Monday, February 24, 2014

Does Jesus want me to be a Millionaire? -- John 14:13-14

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14

"I want to be a millionaire, in Jesus' name."

I wonder how many people have or will utter those words (or something like them)?  I doubt I am the first to see this verse and wonder if people think, "Jesus, I sure would like a million dollars."  Though, I guess I would have to ask for more because of inflation, but I digress.

To ask for something in Jesus' name is like asking for His approval... His authority... His blessing.  Notice the goal of answered prayer, "That the Father may be glorified in the Son".  James tells us that we have not because we ask not and we do not receive what we ask for because we want to use it for selfish pleasures and pursuits (James 4:2-3).  I want a million dollars so I can have a cushy life and not have to work again, THE FATHER IS NOT GLORIFIED IN THAT.

Maybe we can spend more time praying for our sanctification (the daily refinement of our Christlikeness) than for our pleasures.  Maybe we can pray for the things that bring the Father glory. That is a prayer the Lord will answer.

Cheers

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

From the Upper Room to the Hights of Heaven -- John 14:1-4, 6

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Jesus said to him,  “I am fthe way, the truth, and hthe life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.    
John 14:1-4, 6

Recently, my wife and I took a trip to the North East.  It was gorgious.  It was cold.  It was memorable.  It was also at someone else's request.  They offered to make all our travel araingments (Plane, Car and Hotel) and for that, I was very appreciative.  It just so happens that there was a mix-up and I had to put the car rental on my credit card. I was re-imbersed and everything worked out just fine. I am actually writing this entry on the flight back.

What happened above was a minor thing, not even an issue... but it got me thinking.  Jesus has paid the fee, the fair... WE ARE FOGIVEN IN CHRIST!!!  When I die there will be no balance due.  There will be no computer glitch.  My reservation is ready and the room is being prepped.

You know, you can have a room waiting for you too.  If you don't know Christ and His forgiveness, shoot me an email at itscbj@gmail.com, I'd love to chat with you.

Be blessed my friends... be a blessing.

Cheers.

Monday, February 10, 2014

John 9 - The BLIND and the BOUND

Sorry about the abrupt ending... the device I used ran out of space on the hard drive.

John 9 - The BLIND and the BOUND from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Knowing and being Known -- John 13:35

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

What are you known for?

My wife is a fantastic cook. And if you ever ate anything she cooked, you certainly do not need my endorsement for seconds. But her food was not always, how can I say this nicely... as wonderfully flavorful as it is today. She was know for a few things, but 14 years ago, being a wonderful cook was not one of them.

I am afraid that so many churches (or at least the pastors of so many churches) have a great deal to say about what they are against.  There seems to be a proliferation of something that is not hate... but definately NOT love for our brethren.  I have friends in different denominations, and hopefully after what I just wrote, I still have friends in Independent Fundamentalist circles. I simply refuse to fight my fellow Gospel believing, Jesus worshiping brothers in Christ. Heresy is one thing. That should be nipped in the bud and the ground saturated with "nothing will ever grow here again" juice.

This is a plea, not for conformity to the world, or culture... or even the trendy idea the tolerance somehow is synonymous with ENDORSEMENT. No. Instead, this is a call to arms as we fight the enemy and hopefully, not our brethren. 

Let us love, as Jesus loved.

Cheers.