John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks. Yet, in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, something happened that set in motion a change in Wesley’s heart. While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn’t even have a bed. Yet, he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God. Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man’s misfortunes. “And what else do you thank God for?” he said with a touch of sarcasm. The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, “I thank Him that He has given me a life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!” Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true thankfulness.
Source: Unknown
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” - Psalm 34:1
Gratitude ought to be the trade mark of every born-again Christian because Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sins, risen triumphantly to make us His own, forgiven us all our sins, given us the gift of eternal life, supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19), gives us His strength for every situation and to serve Him, has a home prepared for us with Him forever, and we will enjoy His eternal riches!
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
Fbj1966@gmail.com
518.538.0917
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
PERSONAL DEVOTIONS
03/30/21
In the 1880s a young man who was an earnest Christian found employment in a pawnshop. Although he disliked the work, he did it faithfully as unto the Lord until a more desirable opportunity opened for him. To prepare himself for a life of Christian service, he wrote on a scrap of paper the following resolutions: “I do promise God that I will rise early every morning to have a few minutes—not less than five—in private prayer. I will endeavor to conduct myself as a humble, meek, and zealous follower of Jesus, and by serious witness and warning I will try to lead others to think of the needs of their immortal souls. I hereby vow to read no less than four chapters in God's Word every day. I will cultivate a spirit of self-denial and will yield myself a prisoner of love to the Redeemer of the world.” That young man was William Booth, who later led thousands to Christ and founded the Salvation Army.
Source: Our Daily Bread, June, 28,1989
Do you claim to be a follower of Christ but spend very little time in fellowship wit Him and show very little concern for the lost people around you as well as the spiritual growth of fellow believers? If so, how can you expect others to take serious your claim to be His follower?
If you are not one of His, come to the Lord Jesus 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
Fbj1966@gmail.com
518.538.0917
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
CONTENTMENT IS LEARNED IN TRIALS
03/29/21
“If we would find content[ment], let us go to homes where women are crippled with rheumatism, or dying of cancer, where comforts are few, where long hours of loneliness are not broken by the intrusion of friendly faces, where the pittance of public charity hardly suffices for necessary need, to say nothing of comfort, it is there that contentment reveals itself like a shy flower. How often in the homes of the wealthy one has missed it, to find it in the homes of the poor! How often it is wanting where health is buoyant, to be discovered where disease is wearing out the strength! So it was with the Apostle, who was in the saddest part of his career. Bound to the Roman soldier, enclosed in some narrow apartment, in touch with only a few friends who made an effort to discover him, away from the happy scenes of earlier years, and anticipating Nero’s bar, he breaks out into these glorious expressions of equanimity. He had learned how to be abased in the valley of the shadow, he wore the flower heartsease in his buttonhole.”—F. B. Meyer
Source: The Epistle to the Philippians, F. B. Meyer
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:11
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” - 1 Timothy 6:6
The depth of our contentment and relationship with the Lord is revealed in the degree to which we break forth in praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the midst of the difficult circumstances of life. Do people know that you have a personal relationship with Him because you submit to His Lordship and allow the Holy Spirit to make real the joy of the Lord in those situations (Galatians 5:22)?
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!
THE QUAKER AND HIS NEIGHBOR
03/28/21
A devout Quaker was watching his new neighbor move in next door. After all kinds of modern appliances, electronic gadgets, plush furniture, and costly wall hangings had been carried in, the onlooker called out, “If you find you’re lacking anything, neighbor, let me know and I’ll show you how to live without it.”
Source: Unknown
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:11
Are you a follower of Christ who is bent on getting everything you want, storing up as many worldly possessions as possible for your own enjoyment or trying to keep up with or exceed the “Jones”? If so, you will not be passionately serving the Lord and seeking to please Him in all the areas of your life! Surrender completely to the Lord and make it your daily desire to be content with what He wants you to have and us for His glory and to serve Him. Say like the Apostle Paul, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” – Philippians 1:21.
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.”
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
Fbj1966@gmail.com
518.538.0917
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE EAGLE AND THE WEASEL
03/27/21
A man once saw a bald eagle soaring in circles. The circles began to tighten and the man looked over to see a weasel. Suddenly the eagle dropped out of the sky like a jet and caught the weasel in its talons. Amazingly, as the eagle began to fly away the weasel began to eat away at the breast of that eagle. The man watched as the weasel tore away at that eagle, snapping bones, and chewing flesh. He watched the eagle fold up and crash and the weasel went on with his day.
Getting what you want does not always work out the way you think it will. Sometimes the things we want will ruin us.
Source: Unknown
Submitted by Ray Cazis
“O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want (lack) to them that fear him.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
Psalm 34:9-10
Every born-again child of God can and should live daily with great contentment, knowing that if they love the Lord with their entire being, obey and please Him, no good thing will be withheld from them. The Lord gives His richest blessings to those who love and trust Him!
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!
114 YEARS WITHOUT COMPLAINTS
03/26/21
On November 4, 2010, Eunice Sandborn became the world’s oldest living person. She celebrated her 114th birthday in July, 20, 2010, at her church, First Baptist, in Jacksonville, Texas. Eunice says that she not only loves everything about her life, but she also has “no complaints.” If she had wanted to complain, she would have had many things accumulate throughout her 114 years to complain of. Yet, this lady has demonstrated that complaining is a choice.
Source: Houston Chronicle, November 5, 2010
“Do all things without murmurings (complaining, grumbling) and disputings:” - Philippians 2:14.
Complaining is a choice, a sin against our Lord! Whether or not we realize it, we are saying that He is not treating us fairly and are questioning His goodness. We act as though we are not getting what we deserve. Believe me, fellow believer, we do not want what we deserve!!! He Is good and good all the time! He is all-wise and knows what is best for us, and when we get “home”, we will know why!
When we complain, we cannot be good witnesses to lost people to win them to Christ or encourage fellow believers in their walk with Him!
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!
THE DIAMOND MINE OF GOLCONDA
03/25/21
Russell Conwell told of an ancient Persian, Ali Hafed, who owned a very large farm that had orchards, grain fields, and gardens. Ali was a wealthy and content man. One day Ali entertained a guest who told him all about diamonds and how wealthy he would be if he owned a diamond mine. Ali Hafed went to bed that night a poor man—poor because he was discontented.
Craving a mine of diamonds, he sold his farm to search for the rare stones. He traveled the world over, finally becoming so poor, broken, and defeated that he committed suicide.
One day, the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm led his camel into the garden to drink. As his camel put its nose into the brook, the man saw a flash of light from the sands of the stream. He pulled out a stone that reflected all the hues of the rainbow. The man had discovered the mine of Golconda, the most magnificent diamond mine in all history.
Had Ali Hafed remained at home and dug in his own garden, he would have had acres of diamonds instead of experiencing death in a strange land. The more we want from a human perspective, the less we have.
Source: Acres of Diamonds, Russell H. Conwell
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21
The Apostle Paul knew that possessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and, therefore, the gift of eternal life, loving, serving, glorifying Him and possessing the eternal riches of Christ made all the riches of this world look like trash in comparison. Are you experiencing that reality in your life?
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and trust Christ 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.
If you make that decision, let me know! Email me at fbj1966@gmail.com or text me at 518.538.0917.
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
BE CONTENT WHERE YOU ARE
03/24/21
The story is told about a pilot who always looked down intently on a certain valley in the Appalachians when the plane passed overhead. One day his co-pilot asked, “What’s so interesting about that spot?” The pilot replied, “See that stream? Well, when I was a kid I used to sit down there on a log and fish. Every time an airplane flew over, I would look up and wish I were flying... Now I look down and wish I were fishing.”
It is always tempting to think that others have it better than we do, and that if we just had “a little more” everything would be fine. But contentment cannot be achieved by increasing possessions. Nothing will ever be enough.
Source: Unknown
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:11
True contentment is only experienced by knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, being surrendered daily to His Lordship and the control of the Holy Spirit, doing our Lord’s will and manifesting His character in all areas of our lives. Then we will be content where we are, with what we have and who we are and our purpose in life.
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!
MEASURE OF COMPASSION
03/22/21
“Compassion can’t be measured in dollars and cents. It does come with a price tag, but that price tag isn’t the amount of money spent. The price tag is love.”—J. C. Watts Jr.
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”
2 Corinthians 5:14
Does the love of Christ constrain (control, compel) you to reach those who are still dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) as you were before you trusted Jesus Christ and Him alone to be your Lord and Savior? Don’t say you love your unsaved relatives, friends, coworkers, etc., if you are willing to withhold from them the Gospel and let them go to hell. Love will cause you to do everything possible to share with them the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
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!
BLEEDING TO DEATH OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
03/21/21
Christopher Sercye was playing basketball with his friends on May 16, 1998 when he was shot in the chest, and a bullet perforated his aorta. His friends helped him get to within forty feet of the entrance to Ravenswood Hospital and then went inside and asked for help. The hospital staff refused to help Christopher saying that it was against the hospital’s policies to administer aid to those outside the hospital. Eventually a policeman was able to get a wheelchair and wheeled Christopher into the hospital where he was helped by the hospital staff. It was too late, however, and Christopher died about an hour later.
Many times it seems that churches are surrounded by people that desperately need to hear the Gospel, yet Christians are content to share it only with those that manage to come inside their church.
Source: An Introduction to Healthcare Organizational Ethics, Robert T. Hall
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.´ - Proverbs 11:30
Many say that they are born-again Christians but show very little compassion for those outside of Christ and do very little to share the Gospel with their unsaved relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. Are you one of them? Remember, the day of accountability is coming (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12). We need to be pleading the lost to come to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
If you do not belong to Him, I plead with you to repent of all your sin (Luke 13:3,5) and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior NOW, before it is too late!
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
WEEPING FOR THE LOST
03/20/21
D.L. Moody told the story of his conversion this way: “When I was in Boston I used to attend a Sunday school class, and one day I recollect my teacher came around behind the counter of the shop I was at work in, and put his hand upon my shoulder, and talked to me about Christ and my soul. I had not felt that I had a soul till then. I said to myself, ‘This is a very strange thing. Here is a man who never saw me till lately, and he is weeping over my sins, and I never shed a tear about them.’ But I understand it now, and know what it is to have a passion for men’s souls and weep over their sins. I don’t remember what he said, but I can still feel the power of that man’s hand on my shoulder tonight.”
The concern and tears of a godly teacher resulted in the conversion of a man who saw a million souls saved in his evangelistic campaigns.
Source: A History of American Revivals, Frank Grenville Beardsley
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:” - Philippians 3:18
Jesus wept over Jerusalem and Paul wept over the enemies of Christ. Does the fact that unsaved people we know are headed for hell cause us to weep over their souls and cause us to do everything possible to reach them with the Gospel before it is too late? Do we talk about witnessing and even attempt to do so without a broken heart for those who are attempting to reach for Christ?
If you do not belong to Him, come to the Lord Jesus NOW, while you can!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE UNREAD CARD
03/19/21
One lady waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She knew she had forty-nine folks on her list. So she rushed into a store and bought a package of fifty cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed the forty-nine and signed them without reading the message inside.
On Christmas Day when things had quieted down somewhat, she happened to come across the one leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to forty-nine of her friends. Much to her dismay, it said:
“This card is just to say
A little gift is on the way.”
Source: Unknown
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” - Psalm 119:1-2
When we, who belong to the Lord Jesus, do not read and study His Word, we miss out on His richest blessings in all areas of our lives, because we are not living according to His will. Read, study, and apply His instructions regarding all areas of your life! Enjoy the Lord’s richest blessings and be an example for fellow believers, and a witness to the lost!
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!
SHE TALKED AS LONG AS SOMEONE WOULD LISTEN
03/18/21
Christine Chapman was supposed to bring her mother-in-law to the doctor, but she could not get her to stop talking to the neighbor. Finally, Christine escorted her away from the conversation so they wouldn’t be late. Once inside the car, her mother-in-law said, “Sorry, but I didn’t know what to do. The woman wouldn’t stop listening to me.”
Source: Reader’s Digest, January 2008
LOL!
“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” - Psalm 34:4
It is wonderful to know that the Lord Jesus listens to all who belong to Him, delights in their fellowship, and will answer their prayers. He never gets tired of listening to us and responding to our needs. What an awesome Lord and Savior we have!
If you do not belong to Him, come to the Lord Jesus NOW! He wants to be your Lord and Savior and friend!
“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!
HE ACTED LIKE HE WAS LISTENING
03/17/21
A husband and wife were at a party chatting with some friends when the subject of marriage counseling came up. “Oh, well never need that. My wife and I have a great relationship,” the husband explained. “She was a communications major in college and I majored in theatre arts.” He continued, “She communicates well, and I act like I’m listening.”
Source: Unknown
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” - James 1:19
Do you really listen to the Word of God at church, when someone is sharing it with you in personal conversation and discipleship? Do you really listen to it when you read the Word in your personal devotions? Real listening involves obedience. Are you obeying the Word of God in all areas of your life? Are you guilty of pretending that you are listening?
If Jesus Christ, the Incarnated Word 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 SILENT TREATMENT
03/16/21
A married couple had a quarrel and ended up giving each other the silent treatment. Two days into their mute argument, the man realized he needed his wife’s help. In order to catch a flight to Chicago for a business meeting, he had to get up at 5 a.m.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence, he wrote on a piece of paper, “Please wake me at 5 a.m.”
The next morning the man woke up only to discover his wife was already out of bed, it was 9 a.m., and his flight had long since departed. He was about to find his wife and demand an answer for her failings when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. He read, “It’s 5 a.m. Wake up.”
Source: Unknown
“…yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” - James 4:2d-3
Are you giving the Lord the silent treatment because bitter against Him because of things He has allowed to come into your life? If so, how foolish you are because He know best regarding all things and has promised in His Word, “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” (Romans 8:28).
Perhaps your fellowship with Him is broken because you are asking for the wrong motives (vs. 3) or because there known unconfessed sin in your life: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” (Psalm 66:18). If any of this is true in your life, confess your sin to Him, get your fellowship restored (1 John 1:9) and enjoy His richest blessings!
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO FRANKFORT, GERMANY?
03/15/21
The story is told about a lady who called American Airlines and asked the reservation clerk, “How long does it take to get from Dallas-Fort Worth to Frankfort, Germany?” The clerk had to wait a moment for the information to come up on her computer screen, so she said, “Just a minute.” The caller responded, “Thanks very much,” and hung up! Most of the things that really matter in life do not happen in “just a minute.”
Source: Unknown
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” - Psalm 27:14
We like to see many things happen quickly, including the answers to our prayers. Sometimes the Lord gives us quick answers but other times we must wait and thank Him in advance (that’s faith). He knows the best way to answer and the best time to do so, because He omniscient, knows everything.
So wait on the Lord and trust Him 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. - Psalm 27:14
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
HE ASKED AT THE WRONG TIME
03/14/21
The story is told about a barber who had just been gloriously saved in an old-fashioned revival meeting. The next morning at work he wanted to share his new faith and witness to the lost. A customer came in, and the barber began to shave him. He was trying to muster up the right words to say. Finally as he stood with his razor poised over the man’s throat he asked, “Are you prepared to meet God?”
Source: Unknown
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
2 Timothy 4:2
We need to be ready on all occasions to share the gospel with those who are still in their sins and living under the condemnation God (John 3:18, 36) so that they may come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, we must do so in a wise and loving manner!
Are you faithfully doing everything possible to share message and love of our Lord and Savior with everyone you can and in every way that you can?
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!
107 TRILLION EMAILS
03/13/21
107 trillion emails were sent in 2010 and 89.1% of them were spam.
Source: Business Insider, January 14, 2011
I wonder what the numbers are for 2020!
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.”
The Bible, the Lord’s messages to us, do not contain any spam messages! Every message is vital for knowing the Lord, establishing a close relationship with Him, know His will for all areas of our lives, and experiencing His richest blessings.
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
DIVIDING THROUGH GOSSIP
03/12/21
During World War II, the United States government became concerned that a number of German spies were operating in America, sending information back to Germany regarding Allied war plans and specific troop and ship movements. To keep them from impacting the war effort, the Office of War Information launched a national campaign around the slogan “Loose Lips Sink Ships.” It was a solemn warning to people not to repeat information that might be damaging or even deadly if it fell into the wrong hands.
In the same way, the Word of God warns us of the dangers of gossip. Repeating stories has a way of dividing the body of Christ. Gossip is even able to separate the closest of friends. One of the seven sins on the list of particular abominations to God is “he that soweth discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19).
Ministry 127
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” - Proverbs 16:28
If you the Lord is not answering your prayers and you are not experiencing the power of the Lord in your life and service for Him, it may be that you are involved in the sin of gossip. You cannot do something that He hates and expect to have a close relationship with Him. Confess the sin of gossip and get back into right relationship with Him through obedience so you enjoy His richest blessings (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
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
YOU CAN’T TAKE IT BACK
03/11/21
In the washroom of a place of business in London, British newspaper publisher William Beaverbrook happened to meet Edward Heath, a young member of Parliament, about whom Beverbrook had printed an insulting article a few days earlier. “My dear chap,” said the publisher, embarrassed by the meeting, “I’ve been thinking it over, and I was wrong. Here and now, I wish to apologize.”
“Very well,” grunted Heath, “but the next time, I wish you’d insult me in the washroom and apologize in your newspaper.”
Source: The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes, Clifton Fadiman
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3, David
We need to pray the same prayer to the Lord every day so that we do not sin with our tongue. James 3:7-8, says: “For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” How we use our tongue is a good indicator of the degree pf our spiritual growth. It can also indicate is a person truly belongs to 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!
A DELIGHTFUL VOICE
03/10/21
In June of 2013 news broadcasts across the country featured a little boy named Grayson Clamp doing something he had never done before. The three-year-old was born without the auditory nerves that carry sound to the brain. Attempts to restore his hearing with a cochlear implant were unsuccessful, so doctors at the University of North Carolina tried an experimental procedure to implant an auditory nerve directly into Grayson’s brain. This procedure proved successful, and millions of people enjoyed seeing the look of wonder and joy on the little boy’s face when he heard his father’s voice for the first time.
Today with the technology available communication is instant—but even then it is a delight to hear from a friend or family member who is far away. Just as we respond to those familiar voices with pleasure, God delights in hearing from His children.
Why do we pray? Certainly it is not to inform God of what we need. He already knows everything about our situation, and, far better than we could devise, He knows the answer that will be best for us. Prayer is meant in part to remind us of how dependent on God we truly are. But prayer is not just for our benefit. God enjoys hearing us pray! When we come to Him in faith and make our petitions before His throne of grace, His heart rejoices. He likes hearing our voices. Let us never go long without going to Him in prayer.
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” - 1 John 1:3
How much time do you devote daily to fellowship with the Lord?
If you can’t because you do not belong to Him, come to Him NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
MARK TWAIN ON READING
03/09/21
“A man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”—Mark Twain
ILLUSTRATION TOPICS: Communication
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
1 Timothy 4:13
A born-again Christian, who neglects the reading and studying of God’s word, will not be able to give proper exhortation to others, and will not know sound doctrine, which is absolutely essential for living every area of their life in accordance with the instructions of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and will endure difficulties that could be avoided, and will muss out on His richest blessings. Are you diligently reading the Word of God?
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!
MORE IMPORTANT THEN BEING PRESIDENT!
03/08/21
Have you ever heard the story about the man who became president for a day?
Does anybody know the name of the man who was president for a day?
President James Polk spent his last day as president on March 3, 1849, and at midnight, Polk was out of office. But his successor, Gen. Zachary Taylor, a staunch church goer, refused to be sworn in on March 4, 1849 because it was a Sunday. He said, “Going to church was a higher priority than becoming president of the United States.” He postponed his inauguration until Monday, March 5. So for one day, US Senator David Atchison of Missouri was president pro tempore of the US.
Can you think of anything more important than becoming president of the US?
Zachary Taylor could – it was going to church.
Source: Paul Harvey News & Wikipedia
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
Doing the will of God, obeying Him in all matters, is more important than being the President of the United States or anything else! Does the Lord Jesus have your love and complete obedience?
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!
KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
03/06/21
Jonathan Whitfield was preaching to coal miners in England.
He asked one man, “What do you believe?”
“Well, I believe the same as the church.”
“And what does the church believe?”
“Well, they believe the same as me.”
Seeing he was getting nowhere, Whitfield said, “And what is it that you both believe?”
“Well, I suppose the same thing.”
Many Christians seem to know as much about what they believe as that coal miner.
Source: Unknown
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
The born-again child of God has the responsibility of studying the word to know what the truth is and to live their life according to the Lord’s instructions. Not knowing His Word and failure to conform your life to His instructions will bring a lot of hurt and disappointments to you life.
If you don’t 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!
EVERY CHRISTIAN IS IMPORTANT
03/05/21
A fourteenth-century Italian stained-glass artist was summoned to design and create a huge portrait for the window of a cathedral in Chartres, France, a place well known for its stained-glass work. He laid all of the pieces he was going to use out on the floor of the cathedral. They were beautiful to behold; most of them were large and colorful. Among these awesome pieces of glass was a small, clear piece about as big as your fingernail. As the stained-glass portrait was assembled, that little piece remained on the floor. Only the big colorful pieces of glass were used.
On the day of the window’s completion, the tiny piece of clear glass was still lying on the ground. The entire city gathered to witness the unveiling of the brilliant and beautiful stained-glass portrait. The artist stood in front of the crowd, made his speech, and dramatically pulled down the cloth cover. The crowd gasped at the beauty of the colorful window glowing in the sunlight.
After a few seconds, however, the crowd grew silent. They sensed that something was missing, that the portrait was unfinished. The great artist then walked over to where the little clear piece of glass lay, picked it up, and placed it in the portrait, right in the center of Jesus’ eye. As the sun hit that little piece, it gave off a dazzling sparkle.
The magnificent stained glass window still draws visitors. The first thing they see is that sparkle in Jesus’ eye.
As small as that piece of glass was, it was very important to the portrait. And, no matter how insignificant a Christian may seem, he is important to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).
Source: Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks, Wayne Rice
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Every born-again Christian should be a member of a Bible-believing preaching church and working together with fellow believers to exalt Christ, serving Him and producing super-abundant fruit to the praise of His glory! Every believer is important in the service of the Lord!
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!
PULLING AN AIRPLANE
03/04/21
On October 15, 1997, David Huxley strapped a harness around his upper torso and attached it to a steel cable some fifteen yards long. The other end of the steel cable was attached to the front-wheel strut of a 747 jetliner that weighed 187 tons. With his tennis shoes firmly planted on the runway, Huxley leaned forward, pulled with all his might, and began moving the jetliner down the runway. In fact, he pulled the 747 one hundred yards in one minute and twenty-one seconds.
God’s work resembles that 747 jetliner. Just as it is impossible to pull a plane any real distance without using its engines, we can do nothing in our own strength. We must pray for God’s power that enables His church to fly thousands of miles on the wings of Christ. The church needs God's strength and help to grow.
Source: Choice Contemporary Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers, Craig Brian Larson
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21
Praise the Lord that we have His unlimited strength at our disposal to live and serve Him effectively in reaching lost souls with the message of salvation in Christ and the discipleship of fellow believers. As we yield daily to His Lordship, He will manifest His character in all areas of our lives that He may be exalted and glorified.
If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Savior, come to Him NOW!
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:12
Pastor Fred Johnson, Editor of Daily Insights
LOVE & LIVE PASSIONATELY FOR CHRIST!
THE EMBASSY BUILDING
03/03/21
One of our ambassadors to a foreign country said, “You have invited me to tell you about the duties of an ambassador. Let me begin by telling you first of the embassy, the place where we live. The embassy is a little spot of America set down in an alien land. On the walls we have pictures of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and the President of the United States, with a big flag—Old Glory—high over everything. When we had prohibition in the United States we had prohibition in the embassy. Inside the embassy the laws of our own country are supreme. We celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July. Outside, it is different. We celebrate none of these. Let me repeat, the embassy is a little spot of America in an alien land.”
Church should be a little spot of Heaven in an alien land.
Source: Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations, Paul Lee Tan
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” - Philippians 2:14-16
Yes, our local churches ought to be a little spot of Heaven in the midst of our crooked and perverse nation. It ought to be the place where the love, joy, peace and unity of our Lord is experienced and where fellow Christians are encouraged, comforted as well as challenged in their walk and service with the Lord.
If you do not belong to the Lord Jesus, 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!
MORE BUSINESS THAN GOD INTENDED!
03/02/21
“If a man's business requires so much of his time that he cannot attend the services of his church, then that man has more business than God intended him to have.”—J. C. Penney
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:33
Every born-again child of God, bought with the precious blood of Christ and rescued from eternal damnation, without hesitation should put the Lord Jesus Christ and His will first in their lives, because they love Him passionately for saving their souls, giving them the gift of eternal life, and promising to provide everything the need. They ought to constantly pursue what is right in His sight! Does that describe 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!
LABOR IS NO SUBSTITUTE!
03/01/21
“The local church is espoused to Christ, but there is always the danger of that love growing cold. Like Martha, we can be so busy working for Christ that we have no time to love Him. Christ is more concerned about what we do with Him than for Him. Labor is no substitute for love.”—Warren Wiersbe
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
Matthew 22:37
When we love the Lord with our entire being, we will not let labor for Him take the place of loving Him and we will covet a close loving relationship with Him. Service done out of obligation and which sacrifices an intimate relationship with Him will become burdensome and rob us of His richest blessings. He wants our complete love which will cause us to rely on Him for direction of service and the power to serve him as we should. Never let labor take the place of an intimate, loving relationship with Him!
If you are not one of His, come to Him NOW!
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”