Tag: God loves us

The Forecast: Stormy Weather Ahead

Most of us rely on the prediction of weather forecasts. Many outdoor activities, weddings, and events are planned on suppositions of future projections. Still, we are surprised by the unforeseen thunderstorms and rain showers that threaten or cancel the events that we have put time and effort into or eagerly look forward to attending. It is a grim disappointment when our plans and anticipated joy come to a screeching halt. Even so, with sadness in our hearts, we realize that the weather is above and beyond our control. And either we use plan B, or the event is rescheduled.

The life of a disciple–follower of Christ is a life full of storms and seasons of fiery trials. Yet, many live their daily lives as if they were unaware that following Christ means suffering. Two reasons exist: 1. Lack of knowledge. 2. The internal conflict between surrender and self-reliance, which prevents us from bonding with Christ. We eagerly make plans without presenting them first to God in prayer for His approval and blessing. The prayer of “Not my will, but thy will be done” is replaced with a mindset of presumption. Sadly, our desires supersede God’s plans for our lives.  

Jesus’ disciples also had their own agenda–for Jesus to be proclaimed King and exalt Himself to the throne [along with themselves]. After feeding the five thousand, the disciples were confident that Jesus would announce himself as King. It was evident. If someone could feed thousands of people from five loaves of bread and two fish, and have food left over, certainly they would proclaim Jesus as their earthly king. Finally their life of poverty and suffering would be over. But Jesus knowing their desires gave a command that left them astonished.  Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14:22.

Because of their worldly desire of self-elevation, the disciples were always outside of the will of God. Yes, they were deeply disappointed when Jesus sent them away. And because of their selfish and disobedient character traits, they waited for Jesus [John 6:16-17] until dark. Finally they got into the boat not realizing that the calm sea would become a raging storm that would make them acknowledge the deity of Jesus : “Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we knew when our spiritual storms were coming?” “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Jesus forewarned us of the stormy trials, sorrows, and hardships that would come upon us. The life of a disciple–follower of Christ is a life full of storms and seasons of fiery trials. Yet, many say they are Christians but seem unaware that following Christ includes a journey of suffering. Like the disciples, we have our agendas for success, acquiring tangible possessions, and living comfortable, peaceful lifestyles.

And then we face the storm that rages with such force, we realize our helplessness. When the storm hits, we are devastated. The preparation of building rock-solid faith requires diligently studying the scriptures and becoming a powerful prayer warrior. We must cultivate prayer and study as daily habits. God’s promises include the condition of putting forth “Human Effort!”

When we are armored up–Ephesians 6:10-18, we are strong in the Lord. Our faith and trust in God is unwavering. We are connected to the source of power–Jesus Christ. We gain strength because of the power of prayer, knowledge of the scriptures, and possessing a faithful, obedient, and deep spiritual bond [relationship] with Jesus Christ.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5

Yes, the storms are raging. But Jesus tells us to come, “Go Ahead! Walk on the Water.” Jesus is always here to help us through our storms. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Prayer: God, we need you more than ever. We are not prepared for the storms. We pray forgiveness for not staying connected to you through prayer and study of the scriptures. Please lead us and guide us through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry 

The Earth is the Lord’s–Happy Sabbath!

In a world with constant changes and challenges, we can be confident in knowing that ” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Think About It First

They say what the world needs is love, sweet love. Although I wholeheartedly agree, I would like to add another character trait that is in short supply and that is patience. Most of us are victims to the “hurry up with it, I have other things to do” mindset. Even so, I came across some profound advice, “Unless it is an emergency, think about it for at least 24 hours and the possible consequences that may follow from you making that decision.”

For the believer in God, every decision that we make is either for God or against God. Within that 24 hours, we must go to God in prayer and ask for His will. There are few absolutes in life. We can know this for sure that we can never hurry God. And there is one more absolute truth, every mistake that we have made in our lives is because we did not ask God or we did not wait for God’s answer.

And for those like myself who lack the virtue of patience, God has no problem letting us make the mistake. He knows that when we are drowning in the Sea of Consequences, we will pray the SMS–Save My Soul prayer. Thankfully, He forgives us with loving grace and mercies. Still, we may suffer the full impact from our disobedience.

Last night during worship, it was the Holy Spirit who taught me this profound fact of life. Every decision that you make is either for God or against God. The imagery was the train crossing with the flashing red lights with the barrier coming down warning of the pending train traveling at an unknown speed. I am thankful that our Heavenly Father’s love is overprotective.

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourself this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for excluding you from our lives. We are suffering the consequences of misguided decisions based on impatience. Please come to our rescue. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

What We Need is Love [Written and Audio]

https://anchor.fm/sonya-johnson-ruiz/embed/episodes/What-We-Need-is-Love-e18v1uf

A song of yesteryear [1965] gave the resolution to the ongoing conflict in the human race. What the World Needs Now is Love demonstrated that someone knew that living in peace required a foundation of love.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone…

Although possessing love as the remedy for our societal issues is packed with truth, it is impossible to love others without loving God first. God is love. God demonstrated the greatest Agape love for humanity that most do not understand. God and His Son, Jesus Christ, entered into a covenant that Jesus would die to redeem our sins. And for many, Jesus’ sacrifice is still not enough.

Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

We demonstrate our love for God by our willingness to “Put God First.” As Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but thy will be done,” demonstrates surrender and obedience because our priority is love for God. Why do we struggle to love God? At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us the answer to possessing the highest level of love for God and others, humility. Yes, Jesus the Son of God knelt and washed His disciple’s dirty feet because their hearts contained the sin of self-seeking pride.

Love = Humility + Obedience

Humility is the fruit of love. From our desire to love God, we do not live for ourselves. Every day, we commit our will, plans, and life to Jesus Christ. Our daily prayer is “God, not my will, but your will be done in my life.” There is no other theory or methodology that supersedes the Word of God. We cannot offer God our concept of sacrifice. In Genesis 4:3, Cain brought God an offering of the fruit of the ground instead of the lamb that represented Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Like Cain, we can become angry that God does not accept our offerings of giving Him minimal time, saying quick prayers and looking up a scripture or two on our electronic devices, but God has not and will not change His commandments. You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14. We worship tangible items, our assets, portfolios, careers, and people. Still, our modern idol is us. We live to please ourselves. Throughout the Bible, God proclaims that He will only accept a sacrifice that is an all-or-nothing offering. 

Yes, it is a fact that love is the answer to humanity’s problems. Even so, our first love for God revealed by humility and obedience resolves our sin problems and gives us complete joy and peace. Our covenant vow is one of commitment to our Heavenly Father. When we love God with everything we have, our soul becomes full and overflows with love for others. We learn to love as Jesus loves us. Remember, God requires our whole heart and will accept nothing less. Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself.

Prayer: God, we admit that we have lived according to our self-seeking desires because we do not love you as we should. And for that sin, we ask forgiveness. Reveal to us your will for our lives. We pray for a greater sense of purpose, to love you through humility and obedience. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Our Father God–Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy

Today, I took a giant leap into the abyss of my mind to think about God’s love for humanity. I made it personal. Did I really comprehend the depth of God’s love for me? Sadly, I came to the conclusion that I did not understand God’s love. Because if I did, I would have rock-solid faith and trust in Him 100% of the time. Doubts or worries would not appear as dark clouds when I faced life’s challenges. I was perplexed as I prayed for God to give me knowledge, wisdom, and discernment of the complexities of love.

He called a little child and set him before them, and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-3, Amplified Bible.

As I read Matthew 18, verses 2-3, I breathed, “Thank you, God.” God’s love is not complex or complicated, He is my Father, and I am His daughter. Peace and joy entered my heart because that’s the relationship that He always intended for me to have with Him. The human effort of bonding with my Heavenly Father is one that requires daily commitment. Now, it’s up to me.

Prayer: God, please help us to realize that your love is within our reach. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus, redemption, and the opportunity for eternal life. As we focus our attention on you for the next 24 hours, please accept our praise and worship. Yes, God, we love you. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ Worthy name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Choose the Best Option

Most of us can agree that since January 2020, we have faced adversities as never before. Even if we did not sustain a direct impact, we have family members and friends who are in an ongoing recovery phase of their lives. Still, God is in control of His world. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27

The adversities that we face are known to God before they impact our lives. Many have made a commitment to serve God. Yet, they continue to serve God according to their own thought processes. Serving God is a lifetime covenant vow and requires total surrender. How does surrender apply to our lives? We include God in every aspect of our lives. We pray, give our challenges, worries, and anxieties to God, and wait for His answers. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7.

Humility is the key to approaching God. And that is when the battle begins to rage within our minds. The wheels begin to turn. Yes, we can solve this challenge! Using prior life experience, educational achievements, critical thinking skills, and astute judgment, we develop fail-proof strategies [from our perspective]. But self-reliance is a bitter fruit of pride. When our feeble attempts continue to fail, leaving us discouraged, we may feel that God has failed or forgotten about our circumstances. God knows! God cares!

Yes, God knows that we need His divine intervention. And He patiently waits for us to exhaust all of our options. God waits for us to realize that we cannot live without Him. We do not have to wait and approach God in desperation. There is a better way to serve God. Admitting that He is our only option is a result of our faith and trust. When our challenges arise, all we need to do is immediately pray a prayer of faith [having the mindset of total belief in God] and ask God for help. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15

Even Jesus was humble and obedient until death. He went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

Often God will use trials and hardships to reveal the character traits that expose our lack of faith and trust in Him. Throughout the Bible, we read accounts of individuals who disobeyed God because they did not seek His will first. Serving God requires us to put Him first. How do we know that we are putting God first? The utilization of our time is an indication of whether or not God is first and foremost. We have 24 hours. How much time do we worship, study, and pray?

Remember that our covenant vow with God is life-long. We are disciples–followers who must possess the mindset of “Not my will, But your will be done in my life.” Will you trust God to bring complete restoration to your life? Only God can give us the best options. “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

Prayer: God, we come to you weary and worn out from our efforts to resolve our challenges. We ask forgiveness of the sin of self-reliance. Yes, God, we need your Divine intervention. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Escaping the Wilderness

We can ask anything in Jesus’ name. As long as our request is in God’s will and plans for us, we can expect wonderful blessings. Who isn’t overjoyed by a new job, home, vehicle, marriage, or the little one that will be born in nine months. Yes, we proclaim that God is good because His plans [and our desires] for us have finally come to fruition. But how do we react when God subtracts–takes away our comfortable lifestyle, the unequally yoked relationship, the marriage that dishonors God, or the job that has provided career growth and financial stability, but prevents us from spending time with God?

As believers, we have the tendency to blame spiritual wickedness for our losses. Still, we must remember that Satan cannot take action or cause any changes in our lives that are not approved by God. The losses are required because God is redirecting our focus and changing our character. Adversities force us to humble ourselves. Eventually, we admit that God is asking more from us than we are presently giving to Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6. God requires faithful, obedient servants who place their complete trust in Him. Refer to the Book of Job.

People Who Witnessed the Mighty Power of God

God delivered the Israelites from enslavement to bless them with new beginnings. His divine plan was the gift of Canaan, the Promised Land. The Egyptians not only resented the God that Israel served, they were also afraid that eventually the slaves would rebel and overtake them. So, they appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor. They forced them to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king. Exodus 1:11. Even after the Egyptians suffered from the plagues, it was only after Pharaoh’s son died did he agree to free the Israelites.

The Israelites witnessed miracle after miracle, God kept them safe from the plagues, and the population of the Israelite Nation increased despite the severe conditions. The Red Sea miracle caused elation and they sang a Song of Deliverance in Exodus chapter 15. Three days after their song of gratitude, they faced a hardship of not finding water to drink. No one thought to pray and ask God to supply them with water. The emancipated sojourners complained about the struggle through the wilderness they had to endure to reach the Promised Land. 

The Human Reaction to the Changes Leading to Deliverance

The journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken 11 days. But Exodus 16:2-3 reads, There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. “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.” For their complaints against God, they wandered in the desolate wilderness for 40 years. In fact, the freed Israelites, none except for Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed were allowed to enter the Promised Land. It was the next generation who entered Canaan. 

Spiritually, we are the Nation of Israel. We have the tendency to look back and create a totally different situation than the one that actually existed. The subtraction of relationships, jobs, or other life events are orchestrated by God. Our Omniscient Father knows the future. If God allowed loss in your life, trust Him. God never makes mistakes. When Job complained, God asked, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know!” Job 38:4-5

Many of us are so caught up in our earthly lifestyles, we quickly forget: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

A word of caution, God, has no problem leaving us in the wilderness. We can complain, cry, or blame others, but God says, For I am the Lord, I change not. Malachi 3:6. The changes in our lives are permitted by God. Obedience, patience, and humility are the character traits that God requires of us. We do not have to repeat history. Let the wilderness mindset go! The hardship, test, or trial that seems to last forever can result from our disobedience. We must not  reminiscence on former things. The Apostle Paul reminds us, Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead… Philippians 3:13. Move forward by praying for revelation and guidance from the Holy Spirit. 

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. Pray, repent, and ask God to reveal His plans for your life. Our future, if we choose, is eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. God desires that we live the best, peaceful, and productive lives until His Son, Jesus Christ, comes again. Stay in His perfect will. In the turbulence of adversity, we must possess a spirit of gratitude. Acknowledge the Love and Omnipotence of God. His promises are always, “Yes, and Amen.” Humility and obedience cause us to accept our human limitations. Remember, we can never give ourselves a more prosperous life than our Heavenly Father. 

Prayer: God, we confess and repent of our sins of self-reliance and disobedience. Please reveal your will and plans for our lives. Thank you for loving and caring for us as only a Heavenly Father can. We pray for the desire to obey and completely trust you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Witnessing that Jesus is Coming

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

The Era of the Voices

The Christians of former years, Dr. Martin Luther King, Billy Graham, Robert W. Shambach, E. E. Cleveland, Charles E. Bradford, and Esther E. Johnson used their voices to preach God’s plan of Salvation for humanity. Certainly, there were many other obedient disciples, not limited to these men and woman of God, just identifying the persons who had an impact on my life. And in those days, Christian believers never had a worry, anxiety, or fear. No, we knew that it was our duty to God to have die-hard faith and complete, unwavering trust in God. And we believed and prepared every day for the Second Coming of Jesus. Back in the day, our voices were lifted with joy. Our priorities were to walk from door to door in the communities passing out tracts, inviting people to church, and witnessing to anyone, to everyone who would listen.

The Century of Silence

Now that we live in the last days and have the convenience of global social media platforms, we are silenced. Our voices shout in excitement for football games, and we use our high-tech skills to create visuals that defy our perception of reality. We stash our money away as we check our financial portfolios, contently sitting in our magnificent homes, smiling and telling ourselves, “Yes, you have done well for yourself.”

As the seconds become minutes that transition into days, we have reached the 21st century–the Last Days. Instead of the fervency that would be expected due to fulfillment of biblical prophecy, we have become the Church of Laodicea [Revelation 3]. Giving only to God what we think He deserves. Once or twice a week, we attend church, give tithe and offerings, or donate to non-profits like OXFAM, and we applaud ourselves because we feel, “at least I did my part in serving God.”

The Culprit Responsible for Silenced Voices

We console ourselves by blaming the pandemic. After all, we are in the second year of the pandemic that has ruined many of our plans. How can we safely witness to others? Yes, the Coronavirus and its variants are still attacking and consuming human life. But let us face the truth, we are still conducting our activities of daily living because life must move forward. Put on your mask, gloves, grab a handful of tracts, purchase low-cost Bibles, and do a walk-through up and down the supermarket aisles, or choose a Wal-Mart, or any store parking lot. We will never know who is despondent and planning to end their hopelessness. Doing our part by giving them a tract or Bible would change the course of their lives.

It is not just the duty of the dedicated Pastors who are preaching the biblical truth [with few members] to “feed the sheep.” The mega churches have their agenda which rarely matches that of God’s divine purpose. Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior includes an obligation. “The Great Commission,” is a requirement that all disciples of Jesus Christ must fulfill. Using our social media is an excellent method to spread the Good News that a Savior died: His name is Jesus, and He will give you a peaceful life. He has plans of immortality in a New Heaven and New Earth. Read John 14:1-3 and Revelation chapters 21-22. Yes, the scoffers will readily post their comments attempting to sabotage and make you feel defeated. Use the tool, Delete and Block. And keep going!

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Turn up the Volume! Lift up your voice and proclaim the precious gift of Salvation. Tell them the Son of God, Jesus Christ who wore a crown of thorns is coming back this time with a crown of majesty and glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us do our part and the Holy Spirit will complete the work in every person that accepts the Jesus as their personal Savior.

Prayer: God, we have lost our desire to serve you as a dedicated disciple. We ask for forgiveness for giving so little of ourselves. Please reveal to us the plan and purpose that you have for our lives so we may witness to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry