Posts by jjohnson
What does “pray continually” mean?
“…and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:17-18) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1…
Read MoreSeasoned Speech
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 Check out these fun historical facts about salt: – Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt (which is where the word “salary” comes from) – Salt was used to preserve Egyptian mummies…
Read MoreDepression & Being Clothed With Christ’s Righteousness
Many believers in Scripture experienced depression, emotional pain and distress: Elijah “I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 Job “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11“I have no peace, no quietness, I…
Read MoreGod’s Power Over Nature
During a ski outing in Colorado several years ago, snow had fallen heavily. I skied into a patch of deep snow late in the day and was instantly buried up to my chest. I struggled to get out, but my struggling just seemed to make it worse. As the minutes wore on, I became exhausted. …
Read MoreShould Christians Demand Apologies?
The Bible consistently commands believers to forgive others. The list of verses is long and useful, and I’ve listed many of them at the bottom of this post. That said, while God’s command to forgive others is ubiquitous, I am unable to find Christ-followers in Scripture demanding apologies. I was naturally curious as to why…
Read MoreMothers, Fathers & Child Safety
God gifts moms with a built-in sense for the safety of their children. My wife has an eye for safety that is unparalleled…and I have no doubt that her insights have saved our children from utter disaster on many occasions. She truly has earned the title “Chief Risk Officer”! But what happens when this sense…
Read MoreIs Righteous Anger Okay?
Righteous anger is godly, but that that raises the question, “What, exactly, is righteous anger?” Righteous anger is anger that meets all of the following criteria: An an actual sin has taken place A passion for God’s glory is the concern of the person’s anger The anger needs to be righteously expressed An Actual Sin…
Read MoreWhen Desires become Sinful
James 4:1-3 “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not…
Read MoreChrist is Sufficient in Sanctification too
It is commonly known among believers that Christ is sufficient in salvation (justification). But the sufficiency of Christ doesn’t end there. The sufficiency of Christ continues on throughout the Christian life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be…
Read MoreOur 20/20 Vision of the Faults of Others
Matthew 7:3 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4Or how can…
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