To Be Continued...................

Today I went to church and was a little distracted by one statement I heard in the sermon,"To be Continued......"   He was talking about shows that have a cliff hanger at the end, with TO BE CONTINUED.....and we have to wait a whole week, maybe even until the following season for the outcome.    That's what God is doing with our lives.      As I heard this, all sorts of thoughts came to mind, and I wrote the following.    I must confess, it was mostly a reminder from God to me, that He is still sovereign and in control of my life. 

TO BE CONTINUED.........................

On life's edge when our prayers don't seem to be heard;
and we wonder of our children's actions that seem so absurd,
When we ask God why, when we've done all He has said.
His answer is "to be continued.......I'm not finished yet."

It's always when we question God in regards to our life,
Be it, health, finances or any kind of pain or strife,
He simply smiles down upon us, because He sees the end.
And says "to be continued......"  and we learn to rest in Him.

 In the bigger picture, though we can't see it all
Our life from God's perspective is so very small.
In all of our lives no matter what the chaos or the stress,
"To be continued...." is what He says more or less.

We so much, desire to see the end of the story.
Unknown to how our present circumstances will bring Him glory.
As He continues to mold us in His perfect time,
His plan continues in our lives as well as all of mankind.

You see since the beginning, His story He has been molding.
From Adam to Noah to Moses until Jesus it has been unfolding.
And here you are a part of the plan He has had from the beginning,
To be continued until the story's ending.

So whether you are discouraged or victorious today,
Remember God is the author of your life and wants to convey,
That it's Him who started a good work in you then,
TO BE CONTINUED.........until the story's end.

Copyright 2013 Sandra C. Johnson

Thanks to Scot Anderson at Living Word Bible Church in Scottsdale, AZ  for
the inspiration to the above poem.

A FATHER AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

As the years have passed, I've watched this man.
Give to his children unconditionally from his hand.
His prayers never did cease for each of them day and night
Praying for them to be blessed and to always do what's right.

And as I watched him  again on this Father's day
Think not of himself but for his children he prayed.
Regardless of the love he's received in return.
Or the many times his love toward them may have been spurned.

He still loves them each with an unending fervor.
He never gives up, and perseveres unlike any other.
I've watched him as he tears up over the love he has inside
He grieves and rejoices over every circumstance in their lives.

He's never been one to show emotion that his children can see.
Though behind the scenes I've witnessed his generosity.
He would give anything and everything for each child
His love touches me and in my heart makes me smile.

So proud I am to be married to such a wonderful man.
One blessed by God and touched by His loving hand.
I thank God each day for blessing our family with him.
A father after God' s own heart, and a wife's very best friend.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO MY HUSBAND LLOYD

June 17, 2013

Sandy Johnson

On Bended Knee

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

When I look out across this land, I see so many changes throughout the years that makes my heart sick.  So many delicate subjects, from the debate of abortion to the hot topic of today, legalizing marijuana and gay marriage.   These things bring out many strong feelings in all of us, whether you are for or against, name calling, criticism abounds, and the debate continues.   
This is not all that new.   I've been reading the Old Testament recently, and discovered that Israel after they were delivered from God again and again, chose their own way, seeing the ways the nations around them lived seemed to be the way to go. Even though we don't deal with idol worship in the same way they did back then, we still get drawn away from God through the media, TV, and all of the gadgets we have today to distract us.   Today, it's not just temptations, but it's issues, and even in the Christian circles, it's which church is right and which one is wrong.   "I will never go to the church on 1st Street, do you know what they believe there? "    I mean seriously?  Are you kidding me?   We can't even get along with our own brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, and we wonder why no one listens to us.   There are many bigger fish to fry.   We were given the mission to reach the world for Christ, not by codemning it but by showing  Christ's love to a dying world.    It's not about what  church is right or wrong, or whether marijuana should be legalized.   Let's get to the crux of the matter.   I can argue politics or religion till the day is long, but if I can't show you Jesus Christ through my life, what's the point?  It's as Paul stated below:

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1.  

ON BENDED KNEE

I can argue till the day is long of what I believe is true.
I can even show statistics to prove my point of view
But even if for one second you doubt what I'm trying to say
I in myself have no power to convince you of my way. 

Wars are fought and families destroyed over issues such as these
As we spend our time pointing the finger when we should be on bended knee
Fighting a battle for the heart of those we claim to love
When in reality it's  only ourselves we are thinking of.

God gave us all a choice from the moment we were born.
To follow the path He has chosen or go out on our own.
He will not force or coerce anyone into following Him.
We too should never push our force our family or our friends.

We might take a stand for what we believe is right.
And well we should stand up and radiate God's light.
But without God's love at the center of that truth.
We've missed the point of what God is trying to do.

Politics  and religion are always the hot topics of the day.
The ones that divide friends and family, oh it's always been that way.
Only God knows the truth, so why not give it all to Him.
Get on bended knee and search our souls within.

God will show us what we need to do to change.
He will bring to light all of our selfish ways.
We will soon discover that those whose hearts we are trying to reach.
Are not the ones He is truly trying to teach.

We can argue our point of view, and debate is good at times.
It challenges, and if we let it, opens up our minds
But at the end of the day, we must get on bended knee
And pray for those we love knowing only God can set them free.

Sandra C. Johnson Copyright 2013 

AGE OF CONVENIENCE

We live in a day and age of convenience. I remember not long ago making a comment that was old fashioned, and the response I received was "The is the new millinium. People don't believe that stuff anymore." What's sad is it's true. Have sex, don't worry about the consequences, there is the abortion pill if you get pregnant, just practice safe sex. Whereas, if you didn't practice until your wedding day, you wouldn't have to worry about it. I find the term safe sex kind of ironic. It indicates that sex is not always safe. Why is that? It's pretty simple really. God did not intend for us to sleep with whomever we want, whenever we want. It was something that was to be between one man and one woman only. No exceptions.

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband." 1 Cor 7:1-2

Is what I'm saying popular or acceptable? Not at all, but neither is staying away from high fat foods for our health. Quitting smoking is painful in the beginning, but in the end our bodies truly pay the benefits of it. If we smoke, we know this to be true, and get tired of hearing our doctors and well meaning friends tell us what we already know. You see the truth is, what I'm saying is something that deep down inside we already know. The good news is once we get a glimpse of God's plan for our lives, and follow that plan with full faith and no doubt, it' s amazing the peace and joy that God puts in our hearts. A joy that no worldly satisfaction can provide.

I challenge you to ask God His will for your life, and watch for the sign posts He will provide, and follow that sign post, no matter how much you may or may not want to, and see what follows. You too, will be amazed.

The poem I share today, is in answer to one of the signposts God gave me. He put on my heart to share this with you. I didn't want to, because of the controvery surrounding the subject of abortion. I don't however, approve of any life choices that go against the word of God, abortion and same sex marriage are just a couple. I find it hard to truly communicate with those who do approve of it however. The first response I and many others I am sure receive is that I'm judging them, or self-righteous.

It's not my place to ever judge another, but it is my place to stand up for what I believe in, without squashing anyone else's right to do so. Please be blessed by the following poem.

 

I WONDER

 

What if Sarah had contemplated the choice to end the unborn life.

What if she had thought she was too old, and heeded today's advice.

What if the virgin Mary had contemplated what she should do.

With the child growing inside of her, what if she chose abortion too?

 

What if you decided to end a pregnancy because your too young to have a child.

People would look upon you and judge you and consider you reviled.

Your not even married and the father has not a clue to your state.

So why not end it now, and avoid it's timely fate.

 

So many questions, and options today's world has to offer man.

Medical marijuana and other supposed cures for the sick across this land.

Faith in God has been tossed aside for today's technology,

How can we throw away precious life so carelessly?

 

There are arguments condoning abortion, I'm too old, or I'm too young.

I'm not ready, I'm in school, I'm unhealthy, I'm undone.

But we have forgotten through God all things are possible if we believe.

So let's cast aside the lies the world has told us, and all the hypocrisy.

 

I wonder about Sarah, and the virgin Mary and the choices they could have made.

I wonder about the many arguments of our times and what Jesus would really say.

I wonder about the fate we are erasing from the chronicles of time.

And what inventions never came because our unbelief made us blind.

 

I wonder about the excuses we make as we continue to live a lie.

May we seek the answers from the only one who knows what's best, our God upon High.

The wisdom of the world is foolishness to all of us who believe.

So regardless of how logical it may sound, rest assured you are only being deceived.

 

Copyright 2013 Sandra C. Johnson

Today

We live in a time when the economy is questionable at the least. The future is uncertain, and times are uneasy. Worrying about it though, as I have had to tell myself throughout the years does me no good. I've read the following several times throughout my life, when worry overtakes me and times are uncertain. I realize now, that this is a principle that no matter what times we are living in, applies.

　

25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  Matthew 6:25-34
Notice the underlined portion above. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Seeking God's kingdom first is the key. Absorbing our minds in those things above. Not dwelling on our negative circumstances but on what God expects of us, and giving our burdens to Him to take care of. These are the thoughts that inspired me when I wrote the following poem.

TODAY

 

The future isn't here and the past has come and gone;

We have today only to think about and carry on.

We can't worry over mistakes we might have made.

Or fret about our future, and it's unknown fate.

 

Today is here and now, and we must journey on.

Taking life one day at a time, being content and being strong.

Giving all the rest to our Father and yielding to His will;

No fear of the future, and knowing the past is no big deal.

 

It's now we must think about, and God's plan for today.

Not what is going to happen, but His present perfect way.

Not dwelling on the bad or only on the good in life.

But rolling with the punches, the good times and the strife.

 

It's time to enjoy life, the present moment of this day.

It's time to be content in every situation and remembering to pray.

It's then when Yahweh does His work in you, for you've laid your life down.

And in the end when all is said and done, you'll be wearing a crown.

 

In the end, those things that worried you won't matter at all;

Those things done in the past will seem so very small.

All that will matter to you is Jesus and His love;

As you experience life at its fullness, seeking things above.

 

So give it all up my friend, all that you hold so tight.

God is much bigger than it all and He will make it all right.

It won't do you any good to hang on to self any longer.

And if you let go, I promise God will make you stronger.

 

You can't worry about the past, or what tomorrow will bring.

You gain nothing when holding on to earthly things.

But letting go of all you want, so Christ can fill you here.

Is the beginning of His work in you, for perfect love casts out all fear.

 

Copyright 1997 Sandra C Johnson

God's Dream for Us

Has God ever put something on your heart that you dismissed because it was too big, and surely you could never accomplish that.    What if he told you that you could overcome or even beat in a competition that champion that had been in first place for 10 years straight?   Would you believe it?   What would your thoughts be?   Would they be feelings of faith or fear?   Would you go for it or shrink back?  I was contemplating this, when reading the following:

50 "Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, 51 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; 53 you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess. 54 And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone’s inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. 56 Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.’”  Numbers 33:50-56

God has given us the land to possess.   He has a plan for us to do great things, it could be to start a business that will bless thousands unknown to you at the time, it may be something you invent that will change medical science in generations to come.   It may not be big at all, it may be some simple experience you have because you obeyed God, that will affect one person that in turn affects another and multiplies, not because of what you said, but because you obeyed God's voice to follow a road that you were scared to follow bringing you to that exact circumstance and to that exact conversation with one person.   The incredible thing about it is, you may not even realize it was you who inspired this person to follow a road that once again affects millions, in time.    After all, it was years after this, that Jesus was born and died on the cross for the entire world.    What's your dream?    I dare say, is it your dream, or is it something God has put in your heart for a reason? 
   

Making the Impossible Possible

Long ago in a place far away.

Was a kingdom that thought they were there to stay.

The King called Pharaoh ruled over the land.

Everyone ushered to his every command.

But finally one man obeyed God’s voice.

Told him "Let my people go." He didn’t have a choice.

Of course Pharaoh refused, but unknown to Him;

God had the final say in the end.

Against odds and Pharaoh’s decree;

Israel walked out of Egypt and were set free.

No matter what Pharaoh decided to do;

He couldn’t stop the God of Heaven and earth so true.

Israel won many battles throughout the years.

They stood up to giants who made many fear.

No matter what obstacles God led them through;

When they looked up to Him, they knew what to do.

All through the ages, God’s had His ways;

Of showing His glory that’s far worthy of praise.

Making the impossible come to pass.

Astounding many to hold to Him fast.

Yes, Meshach, Shadrach and Abed-Nego

Were in a fiery furnace so long ago.

And in the end, they did not have a burn.

So much from this we can all learn.

And Daniel in the Lion’s den

Because he would not follow the precepts of men.

Was thrown in where it appeared his life would end.

But he came out without a scratch, as God delivered again.

God’s in the business of deliverance today.

Making the impossible, possible each time that we pray.

Yes, the trials are hard, sometimes to bear.

But God is with us in the depths of despair.

There are many stories of God’s deliverance.

Of his protection and divine providence.

As Americans fought for their freedom so long ago;

They were outnumbered by a vicious army and foe.

God delivered and made what seemed impossible then;

A reality as a new nation was born that looked unto him.

So today no matter how it may seem;

God has a plan for His redeemed.

Don’t look at your circumstances and be dismayed;

Look only to your Father where your faith is laid.

It’s His Word that will come through in the end.

Simply hold onto His hand and stay close to Him.

Copyright 1998 Sandra C. Johnson

History's First Motivational Speakers

There are many books on positive thinking, what you think in your heart, you are, and the power of thinking positive, etc.   My guess is that one of the first motivational speakers in history were probably two men by the names of Joshua and Caleb.   Let's read the following passage of scripture from Numbers 13. 

26"Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants[d] (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
God had a plan for Israel to enter into Canaan, but that didn't happen.  In fact they spent the next 40 years wandering through the wilderness. 
Is that where you are? In the wilderness trying to figure out what God has for you?  I encourage you to pray and ask Him what His will is for you, that you may have walked away from, because of fear.  Fear that you couldn't do it, that it's too big of a project.   Whatever it is, may we recognize the lies that we believed at one time, and put on the armor of truth, and walk into the promised land with faith in God's promises. 
I wrote the following poem several years ago, and have just redone it.   May you be blessed in the new year.

THE GIANTS

The giants of the land scared them away.

The men were discouraged by their size and dismayed.
Not having faith enough to enter in;
They allowed the giants to get to them.

The giants are there today too.
As God's promises come into view.
We can't see what He has for us, we can only see them.  
As they tower over our hearts and whisper "you'll never win".

The giants can scare you if you see them here;
They can intimidate us and make us shrink back in fear.
Have faith my friends, put God's full armor on.
Stand firm in the Lord, and He'll make you strong. 

They disguise themselves in many ways.
Causing us to accuse and condemn others by what they say;
They sneak into the purest of heart;
Unwillingly deceiving them, leaving their mark.

They make us judge others with condemnation.
We justify it, calling it righteous indignation.
While we join the ranks of the scared crowd.
The giants convince us into speaking our fears out loud.

We then wonder why everything falls apart.
While we've self proclaimed our destiny from the start.
Our prayers go unanswered and we don't understand why.
Because one day we saw the giants and believed a lie.

Yet fear not, for in Christ we have all authority.
Saying His name turns them quickly into the minority.
Teaching others to do the same;
Is how the giants will be conquered and be dismayed.

"I give you this land" God said back then;
The Canaanites and Perizites must come to an end.
The giants in our land today as well;
Must all be sent back to the depths of hell.

But in it all, we must be careful to judge with God's mind.
Keeping Him close to our hearts, letting His light continue to shine.
Keeping vengeance and pride far from us here;
And having God's love which casts out all fear.

It's then when the giants will truly be dismayed;
No fear to reach out to their prisoners today.
No fear to rebuke, for it's birthed out of love;
A kingdom of priests restoring the Kingdom to God above.

The devil roams like a roaring lion, seeking whom to devour;
And his giants are working very hard in this final hour.
So hang on to Jesus, so He can help you discern in these days;
For through His name, these giants will go to the grave.

Copyright 2012 Sandra C. Johnson