The Consideration of Others

And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4‭-‬5 NLT

In reading the Apostle Paul’s writings, He always stresses our responsibility to look out for others first. Why the importance of placing the needs of someone else over ourselves? Because we are the selfless servants [disciples] of Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 28:20. Jesus is our role model. Yet, many Christians–Christ-like fail to obey Jesus’ command to put others first.

“What about me?” is usually the question that overpowers our thoughts. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33. When serving God, we have everything we need to live contented, unselfish, and purpose-driven lives. Read Matthew 6:25-34 for reassurance.

Helping others allows our hearts to have an overflow of love and demonstrates our willingness to trust and obey God. From that love, God can mold our characters. We focus on the apparent sins in our lives but rarely reflect on our misaligned character traits. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

It is our characters that present the most significant challenge. We cannot self-evaluate our own faults. From our perspective, we always look good. The Holy Spirit enables us to achieve the requirements of daily spiritual growth–Sanctification is an ongoing and life-long journey. We do not have to understand how the Holy Spirit works. Our responsibility is to pray daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Without the help of the third person of the Trinity, change is impossible. We were born with the sinful mindset of “always looking out for number one.”

The scriptures reveal that Jesus’ disciples were people just like you and I, they possessed intrinsic selfishness. And they fed their selfish spirit by always striving to be greater than each other. Sadly, there was so much internal conflict that it impacted their faith and the ability to perform miracles. Although Jesus usually pointed out their sinful traits through parables, we find scriptures that indicate Jesus’ open rebuke and correction of  their behaviors. Even Jesus had to set the boundaries of “enough is enough.”

The battle with self is one that never ends. Feeding the five thousand would never have happened if it were up to His disciples. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Matthew 14:15

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16. Their response of “And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” Matthew 14:17 indicates the spiritual deficit of no faith. Twelve men could perform the same miracle as Jesus, yet, they could do nothing because of their desire to be the greatest among them.

We do not have to repeat the mistakes of Jesus’ twelve. Praying daily and submitting our will to God allows us to live righteously through faith, trust, and obedience.

What does God require of us? He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Helping others [not limited to financial assistance] require the love of God along with humility and total obedience. Believers who have compassion and the desire to encourage others are at the lowest level when discouragement and depression are at their highest levels among our brothers and sisters.

Jesus declared, “ ’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’…Matthew 22:37-39

Putting the needs of others first, we reap abundant rewards. Our stony heart is chipped away, revealing tenderness and compassion. Our relationship with Jesus Christ reaches a higher level of growth as the roots of discipleship reach deeper into the soil of righteousness by faith.

We will receive immortality when Jesus comes again. Even so, throughout the Bible, love prevails. It is our character that must be changed before Jesus coming again. Many do not believe in this concept that we have to put forth the human effort to get rid of sinful traits. Revelation 22:11 confirms that when Jesus comes again, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” The day that Jesus appears is the day no further change will occur in our characters.

No worries. God is aware that we need His help to change. Divine Intervention: “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:6

Obedience to God is a fruit that grows from a heart filled with love and dedication to please God. Our reward is eternal life in a perfect world. Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself. 

Prayer: God, we ask you create in us a clean heart and give us the desire to fulfill our role as disciples. Please remove the selfishness from our hearts that we may live a purpose-driven life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Revelation 21:7

The Reverence of Holiness

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

In a time that no longer exists, respect, self-control, and obedience were core character traits of most children who matured into adults with admirable qualities. And yes, we were God-fearing, which regulated our behaviors, habits, and decisions. As we move toward societal collapse, the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy summarizes the present condition of our world:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 1-5 NKJV.

“Common: of a quality or of level to be generally expected.”

The most compelling issue is that we have taken the Bible [God’s voice] and interpreted the scriptures according to our sinful minds. We speak God’s name so loosely that we fail to perceive Him as the Holy “El Shaddai.” We no longer give God [I AM that I AM, Exodus 3:14] the honor, respect, or obedience that He rightfully deserves. Humanity who He created in His image, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 gives our Creator the slightest reverence of all creatures.

Our faith is tested daily. Because we rely on our five senses, it is difficult for many to revere an invisible God. The book of Revelation provides us with a vivid description of reverence and worship, which allows us to form a mental image. Although God has not opened our eyes to view angels in their original form, many artists have painted their rendition of the angelic host worshiping around the throne from reading the biblical description. The angels love God with such adoration that the Apostle John was allowed to see them in heavenly visions. 

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying,  “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”…Revelation 22: 10-12. The obedient messenger angels provide us with an example of the level of reverence and obedience that our Holy of Holy God deserves.

What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:4-5

Sadly, we fail to embrace that God us crowned with glory and honor nor do we keep foremost in our thoughts that Jesus suffered, bled, and died for humanity.

The permission granted by God the Father to give His only precious Son, Jesus Christ, was to pay our debt of sin. What can I do with the little I have to offer? The least I can do is to worship God with reverence. Faith, trust, and obedience are fruits that flourish from the heart filled with love and adoration for the Most-High God! We are promised immortality and a forever home in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Reverence of God’s Holiness is embraced and cultivated in our present lives in preparation for eternal life. Where do you stand? Do your behaviors and lifestyles reveal that God is Holy or common? Only you and God can provide the answer. 

Bible Readings: Psalm 91 and Revelation chapters 21 and 22

Prayer: God, we pray for our minds to receive the wisdom to understand that you are Holy. May we receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit on our lives as we prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

The Human Hierarchy

There are situations in life that are all or nothing: pregnancy, being in love, like or dislike, and our commitment to Christ are just a few areas where neutrality does not exist. When we think of the different parts of the human body, the “spiritual” component is often placed last on the list of importance. Created in the image of God gives humanity an intrinsic spiritual part, which is first on God’s Hierarchy for Human Beings.

Yes, we have the freedom of choice not to surrender to Christ. But consider the unfortunate consequences of not having a spiritual connection with God. Insomnia, anxiety, worry, loneliness [not living alone], hopelessness, discouragement, lack of motivation, the drive to pursue monetary wealth, and tangible things replace the desire to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. Despite our pursuit for happiness, the emptiness grow deeper. In our humanness, we develop innovative ideas to fill the dark void in our souls [spiritual component].

How many “anti” medications will Big Pharma develop in our lifetime? Yes, the medicinal Marijuana lessens the physical pain, but from a spiritual and emotional perspective, its smoke can only fill the space in our lungs. Alcoholics almost outnumber the nondrinkers. And the alcohol tolerance level is quickly reached as the one after-work drink escalates into bottle-a-day consumption. The love of Money demands its own allegiance as it grabs the one heartstring that leads to a takeover of the entire heart. Without God, we have a mundane existence leading to nowhere. We are simply going through the robotic motions to maintain sanity.

You may think “Well that’s one writer’s opinion.”

Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears [produces] much fruit, for without me you can do nothing. John 15:5.

God reaches out to save our souls. It isn’t necessary to wait until our spiritual emptiness propels us into the mental and emotional existence of nothingness. Fact: Choices made outside of God will reach a plateau. We cannot escape the inevitable consequences of serving self. Created by God according to His hierarchy gives us a void that only God can fill. The spiritual connection was intentional. We were created to stay connected to God. Still, it is from God’s loving-kindness that He does not treat us as we deserve. Every day we receive the unmerited gifts of His love, grace, and mercies. Thank you, God!

Who is this Omnipotent God? I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty Army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candle wick. Isaiah 43:15-17

Even so, our Creator tells us to “Redirect your focus to my present miracles.” But forget all that it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See oh, I have already begun do you not see it I will make a pathway through the Wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18 -19

It is a free will choice to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. From our love and commitment to Christ, we receive new hearts. Our desires change. For the completion of our transformation of mind, body, and soul, we are to put on the new character of Christ [“…for I am meek and lowly in heart…]. Our spiritual component is no longer empty. We are filled with the Holy Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23], who teaches, gives understanding, wisdom, and discernment. The human effort: If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

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Bible reading: Colossians 3

Prayer: God, we come to you asking for forgiveness of our sins. The emptiness that we have is overwhelming and has left us mentally and emotionally destitute. We commit ourselves to you by surrendering our hearts, bodies, and souls. Please fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may be made complete through You. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Our Heavenly Father

The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. 1 John 3:1

We demonstrate our perception of God by the way we think, act, and live. Most of us express our gratitude for the mercies of a new day through prayer. But did we ask for God’s approval of our pending plans for today or the near future? We believe in God’s omnipotence, yet we exclude His divine Fatherly intervention by not praying for His will to be done in our lives. The exclusion may or may not be an oversight. When we fear that our desires will not receive His blessing then the exclusion is intentional.

Because of the desire for independence, our relationship with God becomes stagnant and unhealthy. Obedience is a requirement when serving God. Our status in the Father-child relationship with God was predetermined by God when He created humanity. We are not God’s equal. Just as children obey their earthly fathers, God also has the expectation that we honor and reverence Him through faith, trust, and obedience.

We know God is loving and desires the best for us. What is the underlying factor that prevents us from bonding with our Father-God?  The Father-child relationship is weakened by our lack of knowledge. Who are you, God? Moses tells us, “He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT. This one verse gives a complete description of God’s character. Have you ever wondered why many believers can smile and praise God, although their lives are turned upside down? They have a strong bond with God based on love, faith, trust, and obedience. Truly, He is their Father-God.

God speaks for himself by the many promises to His children, which are  unequaled. Who else can promise never-failing comfort and protection?

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says, Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3

Despite our disobedience, God continually reaches out to us, always reassuring His wayward children. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. Our mindset changes from having worries and burdens to one of inner joy and peace when we give up our independence. Let the storms of hardship and the seasons of darkness come. Dependency on God provides us with His guidance and strength through adversity. Yes, Peace is knowing that God has you in His righteous right hand.

Bible reading: Psalm 91

Prayer: God, we confess our disobedience of possessing an independent mindset and excluding you from our spiritual journey. We acknowledge our sin and ask for forgiveness. We ask you to direct our steps on the path of righteousness that we may be prepared for the soon coming of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Exiting Egypt-the Chains of Bondage

The story of the Israelites is one of God’s love and mercy for humanity. Many of us struggle with mental, emotional, and spiritual bondage. Enslavement wears a mask and is not easily recognized. It could be the job that steals our time, leaving us physically exhausted and too tired to worship God. The thought of a lifetime of loneliness causes us to embrace the unequally yoked relationships with unbelievers. Still, the strongest chains are found in loyalty to cultural traditions or pursuing worldly desires.

Please know that Satan uses the people, the places that produce excitement, and the secret things we desire to enslave us. And why not? He knows his fate, so he works harder on the believer who has behaviors comparable to his followers–all unbelievers. But God is aware of our fragile hearts and our tendency toward disobedience. And His power prevents Satan from breaking us to the point of despair and hopelessness.

Before we complain that our chains are not easily broken and it is too much for us to bear, the Apostle Paul tells us, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.’ 1 Corinthians 10:13

And who should know better than Saul converted to Paul? Saul had a thirst for the bloodshed of Christian believers–yes, premeditated murder. His mindset was so heinous that Jesus spoke to him personally on the road to Damascus. Saul was stricken with blindness to complete his spiritual transformation, and for three days and nights, he fasted without food or water. Our Omnipotent God transformed Saul into an Apostle who wrote books of the Bible and sent many letters to the churches while in prison. History tells us that prisoners were shackled with heavy chains, severely limiting their physical movement. Yet, he never lost his faith in God.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24

Receiving deliverance from our shackles is a choice based on the willingness to faithfully obey God. Imagine receiving a shortened prison sentence for a crime you committed and when you receive the news that you will be released within 48 hours, you say, “No, I want to serve the remainder of my time.” It sounds foolish. But that is exactly what the community of Israel did. They were willing to be shackled with the chains of slavery in exchange for food.

“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” Exodus 16:3

God has promised to deliver us from any situation that has enslaved us in the chains of a spiritual life or death struggle. His promises hold true: The Red Sea became a watery grave; the walls of Jericho fell with a shout; and, a young shepherd boy killed a giant with a slingshot and stone. There is no one greater than the ” I AM.”

God knows that many of us will look back and wish for former things when the journey becomes rugged. When we are suffering from mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion that is when we are to fall on our knees and and ask for help from the “One and Only God.” El Shaddai is ready to reveal His love and power to maintain our freedom. We cannot waver! Either we accept His grace and mercy to live without our shackles or we choose to live with them. It is a walk of faith to accept our freedom and keep moving forward. Without faith it is impossible to please God…Hebrews 11:6.

Human Effort [Faith and Trust] + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome!

Prayer: God, we have been enslaved by our circumstances for too long. We ask that you free us from chains of the jobs, relationships, and habits that prevent us from surrendering to You. Give us your strength as we faithfully and obediently serve you in spiritual freedom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Created for His Purpose

“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

When I initially enrolled in college to pursue my degree in Psychology, I was more than excited. The complexities of the human mind have always fascinated my overly creative brain. With a focus on Behavioral Health, I would empower others to learn and choose options that promote emotional wellness. All was well until it was time to select courses for the next semester. The core classes were not available during the day [this was in an era before online courses]. I could not take evening classes due to my job responsibilities. The disappointment of sitting out a semester was overwhelming as I thought about the setback in achieving my goals.

We are allowed to do anything, but not everything is good for us to do. We are allowed to do anything, but not all things help us grow strong as Christians. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NLV.

My plans were blocked because there was a significant conflict between my goals and God’s plans and purpose for my life. I have always been a believer. Still, I enjoyed fulfilling my dreams according to my desires. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.

Through my discouragement, God revealed His plan and my purpose. He opened the windows of heaven. I received numerous scholarships and grants for my nursing education. Although I was the oldest nursing student in my class at 40 y/o, I graduated with top honors. And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

Serving patients and their families requires humility, which allowed the spiritual growth that I needed to become a follower of Jesus Christ. God used nursing as a ministry for me to provide compassionate care, emotional and spiritual support to diverse populations. Many years later, I can say, “Thank you, God, for your divine intervention. Amen.”

Our walk through life is as different as our fingerprints. Even so, a believer’s steps are ordered by God. We are to make disciples like the Apostle Paul. His conversion reveals the incredible power of God to give us a complete spiritual makeover and restoration when we surrender to Him—created by Him and for His purpose. 

Prayer: God, we ask you to reveal your purpose and direction for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

Many have surrendered their lives to Jesus. And when the relationship begins, they are excited about serving God. But there is a prevailing misunderstanding among believers–the imaginary perfect life in which all of our problems are eliminated when we serve God. Who can not relate to quickly finding out that serving God places us in a spiritual battle? Yes, we easily become discouraged by the never-ending hardships and challenges. Still, wavering faith is the precursor for doubt. We begin to question God, His love, and His promises. Isn’t our life supposed to become more manageable when we serve God? “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The requirement of living a faith-based life by trusting in God through an unknown waiting period for God to answer our prayers becomes our breaking point. We struggle with our dependency on God. The refusal produces a spiritual battle from within–obedience versus self-reliance. Impatience sets in as we begin to develop strategies to help God bring a faster solution.

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

A child has blind faith in their parents. They run to tell them [trust] the problem and possess the belief [faith] that their issue will be resolved. For those who doubt that God created us with a measure of faith, children easily disprove that concept. Confidence causes children to run to their parents [who they know and trust] every time a problem arises.

The reason that we lose hope is that we do not know who Jesus is. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15. Realistically, who would trust a stranger? Trusting in self erases our childlike faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Faith is replaced by doubt and unbelief. How did it happen this quickly? Without diligently studying the scriptures and praying, we only know Jesus by His name, and the consequence is disbelief in the omnipotence of God, our Father.

Our relationship suffers as we become overwhelmed by our circumstances. Quickly our perception changes from believing and trusting in a caring Heavenly Father to distrust in a distant and unknown God. Like skating on thin ice, we see the warning signs of danger, but we take the risk anyway by trusting in our thoughts and abilities. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.

The relationship fractures from self-confidence. We lose our connection to the God who sees and cares. The seeds of doubt and unbelief continue to grow into a forest, blinding our eyes as we stumble over the rocky terrain of hopelessness. Our mindset continues to change as we become disgruntled, blaming God for not keeping His promises.

Even so, God clarifies in the book of Jeremiah who is not doing their part in the relationship between humanity and God.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all of your heart I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity. Jeremiah 29: 11-14. NKJV

We determine the growth and development of our relationship with Jesus based on our commitment to stay connected. Jesus will give us strength and spiritual reinforcement to overcome. Increase your knowledge of Him through the scriptures. Call out to God in prayer. And enjoy the priceless gift of having a thriving relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. 

I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:5 Amplified Bible

Prayer: God, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We desire to surrender our lives to you by doing our part in having an intimate relationship with you, built on faith, hope, trust, and obedience. We ask for strength. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry