Connection To God

Why the silent treatment?

2011-11-13T08:43:00.000-05:00

A special thank you to all the readers / followers of this blog. I have not given up, not at all. A hectic work schedule and, until recently, no home Internet have made it near impossible to write and post posts. Thank you for your patience.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

2011-08-02T07:17:00.001-04:00

Take a minute and read Seth's post.

A family that plays DS together... stays together.

2011-01-13T13:14:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks of searching

2011-01-12T08:54:00.002-05:00

You don't need the entire market to turn around, just one good lead... one right fit... one place they need you... one job.

Beautiful FL Panhandle Scenery

2010-12-24T14:12:00.001-05:00

Anabelle's 6th Birthday...!

2010-12-24T14:08:00.000-05:00

Sermon Video 12-05-10

2010-12-17T17:54:00.001-05:00

Sermon Video 12-05-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

The THRIVING METROPOLIS of Groom, TX

2010-12-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Bible Belt... Over 2,200 miles with no roadside church and then...

2010-12-10T09:03:00.000-05:00

Ozark, AR

2010-12-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

Daniela at the base of the cross in Groom, TX

2010-12-08T16:32:00.000-05:00

Groom, TX

2010-12-08T16:28:00.000-05:00

Our view most of the day today

2010-12-08T01:53:00.001-05:00

Standing on two corners in Winslow, AZ

2010-12-08T01:51:00.000-05:00

Yep... That's expensive gas...!

2010-12-08T01:49:00.000-05:00

Yep... she's a big rig!

2010-12-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

Standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ...!

2010-12-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

South East Cali.... BEAUTIFUL

2010-12-07T11:48:00.000-05:00

Our "wonderful" motel room...!

2010-12-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

Dani and I just south of Modesto

2010-12-06T16:47:00.000-05:00

Sermon Video 11-28-10

2010-11-30T18:39:00.002-05:00

Sermon Video 11-28-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Looks like she fell asleep doing crunches

2010-11-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

Sermon Video 11-21-10

2010-11-23T16:11:00.002-05:00

Sermon 11-21-2010 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Sermon Video 11-14-10

2010-11-16T19:44:00.002-05:00

Sermon Video 11-21-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Sermon Video 11-07-10

2010-11-12T16:46:00.001-05:00

....

A Rude Awakening

2010-11-04T11:15:00.001-04:00

This morning, at 4:45, my alarm went off. Why? I have no idea. It is not set to go off then. I checked and rechecked the thing. There is absolutely no reason it should have gone off. Parenting is sort of the same way... eh?

Sometimes we get thrown a curve ball. Sometimes, the unexplainable happens. I could share story after story... but for the sake of brevity, I won't.

There is something that we know is coming our way, but have no idea when. No, I am not talking about death. I'm not talking about a political agenda. I am talking about Jesus.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. (2 Peter 3:10)

Be on the look out for the great, and awesome day of the Lord!

Sermon Video 10-31-10

2010-11-02T20:04:00.001-04:00

10-31-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Sermon Video 10-24-10

2010-10-28T20:22:00.002-04:00

Ecclesiastes 12

...

Our View from the Ebb Tide (Seaside, OR)

2010-10-23T18:33:00.000-04:00

I don't normally do this...

2010-10-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

I don't normally use this site as a venue for my political views... but seriously, WHAT IS THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION THINKING?

The following is taken from http://freedomist.com/2010/10/22/obama-has-no-problem-with-chavez-developing-nukes-obama-watch/

Chavez’s closest Russian associate is Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, a raving anti-American with rumored ties to illegal arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Obama, who wants America to divest itself of its entire nuclear arsenal, issued this Carteresque statement:

We have no incentive or interest in increasing friction between Venezuela and the U.S., but we do think Venezuela needs to act responsibly. Our attitude is that Venezuela has rights to peacefully develop nuclear power.

I'm sorry, but you don't answer a bully with passivity. Chavez is one guy you don't want to mess with and his track record tells us that he doesn't play well with others... unless they hate America too. I have been to and have family in Venezuela. I know what the people endure so their dictator can live like a king.

Please Mr. President, please look our for American interests... not our enemies'.

10-17-10 Ecclesiastes 8

2010-10-21T07:48:00.000-04:00

Sermon Video 10-17-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Look mom... I'm not looking!

2010-10-19T15:03:00.002-04:00

So what is the difference between doing something well and being excellent at what you do?

EXPERIENCE, PATIENCE, and DETERMINATION.

If you have that... you'll do great.

Indian No Look Pass - Watch more Funny Videos

Sermon Video 10-10-10

2010-10-12T18:44:00.002-04:00

10-10-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Why do you do what you do?

...

From the Overflow

2010-10-12T10:26:00.004-04:00

Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:23-27

Two nights ago (Sunday), I taught the youth group James 3:1 – 12. It was one of those “heart check” moments… at least for me. The fruit of the spirit is:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

Jesus said “…out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

So the question is: What is the overflow of my heart?

How about yours?

...

Adrenaline Junkies

2010-10-08T12:02:00.007-04:00

There are a considerable number of adrenaline junkies out there that do some really, REALLY dangerous stuff. Jesus said in order to follow Him, you must "count the cost". You know... that applies to every area of life.

I like adventure... but this is a little too much... at least for me.

Insane Wingsuit Base Jump - Watch more Funny Videos

Forgetting to Eat???

2010-10-07T10:49:00.001-04:00

As many of you know... I LOVE FOOD. And I think it's safe to say that
food also loves me.

Recently I let my social network know that I will (and have now been)
fasting for three days. I thought I would be in agony, but outside of
a really bad headache that lasted 26 hours... it has been amazingly
"easy". I found that after about 12 hours I was "starving", but after
12 more... nothing. Sure, the candy dish in the office is a real
temptation but I have lost all pain in my tummy to eat.

Of course, if I continue for weeks... the pain would come back and intensely.

Stomach pains call us to eat... a call to provision. Jesus, when
confronted by the Devil, said "It is written: 'Man does not live on
bread alone." (Luke 4:4)

Friends, missing a meal (or several) as a devotion to the Lord and
calling for clarity is one thing... but to neglect the soul of it's
needed food is dangerous.

Food for thought... eh?

Sermon Video 10-03-10

2010-10-06T16:56:00.002-04:00

10 - 03 - 10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Friday... not so Funnies

2010-10-01T12:59:00.002-04:00

Interesting....

Two videos from this Sunday

2010-09-29T11:24:00.001-04:00

Below are two videos from this Sunday:

1) Two missions presentations.

2) A mini-sermon on Acts 1:1 - 9.

Today is the Day

2010-09-27T11:22:00.001-04:00

As many of you know, I write children's fiction in my spare time (well... what ever spare time I find hiding in the corner). Today I am formatting several query letters to potential literary agents. For those who have no idea what a query letter is CLICK ON THESE WORDS.

At any rate, it sure has been a fun ride and I am looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.

Before the questions come, here is a run down of the work I have been working on:
Picture Books (2) - Manuscripts... not art.
Middle School Aged Fiction (2)
Historical Fiction (2)
General Fiction (1)

The one headed to the agents is a picture book manuscript.

And for those wondering how you beat writer's block... well... there are really only two ways:
1. Write around it.
2. Follow the visual instruction below.

Have a great day...!

WHO IS THIS JESUS?

2010-09-22T17:46:00.001-04:00

A survey of Christology from Genesis to Revelation

With a little practice...

2010-09-21T15:56:00.002-04:00

There are, of course, some things you can never, EVER do.

Take flying without the aid of a plane as a for instance.

But, as we learn from the NT, there are certain things you can do to grow as a Christian.

1. Read the Word.

2. Tell others about Jesus.

3. Fellowship with godly influences.

That is simply a sample of what you can do. And as cool as it is to do insane tricks on a bike... godliness is far more profitable.

Friday Funnies (Saturday edition)

2010-09-18T13:29:00.001-04:00

Sermon 09 - 12 - 10

2010-09-16T13:46:00.004-04:00

sermon 09-12-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing!

Random-ish Thought

2010-09-15T18:47:00.001-04:00

After reading through the Bible, one conclusion is that the Father has
a very high opinion of His Son. I wonder if we share that opinion?

A Teachable Moment

2010-09-15T10:20:00.001-04:00

Last week the FAB 5 and I went apple picking. (I'm glad they don't weigh you when you get there...!)

At some point, Dannia (the oldest of the bunch) said, "Daddy, this is a good tree." I thought to myself, "Thank you Lord. I can think of no better situation to tell them about you." For the next several minutes we talked about good fruit and bad fruit, and what Jesus said about false teachers in Matthew 7.

Granted, this teachable moment was rather obvious, but I wonder how many teachable moments are surrounding us? Are we looking for them?

Be blessed... be a blessing!

(sent from a mobile device)

Notice how she has a fork in one hand, yet licks the other...!

2010-09-14T01:13:00.000-04:00

Friday Funnies

2010-09-10T09:37:00.001-04:00

My Kingdom for... some clarity?

2010-09-09T10:38:00.001-04:00

I have been engaged in a dialog with some brothers in Christ over the phrase "the kingdom". What does it mean? Does it matter? Please alow me a few minutes to prime the pump, as asking "what is the kingdom?" is tantamount to asking why America has so much debt... it needs a back-drop.

As we examine Scripture, one of the things that become clearer and clearer is God's sovereignty. But this is not presented in some abstract sense at all. "God is in control" has, unfortunately, become somewhat of a mantra... the thing one says when they feel helpless. The truth is, however, that Jesus really is in control. A simple reading of the Bible makes the case that God is very much interested in the affairs of His creation.

George N. H. Peters (a Lutheran minister in the 1800's) coined the term THE THEOCRATIC KINGDOM. That is probably the most succinct, albeit somewhat ambiguous, phraseology to date. Basically God created all things and, by virtue of His continued interaction with creation, rules over it. God then delegated certain areas of management (stewardship if you will) to man.

(Note: this is the crux of the dispensational framework we operate under.)

Because of man's failure to comply with the over-arching THEOCRATIC KINGDOM (rule), The Lord has changed the status of the servant as well as the scope of his/her/their domain. Life, for the managers, got more and more complicated and dangerous, but to be fair... it was a self-inflicted wound.

Flash forward a millennium or two: God called Abram out of Ur to form (what would become) a counter culture. This nation would demonstrate the THEOCRATIC KINGDOM to the other nations. As you may know by now... they failed. Israel went into captivity. God, knowing full well that they would fail, provided hope through the promise of a Savior (The Messiah) many years prior to the aforementioned failure. As the managers continued to fail (again, the crux of the dispensational framework), the identity of the Messiah came into greater and greater focus.

Now... here is the tricky part... when the Messiah (Jesus) was revealed, He started talking about the Kingdoms. Kingdoms... you mean, plural? Yes.

Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. What exactly did Jesus mean in John 18 = "My kingdom is not of this world"? Certainly this Jesus is the same Son of David that will rule and reign on the throne in Israel... right? Yep... one in the same. Jesus taught two different groups about two different Kingdoms and that is where most of the confusion (as far as I can tell) comes from.

To Israel, Jesus made an offer of the Messianic Reign of the Son of David. That Kingdom is one of righteousness and justice (hence the content of the "Sermon on the Mount"). After His rejection by the religious elite of His day, Jesus, knowing full well about the coming of the crucifixion, turns His teaching to the more immediate... the church. The organism that is to function as the ultimate in creation-management... the one with Messiah operating as the head (thus explaining all this business about Peter being a fisher of men and why the "kingdom is like a mustard seed").

There it is, in a nut-shell... If it seems rant-ish, I apologize.

So there you have it... we have discussed the "what?" of the Kingdom.

The question now is... "what am I supposed to do now"? And that has an easy answer: Follow Jesus

Sermon Video 09-05-10

2010-09-08T11:35:00.002-04:00

09 - 05 - 10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

To y'all, with love

2010-09-07T15:25:00.000-04:00

It sure has been a while.
(evidenced by the lack of blog-posts and my silly poke at the title of Sidney Poitier's 1967 classic)

Anyway...

Here is the introduction to an article I am reading called

A collision of two empires part 1

Jesus Christ has never been a social activist or a moral philosopher. To pitch Him that way is to drain His glory and dilute His excellence. While justice is important, justice apart from Christ is a dead thing. The only battering ram that can storm the gates of hell is not the cry of justice, but the name of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of justice, peace, holiness, righteousness, and every other virtue.
Christ is the sum of all spiritual things, the “strange attractor” of the cosmos. When Jesus becomes an abstraction, faith loses its reproductive power. “Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live.”

Now... while you may not agree with the author's drive through the rest of the article, what he pointedly states in this openning is nothing less that poetic genious.

Are we in the wrong to desire righteousness? I think not.

Friday Funnies

2010-09-03T09:15:00.001-04:00

Spiritual Narcolepsy

2010-08-31T18:00:00.001-04:00

This Sunday we will be examining the reaffirmation of the Covenant (2 Kings 23).

Many of us have battles of what I call "spiritual narcolepsy"... it's most common feature is the victim's inability to REST IN JESUS.

We love rules...

We love making rules....

Some of us actually love making rules about rules and the rules that govern the ruler's rule. (Seriously!)

Every believe needs, from time to time, to rest in the knowledge that no amount of rule making (or enforcement) will change the heart of a single individual. They may comply... but they will not joyfully follow. No, instead we must come to terms with what the Savior has published:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

It may take some time, but learning to rest in Christ will be well worth the exercise (pun intended).

Be blessed brethren... be a blessing.

Sermon Video 08-29-10

2010-08-30T11:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry about the abrupt ending... there was a problem with the video file.

.

7 Ways to Stop Gossip

2010-08-27T12:21:00.001-04:00

PLEASE NOTE THAT WHAT FOLLOWS IS NOT A CHRIS JOHNSON ORIGINAL.

This article grabbed my attention, coming across my RSS reader a few minutes ago.

HERE is a link to the original.

May you find this edifying and... if need be... challenging.

-----

...here are 7 suggestions for how to stop, or at least slow, the spread of gossip. Will you consider each and take them personal? If the shoe fits will you wear it? Together, perhaps we can help stop the deadly spread of this harmful virus!

Don’t repeat something you don’t know is true firsthand…secondhand knowledge is not enough to justify repeating. You will get something wrong and it will hurt others.
Don’t repeat unless its helpful to do so and you have a vested interest in the situation, the people involved, and permission to share…doing so in the name of a prayer request is not a good excuse…
Don’t “confess” other people’s sins. Even if the wrong included you and you feel the need to confess, share your story, but not someone else’s.
If you must tell, and have passed the test on the first three suggestions, tell only what happened and not your commentary or “I think this is probably what happened” or why you think it happened…
Choose to pray for others every time you are tempted to tell their story…instead of telling their story…
When someone tells you something you don’t need to know, don’t allow curiosity to be your guide…follow your heart. Stop the person and tell them you don’t want to know! Remember, if they will spread gossip about others they will spread it about you!
Keep the circle of confession limited to the people involved or to no more than needed for accountability purposes. The wider the circle and the more the story is repeated the more likely things will turn into gossip.

If my tone seems intent it’s because I am…I have little patience for gossips. My desire is to see people who live in holy and healthy community together. Gossip is a betrayer of this becoming reality.

5 MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM

2010-08-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

I just finished Charles Stone's most recent work 5 MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM. What struck me as particularly refreshing was the fact that Stone did not use this work as a medium to vent his frustrations. No, instead the author seeks to be a blessing (go figure) and help move disgruntled or struggling co-shepherds to a place where they can be effective.

He covers everything from passive-aggressive behavior from shepherds who are hurting, to bullies who try to run the church from the pews. It seems that the struggles and trials pastors go through are pretty similar across the board, albeit the intensity of the struggles vary. So... what are the FIVE MINISTRY KILLERS?

1. Head-in-the-sand mentality. (ignoring the struggle you face)

2. Misdirected emotional investment. (focusing our energy and investing emotional capital on issues that the Bible does not place high value on)

3. Unhealthy responses to ministry killers. (we must learn to respond to struggles in a healthy way)

4. An attitude that "God and I can handle this." (not relying on the Word of God or the God of the Word)

5. Lonely, hurting wives. (your marriage is not something the Lord delights in you sacrificing for ministry)

Stone offers some sage advice... which, of course, you will have to read for yourself.

I recommend this book to ALL pastors and those members/attenders of churches that want their pastor to thrive in ministry.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing.

VOICE OF THE MARTYRS IN PDX...!

2010-08-25T20:28:00.001-04:00

2 Kings 19

2010-08-25T12:21:00.002-04:00

08 - 29 - 10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Simple... so simple

2010-08-24T14:45:00.001-04:00

In preparation for this Sunday (08-29-10), I am awestruck at the simplicaity of the Lord's commands.

"Obey me and live..." So simple... so profound.

But we should not think of this as a dictator demanding followership....

No, instead we read of a merciful Savior who has no choice but to act justly. And (here's the best part) He invites us to enter into that justice by doing what is right.

If we choose to follow our own lusts and desires... well... we can expect that we will not deliver ourselves from the mess we find ourselves in.

In short:

IF Jesus is in control... then you have nothing to fear. He will do what's right and you can rest knowing that you are in capable hands.

If you are in control... well, I'd be worried too!

From the Eastern Front

2010-08-21T13:49:00.002-04:00

One of the great things about Florida is the beach!

Another great thing is the food!

And if you were to ask my children... nothing could compare with Disney World...!

So, since we were there last Sunday, my wife and I decided to visit a church in the greater Orlando area. I googled “churches in _____ (name of the town where we were)” and dozens of baptist and independent-charasmatic churches popped up. So... because we had never experienced it, and because I knew it would create some rather interesting discussion post visit... we visited a United Methodist Church.

This is not going to be a post about conservatism -vs- liberalism. Not is it going to take on the issues currently facing the UMC. No... I would rather like to address something that really, really bothered me. Daniela and I, from what we could tell, were the youngest people there.

- Maybe it's the music?

- Maybe it's the subdivision it is located in?

- Maybe it's the ______?

I don't know why... but I have my guesses.

- It could have been the dry religion we observed... the passionless hymns and the scripted prayers.

- It could have been the uninviting looking building. (I know I shouldn't use words that end in “ing” in triplets... but I don;t know how else to say that.)

- It could have been the lack of zeal in the pastor's voice or the bitterness we overheard in the voices of some of the parishioners behind us.

It could have been all of these or none at all. I don't know. But it didn't seem to bother them, so I guess it shouldn't bother me. After all... who wants young families coming to faith in Christ and parents training their children to be all that Jesus has for them? Who wants the biggest problem every Sunday to be that there is not enough space to hold all the people who are thirsty for God's Word?

Who?

Jesus... that's who.

Lord, forgive me where I have acted in or said things in ways that are not pleasing to, or glorifying, You.

Friday Funnies

2010-08-20T11:32:00.001-04:00

Have a wonderfully wonderful day!
(The last one is my favorite...!)

A Letter to Alaska Air: Praise... to whom praise is due!

2010-08-18T19:44:00.004-04:00

Praise... to whom praise is due!

(Click on the picture of the letter to see a larger, slightly more readable, image.)

2 Kings 17

2010-08-17T10:33:00.002-04:00

08-15-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

FRIDAY FUNNIES

2010-08-13T10:47:00.001-04:00

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

:)

The Ides of August

2010-08-12T14:08:00.000-04:00

If you can read this... we landed in Chicago. Unfortunately, no time for some of their famous Pizza!

2010-08-12T13:23:00.000-04:00

If you can read this... we landed in Chicago. Unfortunately, no time for some of their famous Pizza!

Saying bye in Ft. Lauderdale

2010-08-12T11:34:00.000-04:00

While in transit. (pt2)

2010-08-10T13:09:00.000-04:00

On my flight from Atlanta to S. Florida (a flight I almost missed because we arrived early... but deplaned VERY LATE), I sat next to a really cute couple in their thirties (?).

They hugged.

They kissed.

After the guy squirmed a bit, his girlfriend rubbed his back (which was a little awkward... but cute nonetheless.)

They are clearly in love and cherish their time together.

I am in no way writing with anyone in mind but myself but is it possible that we have, like the Ephesian Church in Revelation, forsaken our first love?

HEART-CHECK !

While in transit.

2010-08-09T16:37:00.001-04:00

Flying clear across the country affords you the time to think,
sometimes rather intensely.

On the 5hr flight from Portland to Atlanta, I got the window seat. It
was so fantastically bright. I am so very grateful for the sunshine
(especially after the 9.5 month hiatus it took from the NW). I
couldn't but help reflect on the intensity of the glory of Jesus as I
sat there. The Word, in describing the reign of Christ, falls us that
there is no need for the sun... for THE SON'S radiance would drown it
out.

Amazing!!!

Be blessed... be a blessing!

Your son can never be you...!

2010-08-09T10:16:00.001-04:00

I was flipping through the channels and came across this.

Wow... This is what passes for entertainment.

I AM GLAD I DON'T HAVE CABLE IN PORTLAND!!!!

Washed my hands before supper... Needless to say... I was a little confused as to if this was the men's room. (the ladies room was next to it!)

2010-08-08T20:29:00.000-04:00

Dannia and one of the Disney princesses

2010-08-07T16:23:00.000-04:00

I looked everywhere for this in my size!!!!!

2010-08-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

Izz last night sporting her new pajamas!

2010-08-07T16:20:00.000-04:00

From PLANET HOLLYWOOD (lunch)

2010-08-06T21:45:00.000-04:00

Disney...!

2010-08-05T15:14:00.000-04:00

08 - 01 - 10

2010-08-04T19:20:00.000-04:00

08-01-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

What Hood you from?

2010-08-02T23:34:00.000-04:00

In ATL

2010-08-02T18:31:00.000-04:00

Hey there.

We have reached >10,000 ft, so I am writing this.

Currently, we are over Idaho and it is 3:30 PST, which is good. From the looks of it there isn't much to actually DO in Idaho.
(No offense to Idaho natives, residents, or representatives intended.)

Anyway, the device I wrote this on is set to send this the moment I reconnect to the web. So if you're reading this... I'm safe in Atlanta and sprinting to my next flight.

Be blessed... be a blessing!

Chris Johnson

(sent mobily)

.................

Eastward

2010-08-02T09:03:00.001-04:00

This afternoon I fly out to meet up with my family back East. While I'm gone, I would really appreciate prayer concerning:

- Safe travel

- Making great memories with the FAB 5.

- Focus as I will attempt to knock out my novel this trip

- Refreshment from the Lord. This season has been particularly difficult on me.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing!

Friday Funnies

2010-07-30T10:40:00.001-04:00

The Leaning Tower of Perseverance

2010-07-29T18:24:00.001-04:00

James 1

Youth Group Gathering.

2 Kings 12

2010-07-28T19:09:00.003-04:00

2 Kings 12 07-25-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

You are blessed to be a blessing!

The FAB 5... safe and sound

2010-07-28T11:22:00.000-04:00

Last week was hectic... VBS...vacation planning.... packing... cleaning... not to mention the normal stuff that needs to be done.

Yep, last week had a lot going on and that's good. Daniela and the kiddos are enjoying some much needed time in S. Florida. Above is a picture of my children, their aunt and her cousin.

Thanks to all of you who have been praying fortheir safty and my sanity while their gone.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing!

VBS this week

2010-07-23T10:55:00.001-04:00

It has been an interesting week...

VBS is a great and exhausting time.

Recently I have been thinking about how tired I have been and how much
I am looking forward to some down-time tomorrow.

Here's a question for you:

Why aren't most of us tired in the WORK of the Gospel?
(notice i didn;t say, "tired of the work")

Maybe being exausted from the ministry is a good thing... maybe this
is what Paul refers to when he encourages Timothy to "The hardworking
farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."(2 Timothy
2:6)

Keep pushing... keep training... keep striving to proclaim the Gospel.

Video from last week's Youth Outing!!!

2010-07-22T19:50:00.000-04:00

2 Kings 8:1 - 6

2010-07-21T10:54:00.002-04:00

2 Kings 8:1-6 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

CHRISTIANS...

WE HAVE AN AMAZING STORY TO SHARE!!!!

On Guard!

2010-07-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.

Grace be with you.

1 Timothy 6:20-21

There are some people that are what Daniela and I call "conversation enders". They do not engage in conversation, not because it is a controversial topic or lacks debate fodder. No… they just end it abruptly.

Paul is by no means a conversation ender, but he sure does end it abruptly here. It is almost as if he gave his full speech, said what he needed to say and stepped off the platform.

Paul tells his protégé to guard what has been entrusted to your care. You know… it's not just your money that Jesus sees as stewardship. It's your time, your family, your career and THE DOCTRINE you have learned. Are you guarding yourself from false teaching?

This is not easy is it? No wonder Paul adds: Grace be with you.

I feel classy... Dudes with ridiculously expensive sport cars also dine at Red Robin (yum)

2010-07-19T15:37:00.000-04:00

A Promise

2010-07-19T08:35:00.001-04:00

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Exodus 40:34 - 38

When my wife goes walking, Anabelle gets really, really sad. She doesn't want her to leave… even on a walk through the community.

The Israelites did not have to worry about the Lord taking a break or wandering off. They had an ever-present and real reminder of God's presence. So do you!

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13 - 14

Jesus promised to NEVER leave you or forsake you.

Amen!

Worship

2010-07-18T08:08:00.001-04:00

Then the Lord said to Moses: "Set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the first month. Place the ark of the Testimony in it and shield the ark with the curtain.Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:1 - 5

I wonder how much thought... how much preparation goes into our worship?

American Idol?

2010-07-17T14:08:00.001-04:00

Then the Lord said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Exodus 34:10 - 14

The first time I read this, I thought: "Why on earth would someone worship an idol?"

They don't deliver… they are foolish… and the Bible says that those who worship them are foolish too! (Deuteronomy 32:21; Jeremiah 10:8; and elsewhere)

We are foolish too… aren't we? Money/power/sex/family/self… don't we put things in the place of the Lord all the time?

I'm so glad that the Lord does not want us to remain foolish!

Remember the height from which you have fallen!
Repent and do the things you did at first. (Revelation 2:5)

FRIDAY FUNNIES

2010-07-16T09:35:00.001-04:00

Too funny!

Have a great day.

One of those days?

2010-07-15T13:27:00.001-04:00

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:19

This morning I had the privilege of studying this passage with a dear friend. It is important when we study the Word of God to see how the author qualifies what he says. Peter, our anxious and zealous friend from the Gospels, has clearly matured in his relationship with the Lord since his teen years.

He walked with Jesus... he spoke to Jesus... he broke bread with Jesus... he was rebuked, as well, by Jesus. He knew Jesus as friend, as comforter, as Lord, and certainly, as Savior. But look at how he refeences Christ... FAITHFUL CREATOR.

Not only Creator... but Faithful Creator.

The next time you are going through a trial... the next trying time in your life... do what Peter says and commit yourself to your faithful Creator and continue to do good.

2 Kings 5

2010-07-14T01:03:00.000-04:00

2 Kings 5 07-11-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

You and Naaman have more in common than you thought.... eh?

FRIDAY FUNNIES

2010-07-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

The Izz

2010-07-09T11:32:00.000-04:00

Interesting Day... Eh?

2010-07-08T13:42:00.002-04:00

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:15 - 17

God has an unusual way of teaching us practically what He shows us in His Word. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit has revealing the meaning of the text in semi-tangible ways.

1 Peter 4:15 - 17 was the topic of study this morning in a Bible study I lead Thursday mornings. This was also the devotional from the book I am reading through: EXTREME DEVOTION (Voice of the Martyrs). This morning's devotional was about several young men in Sudan that, despite being tortured, refused to call Allah "god". Amen...! I pray that I would have the same boldness.

But the Gospel seldom gets the spotlight for too long (sigh).

Low and behold... what came across the news wire this morning? THIS:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/08/connecticut.church.scam/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

If you suffer for the cause of Christ... it is for His honor and your edification. If you suffer for your own sin and/or foolishness... you get what you deserve.

Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate.

Calling all Christians!

2010-07-07T12:37:00.002-04:00

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Timothy 2:3 - 7

The first verse of ONWARD CHRISTIAN WARRIOR goes like this:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

forward into battle see his banners go!

There is something to that.

Every day we are called, like a soldier, to duty… to wage war against the enemies of the Gospel.

We are like the athlete who competes… who sees the finish line and MUST PRESS ON!

We are like the farmer who can take pleasure in his work.

Why not do what Paul tells his young protégé (Timothy) and reflect on what what Paul wrote.

A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

2010-07-06T16:19:00.003-04:00

If the Son has made you free... you are free indeed!

You are blessed to be a blessing.

.