In 2008, Japan enacted a national law requiring their citizens to have their waistline measured. Those Japanese whose waistline is greater than the government prescribed standard will undergo diet counseling.
We may not like the way Japan holds their citizens accountable for their weight, but they certainly understand the power of accountability.
Source: The New York Times, June 13, 2008
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Romans 14:12
Our text talks about the fact that everyone of us, who belong to the Lord will stand before Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account regarding our obedience or lack thereof to His Word and will for all areas of our lives. We will be rewarded for His honor and glory or suffer the lack of rewards. Live every area of your life daily remembering to whom you are accountable!
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 FROM CHRIST!
A LIVING THIEF
10-30-20
The story is told of a man who was asked, “Are you a believer in the Christian religion?”
“Oh, certainly!”
“You are a member of some church, then, I suppose?”
“Member of a church? No, indeed. Why should I be a member of a church? It is quite unnecessary; the dying thief wasn’t a member of a church, and he went to Heaven.”
“But of course you have been baptized; you know the command—”
“Been baptized? Oh, no; that is another needless ceremony! I am as safe as the dying thief was, and he never was baptized.”
“But surely, since you will not join a church or be baptized, you will do something in acknowledgment of your faith. You will give of your means—you will help the cause in some way?”
“No, sir; I do nothing of the kind. The dying thief—”
“Let me remark, my friend, before you go any further, that you seem to be on pretty intimate terms with the dying thief. You seem to derive a great deal of consolation from his career. But, mind you, there is one important difference between you and him. He was a dying thief—and you are a living one.”
Source: The Sword and the Trowel, Charles Spurgeon
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
If you are a born-again Christian and are not giving to the Lord Jesus obedience in all matters He has instructed us, you are a LIVING THIEF, refusing to love Him and give Him the glory in your life!
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
YES, I AM UNDER GOD!
10-29-20
I live under His heavens,
The nations are under His authority,
My destiny is under His direction,
My past is under His grace,
My future is under His control,
My cares are under His wing,
My sin is under the blood! - Ministry 127
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.” - Psalm 32:9
What a comfort it is to know that I am under the leadership, comfort , the wisdom of my all-wise, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! What tremendous security this truth provides!
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY
10-27-20
President Calvin Coolidge was famously known as a man of few words. His nickname was “Silent Cal.” His wife, Grace Goodhue Coolidge, told the story of a young woman who sat next to her husband at a dinner party. She told Coolidge she had a bet with a friend that she could get at least three words of conversation from him. Without looking at her he quietly retorted, “You lose.” Coolidge understood very well the value of using only carefully considered words—and those being few in number.
In a time when people reveal their most personal information in the most public ways without thought or hesitation, it is important for us to recapture this piece of wisdom. Truly wise believers do not feel the need to tell everything they know to everyone they meet—much less to total strangers. Instead they choose their words with care, recognizing the responsibility that comes with our speech. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36–37).
Source: The Presidents of the United States of America, Frank Freidel and Hugh S. Sidey
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” - Psalm 19:14
May this request by David be the daily reality of the words that come out of our mouths!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
DO YOU KNOW ME?
10-26-20
The story is told of a prosecuting attorney in a small town courthouse called his first witness, an elderly woman, to the stand. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know me?”
She responded, “Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I’ve known you since you were a young boy. And, frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a rising big shot, but you haven’t the brains to realize you will never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.”
The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?”
She replied, “Why, of course I do. I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He’s lazy, bigoted, and has a drinking problem. The man can’t build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him.”
At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both lawyers to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, “If either of you ask her if she knows me, I’ll hold you both in contempt of court!” – Source Unknown
“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:13
Don be worried regarding what people know about you! Be concerned about the reality that the Lord knows everything. You better submit to Him and His Word in every area of your life because you will have to give an account to Him, which is far more important!
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
A SAVIOUR WHO MADE US RICH
10-24-20
In January of 1956, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries gave their lives in Ecuador in their effort to reach the Waodani (Auca) Indians. This fierce group was known to attack any outsiders, but the vision for reaching them with the gospel compelled these young men to take the risk. Not long after they set up camp near the Waodani village they were attacked by warriors. Refusing to defend their lives with force, the missionaries were killed. The news flashed around the world, and the story of courage and sacrifice challenged many to take up the missionary cause. Even today Elliot’s words live on: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
In a very real sense, Jim Elliot and his missionary friends were living the spirit of Christmas. They were willing to give up the comforts of home and promising careers and to ultimately lay down their lives to take the gospel to those who had never heard. They could have fought back to defend themselves, but they chose not to.
This is what Jesus did for us in coming to Earth. Paul wrote, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Nothing of lasting significance and importance for God is ever accomplished without great sacrifice. Whether it is our time, our talent, our treasure, or even our lives, we must be willing to give up what is temporary for the sake of what is eternal. When we do, we are following the example and pattern of Christ and walking in His steps.
Source: Jim Elliot, Kathleen White
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15
Are you faithfully doing everything possible to reach lost people with the Gospel of Christ?
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
The Infallible Compass
10-23-20
In 1914, Ernest Shackleton and a team of explorers set out from England to do something that no one before had accomplished—cross Antarctica from one side to the other across the South Pole. Disaster struck when the team’s ship, Endurance, became entrapped in ice and eventually sank after her hull was crushed. Marooned on nearby Elephant Island, there seemed little hope for their survival.
In a desperate effort to get help, Shackleton and five others set out in a twenty-foot lifeboat across some of the most dangerous and storm-filled waters in the world. It was an eight hundred-mile journey to South Georgia Island where help could be found. For fifteen days the men battled the treacherous seas and massive storms with waves of up to one hundred feet. Using only a compass and a sextant, Frank Worsley (who had captained the Endurance) navigated their course until they safely reached land and found help. Shackleton procured another ship and returned to rescue all of his men. He became a national hero in England for his courage and persistence.
All of us are making our way through a stormy world. Ever since the first sin in the Garden of Eden, mankind has struggled to make wise decisions about an uncertain future. The only way to ensure that we do not go astray is to have an objective source of truth that will guide us. Just as a compass can guide sailors through dark and uncharted waters, God’s Word can guide us through uncertain and difficult circumstances. We must simply trust it—over our feelings, over our own wisdom, and over contrary advice others may give us. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is without error, and we can always trust it.
Source: Endurance, Alfred Lansing
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Are you daily living all areas of your life by the compass of God’s Word?
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!
GODLY HUMILITY
10-22-20
D.L. Moody was the most famous evangelist in the world in the late 1800s. People came from around the world to attend his Bible Conferences in Northfield, Massachusetts. One year a large group of pastors from Europe were among the attendees. They were given rooms in the dormitory of the Bible school. As was the custom in Europe, the men put their shoes outside the door of their room, expecting them to be cleaned and polished by servants during the night.
Of course there were no servants in the American dorm, but as Moody was walking through the halls and praying for his guests, he saw the shoes and realized what had happened. He mentioned the problem to a few of his students, but none of them offered to help. Without another word, the great evangelist gathered up the shoes and took them back to his own room where he began to clean and polish each pair. Moody told no one what he had done, but a friend who interrupted him in the middle of shining the shoes and helped him finish the task later told the story of what had happened. Despite the praise and fame he received because of God’s blessing on his life and ministry, Moody remained a humble man.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God and King of Heaven, had the right to honor, praise, and worship. Yet to be our Saviour, He laid all of His privileges aside and became a lowly servant. We often hear people talk of living as Jesus lived, and while He truly is the model for us to follow, many who speak of following Him are unwilling to give up their rights and reflect His humility. We will never be like Jesus unless we are humble and lowly.
““Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.”—Proverbs 3:34
Are you daily surrendered to Christ’s Lordship and manifesting His humility every day to everyone you come inn contact with? If not, you will not have His richest blessings and bear super-abundant fruit to the praise of His glory. Will you let Jesus make you more like Him?
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!
THE WISDOM OF SILENCE
10-21-20
In one of Aesop’s Fables, a donkey walking through the woods finds the skin of a lion. Hunters had killed the lion and left the skin to dry in the sun. The donkey put on the lion’s skin and was delighted to discover that all the other animals were terrified of him and ran away when he appeared. Rejoicing in his newfound respect, the donkey brayed his happiness—only to give himself away by his voice. The moral of the fable was clear: fine clothes may disguise, but silly words will disclose a fool.
In our day of social broadcasting it seems that anyone can become famous by disclosing every embarrassing part of his life to the world on television or the Internet. Yet what is truly gained by such “entertainment”? People may sit at home and laugh at the folly of those who hold nothing back, but they are diminished in the process. This produces a corrosive effect because it encourages people to share more and more when they have less and less to offer.
We have an epidemic of people sharing their opinions without regard to whether or not they have anything meaningful to say. Someone said, “The problem today is that those who know the least know it the loudest.” Indeed much of what is promoted as wisdom is actually anything but—it is the worst of foolishness displayed publicly.
Maybe you’ve heard the old saying “You have two ears and one mouth—use them proportionately.” Almost all of us could stand to listen more and talk less. Rather than being compelled to tell everyone we meet everything we can fit into the length of the conversation, we should remember that one of wisdom’s best qualities is the ability to hold the tongue.
Ministry 127
“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”—Proverbs 29:11
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” - John 3:36
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
The Wisdom of Humility
10-20-20
Samuel Morse was born into a preacher’s home in New England just two years after George Washington was elected the first president of the United States. After finishing his education at Yale, he went to England to hone his painting skill. Upon his return to America he was recognized as a gifted artist and was soon in much demand. Morse’s first wife died while he was away from home painting in Washington, D.C. He did not receive the news until it was too late. In his heartbreak he turned away from painting and began trying to develop a means of rapid communication over great distances. This eventually led to his discovery of the telegraph.
Despite his fame and the many honors that came his way, Morse wasn’t proud or boastful. In a letter to his second wife he wrote, “The more I contemplate this great undertaking, the more I feel my own littleness, and the more I perceive the hand of God in it, and how He has assigned to various persons their duties, He being the great controller, all others His honored instruments.... Hence our dependence first of all on God, then on each other.”
When we walk in pride and are conceited regarding our talents and accomplishments, we are demonstrating that we do not understand or appreciate the role that God holds in everything we do. None of us are able to succeed in our own strength or wisdom; we should always remember it is God that makes what we do possible. As Paul put it “what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
Source: The Life of Samuel F. B. Morse, LL. D., Samuel Irenæus Prime
“God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.”
2 Samuel 2:33
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!
The Plight of the Lost Should Disturb Us
10-19-20
On January 13, 2012, the massive Costa Concordia cruise ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew on board was sailing off the coast of Italy on a tour of the Mediterranean Sea. The captain deviated from his planned course and the ship struck a reef near the shore. After taking on water for a while, the ship began to sink. Abandoning his duty to the passengers and crew, Captain Francesco Schettino left the ship instead of remaining to make sure everyone could be rescued.
In a phone conversation, the local Coast Guard commander repeatedly pressed Schettino for an update on the situation. “Tell me if there are women, children and people in need there.” Failing to receive a satisfactory reply, he ordered Schettino to return to the ship. The captain responded, “You realize it’s dark and we can’t see anything?”
Ministry 127
I can hear you saying, “What horrible neglect and lack of concern for human life!” Are you any different? Lost souls are headed for hell and are you neglecting the responsibility to do everything possible to reach them with the Gospel of Christ? Do you want to be held responsible before the Lord for lost people who go ro hell because you did not do everything possible to bring them to Christ? Does he plight of the lost truly disturb you?
If you are one of the lost because Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to him NOW!
“He who has the Son has life; he who 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!
Thirsting for God
10-18-20
In 2011 an eighty-four-year-old man named Henry Morello was driving north of Phoenix, Arizona, when he realized he was heading the wrong direction. When he tried to turn around he got stuck in a ditch. Unable to walk to the main road to get help, he spent five days trapped in his car. To stay alive he took a rock and cracked open the wiper fluid container in his car and drank the fluid. He even read his car manual in its entirety to pass the time. After he was rescued, doctors were amazed to find him in such good condition.
Those who are thirsty—truly thirsty—know what it is to seek something with a great desire. That level of desire should characterize our walk with God. We should seek Him above all others. He should be our greatest desire. And He has promised that when we seek Him in this way, our search will be rewarded. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
Source: Washington Times, February 16, 2011
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” - Psalm 63:1
When we have this thirst for the Lord and His Word, we will experience great victories in our lives, we will faithfully share the gospel with those who are still in their sins and on the way to hell, and we will be effectively building each other up in our walk with our Lord.
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!
Encouragement Is Not Soon Forgotten
10-17-20
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”—William Arthur Ward
“Wherefore comfort (encourage) yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Do you want to be appreciated, loved, and remembered forever? If so, major every day on being an encourager! You will make a tremendous difference in the lives of fellow believers and you will have enormous opportunities to share the gospel with those who are still in their sins and on the way to hell. So as you go about your daily activities and responsibilities, ask the Lord to show you people whom you can encourage. Remember, you will also reap what you sow!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and surrender your life to Him NOW! “For whosever 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!
Working against Each Other
10-16-20
The story is told of two men riding a tandem bicycle up a steep hill. After much effort, they finally made it to the top of the hill. The front rider said, “That was a tough ride.” To which the second rider replied, “Sure was, and if I hadn’t kept the brake on we might have slipped backwards.”
Source: Unknown
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Every born-again child of God has natural talents and spiritual gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, to be used in unity for the glory of their Heavenly Father and their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Are you daily submitting to the Lordship of Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23), working in unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ or are you working against each other? Individually and corporately, we will only produce much fruit and enjoy our Lord’s richest blessings as we submit entirely to Him and work together in loving unity.
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.””
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Encouragement and Peanut Butter
10-15-20
“Encouragement is like peanut butter �the more you spread it around, the better things stick together.”—Unknown
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:25
Encouragement ought to be the fulltime work of every born-again child of God! As we encourage each other, we will have a strong love for our Lord, His Word, His will, and His work. We will work together to glorify Him in every area of our lives. The unsaved will see the love of the Lord abundantly produced in our lives, and we will have open doors to share the gospel with them. There are many ways we can encourage them and share with them their need of the Lord Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior.
If you are not one of His, come to the Lord Jesus NOW, 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!
STANDING STRONG IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
10-14-20
When he was appointed as the pastor a church in Cambridge, England, in 1783 Charles Simeon was delighted. The people of the church did not share his joy. Many of the prominent members of the church opposed his convictions on reaching the lost with the gospel. To show their displeasure they locked their pew boxes during the service and left them empty so that those who came to hear Simeon preach had to stand or sit in the aisles. Eventually God began to work, and Simeon’s ministry had a powerful influence on the nation of England and the world through his efforts to encourage missionary work.
During the dark days of opposition Simeon wrote: “In this state of things I saw no remedy but faith and patience.... It was painful indeed to see the church, with the exception of the aisles, almost forsaken; but I thought that if God would only give a double blessing to the congregation that did attend, there would on the whole be as much good done as if the congregation were doubled and the blessing limited to only half the amount. This comforted me many, many times, when without such a reflection, I should have sunk under my burden.”
Opposition does not mean that we are doing things wrong—often it is evidence that we are doing things right. If we allow ourselves to be deterred from doing anything unless we have complete approval, it is certain that we will never accomplish anything of value. Rather than being discouraged by opposition, we should take comfort in God’s faithfulness and keep on doing what is right.
Source: Charles Simeon, Handley Carr Glyn Moule
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” - Acts 5:29
In your daily life and decisions, are you seeking the approval of men or are you living with only the Lord’s approval upon your mind?
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!
LOVE AND PEACEFUL LIVING
10-13-20
Abraham Lincoln won the presidency of a divided country. There were four major candidates in 1860, and Lincoln only narrowly received his electoral majority. Among his harshest critics was Edwin Stanton of Ohio who opposed Lincoln’s election, calling him among other things the “original gorilla.” Yet Lincoln asked Stanton to serve as Secretary of War, recognizing his organizational skills were greatly needed for the war effort. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton said, “There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen.”
We do not have to strike back at everyone who says or does something with which we disagree. It may be temporarily satisfying, but in the end it leads to bitterness and often an escalating cycle of revenge and retaliatory actions. Love does not insist on getting even—in fact it glories in peace. Paul wrote that love, “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Many people find themselves living stress-filled lives because they do not allow love to do its work of peace.
Source: Troubled State, Gari Carter
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12
This is how every born-again child of God will live, if daily they are surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23).
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!
SACRIFICIAL LOVE
10-12-20
Maria Dyer was born in 1837 on the mission field in China where her parents were pioneer missionaries. Both her parents died when Maria was a little girl, and she was sent back to England to be raised by an uncle. The loss of her parents, however, did not deter her young heart from the importance of sharing the gospel. At age sixteen she, along with her sister, returned to China to work in a girl’s school as a missionary herself. Five years later, she married Hudson Taylor, a man well-known today for his life of ministry, faith, and sacrifice.
Hudson and Maria’s work was often criticized—even by other Christians. At one point Maria wrote, “As to the harsh judgings of the world, or the more painful misunderstandings of Christian brethren, I generally feel that the best plan is to go on with our work and leave God to vindicate our cause.” Of their nine children, only four survived to adulthood. Maria herself died of cholera when she was just forty-three. But she believed the cause was worthy of the sacrifice. On her grave marker these words were inscribed: “For her to live was Christ, and to die was gain.”
In a day when many are self-absorbed and care more about what they can get rather than what they can give, we need a renewal of sacrificial love. It was God’s love for us that sent Jesus into the world to die for our sins, and it is that kind of giving love that our world needs so greatly today. When we love God as we should, our interests fade as we magnify Him.
Source: The Jubilee Story of the China Inland Mission, Marshall Broomhall
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:… Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:14, 20
Are you submitting to the Lordship of Christ dally and letting Him manifest His sacrificial love though you?
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!
UNFAILING LOVE
10-11-20
There was a very unusual military funeral in California in December of 2013. Sgt. First Class Joseph Gantt, who fought in both World War II and the Korean War, was laid to rest. He had been captured in Korea in 1950 and died the following year. But his body was not returned for many years, and his death was never confirmed by the North Koreans.
His wife, Clara, waited for decades for her husband to come back. She regularly went to meetings with government officials seeking information about what had happened. Clara even bought a house and had it professionally landscaped so all Joseph would have to do when he came home was go fishing. She was ninety-four years old when his remains were finally brought home for a military funeral with full honors. It wasn’t the homecoming she dreamed of, but she finally knew his fate. Clara told a reporter who interviewed her, “He told me if anything happened to him, he wanted me to remarry. And I told him ‘No, no.’ Here I am, still his wife, and I’m going to remain his wife until the day the Lord calls me home.”
Love—true, godly love—is not temporary or transient. Love is a commitment that is meant to last. Love is not based on everything going right or always being happy. Love is not an emotional feeling but rather a choice of the will. Casual commitments do not produce a foundation for deep and meaningful relationships. Instead we should love others as God loves us—with an unfailing love that never ends.
“Charity (Love) never faileth… - 1 Corinthians 13:8A
When born-again believers daily submit to the Lordship of Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23), Divine love will be manifested in all areas of their lives, love that never stops or quits.
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
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
ASKING IN FAITH
10-10-20
When Hutson Taylor was sailing to China to begin his missionary work, his ship was in great danger. The wind had died, and the current was carrying them toward sunken reefs which were close to islands inhabited by cannibals—so close they could see them building fires on the shore. Everything they tried was to no avail. In his journal Taylor recorded what happened next: The Captain said to me, “Well, we have done everything that can be done.” A thought occurred to me, and I replied, “No, there is one thing we have not done yet.” “What is that?” he queried. “Four of us on board are Christians. Let us each retire to his own cabin, and in agreed prayer ask the Lord to give us immediately a breeze.”
Taylor prayed briefly and then, certain that the answer was coming, went up on the deck and asked the first officer to let down the sails. “What would be the good of that?” he answered roughly. I told him we had been asking a wind from God; that it was coming immediately. Within minutes the wind did began to blow, and it carried them safely past the reefs. Taylor wrote: Thus God encouraged me ere landing on China’s shores to bring every variety of need to Him in prayer, and to expect that He would honour the name of the Lord Jesus and give the help each emergency required.
Knowing that our prayers touch the heart of our loving Father in Heaven and that He can meet any need, we should be confident that He will hear and answer when we cry out to Him.
Source: The Works of J. Hudson Taylor, Hudson Taylor
“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” - Psalm 37:4
If we delight ourselves in the Lord Himself and His will, we will receive the desires of our heart, because ours will be the same as His!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
Repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and surrender your life to Him, before it is too late!
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
A GOLD DOORSTOP
10-09-20
In 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a seventeen-pound rock while fishing in Little Meadow Creek. Not knowing what it was made of, his family used it as a doorstop for three years. In 1802, his father, John Reed, took it to a jeweler who identified it as a lump of gold worth about $3,600. That lump of gold, which was used as a doorstop for three years in North Carolina, is one of the biggest gold nuggets ever found east of the Rockies.
Until its composition was determined, its value was unknown. Even so, until the composition of our faith is determined, its strength is unknown. God allows trials in our lives, not to hurt us, but too strengthen and prove us.
Source: Gold Mines in North Carolina, John Hairr & Joey Powell
“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
Psalm 119:67, 71
Yes, our trials reveal the strength of our faith prove how deep and intimate our relationship is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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!
FAITH TO RISK IT ALL
10-08-20
The first two Scottish missionaries sent to the New Hebrides Islands were killed and eaten by cannibals on the day they arrived. After that it proved difficult to find missionary volunteers. But even when John G. Paton agreed to go, well-meaning people in the church tried to dissuade him. One elderly man warned that he would be eaten by cannibals. Paton replied, “I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honouring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms; and in the Great Day my resurrection body will arise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer.” After fifteen years of fruitful ministry, almost everyone on the island of Aniwa where Paton ministered was converted.
Serving God is not a guarantee of an easy life. But we are called to a life of service, even if it means giving up everything. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
Source: John G. Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides, John Gibson Paton and James Paton
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” - Philippians 1:20
If you are totally surrendered to the Lord Jesus, He will use you mightily for His honor and glory. If you aren’t, you will be a miserable child of God. You will never experience His richest blessings!
If you are not one o His, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and surrender your life to Him NOW, before it is too late!
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
TRIALS ARE NECESSARY FOR GROWTH
10-07-20
In the ancient times, a box on the ear given by a master to a slave meant liberty, little would the freedman care how hard was the blow. By a stroke from the sword the warrior was knighted by his monarch, small matter was it to the new-made knight if the royal hand was heavy.
When the Lord intends to lift his servants into a higher stage of spiritual life, he frequently sends them a severe trial; he makes his Jacobs to be prevailing princes, but he confers the honour after a night of wrestling, and accompanies it with a shrunken sinew. Be it so, who among us would wish to be deprived of the trials if they are the necessary attendants of spiritual advancement?
Source: Feathers for Arrows, Charles Spurgeon
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (trials):
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 1
Yes, the Lord brings about spiritual growth and advancement through the fiery trials that we go through, when we submit to His loving hand and wisdom. Truly, “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
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 FRUIT OF THE BIBLE
10-06-20
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
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Colossians 1
Yes, the Holy Spirit, takes the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-11) makes people wise unto salvation though faith in Christ Jesus, changing lives, making them a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). What a privilege and honor we have to used by the Holy Spirit to share the good news of salvation with those who are still in their sins and separated from God! Are you daily submitting to His control and leadership (Ephesians 5:18)?
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!
EATING PUFFERFISH
10-05-20
The pufferfish looks about as threatening as a pet goldfish but it carries deadly toxins that can kill a person after just a few bites of puffer sashimi. Every year several people in Japan die from eating this unique fish delicacy and many others get sick. The danger is so great that Japanese chefs must receive years of training to learn the intricate skills of removing the lethal toxin before they can be certified to serve puffer. Flirting with sin is not only foolish, it can be fatal.
Source: USA Today, December 26, 2013
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned (hated) evil.”
Job 1:1
Like Job, we need to hate and shun everything that our Lord hates, not permitting any known sin in our lives so that we can enjoy intimate fellowship with Him and His richest blessings in every area of our lives! If we don’t, we will experience a lot of problems and hurts and we will not produce super-abundant fruit to the praise of His glory!
If you are not one of His, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and surrender your life to him NOW, trusting Him and Him alone to be your Lord and Savior!
“For the wages of sin is death, but the [a]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Converted Through Singing!
10-04-20
When D. L. Moody visited New Haven in 1878, R. A. Torrey was a student in the University there. He said, “The ripest scholar in the University at the time, if not the ripest in America, was President Wolsey, Ex-President of Yale University. One night a young man went up to hear Mr. Moody preach and President Wolsey sat on the platform, and when they sang the old Gospel hymns, President Wolsey, himself a gray-haired scholar, joined in singing the hymns with all his heart. That young man said, ‘Well, if one of the greatest scholars in America can sing those hymns in that way, there certainly must be something in it,’ and he was converted, not through Mr. Moody’s preaching, but through President Wolsey’s singing.”
Source: Anecdotes and Illustrations, R. A. Torrey
“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.” - Psalm 105:2
Yes, when we sing songs that has the message of salvation from the Word of God in them, the Holy Spirit will use them to convict the lost of sin, righteousness and judgment (john 16:8-11), and bring them to salvation in Jesus Christ. So sing the message of salvation energetically!
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!
THE COST OF INDECISION
10-03-20
Former President Ronald Reagan says he learned the need for decision-making early in life. An aunt had taken him to a cobbler to have a pair of shoes made for him. The shoemaker asked young Ronald Reagan, “Do you want a square toe or a round toe?”
Reagan hemmed and hawed. So the cobbler said, “Come back in a day or two and let me know what you want.”
A few days later the shoemaker saw Reagan on the street and asked what he had decided about the shoes. “I still haven’t made up my mind,” the boy answered. “Very well,” said the cobbler.
When Reagan received the shoes, he was shocked to see that one shoe had a square toe and the other a round toe.
“Looking at those shoes every day taught me a lesson,” said Reagan years later. “If you don’t make your own decisions, somebody else will make them for you!”
Source: View from the Cockpit, Archie B. Lawson
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” - Psalm 25:5
If you do not make the decision daily to submit to the Lordship of Christ and His leadership, you pay an extreme price that you will regret! Also, others will make decisions that you should make and you will not like those either. The Lord’s richest blessings are experienced by those you submit to His leadership and are willing to make decisive decisions based on the teaching and principles of His Word!
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!
MORALITY AND LIBERTY
10-02-20
“And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.”—Thomas Jefferson
Source: The Chautauquan, Volume 5, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Proverbs 14:34
We ought to fear the judgment of the Lord upon our nation because many are calling evil and evil good. There are born-again believers who are who are contributing to the problem because they are tolerating sin in their lives. Are you one of them?
If you do not possess the righteousness of God because Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!”
“For he (God the Father) hath made him(God the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” - Romans 10:4
“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!
MAKING A STRAIGHT PATH IN THE SNOW
10-01-20
Two boys were playing in the snow one day; when one said to the other, “Let us see who can make the straightest path in the snow.” His companion readily accepted the proposition, and they started.
One boy fixed his eyes on a tree, and walked along without taking his eyes off the object selected. The other boy set his eyes on the tree also, and, when he had gone a short distance, he turned, and looked back to see how true his course was. He went a little distance farther, and again turned to look over his steps. When they arrived at their stopping place, each halted and looked back. One path was true as an arrow, while the other ran in a zigzag course.
“How did you get your path so true?” asked the boy who had made the crooked steps.
“Why,” said the other boy, “I just set my eyes on the tree, and kept them there until I got to the end; while you stopped and looked back and wandered out of your course.”
This is a perfect picture of the Christian life. We must fix the eyes of our hope, our trust, and our faith upon Jesus Christ.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...” Hebrews 12:1–2
Source: Heartwarming Bible Illustrations, Richard Steele
Where are your eyes fixed?
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.”