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
Have you wandered off regarding your relationship to the Lord Jesus and His will in some area(s) of your life because you did not keep your eyes fixed on Him?
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!
CHARACTER AND YOUR THOUGHT LIFE
01/30/21
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” - Proverbs 4:23
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” - Philippians 4:8
If you are going to possess a godly character, revealed by your decisions and actions, you must daily surrender your mind to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The authority of God’s Word will rule every area of your life. You cannot say that you are yielded to the Lordship of Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit and disobey the Word of God. As you hide God’s Word in your heart, you will be continually growing the character of Christ. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
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!
CHARACTER IN CRISIS
01/29/21
“A man has not more character than he can command in a crisis. His character comes from his practices of godliness and his closeness to the Lord.”—Unknown
“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 Apostle Paul developed a great hunger and thirst for the Lord, walked close to Him each day, practicing godliness in every area od His life. Therefore, he was able to manifest the character of the Lord in every situation.
If our text is the testimony of your life, you will have no problem manifesting character in times of crisis!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5), surrender your life to Him, trusting Him and Him alone to be your Lord and Savior, before it is too late!
“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!
THOUGHTS & ACTIONS
01/28/21
“I’ve always thought the actions of a man were the best interpreters of his thoughts.”—Unknown
“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
Mark 7:20-23
Yes, our thoughts will spill out into actions, revealing the status of our character. Therefore, we need to guard our hearts (thoughts) so that are pleasing to the Lord and will result in actions that please and glorify Him. Remember these verses:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
What is the status of your character?
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!
COMMMITMENT AND CHARACTER
01/27/21
"Commitment in the face of conflict creates character."—Unknown
"Character is being, doing, and pursuing what is right simply because it is the wise thing to do.”—Unknown
20 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.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1
The Apostle Paul, after his miraculous salvation experience, knew what it meant to experience conflict from those who were still the enemies of Christ as well as fellow believers who were jealous of him, and those who were lot living according to the Lord’s will and His Word. However, he remained committed to loving and serving the Lord, being, doing, and pursuing what is right and, therefore, developed a godly character.
Can that be said of you?
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5), surrender your life to Him, place your trust in Him alone to be your Lord and Savior NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
“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!
TEST OF CHARACTER
01/26/21
“The test of your character is what you would do if you knew no one would ever know.”—Bob Jones, Sr.
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
John 21:17
If you could do anything you wanted to do and no one would ever know about it, what would that be? If it is something you know goes against the character, the will of the Lord and His Word, you are admitting that you have a character problem. Of course, we know the Lord knows all our thoughts and actions so that should keep us yielded to His Lordship, His will and His Word, developing an intimate relationship with Him, which will keep us from wrong things, even if others would never know it.
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!
CHARACTER AND QUITTING
01/25/21
“The test of a man’s character is what it takes to stop him.”—Bob Jones Sr.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:9
When you are faced with opposition in serving the Lord and doing what is right, do you quit or do you have an unstoppable attitude and continue on at any cost. Do you quit regarding your standards and Scriptural positions because you are out numbered? If so, you have a character problem which is going to get you into trouble with the Lord. That should concern you more than what people think or say!
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!
NOBODY’S LOOKING!
01/24/21
"Character is doing what's right when nobody's looking."—J. C. Watts Jr.
“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
What you do when nobody is looking reveals the status of your character.
However, you will not have a character problem, when you remember that you are never out of the sight of the Lord Jesus Christ. That fact ought to cause you to make sure you do nothing to displease Him, not only in our behavior but also regarding our talk. So what is the status of your character?
If you don’t 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!
CLIMBING
01/23/21
"No man can climb beyond the limitations of his own character.”—John Morley
“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.
The reason why our country is in such a mess is that many of our politicians are not born-again believers and are living low lives morally and are unable to climb in righteous living, since they have not been made righteous in Christ. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10:4). Some who are believers are not climbing in righteousness because they have decided to make compromises that go against God’s Word. I thank the Lord for those who are unashamedly living for Christ.
What about you? You will only be able to climb in spiritual growth as you develop a close relationship with the Lord Jesus, growing more and more in the knowledge of Him and His grace and His character. You will obey Him because you love Him (John 14:15) and He will give you His richest blessings.
If He 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!
YOUR REPUTATION
01/22/21
“If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.”—D. L. Moody
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” - Ephesians 4:1-3
If the Lord took you home by death, what reputation would you leave behind?
Would you be known as a person of humility, gentleness, patient, longsuffering? Would your deep love for others be prominent? Would you be known as a person who endeavored to live in unity and peace as much as it depended upon you (Romans 12:18)?
Would you be known for reflecting the character of the Lord Jesus in all your relationships with fellow believers and a strong desire to want to become more like Him every day (John 3:30)?
Would you be known for a great love for the lost and doing everything possible to reach them with the Gospel of Christ?
Would you be known for helping your fellow believers to grow in their relationship with the Lord Jesus?
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!
QUOTE ON CHARACTER
01/21/21
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you will remember you. Carve your name on hearts, not marble."—Charles Spurgeon
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
If you daily submit to the Lordship of Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit, you will carve your name upon the hearts of unbelievers and you will have opportunities to share the Gospel with them. Also, you will carve your name on the hearts of fellow believers, who will have a great desire for you to help them to grow spiritually and you will be a role model for them.
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!
WASTED YEARS
01-20-21
Someone once observed that a wasted life is really nothing more than a collection of wasted days. As God gives us life, each one of us starts the new year with the same number of opportunities—365—that we can choose to either use and invest in eternal things or allow to drift by without taking advantage of the gift we have been given. The difference between those who succeed and those who fail is not found primarily in talent but in diligence and effort.
-Ministry 127
“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
Proverbs 13:4, NKJV
Are you diligent in obeying the Word od God in all areas of your life?
Are you diligent in using your natural talents and spiritual gifts in serving the Lord?
If your answer to these questions is “Yes,” the Lord will richly use you for His glory and He will make you successful in your service for Him. He will not honor laziness!
If you are not diligently serving the Lord because you do no belong to Him, repent of all your sin and trust Him and Him alone to be your Lord and Savior, before it is too late.
“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!
A STABLE FOUNDATION
01/19/21
The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, rises more than 2,700 feet—over half a mile tall. It has 160 floors and is twice as tall as the Empire State Building in New York City. It is home to the world’s fastest elevator that travels at 40 miles per hour. The Burj Khalifa also hosts the world’s highest outdoor observation deck (on the 124th floor) and the world’s highest swimming pool (on the 76th floor).
But the secret to the stability of this massive building is found underground. Before construction began to rise up, workers spent a year digging and pouring the massive foundation that supports the building. The foundation contains some 58,900 cubic yards of concrete weighing more than 110,000 tons. The building is safe because the foundation is solid.
Godly and righteous living is important as a matter of obedience, but there are also many wonderful benefits that follow as a result. When we live according to God’s principles of wisdom, we receive His blessing, but we also establish a firm foundation for our lives and our families.
Source: Buildings and Structures, Andrew Solway
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
Is Jesus Christ the foundation of your life and are you conforming all areas of your life according to the instructions of His Word?
If not, receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW!
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE VALUE OF A GOOD NAME
01/18/21
Henry Heinz, born in 1844, to German immigrants in Pittsburg, PA, helped support his family as a teenager by growing and selling vegetables in the family garden. After graduating from college and getting married, he started a business selling horse radish. In 1875, a national financial collapse drove the young company into bankruptcy. Despite the legal freedom bankruptcy gave him, Heinz regarded each of the company’s outstanding debts as a moral obligation and personally paid back every penny.
Heinz went on to found the H.J. Heinz Company with its 57 varieties and became a leading American businessman. A devout Christian, he was known for the generous treatment of his employees and his generosity to Christian causes. Throughout his life Heinz conducted his business and personal dealings with the same integrity that led him to pay back hundreds of thousands of thousands of dollars he technically did not owe. He began his will with these words: “I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will as the most important item in it a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour.”
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Does integrity prove that you have been saved and made a new creation in Christ?
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!
JUSTICE IN PRACTICE
01/17/21
A Michigan judge found himself in the news recently because of the violation of a courtroom rule—and what happened next. Judge Raymond Voet has long had a policy forbidding the use of electronic devices in the courtroom. Anyone whose phone rings aloud has it confiscated and receives a fine. Over the years, attorneys, police officers, witnesses, and spectators have broken the rule and received the punishment.
During closing arguments at the trial, someone’s smartphone started talking. “I can’t understand you. Say something like Mom,” the phone requested. It was the judge’s new phone! “I’m guessing I bumped it. It started talking really loud. That’s an excuse, but I don’t take those excuses from anyone else. I set the bar high, because cell phones are a distraction and there is very serious business going on,” he said. “The courtroom is a special place in the community, and it needs more respect than that.” During the next break in the trial, Judge Voet held himself in contempt, and paid the standard $25 fine that he issues anyone who disturbs a trial. “Judges are human,” Voet said. “They’re not above the rules. I broke the rule, and I have to live by it.”
To live a life that is pleasing to God, we need to deal justly both with ourselves and others. The priority God places on justice is very high indeed. The prophet Micah wrote, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).
Our Lord does require that we do what is just (right) in all areas of our lives. Are you living according to the instructions of His Word in all the areas of your life?
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, come to Him NOW, trusting Him and Him alone to be your Lord and Savior.
“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!
AN ALARMING ANSWERING MACHINE GREETING
01/16/21
A man dialed a wrong number and got the following recording: “I am not available right now, but I thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.”
Source: Unknown
“Be ye followers (imitators) of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1
If we are going to imitate Christ, we must be willing to let Him make the changes in our lives that are necessary for us to imitate Him. Some may involve change in relationships. Our desire should be to be Christlike and to glorify Him in every area of our lives. Whatever changes He may make in your life, you will not regret Him doing so and you will experience His richest blessings.
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!
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING FLEXIBLE
01/15/21
Bubble Wrap, celebrated its golden anniversary in January of 2010. Although the primary function is to provide cushioned security, Bubble Wrap was originally invented as wallpaper. In the late 1950s, a New York City designer was looking for a new type of textured wall covering, but the idea never took off. Inventors Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding envisioned a different application for the bubbly wallpaper and created an industry with annual revenues of $4 billion. The vision of these two inventors made the difference between success and failure for Bubble Wrap. There are endless possibilities for those who are willing to be flexible and stretch their imagination.
Source: Houston Chronicle, January, 25, 2010
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” - Ephesians 5:18
A Spirit-controlled child of God will be flexible, allowing the Lord by the Holy Spirit to use them to glorify their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We need to be flexible in all areas of our lives so that we will not get into a rut but allow the Holy Spirit to show us new and effective ways that we can serve our Lord in every area of our lives.
Are you flexible?
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!
DO YOU THINK I SHOULD CHANGE?
01/14/21
Randy was unsure about his choice of clothes for church so he sought some counsel from his wife. He asked, “Do you think I should change?”
She took advantage of the opportunity and replied, “It depends—are you talking about changing your shirt or making a wholesale change as a human being?”
Source: In Other Words
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
If we are going to obey the Lord and experience His richest blessings, then that may require making changes in various areas of our lives. Perhaps we need to make changes in order to…
-be a better spouse and see the Lord bless our marriages
-effectively witness to those who need Christ as their Lord and Savior
-help fellow believers to grow up in Him
-use our finances and material possessions to the glory of Christ
-have a better relationship with relatives and friends
-be a Christlike parent
-have the Lord bless and use our churches to the praise of His glory
-etc.
Are you willing to let the Lord make changes in your life for His glory and your good?
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW and receive Him a your Lord and Savior!
“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 JOY OF THE LORD IS BETTER THAN THE PLEASURES OF SIN
01/13/21
A Russian countess accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour and was open about her testimony. The Tsar was displeased and threw her into prison. After 24 hours with the lowest level of Russian society, in the most miserable conditions imaginable, he ordered her brought into his presence. He smiled sardonically and said, “Well, are you ready now to renounce your silly faith and come back to the pleasures of the court?”
To his surprise, the countess smiled serenely and said, “I have known more real joy and more real happiness in one day in prison with Jesus than I have known in a lifetime in the courts of the Tsar.” She found out what was really the easy way.
Submitted by Dr. R. B. Ouellette
“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, nothing can compare with the joy that Jesus gives! When we daily submit to His Lordship, enjoy the intimacy of His fellowship, submit to the control of the Holy Spirit, who makes real the joy of the Lord in our lives (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22, what a rich life of joy we experience!
If this is not your experience because you have stepped out of the Lord’s will, get back into fellowship with Him NOW (1 John 1:9).
If this is not your experience because you do not belong to Him, come to Him NOW!
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” (John 1:12, NKJV)
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
SALVATION IS PRICELESS
01/12/21
Longfellow could take a worthless sheet of paper, write a poem on it, and make it worth $6,000—that’s genius.
Rockefeller could sign his name to a piece of paper and make it worth a million dollars—that’s capital.
Uncle Sam can take gold, stamp an eagle on it, and make it worth $20.00—that’s money.
A mechanic can take material that is worth only $5.00 and make it worth $50.00—that’s skill.
An artist can take a fifty-cent piece of canvas, paint a picture on it, and make it worth $1,000—that’s art.
God can take a sinful life, wash it in the blood of Christ, put His Spirit in it, and make it a blessing to humanity—that’s salvation.
Source: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, Paul L. Tan
Submitted by the homiletics class of Wes 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
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;´ - Ephesians 1:7
Salvation is the greatest miracle and priceless gift!
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!
GIVING UP RED MEAT
01/11/21
Some people don’t want to accept their need for change. The story is told about a doctor who told a man to give up red meat, so he stopped putting ketchup on his hamburgers.
Source: Unknown
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” - James 4:17
It is sad when a Christian knows that he or she has a bad attitude, are involved in other sins like gossip, or any other type of known sin, and will not confess it to the Lord (1 John 1:9), receive His forgiveness and restoration to fellowship and the fellowship of people they have sinned against.
Refusal to change will result in a defeated, unhappy life and rob them of the Lord’s richest blessings. How foolish it is to not want to accept the need to change. Don’t be one of them!
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!
YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
01/10/21
The story is told of artist Paul Gustave Dore who was traveling in Europe when he faced a predicament. He reached a border crossing and discovered that he had misplaced his passport. Without his papers, the officer wouldn’t allow Dore to pass. Finally, Dore was given a test to prove his identity. The official gave him a piece of paper and a pencil and requested he draw a group of nearby peasants. Dore did so with such ease that the official was convinced he was indeed the famed artist.
Paul Dore’s identity was affirmed through his work. Many people in our world find their identity through their work or accomplishments.
As Christians, our identity is not in what we do but in Who we belong to. We are children of God, heir to His kingdom. Apart from God, we have no identity and are but another lost soul in this world. But with God, we are a child of the King. We have hope, we have purpose, and we have meaning. No matter what fails in your life, if you have trusted Christ as your Saviour, you are a child of God. Outside things can change, but you will always be one of God’s own.
Source: Unknown
“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
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:16-17
I am so glad that my identity is in Christ and no one or anything else!
If He 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!
SINNING AFTER SALVATION
01/09/21
The story is told of a young girl who accepted Christ as her Saviour and applied for membership in a local church. “Were you a sinner before you received the Lord Jesus into your life?” inquired an old deacon. “Yes, sir,” she replied.
“Well, are you still a sinner?”
“To tell you the truth, I feel I’m a greater sinner than ever.”
“Then what real change have you experienced?”
“I don’t quite know how to explain it,” she said, “except I used to be a sinner running after sin, but now that I am saved. I’m a sinner running from sin!” she was received into the fellowship of the church, and she proved by her consistent life that she was truly converted.
Source: Our Daily Bread
“Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.” - Psalm 97:10
Every born-again child of God ought to hate everything the Lord Jesus, the One who has saved them, hates, flee from every form of sin, and love everything the Lord Jesus loves. Does that describe you?
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to the Lord Jesus Christ NOW!
“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!
TRANSFORMING A STAIN
01/07/21
Sir Edwin Landseer was one of the most famous painters of the Victorian era. His talent developed early, and he had the first showing of his work at the Royal Academy when he was just thirteen years old. He was commissioned to do a number of official portraits of the royal family, and even gave private drawing lessons to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. But he was best known for his depictions of the natural settings and life in the Scottish highlands.
One day as he was visiting a family in an old mansion in Scotland, one of the servants spilled a pitcher of soda water, leaving a large stain on the wall. While the family was out for the day, Landseer remained behind. Using charcoal, he incorporated the stain into a beautiful drawing. When the family returned they found a picture of a waterfall surrounded by trees and animals. He used his skill to make something beautiful out of what had been an unsightly mess.
God works in much the same way in our lives. The things that we think of as weaknesses and handicaps can, through His grace, become our greatest strengths—and the very things He uses the most to bring glory to Himself. God’s grace provides the strength to meet every challenge and overcome every weakness.
Source: Springs in the Valley, L. B. E. Cowman, C. Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I am glad that the Lord takes our stains and weaknesses and uses them for His glory as well as our good.
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!
THE SALVATION OF A COMMUNIST SPY
01-06-21
One night while preaching at a halfway house in Taegu, South Korea where Mrs. Worley and I were missionaries, a group of inmates, after hearing the Word of God came forward to receive Christ as their personal Saviour. We were happy to help them. After we had thoroughly led them through the Word of God, we then felt that they understood. Colonel Kim Chang Hup was one of them that gladly received Jesus Christ as his Saviour. We then were having fellowship with them and I learned that the Colonel, who just received Christ as his Saviour was a North Korean. Then I learned his story.
It seems that he was a spy that had been caught attempting to come South in order to cut the President’s head off, who at that time was Park Chung Hee. Colonel Kim Chang Hup, was the leader of the spies. He had been in the South Korean prison for a number of years and had finally been rehabilitated. That was the Colonel’s lucky day. He heard the wonderful story of Jesus Christ and was saved. Later after he was released he was baptized and was very faithful in our Taejon Bible Baptist Church. Work was very scarce at that time especially for an ex-communist spy. Therefore I put him in as the janitor of our Church. From the high rank of a Colonel he was promoted to be janitor of our Taejon Baptist Church. He held that position until I went 100 miles further South and began a new Church in Taegu.
Submitted by Dr. Worth Worley
“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
The Lord has given us the wonderful privilege of being His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and giving the message of eternal to salvation in Christ to lost souls that they may be come new creations in Christ! Let’s be faithful to our assignments!
If you are not one of His, come to 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!
FINDING CHRIST'S RICHES
01/05/21
A rich man was in the habit of giving his wife an expensive piece of jewelry every year on her birthday. One year he might phone the jeweler and say, “Send me your finest pearl necklace, along with your bill.” Or, “Send me your finest diamond pendant, along with your bill.” Or the finest emerald bracelet or ruby ring. Each time, the jeweler did as the rich man asked, dispatching a messenger to the rich man’s mansion to deliver the jewelry piece in a box along with his bill.
But every year the rich man would play a game with the jeweler. He would send the messenger back to the jeweler along with the original box, a note, and a check. The check was always written in the amount of several thousand dollars less than the price on the jeweler’s bill. The note would say, “Sir, I like the jewelry piece, but I do not like the price. If you will accept the enclosed check for a reduced amount, then please return the jewelry box with the seal unbroken.”
For years the jeweler put up with the rich man’s game, accepting the reduced check, and returning the box with the seal unbroken. He still made a profit on the jewelry, even if it was a lower profit than he liked—and at least he was able to keep the rich man’s trade year after year. In time, however, the jeweler began to tire of this charade.
Finally the day came when the rich man placed an order for a lavish diamond necklace, and the jeweler decided he would not get clipped again. As usual, the jeweler sent the necklace in a box, along with his bill. Again, as usual, the box was returned with a reduced check for payment and a note.
Enough was enough! The jeweler refused the check, kept the box, and sent the messenger away in disgust. When he opened the box to reclaim the necklace, he found that the necklace had been removed. In its place was a check for the entire amount of the jeweler’s bill.
For years, the rich man had been sending the entire asking price of each jewelry piece—hidden inside the sealed jewelry box. In all that time, the jeweler had accepted thousands of dollars less than he could have received—because he didn’t open the box and look inside.
The hidden riches of Christ are available to you and me, but to find them, we have to open the letter of Ephesians. It is here, in this letter, that we find the description of the riches we have in Jesus Christ.
Source: Unknown
Submitted by Ray Cazis
Read Ephesians and see the riches of Christ you have in Christ!
If you are not one of His, come to Jesus NOW!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Pasto Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
REMEMBER YOUR BLESSINGS
12/04/21
The story is told of an old Navajo Indian who became rich when oil was found on his property. He took all the money and put it in a bank. His banker became familiar with the habits of this old gentleman. Every so often, the Indian would show up at the bank and say to the banker, “Grass all gone, sheep all sick, water holes all dry.”
Without a word, the banker would take the old Indian into the vault, show him several bags of silver dollars, and say, “All this is yours.” The old man would spend about an hour stacking up the dollars and counting them. Then he’d return the bags to their places, come out of the vault, and say, “Grass all green, sheep all well, water holes all full.”
It is amazing the change that comes over us when we simply review our resources and count our blessings.
Source: Unknown
Submitted by Ray Cazis
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17
Ah, yes, our Lord has given us great resources and blessings that money cannot buy! Count your blessings today!
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior and you are not experiencing the tremendous peace and joy only he can give, 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!
RECEIVING CHRIST'S RICHES
02-03-21
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
submitted by the homiletics class of West coast Baptist College
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 816-17
What a mind-boggling truth! Our wealth is endless because He and His wealth is endless!
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!
PRAISING GOD IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
01/02/21
I visited one who was ill in bed; and, after having buried seven of her family in six months, had just heard that the eighth, her beloved husband, was cast away at sea. I asked, “Do not you fret at any of those things?” She said, with a lovely smile upon her pale cheek, “O, no! How can I fret at anything which is the will of God? Let Him take all besides: He has given me Himself. I love, I praise Him every moment.”
Source: John Wesley's Journal, April 21, 1764
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Psalm 34:1
The person, who has experienced and is experiencing the indescribable grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is able to praise the Lord in every situation. Are you daily submitting yourself to the Lordship of Christ and the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23) so that you can experience His awesome grace?
If He is not your Lord and Savior, come to Jesus 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!
GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
01-01-2021
Spurgeon told of an evening when he was riding home after a heavy day’s work. He felt weary and depressed, when as suddenly as a lightning flash he thought of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” He said, “I should think it is, Lord,” and burst out laughing. He said that it seemed to make unbelief so absurd. It was as though some little fish, being very thirsty, was troubled about drinking the river dry, and the river said, “Drink away, little fish, my stream is sufficient for thee.” Or, it seemed after the seven years of plenty, a mouse feared that it would die of famine, and Joseph might say, “Cheer up, little mouse, my granaries are sufficient for thee.” Or, a man away up on a mountain saying to himself, “I fear I shall exhaust all the oxygen in the atmosphere.” But the earth might say, “Breathe away, oh man, and fill thy lungs ever; my atmosphere is sufficient for thee.” Little faith will bring our souls to Heaven, but great faith will bring Heaven to us.
Source: Streams in the Desert, Mrs. Charles Cowman
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
On this the first day of 2021 and all year long, trust the Lord with all your heart (your entire being) and let the Lord bring Heaven to you in every situation!
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.”