July 2021

DESIRE FOR WEALTH GROWS WITH IT

07/30/21

How rich is rich? According to a survey of people who ought to know, the answer is $1 million to $5 million in assets. Investment managers Neuberger & Bergman sponsored the survey of people who stand to give or receive inheritances (median household assets: $500,000). Paradoxically, 55% of those whose assets ranged from $1 million to $5 million don’t consider themselves wealthy.

Source: U.S.A. Today, November 11, 1991

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

“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 8:17

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Yes, we who belong to the Lord Jesus are co-heirs with Him of everything and we cannot comprehend our eternal riches. Combine all the wealth of this world and it looks like trash compared to our wealth in Christ, who promises to meet all our needs in this life! We need to live daily with the wonderful reality that we belong to the Creator of all things (J0hn 1:3), the King of all Kings, our eternal sovereign God!

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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

CHRIST BOUGHT OUR SALVATION

07/28/21

Elizabeth Keckley was a slave in Missouri before the Civil War. Her greatest desire was to purchase freedom for herself and her son. Her owner agreed that if she could raise $1,200 she could gain her freedom. Keckley worked as a seamstress and came up with a plan to go to New York City and work there to raise the money, but her owner feared that she would not return.

Instead, some of her wealthy clients in St. Louis contributed the money she needed, and Elizabeth Keckley paid the price for her freedom as well as her son’s. She moved to Washington, DC, where she counted Mary Lincoln among her dressmaking clients. Without the help of someone else, Keckley would never have been able to purchase her freedom.

All of us were enslaved to sin with no hope of ever gaining freedom. In mercy and compassion, Jesus gave His life for us, purchasing our salvation by shedding His blood on the cross. We are now free from sin, but that freedom does not mean that we do whatever we want. Instead we are to live how Jesus wants us to live.

Source: Behind the Scenes, Elizabeth Keckley

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” - Ephesians 1:7

Yes, everyone of us, who have repented of all our sin and trusted Christ and Him alone to be our Lord and Savior, ought to love and serve Him passionately at any cost. He deserves our total love. Are you using all your natural talents and spiritual gifts to glorify Him in every area of your life?

If He is not your Lord and Savior, 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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

DEREK REDMOND

07/24/21

Derek Redmond was a great runner, but he was an even greater finisher. Derek will be forever remembered for his staggering performance in the 400-meter men’s semifinals during the summer Olympics of 1992 in Barcelona, Spain.

After years of training, persistence, and self-discipline, Derek was competing on the world stage. His dream had become a reality. Halfway through his 400 meter race, Derek pulled a hamstring muscle and collapsed on the track. Writhing in pain, he watched the other runners quickly pass him and his dream of winning die, but staying down wasn’t in Derek’s blood. Though winning was out of the question, finishing wasn’t.

As the medical crew arrived with a stretcher, Derek said, “There’s no way I’m getting on that stretcher. I’m going to finish my race.”

In a stadium packed with 65 thousand fans and with millions viewing around the world, Derek slowly struggled to his feet. In spite of the agonizing pain, he began hobbling towards the finish line in last place. Tears streamed down his face as his heart filled with disappointment. Yet, he was determined to finish the race.

At that point, a large man from the top row of the stands began to run towards the track. It was Tim Redmond, Derek’s father, disregarding security guards, running over people, determined that no one would stop him, he ran to his son’s side. At first Derek tried to push him away, not realizing it was his father. He thought someone was trying to get him to quit the race.

“Derek it’s me.”

Recognizing that familiar voice Derek said, “Dad, I have to finish the race.”

“If you’re gonna finish the race, then we’ll finish it together.” With those words, his father took his son in his arms, and together they began to hobble down the track. By this time, the other runners had completed the race, and the crowd realized that Derek wasn’t hobbling off the track, but rather he was hobbling towards the finish line on one leg with his father at his side. In total disbelief, 65,000 fans stood to their feet and began to cheer. The roar of the crowd increased with every painful step.

Approaching the finish line, Jim Redmond stepped aside to allow Derek to cross by himself. The crowd exploded into thunderous applause and emotional release. Derek collapsed in his father’s embrace, and both wept on each other’s shoulders, along with 65,000 fans and millions of viewers. Derek had finished a race the world would never forget.

Source: Life Quest, Cary Schmidt

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

When you come to the end of your life, will you be able to say the same thing? There is no room for quitters in Christian service! Be faithful to the end!

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 in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23

Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights

Fbj1966@gmail.com

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

MULTITASKING

07/22/21

Adams Towing service got some pretty bad press in August 2009. One of their trucks was pictured in newspapers all across the country. It was damaged and partially submerged in a backyard swimming pool with another vehicle in tow. Law enforcement officials outside of Buffalo, New York said the 25-year-old driver was texting on one cell phone while talking on another when the crash occurred. Nicholas Sparks hit a car, crashed through a residential fence, sideswiped a house, and then came to a stop when his tow-truck rolled into the pool.

Coincidentally, Stanford University released their research on multi-tasking during the same month. Their findings, which were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, restated the obvious. Professor Clifford Nass noted that the prevailing thought is multi-taskers are skilled geniuses. "Instead", he concluded, "they're lousy at what they're doing" much of the time. Take it from Adams Towing, there's something to be said for singular focus.

Source: Houston Chronicle

If (Since) ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1

Since we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, we ought to be focused on enjoying fellowship with Him, His power in all areas of our lives, all the wonderful realities of His grace and provisions, pursuing without distractions His interests. If we are so focused, we will experience His richest blessings, passionately seek to share the gospel with those who are lost, and the discipleship of fellow believers.

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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

JESUS CHRIST’S DEITY AND HUMANITY

07/20/21

Christ uncrowned himself to crown us, and put off his robes to put on our rags, and came down from heaven to keep us out of hell. He fasted forty days that he might feast us to all eternity; he came from heaven to earth that he might send us from earth to heaven. — William Dyer

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. – Philippians 2:5-8

Yes, after all that Jesus has done for us, how can we entertain any thought of being disobedient, not giving our all in service to Him, not seeking to win lost souls, building up fellow believers in their walk with Him, and deliberately doing things that goes contrary to His character, Word, and will? He deserves our passionate love!

If you are not one of His, come to Him 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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

WHAT I FOUND

07/17/21

I gave up all for Christ — and what have I found? Everything in Christ!

— John Calvin

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ… - Philippians 3:7-8, ESV

Oh yes, in Christ I have the gift of eternal life – Romans 6:23.

I have found fulness of joy – John 15:11.

I have found peace that surpasses all understanding - Philippians 4:5-6.

I have found infallible direction - Proverbs 3:5-6.

I have found every type of grace needed - 1 Peter 5:10.

I have found strength for every task and situation - Philippians 4:13.

I have found the supply of all my needs - Philippians 4:19.

I have found One who will never leave or forsake me - Hebrews 13:5.

Yes, in Christ I have found EVERYTHING!

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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

THE BIBLE

07/15/21

Let us boldly place the Bible on the pedestal where our forefathers placed it, and maintain, like them, that, however imperfectly we may understand it, the old Book is perfect, and is an infallible rule of faith and practice!

-- J. C. Ryle

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that theman of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Berean Study Bible)

Is the Word of God your rule of faith and practice or are you making the opinions of others, political correctness, etc., your rule of faith and practice?

A born-again child of God ought to submit themselves to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word in all areas! His richest blessings cannot be known and experienced otherwise.

If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW, before it is too late!

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

MARINE RECRUITER

07/13/21

Three recruiters were to address high school seniors. Each recruiter represented a branch of the military (the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps) and was to have fifteen minutes. The Army and Navy recruiters got carried away, so when it came time for the Marine to speak, he had just two minutes. He walked up and stood utterly silent for a full sixty seconds, half of his time. Then he said, “I doubt whether there are two or three of you in this room who would even stand a chance in the Marine Corps. But I want to see those two or three immediately in the dining hall when we are dismissed.” He turned smartly and sat down. When he arrived in the dining hall, there was a crowd of students interested in the Marines. The recruiter knew that commitment cannot take place without recognizing the potential for difficulty.

Source: Unknown

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

2 Timothy 2:3

We, who belong to the Lord Jesus, will not make lasting commitments in serving Him unless we recognize that we will experience all manner of difficulties in doing so and, because we love Him with our entire being, we are willing to suffer anything for His honor and glory It is those soldiers of Christ who will experience His richest blessings and rewards.

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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

SERVING THE KING

07/11/21

William Carey, who is called the “Father of Modern Missions,” served the Lord in India for many years. He gradually became very concerned about the attitude of his son, Felix. The young man had promised to become a missionary, but he reneged on his vows when he was appointed ambassador to Burma by the Queen of England. Carey wrote to his friend, asking prayer for his son with these words: Pray for Felix. He has degenerated into an ambassador of the British government when he should be serving the King of Kings.

Source: Our Daily Bread

Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23, 24

If you belong to the Lord Jesus, do you realize that serving Him, the King of Kings, is the highest and most important position in life? Whatever job the Lord has called you to do, do not do it just please your superior but do it to please the Lord, to bring honor and glory to Him. If you do, it will be reflected in your attitude and quality of work.

If He is not your Lord and Savior, 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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

NO TURNING BACK

07/09/21

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, live by prayer and labor by His power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable and my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a a disciple of Jesus. I must go ‘till He comes, give ‘till I drop, preach ‘till all know and work ‘till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.—Anonymous

If you are a born-again child of God and this does not describe you, get right with the Lord NOW!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9

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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

DOCTRINE

07/07/21

It is an undoubted truth that every doctrine that comes from God, leads to God; and that which doth not tend to promote holiness is not of God.

-- George Whitefield

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, Berean Study Bible

The Lord, the Incarnated Word (John 1:14) has given us His written Word so that we, who know Him as our Lord and Savior, can be instructed by Him regarding every area of our lives. As we submit to His Lordship and the authority of His Word, we will be holy and pleasing to Him in our marriages, families, work, finances, all our relationships and service for Him.

His doctrine (instruction) will convict us when we need it, bring correction to the areas of our lives that need it, train us in righteous living, make us complete and equipped for every work that He wants us to do for Him and His glory!

If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and surrender your life to Him right NOW!

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:12, KJV

Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights

Fbj1966@gmail.com

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

LESSON FROM FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE

07/05/21

“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.”—Florence Nightingale

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Romans 14:12

Many Christians make excuses for not giving the Lord 100% in service and no excuses will be accepted when we stand before Him to have our service judged.

Are you using opposition from people as an excuse?

Have you been offended by a fellow believer and that is your excuse?

Are you saying you don’t have time for certain things you know the Lord wants you to do? If so, you need to rearrange your priorities. We always have time to what He wants us to do. He would not give us those responsibilities if that was the case.

Are you using discouragement as an excuse? A passionate love for Him will keep our attitude right and we will not let discouragement defeat us. He will give us His strength to overcome all obstacles!

If Jesus Christ is noy 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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

HIDDEN STEPS

07/03/21

“Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step, by little bits of wills, little denials of self, little inward victories, by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment.”—Amy Carmichael

“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

Yes, the hidden steps of daily intimate, passionate fellowship with the Lord, obedience to Him in all matters, including the little things, growing more and more in His likeness (John 3:30) will result in spiritual maturity and producing super-abundant fruit to the praise of His glory. How close is your relationship with Him? Are you doing the little things that please Him? Is your highest aspiration to become more like Him each day?

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

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

07/01/21

There is a bumper sticker that says, “Tithe if you love Jesus. Any idiot can honk.” A lot of people talk about how much they love the Lord, but they do not put their money where their mouth is.

Ministry127.com

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:15

The Lord not only gives us instructions in His Word regarding the stewardship of our money but every aspect of our lives. To say that we love Him and deliberately disobey Him proclaims that we are hypocrites. The words of the chorus, “Obedience is the very best way to prove that we believe” are very true. The Lord gives to His people who obey Him, His richest blessings. Don’t study His Word just to learn more of His will; study with the intent to obey His will.

If you are not one of His, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and surrender your life to Him, trusting Him and Him alone to 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.

Then confess your faith to others.

Daily develop a close relationship with the Lord through Bible study and talking to Him. Seek counsel from obedient, born-again Christians who can help you in those areas. Make the decision at the start of each day that the Lord Jesus is going to have the preeminence in all areas of your life.

Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights

Fbj1966@gmail.com

518.538.0917

LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!