Jackie's Journey "Looking for Answers??"

We are in crisis on every level!  We face unknowns and turmoil of every kind imaginable.  Our homes, families, culture, cities, states, and country are in a state of total confusion and chaos. Our streets are unsafe. Our children are unprotected.  Everyone has a solution and nothing gets better.  We are imbalanced and leaning over a cliff with no return…unless, we look to the “Author and Finisher” for help!

 “The widely accepted concept that we can choose to accept Christ only because we need Him as Savior and that we have the right to postpone our obedience to Him as  Lord, as long as we want to…is  heresy!  The truth is that salvation apart from obedience is unknown in the sacred scriptures.  To urge men and women to believe in a divided Christ is bad teaching. 

 How can we teach  that we can be saved without any thought of obedience to our Sovereign Lord?  It is wrong to look upon Jesus as a divine nurse to whom we can go when sin has made us sick, and after he has helped us, to say good-bye and go our own way. 

Christ will either be Lord of all or He will not be Lord at all!!

  In our time we have overemphasized the psychology of the sinner’s condition.  We  spend  much time describing the woe  of the sinner, the grief of the sinner, and the great burden he carries.  He does have all those, but we forget the principal fact-that the sinner is a rebel against properly constituted authority.   That is what makes sin…sin.  We are rebels, or an independent spirit disloyal to all precepts of a Sovereign God.  The root of sin is rebellion against God…the Lord will not save those whom He cannot command.

 Do we really think that we do not owe Jesus Christ our obedience?  We have owed Him our obedience since the moment we cried out to Him for salvation, and if we do not give Him that obedience, I have reason to wonder if we are really converted.” A. W. Tozer “Why do you call me Lord and not do as I say”. Luke 6:46

 What’s the plan?”

 There is only one place to find answers…

Are we really looking for answers or an excuse?

“It is sin not to pursue Him with all our heart!” II Cor. 12:14

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Truth Don't Lie!"

Truth is a universal topic.  Today, we hear much about each person having “his own truth”.  There is an ideological warfare confronting us, as we face the issues of knowing truth and speaking truth in our day.  Truth has been confused with lies camouflaged in opinions.

 Lions don’t lie! They clearly speak their intentions with their ears, the posture of their tails, the shape of their mouth, the sounds of their roars. Their very presence is intimidating.  There is no doubt what their next move will be.  Lions clearly reveal their objectives. Truth of his target and goal is not hidden or disguised.  This massive predator is coming after me, if given a chance!

 “ Does a lion roar  in  the thicket when it has no prey?

Does it growl in its den when it has caught nothing?”

Amos, the  prophet who carried the burden on God’s heart

and the plight of God’s people states these words

in the first Chapter, verse 2 …”The Lord roars…Amos 3:4

 Telling  a lie is like pounding a nail in the wall of one’s character.  Telling the truth removes the nail, but leaves the mark.  No man ever puts a stumbling-block in the way of others by telling the truth”. Oswald Chambers  Truth is the foundation upon which anything that stands is built.

 We find unchanging truth as we acquaint ourselves with the mind and heart of God in His Word. For example:  “ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”! Jn. 1:8 or “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Or Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Jn. 14:6   In the continuing conflict between good and evil, truth is the weapon that wins the war.

 One of my husband’s favorite verses is John 8:44 which says, “He(Satan) was a murderer from the beginning and not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” In case I was negligent in telling you where lies come from, John 8: 44 very clearly states the truth.

 Do  you exaggerate when talking to others?

Do you lie or tell only part of the truth to escape the consequence of your actions?

Do you misrepresent the Lord with inconsistent or negative attitudes?

Do you give damaging reports of others?

We lie in many culturally “acceptable” ways.

Let’s take a stand against dishonesty and deception on every level this week…

Only truth sets us free.

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "What's Under the Hood?"

The deer mouse demonstrates contentment in its ability to make its home almost anywhere, making itself comfortable with whatever is available. We know this firsthand, as one rainy winter, they decided to make their nest under the hood of my car!  Hungry little creatures that they are, they proceeded to eat through my cable lines and brought my transportation to an abrupt “out of commission”!  He must have traveled miles with me over the course of a few months while he ate what was available, while resting in his warm nest! 

 Oh, I forgot to mention…at the same time,

his friends did the same thing under the hood of my husband’s car!

 The alternative to contentment is boredom.  This little mouse and his little family were content because they weren’t under a bush in the rain, but cozy, dry and had plenty of cable lines and food I set out for more domestic animals to eat!  They maximized what was available to them.  They felt welcome because all summer I kept the bird feeders full of food and planters with vegetables ready for all of them. “They no doubt invited the whole community for a feast” my husband would say.  I was content watching the birds, squirrels, rabbits and racoons come to entertain me every morning while I drank my coffee.

 Little did I know they were moving in!   Not just a morning visit, but sly interlopers.  I learned that as content as they were, I was a little dismayed!  Contentment is understanding God has provided everything I need for my PRESENT happiness. Why was I complaining…I brought this on myself!  Contentment is contrary to human nature and must be learned.

 Adam and Eve had the perfect environment and they were not content in it.    They had perfect health, a perfect marriage, a perfect garden, and walked in that garden with God, yet they soon believed the lie that God had not provided everything they needed to be content!  What hope is there for me?

 “Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”

Philippians 4:11

 God’s purpose was to teach me to distinguish between my needs and wants and to lean in on Him. Contentment is a decision we make as He uses these interruptions to  remind us to focus and recognize our daily need for Him regardless of our circumstances. Hence, the “cozy car destroyers” are  not my irritation… but my best friends!

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Are You Crying Out?"

A CALL TO ALL WOMEN!

If there was ever a time in history

That called for us to fall on our knees…

This is the time!

“Arise and  cry out in the night,  as the  watches of the night begin;

Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.

Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children.” 

Lamentations 2:19

Does your prayer life show the value of those we love and especially, our children?

Years ago, a godly Nebraska friend, Ginny Steele, gave me an alphabet of character qualities with scripture that I could consistently and systematically pray into my two little princesses,  Christina and Kimberly Joy.  It has now been extended as a prayer into the lives of my seven grandchildren.

 Years ago,  a godly Nebraska friend, Ginny Steele, gave me an alphabet of character qualities with scripture that I could consistently and systematically pray into my two little Princesses.

It has now been extended as a prayer into the lives my seven grandchildren.

 It begins with:

1.     Alert to subtle sin and how to avoid involvement in it.  (Mark14: 36)

2.     Bold to live for Christ and share the gospel.  (Acts 4:29)

3.     Compassionate to the needs and hurts of others.  (Col. 3:12,13; 1 Jn. 3:7)

4.     Dependability even if it involves sacrifice!  (Rom. 14:12; Psa.15:4)

5.     Eagerness and Endurance to accomplish God’s best.  (Gal. 6:9)

6.     Fruit of the Holy Spirit  (Gal. 5: 22,23)

7.     Gentle and Generous (Lu. 6:35-38; Pro. 15: 1; 11 Cor. 9:6; 1 Thess. 2: 7)

8.     Humble enough to realize God and others are responsible for whatever achievements are attained  (1 Pet. 5: 6; Jas. 4: 6) and verbally grateful!

9.     Initiative to respond without being asked.  (Psa. 87: 15,16; Rom. 12:21)

10.  Joyful because of harmony with God and others. (Psa. 97: 11,12; Pro.15: 13)

11.  Kind heart. (Hab. 3:18; 1 Peter 1: 8)

12.  Love for God, His Word and others.  (1 Jn. 4:7,8; 1Cor. 13: 3)

13.  Meekness of spirit.  (1Peter 3: 4; Psa. 62: 5)

14.  Never forsake the Lord.  (Joshua 24: 16)

15.  Obedient to God and other divinely appointed authority.  (Deut. 5:29; Rom. 2: 13; 11 Cor. 10: 5)

16.  Patience to wait on God.  (Jas. 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3,4)

17.  Quality time with God daily and Quiet spirit.  (Psa.46: 10)

1.          Quick to confess sin.    (1 Jn.1: 9; Psa. 46: 10)

18.  Repentant heart leading to knowledge of the truth.  (Job 11: 14,15; 11 Tim. 2:25)

19.  Self-Control…a Separated Life.  (Titus 2: 11,12; Gal.5: 24,25)

20.  Truthful and Thankful with Transparent motives.   (Eph. 4:25)

21.  Unique Ability to live by faith in the Living God.  (Gal.2: 20; Eph. 2:8; 2 Cor. 5:7)

22.  Virtue (Moral Purity) of spirit and life. (1 Thess. 4: 3)

23.  Wisdom to see life from God’s point of view. (Etc. 2: 26; Jas. 1: 5; Pro. 9:10)

24.  Exalt God in everything. (Ex. 15:2; Psa. 99:5; Isa. 25:1)

25.  Yield personal rights to God for victory over Anger. (Matt. 16:24-26; Gal. 5:24; Lu.2: 28; Titus 2: 11,12: Col. 3: 5)

26.  Zero in on God’s Will daily.  (Rom. 12:2; 1 Jn. 2:17; Psa.40:8)

 Will you join me in obediently and faithfully

praying daily for our children and grandchildren?

 Your prayer life for your children demonstrates their value to you!

“Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin;

pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.

 Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children.”

Lamentations 2:19

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Silent Promises?"

We live up a narrow gorge that stretches from the valley floor with its ocean and sandy beach to the top of the hill over-looking the harbor.  My desk sits at a window that has a view to an island 26 miles away.  Currently, I am watching the fog blanketing the coastline, bringing a cool breeze into our torched summer afternoon.  Watching the birds ride the currents is a regular distraction and preoccupation.

 I  was watching a large hawk sweep down across the pool in the backyard.  As he  ascended high up  into the sky above the valley below, he screeched loudly, over and over.  I observed this magnificent creature ride the current up and down…back and forth.  A  short time later, he swooped down into our yard again…only this time…he was silent…

 He had a snake dangling from his talons!

 “God provides for the cattle and

for the young ravens …when they call out!”

 Psalm 147:9

 I paused and realized…  I am that helpless raven that is found “crying out”. Totally dependent on God, placing  my faith continually on His promises and unfailing love!  Whether with no communication with the outside world in the jungles of Panama or here, in the U.S., with way to many ways to communicate.  The most important line of communication to keep open is that with the “King of Kings”!

 There are three common characteristics in the lives of our heroes of faith.  The first is their total dependence on God.  The second is they cried out to God first and then obeyed. And lastly, they courageously walked through the door of fear and doubt to experience the joy of genuine faith.

 Everything in life is a faith issue.

 “Faith is dead to doubts; dumb to discouragement;

blind to impossibilities”.

 We live in a hurricane with endless noise and activity.  Hearing the voice of God speaking to us when we cry out is a cherished and coveted practice, because He whispers in the quietness of our consciousness as His Word is read and His truth dwells richly in us.

 Are you listening for His whisper?   

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Fact or Fiction?"

We are confounded with everyone’s opinion.  We cannot escape it!  Everyone has to have a voice. People fight for their opinions.  “Opinions cannot survive if one has no chance to fight for them.” Thomas Mann   Differences of opinion separate families, friends and divide churches.  You can have a low opinion, an informed opinion, a “contrary to popular belief” opinion, a high opinion, a general opinion, an expert opinion, to mention a few.  In truth, there is nothing so short-lived as an opinion without a personal biblical conviction. 

 The Atheist says “There is no God”

The Agnostic says “There might be a God”

The Humanist says “Let’s remove God”

Pornography says:  “Sex is God”

Greed says “Money is God”

Pride says “Power is God”

Satan says “Be your own God”

 “The tongue with its opinions can be a beautiful angel or a hideous demon. It can be honey or vinegar.  The tongue can be pure or vile. The tongue can caress or cut. It can rouse men to act as well as it can subdue their emotions.  A false whisper can infuriate a nation, but the power of eloquence can quell the fury of a multitude.  A word of anger can wound while a word of kindness can heal.  Words of hate can kill and words of love can revive.”

 God says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”. Proverbs 18: 21

 One day opinions will flee and at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess who the REAL, TRUE God is! Romans 14: 11  “The unattended garden will soon be overrun with weeds; the heart that fails to cultivate truth and root out error will shortly be a theological wilderness!” A.W.Tozer

 Do you want to put order back in your life and understand our current world events? Whether a mom, college student, young married person, grandma, or whatever your current station in life…we would do well to remember what God says.  It is His opinion only that counts!  “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations ;I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46: 10

 Find Him and His opinion and what He thinks about everything in the Bible…

Reading required…

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Evil's Evolution!"

If I asked you to define the word “EVIL”, what would you say?

Our world, as we know it, is turned upside  down!  The world I grew up in respected God, country and family.  We stood when the American Flag was raised, we started our classes saluting that flag and bowed our heads in prayer before we sat down to study. We respected our elders and stood when they entered the room and offered them our seat.  We were taught to love our siblings, to speak to people so they knew they had value.  We shook stranger’s hands and looked each other in the eye.  We expected truth, not lies.  Integrity was a behavior to be valued.

Right and wrong were easy to discern and making the right choice brought benefit and wrong choices came with instant consequence.  It was easy…the rules to a life of harmony were attainable.  Today, the lines are so blurred, our young people prickle and call it prude!  Having had little experience with living outside unkindness and inconsideration, the entitled young people are bogged down with “gimme mine” instead of “how can we make this work”.  What is wicked, sinful, malicious and immoral are all neglected terms with little or no relevance to life.

It has been coming for a long time and compromise of truth has found its foothold in our worldview.  It used to be we could see it plainly and we just “kept in our lane” and hoped for the best for those around us.  Our hope rested in the final “Word” …what did God think about this?”  The Word decided it…God said it…I believe it…That settles it!” Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!

I read this this week and it resonated with precise certainty. 

First we overlook EVIL;

 then we permit EVIL;

 then we legalize EVIL;

then we promote EVIL;

then we celebrate EVIL!

Our Warning: “Woe to you who call EVIL good and good EVIL”.  Isaiah 5: 30

 The sequence of our demise is so obvious.  What part each of us has played with our compromising life styles, remains to be seen, but the end result is undeniable.

The last stage of EVIL is… then we persecute those who still call it EVIL!

“He did EVIL because he did not set his heart on seeking God.”  II Chron. 12: 14

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Obstacle or Opportunity?"

We are ending the month of July 2023…half of this year…already GONE!  The world is facing a countdown on a the fast track, with multiple obstacles from which no one is exempt!   On a National, State and Local level we have been,  and  are being forced to face new challenges.  Some tests are big, but none bigger than God’s drive through these encounters to see our lives changed…

 As women of faith, we face the ultimate challenge of practicing, sharing, and comforting those around us who are struggling with how to handle it all.  Abraham’s life demonstrated that even the heathen around him recognized the difference between how he lived and those observing him. (Gen. 21:22)  Abimelech spoke to Abraham saying, “God is with you in all you do”!  God told Gideon, “There is a might in you so powerful it can save Israel and that might is MY PRESENCE!”

 The Isaiah 43: 1-5 verses confirm that when God’s presence abides on us, we can go through any fire, pass through any waters, through rivers that overflow us (Pucuro, in the Darien jungle!) and know His presence is all we need abiding in us.  We are responsible to choose to “practice His  presence”.  As we do this, God will guide our steps, open doors of ministry, move obstacles, lift cares, remove fears and abide in us!

 “Fear not for I am with you” is the promise and comfort

we all need to combat the steady barrage of lies and chaos.

 God’s abiding presence brings peace and triumph.  The manifestation of the Spirit-controlled  life…directed and trusting only God…is key to laying hold of the power of God.  It is NOT, God  plus whatever makes me comfortable or is  convenient, BUT only God, plus nothing.

God  attaches a condition to  having His presence in our lives.

Do you know what it is?

We know it is useless to attempt any endeavor apart from  Him… which can only be maintained in our lives, as  we  choose to confess sin and not allow  any unresolved relationship to hinder it!

“God works through holiness,  not a dirty cup!”

Roy Heisson  Calvary Road

 When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God manifested His presence to them in a cloud.  This cloud was a pledge.  They never had to figure out their direction or future because their confidence was in that visible cloud of God’s protection.  Today, the cloud of God’s presence hovers over our secret closet of communion with Him through His Word and prayer.

 Peace is the prize and it will lead us, empower us, and keep us in God’s rest in every area of our lives, regardless of the confusion and disorder around us. “The continual pursuit of God’s presence will direct us into a revelation of Christ’s glory.  God’s presence will go with us and He will give us rest.” (Exodus 33: 13)

 Our guide through this maze is waiting to give us peace and rest…

 Are you ready??

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Do You FaceTime with God?

As women, we love promises. The circumstances of life, with its hurdles and opportunities, gives us great comfort in promises.  We are all familiar with the promise that  comes with the portion of Scripture that tells us not to worry because of God’s detailed  provision for us.  “Seek (His Presence), first,  His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things (mentioned above vs. 27-32) will be given to us as well”!  Matthew 6:33  We love and embrace the promise and hang onto its content. He wants to supply for His family, like any good father.

But this promise comes with a huge condition! 

Do you know what  it is?

There is a concise definition, found in the Bible,  of what  it means to  neglect or  to not “seek” the Lord first.   “He didEVIL because he did not set his heart to seek the Lord”. (2 Chron. 12: 14)   It is called Evil!  We are robbing God and ourselves by not living in a state of seeking Him. To seek the Lord is a present progressive verb, meaning… ongoing, never-ending action.  We are to be seeking Him and connecting with Him daily…to His thoughts, His ways, His Will and then, consistently yielding to Him. (Romans 6:18)

 “Setting the heart” is fixing it on the Creator.  We are created to fulfill what we, with Him, are commissioned to do. Our designed purpose is to do the will of God on earth, even as it is being done in Heaven. Matthew 6:10  We are created for a life of good works that He has prepared before-hand for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Evil is doing our own thing.  We have two choices:  Seek Him and the wisdom from above or seek the wisdom from below…which is Satanic…that which is selfish, proud, envious and  everything EVIL.  (James 3:13-15)  We cannot separate selfishness from Satan or pride.

Romans 12: 1, 2  teaches us that sacrificing our will and desires

means surrendering to God’s will, bringing us into His will and our purpose.

In  Matthew 7:21,22, we find a group of people doing their version of God’s will, but doing it their own way.  He said, “depart from me, I never knew you.” They were doing, what appeared to be the same as the apostles, but it was in self-centered, self-oriented satanic power. 

Who discerned that?  The Lord Jesus.

What is His will in general for all believers?  (Matt 4:19) Fish for men. (Gal 5:16) Walk in the Spirit.  Seek Him in the Scriptures daily to get your specific daily calling.  It always involves service.  He came to serve, not to be served.  He lives in the believers to continue to do just that.  He is the same today, yesterday and forever.

Is your Heart set on seeking Him?

Let’s grab hold of God and ask Him for a passion to  pursue Him…

“IF you seek me with all your heart,

You  will find me.”

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Who is God to You?"

This was too good not to re-print…many of you saw it on Instagram, I’m sure.  It bottom lines the miscalculation of what people think about God and how important it is to boldly step out identifying the One True God…

·      The Atheist says: “There is no God”

·      The Agnostic says: “There might be a God”

·      The Humanist says: “Let’s remove God”

·      Pornography says: “Sex is God”

·      Greed says: “Money is God”

·      The Proud say: “Power is God”

·       Satan says: “Be your own god!”

 The witchdoctor in our village in the Darien jungle had a basketful of wooden false gods.  He was very powerful and yet, he laid down those idols to be burned the day he came to know the only true God, as his Savior.  We didn’t have to go to a foreign heathen land to find false gods. America is full of them. One day opinions will flee, knees will bow and tongues will confess who the REAL GOD is!

 “The worship of the false gods (listed above) in any form is Idolatry. “ That means anyone or anything that you love more than the one true God is officially your idol!  “Man  is certainly stark mad; he cannot make a worm and yet, he will make gods in his life by the dozens.” Michel de Montaigne  When we define an idol in our life, we have moved from submission to Almighty God to succumbing to the lie of another…Satan, the false god.

 “The intentional purpose of life is not to find your freedom, but your master”… P.T.Forsyth

 Which one of these is your master?

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.