A pastor stood at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and watched as a man in tears lay a wreath at the base of the memorial. The pastor put his hand on the man’s shoulder, and the man said, “Twenty-five years ago he stepped into the line of fire for me, the least I can do is say, ‘Thanks.’”
Source: Unknown
“in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
After all that the Lord Jesus has done for us, we ought not only give thanks in everything but give thanks by obeying Him in all areas of our lives, regardless of the cost! Are you daily loving Him with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27)?
If He 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!
SOMETHING EVERY CHILD OF GOD SHOULD DO!
09-28-20
Pa," said little Joe, "I bet I can do something you can't."
"Well, what is it?" demanded his pa.
"Grow," replied the youngster triumphantly.
—H.E. Zimmerman.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
1 Peter 2:2
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
“Little Joe sure got his pa on that one! LOL
However, the Lord expects everyone who belongs to Him to grow and keep on growing spiritually until their life is over! If daily, we are in the sincere (pure) milk of His Word, we will continually be growing in grace and the knowledge and character of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Are you a growing Christian?
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and receive Him NOW as your Lord and Savior, before it is too late!
“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!
STORMS REVEAL WHAT IS INSIDE
09-27-20
A bell buoy rings only during storms. The beating of the waves and wind bring out the music that is within it, so too do trials reveal what is inside a person.
Source: Bible Truths Illustrated, J. C. Ferdinand Pittman
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” - Job 13:15
Job’s response to all of the trials that he went through revealed his true character and his faith and trust in his Lord. How about you? When you go through trials, what is revealed inside of you by your attitude and responses? Do lost people see the reality of Christ in you and your testimony is validated? Are fellow believers encouraged to trust the Lord in all their situations because they see what He does for you?
If you are not one of His, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior 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 Focus on Your Worries
09-26-20
One day John Wesley was walking with a troubled man who expressed his doubt as to the goodness of God. He said, “I do not know what I shall do with all this worry and trouble.”
At the same moment Wesley saw a cow looking over a stone wall. “Do you know,” asked Wesley, “why that cow is looking over the wall?”
“No,” said the man who was worried.
Wesley said, “The cow is looking over the wall because she cannot see through it. That is what you must do with your wall of trouble—look over it and avoid it.”
Faith enables us to look past our circumstances and focus on Christ.
Knight’s Master Book of New Illustrations, Walter B. Knight
“Be careful (anxious, worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
If we keep our hearts and minds focused on the Lord Jesus, His love for us, His faithfulness, His promises, we will enjoy His perfect peace, (Isaiah 26:3-4) which surpasses all understanding.
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW, while you can!
“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!
God’s Asterisk
09-25-20
You often find in a book or manuscript a star calling your attention to a footnote or explanation. That star the printer calls an asterisk. But all the stars of the night-heaven are asterisks, calling your attention to God, an all-observing God. Our every nerve a divine handwriting; our every muscle a pulley divinely swung; our every bone sculptured with divine suggestiveness; our every eye a reflection of the divine eye.
Ministry 127
“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 4:12
The Lord magnificently calls attention to Himself through His creation, including how He has made us! If we are living obediently, we are not apprehensive about the fact that He sees and knows everything about us!
We need to daily let Him live out His life through us and use us to bring others to salvation in Him as well as helping fellow believers to have a clear vision of Him and grow in His likeness.
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!
Your Responsibility
09-24-20
I heard a story about a guy who applied for a job as an usher at a theater in the mall. As a part of the interview process, the manager asked him, "What would you do in case a fire breaks out?"
The young guy answered, "Don’t worry about me. I can get out fine."
That’s exactly how many in today’s world respond to a lost and dying world around them. If you asked them "What would you do if Jesus came back tomorrow?" they would probably respond, "Oh, don’t worry about me. I’d be fine."
But what is all to easy to forget is that you’re an usher! It isn’t enough just to get out yourself. You are responsible for helping others know the way.
SOURCE: From Charles Cockroft’s Sermon: Am I My Brother’s Keeper
Contributed by Sermoncentral on Apr 1, 2008
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15
Jesus’ commission is given to all who belong to Him so are you daily submitting to His Lordship and the control of the Holy Spirit and giving the life rescuing message to the lost so that they can come to know the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior?
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!
The Consistent Testimony
09-23-20
The consistent testimony is much more likely to compel the unsaved to be drawn to the power that make that lifestyle possible. (Mt. 5:16)
John Macarthur
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
Yes, when we, who belong to the Lord Jesus, live a consistent life of obedience to Him and allow Him to manifest His character in and through us, people will see the reality of His power and be attracted to Him. Is this how you are living by daily being surrendered to His Lordship?
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!
Justice and Grace
09-22-20
A police officer stops you for speeding. Did you break the law? Yes. Is he just in giving you a ticket? Yes. Now, if He chooses to give you a break, does that mean that everyone else he stops doesn’t deserve a ticket? No. It means he showed you grace and didn’t give you what you deserve. It doesn’t mean that no one else should get a ticket.
Contributed by Gene Gregory on Aug 27, 2012
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Romans 3:23-25
We do not deserve grace but we enjoy our Lord’s saving grace when we acknowledge that we deserve eternal damnation, repent of all our sin (Luke 13:3,5), trusting Him and Him alone to be our Lord and Savior. All of us who have done that need to be faithful in sharing the good news of salvation in Him with those who are still in their sins.
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!
Indescribable Grace!
09-21-20
“A large sum of money was given to [a man named] Rowland Hill to dispense to a poor pastor. Thinking that the amount was too much to send all at once, Hill forwarded just a portion along with a note that said simply, ‘More to follow.’ In a few days the man received another envelope containing the same amount and with the same message, ‘More to follow.’ At regular intervals, there came a third, and a fourth. In fact, they continued, along with those cheering words, until the entire sum had been received.
C. H. Spurgeon…said: ‘When God forgives our sins, there’s more forgiveness to follow. He justifies us in the righteousness of Christ, but there’s more to follow. He adopts us into His family, but there’s more to follow. He prepares us for heaven, but there’s more to follow. He gives us grace, but there’s more to follow. He helps us to old age, but there’s still more to follow…Even when we arrive in the world to come, there will still be more to follow.’”
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Timothy 1:14
I am so glad that the grace of the Lord Jesus is unlimited and that I will experience it forever! Will you?
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Unforgettable Dream
09-20-20
I read about a man dreaming about the crucifixion of Jesus. He was telling in detail how that Jesus was beaten, and the people shouting crucify him. He saw the back of the soldier as he was driving the nails in the hands of Jesus. When the soldier turned, it was he.
Contributed by Melvin Shelton on Jul 17, 2004
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” - 1 Peter 2:24
Yes, each one of us crucified Christ because it was for our sins He died! I am so glad He loved us so much to take our penalty and rise triumphant over sin, death and Satan to provide the gift of eternal life for us. We must be faithful in sharing the Gospel with all who are lost so that they have the opportunity to come to Him before it is too late.
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!
BUILD OR DEMOLISH!
09-19-20
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” - Romans 14:19
In August 1995, the church I pastored made the decision to do a major renovation on our thirty-five-year-old sanctuary. The first step was to put together a crew of people to do internal demolition. Around forty people showed up to take care of this task.
Dust was everywhere as we ripped up carpet, knocked out walls, tore down ceilings, and dismantled the platform. There were people of all shapes, sizes, and ages. It was a wonderful project for individuals like me because absolutely no skill was needed. It doesn’t take much training to destroy something.
When this phase was completed, the remodeling began. This was the part that required skilled and trained people—those who knew how to construct, build, and refurbish. Their task was much more difficult and it took much longer than the demolition.
Anybody can tear down, but not everyone can build up. It doesn’t take a genius to destroy something, but it does take some know-how to construct something of value. The unskilled can quickly take apart that which takes the skilled a lot of time to put together.
Do you build or demolish? Influential leaders always leave people better than they found them.
Stevenson, P. (2007). 5 Things Anyone Can Do to Lead Effectively (pp. 21–22). Indianapolis, IN: WPH.
Are you a builder or a demolisher regarding the lives of fellow believers?
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!
NOT ENCOURAGING
09-18-20
A young couple, very much in love, were getting married in church. However, the bride was very nervous about the big occasion and so the preacher chose one verse that he felt would be a great encouragement to them. The verse was 1 John 4:18 which says: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear."
The preacher asked the best man to read it during the ceremony. The preacher did not know the best man was not a regular churchgoer and did not know the difference between the Gospel of John and the First Letter of John.
During the service the best man introduced the reading by saying that the preacher felt this was a very good verse for the bride and that he would say more about it later in the service and then read John 4:18, which says:
"The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband."
The preacher wanted to encourage the couple. His attempt went very wrong.
(From a sermon by Davon Huss, I Am Bound for the Promised Land, 2/21/2011)
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
WOW, that was a big mistake!
If we daily allow the Lord Jesus to live out His life through us and properly use His Word in ministering to each other, we will be encouraging and building each other up in our walk with Him, as we are instructed to do.
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!
THE DISWASHER
09-17-20
A Mother and her son were talking. His mother lived for nearly 94 years. One day around her 90th year she said something like, "If I had known I would live this long, I would have fixed the dishwasher." It had stopped working. So there it sat quietly waiting to be fixed. She thought it foolish to repair her dishwasher in her mid 80's. After all, both of her parents had died really young, and she had nearly doubled that. So why waste the money. After hearing her story we bought her a new dishwasher that year. She used it for nearly 9 years.
How many things have we put on the back burner and maybe even stopped thinking about sometimes because we didn't see a way for it to happen, it became too hard or it became a burden. Maybe like the woman and her dishwasher didn't want to spend the money.
Is there someone the Lord has ask you to witness too and we haven't done it. Have you been asked to do something in the Church and you didn't do it or be on a committee and we turned it down.
Are there things we want to do now but there are something or things holding us back. Sometimes we make our own quicksand or roadblocks. We say “well I just can’t right now.” “I don’t have enough time.” I’m not talented in that way.” “Trust me when I say any Choir Director will let you sing in the Choir.” “Things like attending Sunday School or United Methodist Women meeting.”
Or fixing that dishwasher.
I had a lady at a church I served that after every discussion about anything she would stand up and say “Let's just pray about it and let God fix it.” She would dismiss everything and just let God do it. Failing to understand that God works through His people. God has given us common sense, knowledge and understanding to use as we let God walk with us to fix our problems.
Contributed by Roy Fowler on Sep 13, 2020
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:”
Exodus 14:15
Sadly. We sometimes ask the Lord to do things when He has given us the natural talents, spiritual gifts, financial and material means to do them and we just need to go forward!
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!
Time With The Lord
09-16-20
I got my first cup of coffee and slowly moseyed to my front porch. Walking to the banister putting my elbows there I sipped my coffee. I looked around my neighborhood, I kinda live on a small knoll, and it seemed so peaceful. The birds were singing, they were flying around and there was what seemed like 500 birds on the main electrical line running across the road. My dog lay beside me watching the cat on the porch across the way. I just had to thank God for this day and all my days that he had taken care of me even in my doubt sometimes that I wasn't going to get things my way. Smiling to myself I could see it now better than when I was going through it. God loves us and cares for us.
Contributed by Roy Fowler on Sep 13, 2020
“I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” - Psalm 119:16
When we spend time with the Lord, reflecting on His nature, His Word, and His love for us, we will have the right perspective on everything that happens in our lives. We will experience perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3-4).
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
What is your motive?
09-15-20
The other day, Hunter my 6 year old shocked me as I came in the door. He said Dad, did the trash man come yet? I said, “I think so,” he said,” Good, I will go get the trash can and bring it in.” I thought, “ I am such a great leader, I have taught my son the responsibilities of taking care of and taking pride in his chores. I watched him run to the curb, and joyfully bring in the trashcan. As I was sitting eating my lunch, reality hit. Hunter comes up to me and says, “Dad, it sure is hot out there, do you think we can go swimming?” Now- I did not know, what just happened here? Was I being set up?- Was he only performing his chores because he hoped to gain something, or was he doing it out of enthusiasm?
When we react in obedience to God, is it because we are trying to set God up? Or are we obedient out of passion??-Pastor David Schaal
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
Why do you go to church, read your Bible, serve in some capacity at church, go soul-winning, help in the discipleship of a fellow believer, etc.? Is it to get something from the Lord or is it that you passionately love Him, and want to glorify Him in every area of your life?
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW!
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Bogged Down!
09-14-20
The army of Alexander the Great was advancing on Persia. At one critical point, it appeared that his troops might be defeated. The soldiers had taken so much plunder from their previous campaigns that they had become weighted down and were losing their effectiveness in combat. Alexander commanded that all the spoils be thrown into a heap and burned. The men complained bitterly but soon saw the wisdom of the order. Someone wrote, "It was as if wings had been given to them—they walked lightly again." Victory was assured.
Contributed by Evie Megginson on Mar 8, 2005
“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; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2
Are you bogged down with a weight or sin that is keeping you from serving the Lord, doing His will, obeying Him in all matters, and producing super abundant fruit to the praise of His glory? If so, confess them to the Lord, receive His forgiveness and power to live victoriously for Him!
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!
ARE YOU GOING IN THE LORD’S DIRECTION?
09-13-20
Noah walked with God because his life was lined up with God's ways. No one can walk together except they be agreed. Two men were trying to get a piece of furniture through a doorway. After much frustration and energy was expended, the men stopped and looked at each other with a puzzled look. It was finally determined they were pulling in opposite directions. Noah walked with God. He went in God's direction.
Contributed by Chris Gowen on Jan 17, 2010
“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
Genesis 6:9
In all areas of your life, are you walking with the Lord and in his direction? Are you obeying Him in all matters of your life and, therefore, are producing great fruit to the praise of His glory and experiencing His richest blessings?
If He 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 ORANGE BLESSING
09-12-20
In the late 1800’s while crossing the Atlantic on an ocean-liner, the English Baptist pastor and evangelist F.B. Meyer was asked to preach to the first class passengers. At the captain's request he spoke on "Answered Prayer."
An agnostic who was present at the service was asked by his friends, "What did you think of Dr. Meyer's sermon?"
He answered, "I didn't believe a word of it."
That afternoon Meyer went to speak to the steerage passengers. Many of the listeners at his morning address went along, including the agnostic, who claimed he just wanted to hear "what the babbler had to say."
Before starting for the service, the agnostic put two oranges in his pocket. On his way he passed an elderly woman sitting in her deck chair fast asleep. Her hands were open. In the spirit of fun, the agnostic put the two oranges in her outstretched palms.
After the meeting, he saw the old lady happily eating one of the pieces of fruit. Smiling the agnostic said to her: "You seem to be enjoying that orange."
She replied, "Yes, sir, My Father is very good to me."
The agnostic man replied: "I don’t want to appear rude, but your father? Surely your father can't be still alive!"
With enthusiasm she replied, "He is very much alive."
"What do you mean?" pressed the agnostic.
She explained, "I'll tell you, sir. I have been seasick for days. I was asking God somehow to send me an orange. I suppose I fell asleep while I was praying. When I awoke, I found He had not only sent me one orange but two!"
The agnostic was speechless.
Yes, praying in God's will brings an answer.
Contributed by Gordon Curley, February 2, 2013
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. – John 14
Yes, the Lord even uses agnostics to answer prayer!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
TROUBLE IS INEVITABLE!
09-11-20
Trouble is inevitable. It has spawned the counseling ministry. Therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, support groups dedicate their lives to helping people deal with grief, addictions, abuse, and stress.
There are many solutions offered. You can pop a pill or uncork a bottle or take a vacation to escape. Others turn to more healthy approaches. What’s a Christian to do? Trust God.
Do you remember a time when your child got a sticker or splinter in her finger? At first, they try to pull it out with their fingers or teeth, but they can’t. You notice and offer to dig it out for them. At first, they refuse. They know it is going to hurt if you get a needle and dig in their finger for the splinter.
You ask them to believe that what is painful will relieve their pain and that what looks dangerous is their only safety. You ask them to trust that hurting the finger is the only way to make it stop hurting. It doesn’t make sense, but you are their parent. They know you would not lie to them. You love them and want what’s best. So, against all the evidence, full of emotion, they trust you to do what is best for them. – Contributed by Ed Sasnett
“Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” - Job 5:7
Yes, because of man’s sin and fallen nature, we do experience all types of trouble in this life BUT we have a loving, omnipotent, omniscient Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom we can trust in every situation to meet our needs for our good and, even more importantly, for His glory. Remember….
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
If you are not one of His, come to the Lord Jesus 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!
TOTAL COMMITMENT!
09-10-20
When the explorer, Cortez, landed in Mexico with his 500 men, he did a wise thing; he burned the ships. His men realized that they must be committed to staying and to succeeding here because there was no turning back…
Contributed by Rick Pendleton
“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.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:20-21
The total commitment by Paul must characterize our lives if we are going to have successful marriages, homes and fruitful service for our Lord in all areas of our lives! The reason our churches and individual lives are not successful and accomplishing great things for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is that we are not totally committed to Him and His Word. Let’s daily surrender completely to Him!
If He 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 CHANGING OF A MAN’S HEART!
09-09-2020
“As the grace of God changes a mans heart, this is the great evidence of the change; that he begins to grow in love, to lay aside self-seeking, and to live for others."
Contributed by Sermon Central
“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
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30
Yes, when a person repents of all their sin and receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they become a new creation in Him and wants the Lord Jesus to be seen and glorified in their life. Does That describe you? Are you growing in His love, laying aside self-seeking, and living for others? Are you seeking to lead others and to help fellow believers to grow spiritually?
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!
There Is No God?
09-08-2020
There is no God. All of the wonders around us are accidental. No almighty hand made a thousand billion stars. They made themselves. No power keeps them on their steady course. The earth spins itself to keep the oceans from falling off toward the sun. Infants teach themselves to cry when they are hungry or hurt. A small flower invented itself so that we could extract digitalis for sick hearts. The earth gave itself day and night, tilted itself so that we get seasons. Without the magnetic poles man would be unable to navigate the trackless oceans of water and air, but they just grew there. How about the sugar thermostat in the pancreas? It maintains a level of sugar in the blood sufficient for energy. Without it, all of us would fall into a coma and die. Why does snow sit on mountain-tops waiting for the warm spring sun to melt it at just the right time for the young crops in farms below to drink? A very lovely accident. The human heart will beat for 70 or 80 years without faltering. How does it get sufficient rest between beats? A kidney will filter poison from the blood, and leave good things alone. How does it know one from the other? Who gave the human tongue flexibility to form words, and a brain to understand them, but denied it to all animals? Who showed a womb how to take the love of two persons and keep splitting a tiny ovum until, in time, a baby would have the proper number of fingers, eyes and ears and hair in the right places, and come into the world when it is strong enough to sustain life? There is no God?
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Sep 28, 2004
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” - Psalm 14:1
Only a fool can believe there is no God and the teaching of evolution!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. – john 1:1-3
If Jesus Christ, the Creator, 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!
Labor Day?
09-07-2020
The title of the Labor Day Holiday always intrigued me as a child. "I asked my mother once why they called it 'Labor Day' if everybody just took off from work?" She offered me the chance to work if I wanted to; I wisely declined.
Contributed by Larry Kettle
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:10
Yes, our Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will never forget our work and labor that we do because we love them and will richly reward us (1 Corinthians 3:9-15, etc.) So every day out to be LABOR DAY for us who are saved by the grace of God and wholeheartedly labor for our Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Are you?
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!
Do You Have a Sense of Urgency?
09-05-20
History records a remarkable account of the destruction of an ancient town. The watchmen on the walls would call out whenever they thought they saw a foe approaching. Sensing that the people had begun to resent them for giving these false alarms, they decided to remain quiet. Regrettably, not long afterward the enemy actually did come. The city that could have been saved was assaulted and devastated, and nothing was left...
Submitted by Charles R. Swindoll
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:3,5 (Jesus)
Do you care that lost people are headed for hell and do you have a sense of urgency to reach them with the Gospel so that can have the opportunity to come to salvation in Christ, before it is too late? If not, ask the Lord to forgive you for the coldness of your heart, to remove everything that is causing that coldness, and to set your heart on fire for Him and for lost souls so that you will do everything possible to reach lost souls for Him. He will show you how and motivate you to be faithful in this extremely important matter.
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!
HOW DO YOU SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION?
09-04-20
In his book Dare To Believe, Dan Baumann shared some thoughts about crucifixion that should deepen our gratitude for what the Savior did for us. He wrote, "The twentieth century has forgotten how cruel and hideous crucifixion really was. We have perhaps unwisely and sometimes unconsciously glamorized the cross. Jewelry and steeple alike are often ornamental and attractive but carry nothing of the real story of crucifixion. It was the most painful method of public death in the first century. The victim was placed on a wooden cross. Nails, undoubtedly wooden, were driven into the hands and feet of the victim, and then the cross was lifted and jarred into the ground, tearing the flesh of the crucified and racking his body with excruciating pain. Historians remind us that even the soldiers could not get used to the horrible sight, and often took strong drink to numb their senses."
Jesus endured 6 hours of such anguish, just for us so that we might be forgiven of all our sin!
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” - Ephesians 1:7
We, who have been saved by the grace of God, purchased with the precious blood of Christ, ought to love Him with our entire being (Luke 10:27), give Him absolute obedience (John 14:15), honor and exalt Him in every area of our lives. Is this how you are showing your appreciation?
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!
Peace
09-03-20
This question was once asked, "If you could choose what you want most in life, what would you ask for?" The most common answer was "Peace."
People want peace in their marriages, families, workplaces, country and world. Our country has some of the best medical and psychological treatment centers, highest educational institutions and worldwide communication abilities. Yet with all of these things, most people are yet without true inner peach. The results are devastating... broken marriages, split families, hatred, rebellion, financial anxiety, a country unsettled.
The world will offer you peace through many forms of escapism... drugs, alcohol, immoral relationships, and constant entertainment. It is sought through all forms of pleasure, self-satisfaction and positive thinking. Many believe that peace is defined as the absence of trouble. They refuse to face the problems in their lives believing that this is finding peace. The world, however, has never held the answer to true peace.
You can choose to have true peace. True peace comes not from man but from God. This peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit spoken of in Galatians 5:22.
This peace means to be in harmony with God, to be bound, joined and woven together with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. It also means to be assured of, confident of and secure in the love and care of God. There is a consciousness and a sure trust God will provide, guide, strengthen, sustain, encourage, deliver and save completely those who seek Him with all their hearts. This supernatural peace must come first and foremost from receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. Second, it comes from a knowledge of and a love for God's Word.
The Apostle Paul knew this peace. He suffered greatly because of his love for the Lord, love for God's truth and because of his commitment to the commission given to him by Jesus Christ. Yet in all this, his heart was kept in perfect peace.
He had been imprisoned, stoned, left for dead and scourged by the Romans, and yet he said in Romans 8: 28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Only Jesus Chris, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). can give perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) through the power of the Holy Spirit!
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 through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
Stop Making Excuses!
09-02-20
From the movie Rocky Balboa:
Rocky’s son is frustrated from living his life in his dad’s big shadow after a heated rebuke from his son Rocky gives this little speech.
"You ain’t gonna believe this, but you used to fit right here. I’d hold you up, to say to your mother, this kid is gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid is gonna be somebody better than anybody ever knew. And you grew up good and wonderful and it was great just to watch you everyday - it was like a privilege. Then the time come to be your own man, and take on the world, and you did! But somewhere along the line, you changed, you stopped bein’ you, you let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good, and when things got hard, you started lookin’ for something to blame, like a big shadow.
Lemme tell you something you already know: the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean, and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep ya there permanently if you let it.
You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about hard you can GET hit, and keep moving forward, how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winnin’ is done!
Now if you know what you’re worth, now go out there and get what you’re worth, but you gotta be willin’ to take the hits! And not pointing fingers sayin "you ain’t where you wanna be because of him or her or anybody!"
Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!
I’m always gonna love you, no matter what, no matter what happens, you’re my son, you’re my blood you’re the best thing in my life, but until you start believing in yourself you ain’t gonna have a life."
You’re not the husband/wife you should be, you aren’t involved in ministry or outreach, you don’t pray or read your bible, you don’t know your kids, you stay stuck in a dead end job, you can’t change because… because why?
It’s time to stop making excuses!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
There are no excuses for failing to be what the Lord wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do, overcoming whatever we need to overcome because the Lord has promised us His strength!
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!
Bad Advice – Good Advice!
09-01-20
The bad advice is FOLLOW YOU HEART!
The good advice is OLLOW THE LORD INSTEAD!
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” - Psalm 119:133
We cannot trust our hearts; they must be trained with the Word of God. We can’t just talk big and say that we love the Lord; love will be proven by obedience. Therefore, in every area of our lives, we must follow the Lord by obeying His Word. Are you looking at all areas of your life through the lens of Biblical truth? You better because the day of accounting is coming! That also means when you vote this year, you better vote according the truths and principles of His Word, to obey the Lord, for your good now, and for sake of your nation!
“
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Proverbs 14:34
“
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” - Psalm 33:12
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