in yourself, the beauty of God’s creation. The truth is, God loves you just as you are. He loved you first

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NKJV).

Perhaps you’re thinking that this is easier said than done but know that you have this promise,

“whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NKJV)

This word, “whoever” means anyone and everyone – you, me, and everybody.

Beloved, you do not have to do this on your own, you are not expected to. God knows that the only way that you can cultivate the kind of love that’s needed is by the transforming power of His Holy Spirit working in you and with you.

So, today, right where you are, call on Him, cry out to Him and allow His Love to move you to love.

Amen†

Shelley Johnson “Love Yourself” © 2017 revisited June 11, 2025

The Peace of Christ

It was going to be a time of extreme testing for the disciples…the ultimate trial and testing of their faith. After all they’d experienced during their time with Jesus, nothing would compare with what they were about to go through. They must have been overwhelmed with trepidation at Christ’s impending fate and its aftermath. Jesus, well aware of His disciples’ state of mind said to them…

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” [John 14:27 NIV]

Photo by O'Reilly Lewis

Even today, during your own times of trial and testing, these words of Jesus are also for you. Yes beloved, Jesus’ promise of His peace is available to you, right now. 

Please know that His peace is extra-ordinary, it's super-natural – not of this world. As Jesus Himself said, “it’s not as the world gives”. There is nothing like it to be found here on earth, it’s a peace that transcends your human understanding. The peace of Christ will not stop your trials but will enfold you in the midst of your trials.

The peace of Christ is for you today, take hold of this gift and do not allow yourself to succumb to the voice of fear. Instead, listen to the Word of God, 

“…don’t be troubled or afraid…For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” [John 14:27; 2 Timothy 1:7].

Beloved, fill your mind and heart with the peace of Christ that He so lovingly has given to you and be released from fear and anxiety even in the midst of difficult times.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

[2 Thessalonians 3:16 NASB]

 Amen †

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “The Peace of Christ” ©2013 revisited June 10, 2025

Let’s get personal: Step into the Supernatural...

 

It was the end of 2015. A year that was not without its challenges, ups and downs, highs and lows, ebbs and flows - fireworks. But through it all…Jesus.

Yes, Jesus was always at my side, even when it did not feel as though He was nearby, He was right beside me and when I was distracted and my focus shifted from Him to other things, He was still there. He was and is my Paraclete – He’s always at my side. In those days, there was so much going on that I often had to remind myself of that truth.

“So, what’s in store for 2016?” This was the question I posed to God.

It wasn’t an unreasonable inquiry. After all I really thought that 2015 would have seen the back end of the storm I was still swirling around in. Now with only one more day to the new year I was not sure.

“But you know what?” I asked aloud, then responded, “Though I may not know, God knows. He is God and if He wants to He can make this storm cease immediately with just one word. Right?”

Just then, one of my favourite verses of Scripture came to mind…

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)

God was reminding me that He indeed knows…

What a great promise! Do you understand what that means? That means that we can rest assured that God already knows what He has planned for us, for you and for me. Knowing that it is a good plan should give us great hope for our future no matter what we may be going through.

“Yes” I thought, “I know that” but, as I’m sure you can relate, I wanted more than that, I wanted God to give me details.

I knew His plan for me was a good plan. I knew that I could expect a great outcome, a victorious outcome. Yet, I wanted more. Greedy? Perhaps. Curious? Maybe a little, nahhh, a lot.

Then I got what I asked for, I got more. Not exactly what I was expecting but it was more. God led me to Matthew 14:25-31. Read it now for yourself. Okay, I’ll give you a brief synopsis.

Matthew 14:25-31 tells us about the time the disciples, caught in a storm, saw Jesus walking on the sea. They thought He was a ghost and were afraid, but Jesus told them, “Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid!” (AMP). Then, Peter told Jesus that if it was really Him command him to come to Him on the water. Jesus, at that point said “Come!” and Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid” (verse 30 – JUB). The Bible goes on to tell us that at that moment Peter began to sink, Jesus reached out, caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (verse 31 – AMP)

“Okay God,” I said, “I’ve read the Scripture, what are You telling me?”

Now, I had read this passage many times. I heard it explained from the pulpit on several occasions but I had never seen what God was about to reveal to me. Perhaps you already know it but it was new to me, and I feel moved to share it with you today anyway.

“But when he saw the wind”…”when he saw the wind?” I mulled.

Do you remember the little poem we used to say as children? The first two lines go like this, “Who can see the wind? Neither I nor you”. Exactly! We cannot see the wind! We can feel it, see the effects of it but we cannot see the wind with our natural eyes. Also, in the natural, we can wade into water, but we cannot walk on water. So, what was really going on here? What was God telling me?

Verse 25 says, “And in the fourth watch [between 3:00 – 6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.” (AMP)

The fourth watch, the hours just before dawn – it’s darkest before the dawn. It was in the darkest hours of the storm when Jesus came to them, and it’s when He comes to us.

Just before this, Jesus had been up in the hills by Himself praying – He had been in the Presence of God for hours even while the storm was raging (see verse 23). Jesus’ focus was only God. Jesu was already in the realm of the supernatural. His faith was well bolstered from being in God’s Presence, for faith comes by hearing and hearing from the Word of God (see Romans 10:17). Jesus was able to confidently stand on the Word of God. That was Jesus’ state of being by the time the disciples saw Him – Jesus was walking in the supernatural realm.

When Peter called out to Jesus in the midst of the storm, “command me to come to You on the water”, Peter was asking Jesus to cause him to do what He was doing – walking by faith on the Word of God. Jesus’ “Come!” was an invitation for Peter to step into the supernatural with Him. And Peter accepted Jesus’ invitation. He stepped out of his comfort zone, his place of security (the boat) and into the supernatural realm.

Jesus had given Peter one word on which to place his faith, “Come!”, and clinging to that word from Jesus and trusting in Jesus, the Word of God (see John 1:1&14), he stepped onto the water and into the supernatural.

In the midst of this ferocious storm, all Peter received was one word from Jesus. Think about this for a moment. What word have you been given?

I had received so many promises from Jesus in the midst of this storm I was in, yet when I asked for more – just a little something more – “Come!”, I too received this simple invitation. “Come!” That’s all I got before the dawn. Perhaps that’s all you’re getting too?

Then God said to me, “There is a difference between you and Peter. Peter did not have this story, he was living it as it happened, but you have it as an example, a lesson. Peter stepped into the supernatural and when He saw the wind, he tried to understand what he was seeing with his own human understanding. He stopped focusing on the Word, on Jesus, and he began to sink.”

I could only respond with an audible breath of “Ooooo”

Proverbs 3:5 is very clear, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (NLT)

 God said that when I step into the supernatural, “do not try to figure out what you are seeing, do not look left or right, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, do not lose focus, meditate on the Word that I gave to you, do not be distracted”.

I understood what God was revealing to me, and I believed!

I believed that I was in the fourth watch when it appears to be darkest, belying the fact that dawn is fast approaching. I stepped out of my boat and into the supernatural.

I was determined to keep focused on Jesus and the Word He gave to me. I did not want to sink under the waves like Peter.

I was determined that no matter what I saw, heard, felt, tasted or smelled, I would not depend on my own understanding and natural human reasoning.

I choose to believe that Jesus is my Restorer. I choose to believe that Jesus is all that I need Him to be. I choose to trust Jesus completely to do what He says He will do.

Beloved, I have absolutely no doubt that Jesus wants me to share this revelation with you today. I pray that you will accept His invitation to “Come!” out of your boat and step into the supernatural.

 Amen †

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Let’s get personal: Step into the Supernatural...” © 2015 revisited June 9, 2025

Spirit’s Home

 Finally, it is the day of Pentecost; the day we celebrate and commemorate the coming of God’s indescribable gift to man, the promised Holy Spirit. The Divine third Person of the Holy Trinity, who was poured out upon the apostles on that first Pentecost.

Do you realize that when you accept and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you also receive God’s precious gift of His Holy Spirit? Yes, when you make the confession of faith in Christ Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross at Calvary, God’s own Spirit, that same Spirit of Comfort sent that very first day of Pentecost by the Father, in answer to the prayer of the Son, takes up residence inside you.

As 1 Corinthians 3:16 (ERV) tells us, “…you yourselves are God’s temple. God’s Spirit lives in you.”

In marvellous condescension One of infinite majesty, glory, and holiness makes His abode within you – an ever-present Paraclete to advocate for you, a Helper, Comforter, Teacher, Guide, and Counsellor, – to transform your life according to His own perfect will for you. Imagine that, your own physical body becomes the actual dwelling place of God’s own Spirit. Isn’t that too incredible? Your body is Spirit’s home!

Now that you know this, ask yourself this question, “How do I treat Spirit’s home…God’s home, His temple, my body?”

God is very particular about His home and wants you to be also. Your body is Spirit’s home, God’s home, and God wants you to treat His home, your body, with respect. God wants you to take care of your body. He wants you to nourish your body by eating well balanced meals comprising of foods that promote good health. God wants you to exercise regularly, stay active but also get adequate rest. God wants you to keep your body well hydrated by drinking lots of water. God has plenty for you to accomplish here on earth for Him, so He needs you to be healthy, strong and able.

It grieves and angers God when you defile His home, His temple, your body. When you ill treat your body and when you don’t take care of yourself, God is definitely not pleased. First Corinthians chapter three verse seventeen (TLB) reads, “If anyone defiles and spoils God’s home, God will destroy him. For God’s home is holy and clean, and you are that home.”

Beloved, understand that your own body can become a holy place where God’s Spirit lives; it will be Spirit’s home. On this day of Pentecost, if you haven’t done so already, I urge you to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour, confess Him before the world, and surrender your life to the tender love of the Spirit of Life. And, just as the Spirit of Life formed Jesus in the Virgin Mary’s womb (Luke 1:35), so He will form Jesus within your inner being.

Now, determine to not take your body for granted, it is Spirit’s home, the home of God Himself and God wants you to honour His home, your body.

Amen†

 

Shelley Johnson ”Spirit’s Home” © 2013 revisited June 8, 2025

On the road to Pentecost: Waiting for the Holy Spirit Baptism

 

It is the eve of Pentecost, the day that was set for the coming of God’s promised Holy Spirit and the ingathering of the church. At that time, the apostles were required to wait for ten days because it was necessary for them to be all together in one place for the day of Pentecost to be fully realized. The Holy Spirit could not be given until that day had come.

After Pentecost there was no waiting, as can be seen in Acts chapter 8 verses14-17 and chapter 10, which record the accounts of Peter and John, who journeyed to Samaria from Jerusalem and Peter who, while visiting Joppa, travelled from there to Cornelius’ household in Caesarea.

So Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. – Acts 8:17 (CEB)

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the word. – Acts 10:44 (CEB)

However, there may be some today who God, in His infinite wisdom, are made to wait…

· those who are not resting in the finished work of Christ Jesus [Matthew 3:11]

· those who do not know that there is such an experience as the baptism with the Holy Spirit [Acts 19:2]– they lack awareness or knowledge

· those who have not sincerely renounced sin [Acts 2:38]

· those who have not fully believed in Christ Jesus [Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14]

· those who have not specifically asked [Luke 11:13]

More often than not, the reasons for your having to wait do not lie with the Holy Spirit but with you.

There are many believers who are waiting on a specific feeling. They do not understand that the baptism with the Holy Spirit has diverse manifestations – there are nine gifts after all [1 Corinthians 12] – it is not only the gift of tongues as some believe.

the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues

The manifestation is not necessarily expressed as an uncontrollable ecstatic experience. So, if you are waiting on how you believe the baptism with the Holy Spirit will be manifested in you, “STOP!”; instead claim the promise by faith on the very assurance of God’s Word.

Very often, there is no particular feeling of sheer ecstasy or emotion but the simple calm assurance in your heart that you have indeed received. It’s an inexplicable knowing deep within.

Beloved, I pray that our sojourn, of more than forty days, on the road to Pentecost has been beneficial to you in a lot of ways. May you continue to walk further, with Spirit as your Paraclete, into this fascinating realm of the spirit.

Amen†

 

 

Shelley Johnson “On the road to Pentecost: Waiting for the Holy Spirit Baptism” © 2013 revisited June 7, 2025