Tag: God loves us

Give Us This Day

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 NLT

Have you ever had worries about your future? If yes, then most likely you have not memorized Matthew 6:19-34. Jesus provides the reassurance and guarantees that He will provide for every necessity in our lives. Beyond knowing the due dates for monthly bills or pending appointments, we should have no concerns regarding the future–not even tomorrow. We are not even guaranteed the next day, so we should be extremely grateful for the mercies of life for today.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Matthew 6:31‭-‬32 NLT

Recently, I listened to the testimony of a young man who said that the Holy Spirit spoke to him during church service to give all of the money he had in his pocket, which wasn’t enough to last until payday [the next week]. He obeyed. The next day at work, he realized that he previously promised to meet a couple of coworkers for lunch. As he drove to McDonald’s, without a penny, he would tell his coworkers that he wasn’t hungry. But on the way, he stopped to help an older man who had car trouble. From that act of kindness, God blessed him with enough money to last until payday.

This is a story of obedience and a giant leap of faith and trust in God. In verse 32, Jesus reveals our status as faithless and compares us to unbelievers who constantly worry when we think about tomorrow. We have an immediate decision to make–to live with or without faith. It’s up to us. Be aware of the consequences of choosing to rely on yourself. Without faith, we live miserable lives. It is not possible to have unspeakable joy and peace without total belief in God, our Provider.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10. “Abundant life” refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for mind, soul, and body. Jesus promised that if we live day by day and fully trust in Him that our joy would be complete. Go ahead, thank our Jehovah Jireh for His loving care of always giving us needful provisions. Living a faith-based life guarantees us the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness of our doubt and unbelief in you. We thank you for your promises of “Yes and Amen.” In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Finish the Plans

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 (NKJV)

Most of us are familiar with this verse. Even so, other translations lead many to believe this scripture is a promise of financial prosperity. Jesus, the Son of God lived in poverty when He left his parent’s home to begin His ministry. “And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.'” Luke 9:58.

When we focus on accumulating material possessions, God can’t be our number one priority. For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14. How is this possible? Certainly, we would not intentionally place anything before the Most-High God. But, sadly, we have become our own idols. Worshipping ourselves with more and more material possessions, we strive to fulfill our desires and proudly tell ourselves that “God is raining down blessings.”

Steps to “Finish [God’s] plan for your life

    1. Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts and His plans for your life.
    2. Evaluate your responsibilities, commitments, and other lifestyle activities. Eliminate the people, places, and things that prevent “God first.”
    3. Make a plan to free yourself from debt. We have to say, Enough is Enough.
    4. Put God first by planned worship at least twice a day. Building a deep relationship with Jesus Christ is a necessity to stay connected in these last days.
    5. Diligent study of the Bible and constant communication through prayer builds unwavering faith and trust in God.

The decision to finish the plans is not pursuing an academic degree or climbing the career ladder. When we put God first, He will ensure that we reach our highest spiritual and intellectual development level. Using our talents and spiritual gifts, we can use social media to tell others that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I began witnessing on my FB and Instagram pages, posting encouraging scriptures. With a willing heart, God honors our faith, trust, and obedience.

Remember that we have enlisted in the Army of God. We are commandment-keeping disciples, followers of Jesus Christ, which requires that we give up our mindset. Let God lead you, and you will live your best life. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither  are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Prayer: God, we are ready to finish the plans that you have for us. Please reveal the direction in which we should travel to fulfill your Divine purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

As the Seasons Change

As for me, I will see your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalm 17:15.

The Apostle Paul placed great emphasis on the transformation of our character. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14. We are preparing now to live forever in a perfect and sinless New Heaven and New Earth. We cannot justify holding onto ungodly character traits and unrighteous habits, which will prevent us from receiving our reward of eternal life. Knowing what God expects from us will give us the motivation to please Him. You must be holy because I, the Lord, am Holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. Leviticus 20:26. Amen.

Prayer: God, it is our desire to change and to strive for righteousness. We ask for forgiveness of our sins. God, we desperately need your help in our spiritual transformation. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Time, Money, and Energy

God has blessed us with the resources of time, money, and energy. Utilize each with diligence. The goal of every believer is to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been Faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

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