Gaylord Kambarami, the General Secretary of the Bible Society in Zimbabwe, tried to give a New Testament to a very belligerent man. The man insisted he would roll the pages and use them to make cigarettes. Mr. Kambarami said, “I understand that, but at least promise to read the page of the New Testament before you smoke it.” The man agreed, and the two went their separate ways.
Fifteen years later, the two men met at a convention in Zimbabwe. The Scripture-smoking pagan had been saved and was now a full-time evangelist. He told the audience, “I smoked Matthew, and I smoked Mark, and I smoked Luke. But when I got to John 3:16, I couldn’t smoke anymore. My life was changed from that moment.”
Aren’t you glad God’s book is more than just words on paper?
Source: American Bible Society Record, March 1990
Submitted by the homiletics class of West coast Baptist College
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
Yes, only the Holy Spirit with the Word of God can convict of sin, righteousness, judgment and bring lost people to salvation in Christ so be diligent in sharing God’s Word with your relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. who need to be saved. Also, use the Word to disciple fellow believers in their walk with the Lord.
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Don’t Tune out the Holy Spirit
11/29/20
A park ranger at Yellowstone National Park was leading a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals that he considered the messages on his two-way radio distracting, so he switched it off. As the group neared the tower, the ranger was met by a nearly breathless lookout, who asked why he hadn’t responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been seen stalking the group, and the authorities were trying to warn them of the danger.
Any time we tune out the Holy Spirit or ignore the warnings of the Bible we put ourselves and those around us in danger.
Source: 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers, Craig Brian Larson
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Ephesians 5:18
“If (Since) we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
We cannot expect the Lord’s protection and His blessings when we fail to submit to His Lordship and the leadership of the Holy Spirit through His Word (Ephesians 6:17).
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
The Bible Is Not a Good Luck Charm
11/28/20
In George Foreman’s book, God in My Corner, the former heavyweight boxing champion writes: “In 1974, before I went to Africa to fight Muhammad Ali, a friend gave me a Bible to take along on my trip. He said, ‘George, keep this with you for good luck.’ I believed the Bible was just a shepherd’s handbook, probably because the only verse I knew was ‘the Lord is my shepherd.’ But I was always looking for luck, so I carried that Bible with me. I had lucky pennies and good luck charms, so now I added the ‘lucky’ Bible to my collection of superstitious items.
After I lost the fight, I threw the Bible away. I never even opened it. I thought, The Bible didn’t help me win, so why do I need it? I thought I’d get power simply from owning it; I didn’t realize that I needed to read it and believe what it says. Since then, I’ve come to understand that the Bible is my road map, not my good luck charm.”
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
Is the Word of God your road map because Jesus Christ, the Incarnated Word is your Lord and Savior and you are obeying His written Word in all areas of your life?
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Don’t Quit Reading the Bible
11/27/20
Mrs. Jones relaxed by reading her Bible each day. After observing this habit for several years, her 4-year-old daughter asked, “Aren’t you ever going to get finished reading that book?”
Source: 1001 Quotes, Illustrations, and Humorous Stories for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers, Edward K. Rowell
“Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.” - Psalm 119:97
May we so love God’s Word, study it (2 Timothy 2:15), hide it in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) and make it a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) so that we can experience our Lord’s richest blessings and produce super-abundant fruit to the praise of His glory!
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Receiving Christ's Riches
11/26/20
D. L. Moody told the story of a shop girl in Chicago; one day she could not have bought a dollar’s worth of anything; the next day she could buy a thousand dollars worth of anything she wanted. What made the difference? She married a rich husband. She had accepted him and, of course, all he had became hers. All that Christ has becomes ours when we receive Him.
Source: The Speaker's Quote Book, Roy B. Zuck
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
nd if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
Romans 8:16-17
If you belong to the Lord Jesus, every day is THANKSGIVING, because everything belongs to Him and, therefore, everything belongs to you!
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him, while you can!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Quotes on Gratitude
11/25/20
“So much has been given to me that I have no time to ponder that which I don't have.”—Helen Keller
“Giving thanks is not a matter of feeling thankful, it is a matter of obedience.”—Joni Erickson Tada (she is quadriplegic)
“The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts—nevertheless, [they] set aside a day of thanksgiving.”—H. W. Westermeyer
“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”—Unknown
“Giving thanks is too often demoted to a secondary place in the prayers of Christ’s people. We are quick to make our requests and slow to thank God for His answers. Because God so often answers our prayers, we come to expect it. We forget that it is only by His grace that we receive anything from Him.”—Unknown
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.” - Psalm 150:1-3
Every born-again child of God ought to be filled with endless praise to the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of their situations! Are you?
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Books Published on Happiness
11-24-20
In 2008, 4,000 books were published on happiness which is significantly more than the 50 which were published in 2000. If people would read the Bible, they would find the key to true joy.
Source: Psychology Today, January 1, 2009
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…..” - Galatians 5:22
Yes, knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, being surrendered daily to His Lordship, the authority of His Word, and the control of the Holy Spirit is the key to true joy! Are you living this way each day?
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” - 1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
DON’T NEGLECT THE BIBLE
11/22/20
“You may talk about power; but, if you neglect the one Book that God has given you as the one instrument through which He imparts and exercises His power, you will not have it. You may read many books and go to many conventions and you may have your all-night prayer meetings to pray for the power of the Holy Ghost; but unless you keep in constant and close association with the one Book, the Bible, you will not have power.
“And if you ever had power, you will not maintain it except by the daily, earnest, intense study of that Book. Ninety-nine Christians in every hundred are merely playing at Bible study; and therefore ninety-nine Christians in every hundred are mere weaklings, when they might be giants, both in their Christian life and in their service.”—R. A. Torrey
Source: Why God Used D. L. Moody, R. A. Torrey, Will H. Houghton
Are you a mere weakling as a Christian or are you filled with the Lord’s power because you are in constant and close association with Him and His Word? Are you a student of the Bible or merely playing at Bible study?
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him TODAY!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE BOOK OF REEVALUATION
11/21/20
In one Peanuts comic strip Sally was struggling with her memory verse for Sunday. She was absorbed in her thoughts trying to figure it out when she remembered, “Maybe it was something from the book of Reevaluation.”
She never did find the memory verse, but we should always read the Bible with the intent of reevaluating our attitudes and actions to make sure they are in line with the truth of God’s Word.
Ministry 127
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.” - Psalm 119:1
Are you daily reevaluating every aspect of your life in light of the instructions of the Word of God? If not, you are liable to get off track and fail to obey the Lord in some area and, therefore, rob yourself of His richest blessings. Satan would love to keep you from applying God’s Word to all areas of your life!
Get into the Scriptures every day and maintain an intimate relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
YOU CAN TRUST THE BIBLE
11-19-20
In 1985, for the first time in more than fifty years, Congress authorized the issue of official US government gold coins. Beginning in 1986 these new coins came on the market. Each of these American Eagles, as they are known, is guaranteed by the US Mint to contain the stated amount of pure 22 karat gold. They come in 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1-ounce sizes, and buyers from around the world trust these coins because they trust the promises of the United States government that the coins are what they claim to be.
When it comes to Scripture, we have something far more reliable than the guarantee of a government—we have the promises of Almighty God that His Word is perfect and pure. God promised to preserve His Word for us. That means that, according to the promise of God, we can have complete faith that every word in the Bible is there on purpose. Psalm 12:7 affirms, “Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5
Ministry 127
Yes, in every situation of life and at all times, you can trust the Lord and His Word!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
TRUST AND OBEY GOD
11/18/20
In 1999 John F. Kennedy Jr. flew his small airplane from New York City to his family home in Massachusetts for a wedding. On board were his wife Carolyn and her sister. Though Kennedy was a licensed pilot, he had not yet been approved for instrument flight (using only instruments to navigate). When their takeoff was delayed until after dark, Kennedy should have waited for daylight or sought a more experienced pilot to help. Yet, Kennedy took off into the darkness. The plane never reached its destination, and all three passengers were killed in the crash.
Investigators determined that the crash was likely caused by disorientation from flying over open water at night without any landmarks or visible horizon. Kennedy’s lack of experience may well have led him to trust what he thought he was seeing more than what his instrument panel was telling him.
All of us face the temptation to walk according to sight instead of faith. Faith in God will keep us from crashing. Human reason will fail us at times, but God never fails. His Word keeps us on the right course as long as we obey it.
Source: Chicago Tribune, September 26, 1999
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105
We will never lose our way, bring great hurt upon ourselves, and fail in our serving the Lord, if we walk by faith, not sight, believing and obeying His Word in all areas of our lives.
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE
11-17-20
“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”—Proverbs 4:13
In April of 2011, a line of deadly tornadoes ripped across the state of Alabama, leaving some 250 people dead in its wake. Near Wellington, Alabama, the Hardy family realized the storm was coming too late to find a permanent shelter. They considered trying to take shelter in a metal clubhouse, but it had already been turned on its side by the strong winds. So in desperation, they took shelter in a small stand of trees. They tied a rope around the children and huddled around them in the trees as the storm passed. A family member said that while they had been scratched by flying dirt and debris, none suffered any serious injuries.
Imagine how tightly you would cling to the trees and rope in such a situation. Knowing that your life or the life of your child might depend on your grip would give you all the motivation you needed to hang on with every ounce of power you could muster!
Although there are no warning sirens or news alerts, each of us is living in the path of destructive storms. There are temptations and destructive philosophies abounding around us, and if we do not have a secure place of protection, we will be destroyed.
Because the Word of God is so readily available to us, we often take it for granted rather than treasuring it as the precious resource it is. When you view the Bible as a lifeline designed to keep you safe through the storms of life, you begin to take it more seriously.
Source: Valdosta Daily Times, May 9, 2011
Are you clinging to the Word of God?
If Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, is not your Lord and Savior, come to him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
CONGRESS ON THE BIBLE
11-16-20
In 1854 The United States Congress said, “The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in our schools.”
Source: Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 108th Congress
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Since our Congress and many other political leaders have turned their back upon the Word of God and are rejecting it, they cannot expect the Lord to bless our country, but rather judge us as a nation. What we are seeing today is just the beginning of bad things revealed in God’s Word for every nation that turns their back upon God, calling bad good and good bad.
We, who have saved by the grace of God, by repentance of our sin and trusting Christ and Him alone to be our Lord and Savior, must be faithful to living out and declaring the truth of His Word so that others may come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE FRUIT OF THE BIBLE
11-15-20
A Roman Catholic priest in Belgium rebuked a young woman and her brother for reading that “bad book” pointing to the Bible. “Mr. Priest,” she replied, “a little while ago my brother was an idler, a gambler, a drunkard, and made such a noise in the house that no one could stay in it. Since he began to read the Bible, he works with industry, goes no longer to the tavern, no longer touches cards, brings home money to his poor old mother, and our life at home is quiet and delightful. How comes it, Mr. Priest, that a bad book produces such good fruits?”
Source: Feathers for Arrows, Charles Spurgeon
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
Psalm 19:7-8
Ah, yes, the Word of God brings conviction of sin, leads us to Salvation in the Lord Jesus, and gives us the instructions we need for every area of our lives that we may enjoy our Lord’s richest blessings and produce super-abundant fruit to the praise of His glory (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
PROOF OF CHRISTIANITY
11/14/20
Charles Bradlaugh was an outstanding atheist in England. Down in one of the slums of London was a minister by the name of Hugh Price Hughes. All London was aware of miracles of grace accomplished at his mission.
Charles Bradlaugh challenged Mr. Hughes to debate with him the validity of the claims of Christianity. London was greatly interested. What would Mr. Hughes do? He immediately accepted the challenge and in doing so added one of his own.
Hughes said, “I propose to you that we each bring some concrete evidences of the validity of our beliefs in the form of men and women who have been redeemed from the lives of sin and shame by the influence of our teaching. I will bring 100 such men and women, and I challenge you to do the same.
“If you cannot bring 100, Mr. Bradlaugh, to match my 100, I will be satisfied if you will bring 50 men and women who will stand and testify that they have been lifted up from lives of shame by the influence of your teachings. If you cannot bring 50, then bring 20 people who will say, as my 100 will, that they have a great joy in a life of self-respect as a result of your atheistic teachings. If you cannot bring 20, I will be satisfied if you bring 10.
“Nay, Mr. Bradlaugh, I challenge you to bring one, just one man or woman who will make such a testimony regarding the uplifting of your atheistic teachings.”
Again London was stirred. What would Mr. Bradlaugh do? In answer, Charles Bradlaugh, with great discomfiture and chagrin, publicly withdrew his challenge for the debate.
Source: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, Paul Lee Tan
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Are you living proof of Christianity because your life has been transformed by the receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE ATHEIST AND THE BEAR
11/13/20
An atheist was walking through the woods, admiring all the “accidents” that evolution had created. “What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!” he said to himself. As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. Turning to look, he saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charging towards him. He ran away as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw the grizzly was closing. Somehow he ran even faster, so scared that tears came to his eyes. He looked again, and the bear was even closer. His heart was pounding, and he tried to run faster. He tripped and fell to the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up, but the bear was right over him, reaching for him with its left paw and raising its right paw to strike him.
At that instant the atheist cried, “Oh God help!” Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. Even the river stopped moving. As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky, “You deny My existence for all these years, teach others that I don't exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect Me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?”
The atheist looked directly into the light and said, “I would feel like a hypocrite to become a Christian after all these years, but perhaps you could make the bear a Christian?”
“Very well,” said the voice.
The light went out. The river ran. The sounds of the forest resumed. Then the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed its head, and spoke: “Lord, for this food which I am about to receive, I am truly thankful.” - Source Unknown
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God….Psalm 14:1
If you think the above story is not reality, the false teaching of evolution isn’t either!
Rejoice, dear Christian, that the sovereign Creator is your Lord and Savior and sustainer!
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
WHERE IS JOY FOUND?
11-12-20
Not in unbelief, Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I had never been born.”
Not in pleasure, Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.”
Not in money, Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.”
Not in position and fame, Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.”
Not in military glory, Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent because, he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.”
Where then is real joy found? The answer is simple, in Christ alone.
Source: The Speaker’s Quote Book, Roy Zuck
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” - John 15:11
Yes, genuine joy is only experienced by repentance of sin (Luke 13:3,5), receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12), and giving Him complete obedience.
If you do not belong to Him, come to Him NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD
11/11/20
“To look at the window . . .as I did that first day . . . to look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible.”—John Glenn, speaking about his view of the Earth from the space shuttle Discovery
Source: World Magazine
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.” - Psalm 19:1
Yes, I am so glad the sovereign, all-powerful Creator of all things, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3) is my Lord and Savior! I can trust Him in all things because I know He loves me, has redeemed me with His precious blood, has a home prepared for me with Him, and will exercise His sovereign power and wisdom on my behalf all through this life. If belong to Him, you have this great assurance too.
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW! “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE BALTIMORE BASEBALL FIGHT
11-10-20
In the spring of 1894, the Baltimore Orioles came to Boston to play a routine baseball game. But what happened that day was anything but routine. The Orioles’ John McGraw got into a fight with the Boston third baseman. Within minutes all the players from both teams had joined in the brawl. The warfare quickly spread to the grandstands. Among the fans the conflict went from bad to worse. Someone set fire to the stands and the entire ballpark burned to the ground. Not only that, but the fire spread to 107 other Boston buildings as well.
Source: Daily Bread, August 13, 1992
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
Ephesians 4:31
When we, who have been saved by the grace of God, allow these things to reside in our hearts and actions, we los out on the Lord richest blessings and we experience and produce great harm. Make sure every moment of every day that you keep surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
REMEMBER WHO YOU WORK FOR
11-09-20
John Kenneth Galbraith was a noted economist in the early 1900s who was called upon by many dignitaries to help sort the economic markets. He wrote the following story in his autobiography about his housekeeper:
“It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. Lyndon Johnson was calling from the White House. ‘Get me Ken Galbraith. This is Lyndon Johnson.’ ‘He is sleeping, Mr. President. He said not to disturb him.’ ‘Well, wake him up. I want to talk to him.’ ‘No, Mr. President. I work for him, not you.’ When I called the President back, he could scarcely control his pleasure. ‘Tell that woman I want her here in the White House.’”
Emily the housekeeper understood an important truth—she was a servant to one man and obeyed his wishes explicitly. Her loyalties were to Mr. Galbraith alone. What a great example of a true servant.
Source: Reader's Digest, December, 1981
“Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” -1 Sam. 7:3
We, who belong to the Lord Jesus, cannot expect His richest blessings and enjoy His power upon our lives, if we try to serve Him and others too. He must have out total loyalty.
If you are not one of His, come to the Lord Jesus NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
GOD SEES IT
11-08-20
A group of men gathered one Saturday morning to help paint a friend’s large, two-story home. Toward the end of the day when the job was almost complete, a small bit of trim, which could not be seen from the ground, remained unpainted. One of the men said, “Since nobody can see that piece of trim, I guess we don't need to paint it.” “Not true,” said another of the crew as he went for a ladder. “God sees it.”
Source: Turning Point Daily Devotional, 5/24/2004
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” - Hebrews 4:13
If you are a born-again believer, all your work should be the best quality you can give, because you are supposed to do it for Him and His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). He sees everything we do, so we should so out of love for Him, we should give Him our best! He gave His all for us!
If you are not one of His, come top the Lord Jesus NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE LADY IN CHARGE OF THE CHICKEN
11-07-20
When Christian Herter was governor of Massachusetts, he was running hard for a second term in office. One day, after a busy morning chasing votes he arrived at a church barbecue. It was late afternoon and Herter was famished. As Herter moved down the serving line, he held out his plate to the woman serving chicken. She put a piece on his plate and turned to the next person in line.
“Excuse me,” Governor Herter said, “do you mind if I have another piece of chicken?”
“Sorry,” the woman told him. “I’m supposed to give one piece of chicken to each person.”
“But I’m starved,” the governor said.
“Sorry,” the woman said again “Only one to a customer.”
Governor Herter was a modest and unassuming man, but he decided that this time he would throw a little weight around. “Do you know who I am?” he said. “I am the governor of this state.”
“Do you know who I am?” the woman said. “I’m the lady in charge of the chicken. Move along, mister.”
Source: Bits and Pieces, May 28, 1992
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” - Galatians 1:10
Who are you trying to please in all your decisions and areas of your life? We need to be steadfast in pleasing our Lord!
If you do not belong to Him, Come to Christ NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
CROWS AND RESPONSIBILITY
11-06-20
When a flock of crows invades a field of corn, the birds customarily station two sentries in a nearby tree to keep watch and warn the rest of any danger. Once, two people succeeded in sneaking up on a flock of crows and scaring them before the sentries had given warning. The birds burst into flight, immediately attacked and killed the two sentries, and then flew off. The irresponsibility of those sentries could have cost the entire flock their life.
Source: Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Michael P. Green
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” - 2 Timothy 4:1-2
When we fail regarding sharing the Gospel with those who are lost, we fail to warn them of eternal damnation that that they can escape.
Also, when we fail to disciple fellow believers, we fail in regard to helping them grow up in Christ and to experience His richest blessings.
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE GREATEST WEAPON!
11-05-20
Napoleon made a mistake when he said that God is on the side of the strongest battalion. This statement has been proven wrong many times in the Bible and throughout history.
Abraham took 318 men and defeated 4 kings and their armies. Gideon with his 300 dedicated men defeated an army of thousands. David, a shepherd lad, untrained for war and armed with only a sling, killed a giant nine feet tall.
I believe that God is on the side of those who do right. God will fight the battles of those who determine to be in His will. Righteousness is still the greatest weapon.
Source: The Gold Mine, Lee Roberson
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“He brought me forth also into a large (broad) place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.” - 2 Samuel 22:20-23
David composed the words of this song when the Lord delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies and out of the hand of Saul.
Yes, our greatest weapon is doing what is right in the sight of the Lord. Many believers are not experiencing the Lord’s richest blessings and are living defeated Christian lives because they are not doing what is right. Are you one of them?
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
SERVING THE KING
11-04-20
William Carey, who is called the “Father of Modern Missions,” served the Lord in India for many years. He gradually became very concerned about the attitude of his son, Felix. The young man had promised to become a missionary, but he reneged on his vows when he was appointed ambassador to Burma by the Queen of England. Carey wrote to his friend, asking prayer for his son with these words: Pray for Felix. He has degenerated into an ambassador of the British government when he should be serving the King of Kings.
Source: Our Daily Bread
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
Whatever our positions in life are, our main calling in regard to them and every area of our lives is to serve the King of kings, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Are you faithfully doing so?
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
SKIPPING SCHOOL
11-03-20
The story is told of four high school boys who couldn’t resist the temptation to skip morning classes. Each had been smitten with a bad case of spring fever. After lunch they showed up at school and reported to the teacher that their car had a flat tire. Much to their relief, she smiled and said, “Well, you missed a quiz this morning, so take your seats and get out a pencil and paper.” Still smiling, she waited as they settled down and got ready for her questions.
Then she said, “First question—which tire was flat?”
Source: Unknown
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
We, who belong to the Lord Jesus, cannot skip our responsibilities to obey Him in all areas of our lives and we will have to give an account to Him (2 Corinthians 5:10). So are you obeying His Word in your work life, your marriage, the raising of your children, your finances, your church ministry, etc.? Are you daily submitting to His Lordship?
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
CHRIST MAY COME BEFORE YOUR SERMON IS FINISHED
11-02-20
The great preacher F.B. Meyer once asked D.L. Moody, “What is the secret of your success?” Moody replied, “For many years I have never given an address without the consciousness that the Lord may come before I have finished.”
Source: Life Changing Thoughts, Gary Smith
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” - Revelation 22:12
Yes, the Lord is coming and those who refuse to humble themselves before Him now, repenting of all their sin and trusting Him and Him alone to be their Lord and Savior, will face eternal damnation (Revelation 20:11-15). However, each one of us who belong to Him, will stand before Him to have our service for Him judged (1 Corinthians 3:9-15, etc.). Everything we do daily we ought to do with the consciousness that He may come for us before what we are doing is finished! It will cause us to walk humbly with Him and allow Him to live out His life through us and empower us to be all He wants us to be and to do all He wants us to do.
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”
Romans 10:13
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
CHOOSING A PRISON SENTENCE
11-01-20
In February of 2008, James Fantroy was convicted of stealing over $20,000 of government grants while he served as a City Council member in Dallas, Texas. Because Fantroy had kidney cancer and used a wheelchair, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade told him he could choose between serving a month in prison or publicly apologizing for his actions. Fantroy chose to serve a prison sentence rather than apologize.
When we choose to harbor bitter feelings or resentment towards another person, we think we are getting even with them, but in reality we are making ourselves prisoners.
Source: Beaumont Enterprise, May 28, 2008
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Choosing to be bitter, etc., puts you out of fellowship with the Lord, robs you His richest blessings, and keeps you from experiencing His power in your light to bear super-abundant fruit for His glory. Don’t make yourself a prisoner of bitterness and resentment!
If you are not one of His, come to the Lord Jesus NOW!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
The human heart craves freedom! Americans know what it means to fight for it, die for it, march for it, campaign for it, and live in the enjoyment of it.
But are we really free? Can you say for certain that you are completely free from the bondage of sin, death, fear, worry, and doubt? God wants you to be free! The message of the Bible is that true freedom comes only through Jesus Christ.
1. GOD CREATED US
The Bible teaches that God made us so that we could know Him and live with Him.
“In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made He him” (Genesis 5:1).
“God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2 Corinthians 6:16).
2. SIN SEPARATED US
Then we sinned, and were separated from God. Sin is anything we do that goes against what God wants.
“Your iniquities [wrong-doings] have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you” (Isaiah 59:2).
“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
3. JESUS DIED FOR US
God loves us so much that He sent Jesus—His only Son—to die for us. Through Jesus, we can be brought back to God.
“He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [payment] for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
DO YOU WANT TO BE FREE?
Jesus offers freedom from sin and death:
“Jesus answered them … Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin…. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:34,36).
“We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death … that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:9,14-15).
And a new life free from fear and worry:
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).