May 17th, 2012
Shannon Kearney
This week our women's Bible study finished the year in the book of Ruth. Looking around the table for the last time, I saw the Lord's love story written on each of their beautiful faces...
"Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day...may He be to you a restorer and nourisher" (Ruth 4:14-15).
The word "restorer", in the Hebrew, means more than to recover what was lost or to heal what has been dis-eased; the root of the word means to return. Inherent in the use of the word is the idea of a covenant made between two parties. Our assurance is that, no matter how far we've wandered away from Him, our restorer will find us. The Lord will return us to His promise of love. Our only response need be to love Him in return!
Ruth, a Moabite, was willing to risk everything to return with her mother-in-law, Naomi to the land of Judah. Reaching beyond friendship, and even love, to faith. Ruth's commitment indicated her understanding of the loving God that Naomi had taught her about. Each week in our study, the Lord's presence was so faithful to remind us in the midst of our vulnerability and pain "under whose wings we can [return] for refuge" (Ruth 2:12).
The widow, Naomi returned to Judah in great bitterness and shame..."Call me Mara (which means bitter) for the Lord has dealt me a bitter blow. I left here full of life and God has brought me back with nothing but the clothes on my back" (Ruth 1:20-21). Here, Naomi reflects our human nature that wants to blame God when circumstances haven't turned out the way we expected or wanted them to. But, time and again, the Lord returns us to Him to be nourished and healed. He will do what we can't. The primary root for the Hebrew word "nourish" is vessel. It also means: to maintain, provide and protect; to supply the means necessary for living. The Lord made Naomi a vessel for His redeeming love--even when she didn't deserve it. In her own strength, all she could accomplish was the barley gleaned from around the edges of the field. Yet, in the Lord's strength, a future was assured...
If you find yourself empty this week, or maybe containing some bitterness that needs to be addressed, be encouraged in the Lord's faithfulness. You are not alone...He knows just where you are, and He will bring you back...Finally, He will provide everything you need.
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May 10th, 2012
Dusty Johnson
Are you satisfied with your relationships? Or, would you like to see more of God in your relationship with your spouse, friends, family members, neighbors and/or coworkers? This past Sunday I brought the second message in a six-week series focused on improving our relationships, entitled "Living Right-Side Up".
Throughout the course of this series I will be sharing a few highlights from the adventures of Luci, a Blonde Russian Box Tortoise and former Johnson family pet. Luci loved adventure yet, sometimes, this would lead to her being upside-down, thrashing, as she tried desperately to flip back over! Tortoises have a large lung area which consists of an air sac in the top portion of their shells. When flipped over on its back, gravity causes the liver, stomach and intestinal tract to fall into this space, compromising the animal's ability to breathe. Bottom line: When a tortoise gets flipped upside-down the animal is in direct conflict with the way it was designed to live and will struggle to survive. Similarly, Christ followers must contend--daily--to live right-side up, in the way God intended us to relate to others, or we too will suffer.
Here are four considerations that can help you get "right-side up", injecting more of God into your relationships...
1. Serve Selflessly - Serve others without concern for advancing yourself. This means trusting God and refusing the temptation to control or dominate.
2. Serve Joyfully - Serve others because you know it touches God's heart and is what Jesus taught and modeled (in the scriptures) as the way of love.
3. Serve Generously - Serve others without concern for preserving yourself. Live as though God is your source and you are a willing dispenser of His kingdom resources.
4. Serve Courageously - Serve others by taking risks to extend love, even when/where someone else wouldn't. It takes courage and great intentionality to blaze a new trail.
For an awesome visual, pertaining to this Devotional Thought, please click on the video below...
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May 4th, 2012
Dusty Johnson
My dad's woodworking shop is a very special place... Growing up I was exposed to numerous tools, plenty of wood and lots of opportunities to dream and build. Often, I would work on a project that required the use of a table-saw or jointer. (In case you are unfamiliar: these are two very dangerous tools with ominous blades protruding the machine surface, requiring that you push the material you are working with directly toward the blade--in close proximity to your fingers!) Needless to say, I was often reluctant. Yet, time and again, I remember hearing my dad say: "You don't have to be afraid to use it, just respect what it can do." Thanks to my dad and that woodshop, I gleaned many valuable lessons and skills that continue to guide me today.
As I consider this particular principle, I am reminded of the reverence God expects from us. This is not an apprehensive fear that is meant to drive us away from Him, but rather a respectful fear that allows us, as His prized creation, to enjoy an appropriate relationship with our all-powerful Creator-God. This means our disposition, intentions and interactions with Him should be sincere, reverent and under-girded by a healthy fear of the who He is and what He can do. Proverbs 1:7 expresses this principle well...
"The Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
This idea of no fear, bad fear and good fear can apply to many aspects of our lives life. To live with no fearmay seem courageous at first, yet tested by time will prove to be a foolish and dangerous way to cut our lives short. To live with bad fear may keep us overly concerned about all that could go wrong and hinder us from trying new things and discovering our potential. On the other hand, good fear keeps us respectful of power and enables us to enjoy safe, appropriate and productive experiences whether in a woodshop, in life or with God.
As you consider these thoughts, may you be inspired to approach God with an appropriate awe and the respect that He deserves. In keeping this humility of heart, may you find the wisdom you need to enjoy your fullest potential in the Master's woodshop.
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April 26th, 2012
Dusty Johnson
The past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster in the Johnson house...We have experienced exhilarating highs, gut-dropping lows and multiple twists and turns that left us feeling like our brains were in our laps and our stomachs in our heads!
To catch you up: Two months ago we opened our hearts and our home to a seventeen-year-old foster girl with the hope of an eventual adoption. Since the age of five she had been in 15 different homes, but we were determined to be her last, her forever family. Since then, we have experienced some beautiful moments, some challenging moments and, unfortunately, a number of frightening moments that ultimately ended in her rejecting us as parents. In trying to work through some of the challenges with her case worker it was obvious that wasn't happy in our home. With tears of pain, disappointment and failure, I cleaned out her bedroom, while searching for a sense of closure to this brief yet intense chapter in our lives. Now that the ride is over, we are in the process of returning to life as normal--or at least as we knew it before.
For most of us, encounters with weakness or failure can leave a bitter hole in our hearts. Left unattended, feelings of shame can begin to overshadow the circumstances and leave us wrestling with failure as it seeks to become part of our identity. It can leave us shattered, debilitated and fumbling around in a state of low self worth. Though shame would seek to debilitate the best of our intentions, I find great encouragement from the lakeside meeting Jesus had with Peter and the other disciples, as detailed in John 21. In this passage we see Jesus offering a rescue-ring of hope to Peter, who just days earlier had denied even knowing Him! This same group was gathered for supper when Jesus predicted Peter's failure. Now, just a short time later, they are all gathered on the beach--for breakfast with the Risen Christ--where they get to witnessPeter's beautiful restoration...In this mercy-rich exchange, as Jesus asks Peter three times, "do you love me?", you can almost feel the shame of Peter's three denials melting away. Peter's misplaced ambition and failure was replaced by the relentless pursuit of God's love, acceptance and forgiveness.
As you wrestle with your own weakness and disappointing performances, remember the difference between guilt and shame (guilt says: "I did something wrong"; shame says: "I am something wrong"). Be encouraged that though you will make mistakes, God does not see you as mistake. And know, in your heart-of-hearts, that the same generous gift of mercy and grace given to Peter is available to us all in our time of need.
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April 19th, 2012
John Rice
After forty years of being a Christian, the Bible continues to amaze me. I learned something new just this last week, while studying the Book of Acts. Allow me to share...
In the old biblical legal system, the Israelites distinguished between murder and manslaughter (Numbers 35). If it was proven that you premeditated a killing and you were convicted of murder, you were sentenced to be stoned to death. If, however, you killed someone by accident or in ignorance you could flee to one of six "cities of refuge" where you were safe from the avenger. You were safe as long as you stayed there. Then, your life was forever spared--no matter where you went--once the ruling High Priest was dead. Strange law, eh?
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive those who were putting Him to death. He said, "They know not what they do." In saying this, He changed the charge over us sinners from murder to manslaughter, in effect giving us a chance to be rescued. But not only that, Jesus Himself IS our refuge, our "city of refuge" where we can run to be safe. And not only that, He is the great High Priest who died and therefore set us free to live forever!
God's word is chock-full of amazing connections, patterns, deeper meanings and similitudes. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always the focus. Thank you, God, for sending us your Son, the great High Priest and our refuge forever!
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April 12th, 2012
Julie Johnson
"...The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
One day, when my son was about four years old, he brought me a bouquet of wildflowers. He was very proud of his bouquet, and so happy to present it to me. Nestled into the pinks and lavenders was a bright yellow dandelion, and he distinctly pointed it out to me as one of his favorite in the bunch. Just as my son rejoiced in the beauty of the dandelion, and saw no "weed" or "undesirable" thing, so the Lord rejoices and delights in each of us, as together we are His "bouquet."
Are you a "dandelion?" Has our culture, or your circumstances deemed you a "weed?" Behold, the Lord has different eyes, and DELIGHTS IN YOU! As a child blows the seeds of a dandelion, so the breath of God will send you and set you to flight.
"...The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
One day, when my son was about four years old, he brought me a bouquet of wildflowers. He was very proud of his bouquet, and so happy to present it to me. Nestled into the pinks and lavenders was a bright yellow dandelion, and he distinctly pointed it out to me as one of his favorite in the bunch. Just as my son rejoiced in the beauty of the dandelion, and saw no "weed" or "undesirable" thing, so the Lord rejoices and delights in each of us, as together we are His "bouquet."
Are you a "dandelion?" Has our culture, or your circumstances deemed you a "weed?" Behold, the Lord has different eyes, and DELIGHTS IN YOU! As a child blows the seeds of a dandelion, so the breath of God will send you and set you to flight
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April 5th, 2012Dusty Johnson
A Time to Reflect, Remember, Renew and Recommit Important life passages like weddings and memorials are cause for me to slow down, pause, and think about my life, values and relationships. They help me reflect, remember, renew and recommit myself to the things that really matter. Weddings cause me to consider the vows I made to Julie, and refresh my love and commitment to her. In a similar way, memorial services cause me to reflect on the quality of my relationships, the purpose of my life and whether my present pursuits are congruent with my values. As we prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus this Easter weekend, may this great "memorial service" cause us to pause and give God our attention and devotion in a fresh way. As we stop and consider this significant aspect of our walk of faith, I invite you to take some time going into this weekend to... Reflect on what Christ has done for you Remember how lost you were without Him Renew your love, passion and pursuit of God Recommit your ways unto the Lord Easter: A Time to Reflect, Remember, Renew and Recommit Important life passages like weddings and memorials are cause for me to slow down, pause, and think about my life, values and relationships. They help me reflect, remember, renew and recommit myself to the things that really matter. Weddings cause me to consider the vows I made to Julie, and refresh my love and commitment to her. In a similar way, memorial services cause me to reflect on the quality of my relationships, the purpose of my life and whether my present pursuits are congruent with my values. As we prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus this Easter weekend, may this great "memorial service" cause us to pause and give God our attention and devotion in a fresh way. As we stop and consider this significant aspect of our walk of faith, I invite you to take some time going into this weekend to... - Reflect on what Christ has done for you
- Remember how lost you were without Him
- Renew your love, passion and pursuit of God
- Recommit your ways unto the Lord
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March 29th, 2012 Shannon Kearney
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. For the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 The word ordered in Hebrew means: to stand erect, to adjust, to be established. I love these beautiful words from David because they reassure me that even when my journey seems uncertain or confusing, I can trust my steps are being ordered and arranged by the Lord. He is leading me step by step as I continually depend upon His grace and guidance. And, when I forget to lean into Him, and take a misstep...He's there to catch me. My fallings and failures will not be permanent. The word delights has a two-fold meaning that warms my heart. It can mean: to take pleasure, to cherish, to be bent or inclined toward. The lord delights being with us on our way because He loves to love us. God is attentive to every detail of our life. He is turned toward us with His pleasure. It can also mean: that we can take pleasure in being with him and living according to His ways. Our being inclined to the Lord is where we will know His acceptance, love and guidance for our life. We get to enjoy loving him as well. I picture my 15-month-old grandson, Kingston, when I read this scripture...It reminds me of God's heart towards me. I delight in the times I get to spend with Kingston in Nashville. He is learning to walk, tentatively testing his steps one minute and fearlessly charging ahead another. But Gramma is never far off, so I can grab his little hand when his steps become precarious and it looks like he may fall head-long into the dirt! I don't take my eyes off of him for a moment. Thank you Lord that you are our reassurance and our assurance. You reassure us that you've gone ahead of us to survey the path. You know the hazards we will have to navigate. And we have your assurance that we are never alone. Your hand is readied for ours no matter what lies ahead. We just need to take hold of it. I'm reminded in Hebrews 10:23 of the response we can make to this beautiful promise: "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
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March 22nd, 2012
John Rice
Last Sunday, Dusty highlighted six stages in the journey of faith for the believer. (Diagram below). The six stages as I understood them, and a bit amplified, are:
1). Recognizing, meeting and giving your life to God
2). Learning about God, discipleship and studying the Bible
3). Acting out your faith, being productive, serving and ministering
4). Going inward: letting God transform your soul
5). Going outward: "being like Jesus for the sake of others"
6). Living a life completely characterized by love
He also explained that somewhere along this journey, we will hit a wall. I know I did! I remember it well and it wasn't fun. It was when I came to the end of myself...And all "the doing" in the world, no matter how spiritual, wasn't enough to get me through. The temptation was to go back to stage 2--to learn more, study more, pray more--and to stage 3--to serve harder, give more, and produce. But that didn't help me through the wall. At that point, God in His wisdom directed me to a counselor where He began to deal with some of the dark and wounded places in my soul. It was a hard time, like being awash on a little raft in the ocean, not knowing where I was going to land. But, God never left me! In fact, He drew me closer and let me truly experience grace.
I think because of this "wall experience" I learned something of what it means that the poor in spirit are blessed (Mt 5:3). In some ways, the wall turned out to be the biggest blessing of my life. If you're hitting your wall, take heart and know that God is very near. Look for Him! Listen to Him! And be blessed.
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March 15th, 2012
Dusty Johnson
This morning I found myself reflecting on the early beginnings of my journey with the Lord. Those years were teeming with new experiences and a keen sense of my need for His presence in every situation and relationship. It was emotional, volatile and good all at the same time. Whether wrestling with issues relating to money, employment, friends, marriage, parenting or my own sinfulness, every aspect of my life seemed needy and desperate for divine intervention. As weeks, months and years went by I found the Lord to be good and more than generous. As a young man, I learned to worship and give God His rightful place as provider, protector, healer, redeemer and sustainer--over everything. Sadly, along the way, something hideous began to happen... While experiencing a measurable amount of God’s healing and stability, I began to think that this season of success was somehow tied to my ability or giftedness. I was subtly drifting from a disposition of worship to an attitude of entitlement. As I consider the biblical journey of Moses and the Israelites (in their exodus from slavery to their occupation of God’s promised territory), I can see the same tendencies. When life is difficult and unstable, men and women tend to look to God. When it is good and comfortable, we tend to look only to ourselves. This is no mystery to any of us, yet a constant challenge to those desiring to live a life of worship. So, wherever this message finds you in your journey with the Lord, I hope to encourage you with these inspirational words from Moses (as he is preparing the Israelites for a transition from 40 years of trusting God, through the nomadic and faith-building experiences in the desert, to a season of blessing in the Promised Land): "But that is the time," he says, "to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today...Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful..." (Deuteronomy 8:11,18) No matter what season of life we find ourselves in today, may we always remember that it is God who gives us the power (ability and capacity) to be successful. Be on guard and resist the temptation to drift toward a posture of privilege rather than a consistent posture of worship. So, when your name is respected and your influence finds favor, remember the Lord is your provider. When your work seems to prosper and your efforts bear fruit, remember that the Lord is your sustainer. And, when you find good footing and your path is marked with peace, remember that the Lord is your protector. This morning I found myself reflecting on the early beginnings of my journey with the Lord. Those years were teeming with new experiences and a keen sense of my need for His presence in every situation and relationship. It was emotional, volatile and good all at the same time. Whether wrestling with issues relating to money, employment, friends, marriage, parenting or my own sinfulness, every aspect of my life seemed needy and desperate for divine intervention. As weeks, months and years went by I found the Lord to be good and more than generous. As a young man, I learned to worship and give God His rightful place as provider, protector, healer, redeemer and sustainer--over everything. Sadly, along the way, something hideous began to happen... While experiencing a measurable amount of God’s healing and stability, I began to think that this season of success was somehow tied to my ability or giftedness. I was subtly drifting from a disposition of worship to an attitude of entitlement. As I consider the biblical journey of Moses and the Israelites (in their exodus from slavery to their occupation of God’s promised territory), I can see the same tendencies. When life is difficult and unstable, men and women tend to look to God. When it is good and comfortable, we tend to look only to ourselves. This is no mystery to any of us, yet a constant challenge to those desiring to live a life of worship. So, wherever this message finds you in your journey with the Lord, I hope to encourage you with these inspirational words from Moses (as he is preparing the Israelites for a transition from 40 years of trusting God, through the nomadic and faith-building experiences in the desert, to a season of blessing in the Promised Land): "But that is the time," he says, "to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today...Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful..." (Deuteronomy 8:11,18) No matter what season of life we find ourselves in today, may we always remember that it is God who gives us the power (ability and capacity) to be successful. Be on guard and resist the temptation to drift toward a posture of privilege rather than a consistent posture of worship. So, when your name is respected and your influence finds favor, remember the Lord is your provider. When your work seems to prosper and your efforts bear fruit, remember that the Lord is your sustainer. And, when you find good footing and your path is marked with peace, remember that the Lord is your protector. This morning I found myself reflecting on the early beginnings of my journey with the Lord. Those years were teeming with new experiences and a keen sense of my need for His presence in every situation and relationship. It was emotional, volatile and good all at the same time. Whether wrestling with issues relating to money, employment, friends, marriage, parenting or my own sinfulness, every aspect of my life seemed needy and desperate for divine intervention. As weeks, months and years went by I found the Lord to be good and more than generous. As a young man, I learned to worship and give God His rightful place as provider, protector, healer, redeemer and sustainer--over everything. Sadly, along the way, something hideous began to happen... While experiencing a measurable amount of God’s healing and stability, I began to think that this season of success was somehow tied to my ability or giftedness. I was subtly drifting from a disposition of worship to an attitude of entitlement. As I consider the biblical journey of Moses and the Israelites (in their exodus from slavery to their occupation of God’s promised territory), I can see the same tendencies. When life is difficult and unstable, men and women tend to look to God. When it is good and comfortable, we tend to look only to ourselves. This is no mystery to any of us, yet a constant challenge to those desiring to live a life of worship. So, wherever this message finds you in your journey with the Lord, I hope to encourage you with these inspirational words from Moses (as he is preparing the Israelites for a transition from 40 years of trusting God, through the nomadic and faith-building experiences in the desert, to a season of blessing in the Promised Land): "But that is the time," he says, "to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today...Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful..." (Deuteronomy 8:11,18) No matter what season of life we find ourselves in today, may we always remember that it is God who gives us the power (ability and capacity) to be successful. Be on guard and resist the temptation to drift toward a posture of privilege rather than a consistent posture of worship. So, when your name is respected and your influence finds favor, remember the Lord is your provider. When your work seems to prosper and your efforts bear fruit, remember that the Lord is your sustainer. And, when you find good footing and your path is marked with peace, remember that the Lord is your protector.
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March 8th, 2012 Dusty Johnson
Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so... Yes, according to the Bible, God is absolutely in love with us! We learn from 1 John 4:16-18 that God ISlove and His love toward us is perfect--able to settle our insecurities and minimize our fears. This is some very good news! If God is love and calls us to a life of love, then He is calling us to know Him and extend His love to others. If God is love and love is patient (according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7), then God must also be patient and we can rest assured that: · His love remains solid, even when love from others may seem unstable. · His love remains committed, even when all other forms seem conditional. · His love remains persistent, even when we experience fatigue. · His love remains composed, even when life feels out of control. When we open ourselves to God (who embodies the very definition of love), then we are opening ourselves to a perfect and abundant supply of grace, mercy and acceptance. When we allow ourselves to be perfectly loved by our Heavenly Father, we are better able to love others, because His love-- that is not measured, rationed or in short supply--is flowing in and through us. And, when we allow ourselves to be perfectly loved by our Heavenly Father, His perfect love melts away the panic, inadequacies and vulnerabilities that keep us stuck. To be settled in God's perfect love affords us the freedom to trust and live lives motivated by "what-can-love-do" possibilities, rather than "oh-no-I-might-get hurt" limitations. Join me as today in looking for God's patient love to heal our hearts and give us hope in our times of greatest need. May we not respond to others out of an imperfect and limited supply of love, but may we learn to receive and extend His perfect love with grace and generosity.
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The easiest and the hardest thing to do... As Dusty was preaching about prayer a couple of weeks ago he mentioned that, when we come to God, we should do more than just bring our wish list. We should also take the time to listen. He said, "The value of consistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will hear Him." Imagine going to see your family doctor, walking into his office, telling him everything that has been going on with you lately, all your aches and pains...maybe it's been a little hard to sleep, you're under a lot of stress, your marriage is a little rocky and one of your kids is not doing so well. Then, you thank him and immediately get up and leave without letting him say a word in response! Ridiculous, right?! (And, you know you'll be receiving a bill regardless!) I think we do that very thing with God sometimes...We do all the talking and don't even give Him a chance to respond back to us. Yet, He's the one with all the wisdom and knowledge. He's the one who spoke the very world into existence. He's the One who loves to communicate. And, He's the One who loves us fiercely. Why is it so hard to wait and listen? I suppose, if you're like me, deep down you feel like you're not worthy to have God speak to you. Maybe He's too busy with more important things and more important people. Maybe He just doesn't do that sort of thing? Or, maybe, if He does communicate something to me, He will say something I don't really want to hear. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
God knows us, God loves us, God wants to lift us up. Maybe the hardest thing to do can become the easiest thing...if we just quiet down and trust Him. March 1st, 2012 John Rice
The easiest and the hardest thing to do... As Dusty was preaching about prayer a couple of weeks ago he mentioned that, when we come to God, we should do more than just bring our wish list. We should also take the time to listen. He said, "The value of consistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will hear Him." Imagine going to see your family doctor, walking into his office, telling him everything that has been going on with you lately, all your aches and pains...maybe it's been a little hard to sleep, you're under a lot of stress, your marriage is a little rocky and one of your kids is not doing so well. Then, you thank him and immediately get up and leave without letting him say a word in response! Ridiculous, right?! (And, you know you'll be receiving a bill regardless!) I think we do that very thing with God sometimes...We do all the talking and don't even give Him a chance to respond back to us. Yet, He's the one with all the wisdom and knowledge. He's the one who spoke the very world into existence. He's the One who loves to communicate. And, He's the One who loves us fiercely. Why is it so hard to wait and listen? I suppose, if you're like me, deep down you feel like you're not worthy to have God speak to you. Maybe He's too busy with more important things and more important people. Maybe He just doesn't do that sort of thing? Or, maybe, if He does communicate something to me, He will say something I don't really want to hear. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
God knows us, God loves us, God wants to lift us up. Maybe the hardest thing to do can become the easiest thing...if we just quiet down and trust Him.
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February 23rd, 2012 Dusty Johnson
This morning I am giddy, restless and having gone without sleep--for good reason. Today is special because it is my wife’s 41st birthday. Yet, February 23rd will take on special significance, from here-on-out, for a very different reason...In just a few hours we will be celebrating the homecoming of our new daughter. Yep, you read that right...a daughter!!! So, here I sit, waiting patiently for the delivery--not for a doctor from the bedside of a hospital room, but for a DHS worker from the window of my living room. This afternoon we will not be giving birth to a baby, but rather inducing "re-birth" to a 5'6", brown-eyed, beautiful teenager who has spent the last seventeen years of her life bounced in and out of foster homes, the State of Oregon her legal guardian. Through a series of providential circumstances, Juliona Olivia will enter our home as a foster daughter while we work to finalize her permanence in our family through the adoption process.
As most of you know: I am no rookie to adoption. In fact, I am more familiar with adoption than I am with the traditional route to parenthood. Two of my three boys have come by way of adoption. Though biological children are beautifully natural and feel like participation with a divine order, adoption is beautiful in an entirely different way. Adoption is supernatural and seems to reflect participation with a heavenly redemption program. For those well acquainted with the Johnson story, you no doubt realize that we have been somewhat "overdue" with expectancy for this daughter (well over a decade now). There have been countless prayers, hopes, tears, questions and frustrations lining our journey as we opened our hearts to the idea of adding a daughter to this "son-rich" family on multiple occasions. Though content with our three amazing sons, there has existed the pang of "unfinished business" as it relates to a daughter who never found her way into our family...Until today.
To be chosen and adopted is very much like the gift God has given us. Loved at our worst, peace in affliction and hope when we are discouraged. That’s God’s gift of love and acceptance for which I get to receive and give away in generous proportions. As I settle into a wonderful new family adventure, I have an increased appreciation for: Taylor Swift, the color pink, shopping malls and a renewed passion for Ephesians 1:3-5.
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February 16th, 2012 Dusty Johnson
If you are anything like me, painful memories can make you wince when similar scenarios threaten to be repeated. Often, the fear of such situations can cause me to close doors or build walls in attempt to keep me from ever experiencing that same kind of pain ever again. Unfortunately, the doors, walls or layers we build can often be a barrier to the redemptive work of God, who has our best interest at heart. Though pain, suffering and evil may cause us to retreat to lower forms of self-preservation, we were made to be in a secure and intimate relationship with God. While reading Psalm 24 this past week, I was moved by the psalmist who calls us to remember the glory and majesty of our Creator-God. As I consider this passage, I can't help but think of all the times our heads drop, our focus goes inward and our eyes begin looking at lower things. It is so easy to drift into an empty existence where the noise of issues and stresses are allowed to dominate our perspective without the proper context of God's loving and redemptive pursuit. If you find yourself hiding in seclusion behind fortified walls of self-preservation, may you receive this call to open up your gates and let the King of Glory come in. May you find the strength to trust the Lord as your provider, protector and hope of salvation. And, may He lead you on paths of righteousness and in heavenly purposes today.
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February 9th, 2012 Jenn Kearney
I often get frustrated when my negative patterns of thinking don't change. I have always thought that if I do the right things--read the Bible, the right books, exchange my negative thoughts for positive ones--I could "fix" myself. I am thirty-three years old and I'll tell ya: so far, it hasn't worked! Why? Because, in all honesty, I have made it about my own strength. I have lived in fear as these questions run through my head: What if He doesn't show up? What if my problems are too little in comparison to others? What if I don't change? Just recently, however, the scriptures and God's love have begun to soften my heart... The truth is: we are all broken people who have a multitude of issues and there is a billion dollar industry that tries to convince us we need to be/feel perfect. I, for one, have spent countless hours focusing on what I am not and have missed the truth of who I am in Christ. Today, I'd like to encourage you to take a step of faith and, slowly but surely, allow yourself to experience this gift of freedom--mostly from the lies we continue to tell ourselves! Matthew 28:20 (from the Message) says this: "I'll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age." What if we took these words to heart and started putting more faith in what God says about us--which is priceless--and less in that billion-dollar industry of the world?
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In our fast paced "get-it-now" society, a message regarding patience and waiting is almost annoying. The speed and intensity of our lifestyle can at times leave us backed into a corner as we fight an onslaught of panic, stress and fear that threatens to enslave us or lead to our demise...Or so it seems. So it was for the Israelites as they began a journey of trusting God and leaving their former way of life. They abandoned a familiar way of living under Egyptian rule as they were led by God on an extraordinary journey of faith with a promise of freedom and blessing. Yet, their former Egyptian taskmasters pursued them to the point of panic until their backs were against the wall of the Red Sea and it seemed the end was near. But, there is great encouragement to be found in the words of Moses--in the face of what seemed to be an incredibly desperate situation. Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:13-14) As the narrative in the book of Exodus continues, we witness a people who experienced the mercy and blessing of God as they wrestled through repeated scenarios that required a patient trust as they waited for God's interventions on their behalf. Learning to wait on God is a vital component to our walk of faith. Waiting is less about our effort and more about learning to trust His care on our behalf. As you experience times of pressure and stress, I pray that you will find the courage and strength to restrain natural responses of anxiety, fear and panic while waiting patiently for God to what only He can do. February 3rd, 2012 Dusty Johnson
In our fast paced "get-it-now" society, a message regarding patience and waiting is almost annoying. The speed and intensity of our lifestyle can at times leave us backed into a corner as we fight an onslaught of panic, stress and fear that threatens to enslave us or lead to our demise...Or so it seems. So it was for the Israelites as they began a journey of trusting God and leaving their former way of life. They abandoned a familiar way of living under Egyptian rule as they were led by God on an extraordinary journey of faith with a promise of freedom and blessing. Yet, their former Egyptian taskmasters pursued them to the point of panic until their backs were against the wall of the Red Sea and it seemed the end was near. But, there is great encouragement to be found in the words of Moses--in the face of what seemed to be an incredibly desperate situation. Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:13-14) As the narrative in the book of Exodus continues, we witness a people who experienced the mercy and blessing of God as they wrestled through repeated scenarios that required a patient trust as they waited for God's interventions on their behalf. Learning to wait on God is a vital component to our walk of faith. Waiting is less about our effort and more about learning to trust His care on our behalf. As you experience times of pressure and stress, I pray that you will find the courage and strength to restrain natural responses of anxiety, fear and panic while waiting patiently for God to what only He can do.
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The last few months I've been regularly asking myself to be cognizant of what I am thinking about throughout the day. I am working on this because, in our bible study, we are discussing how our minds can be a battlefield of thoughts that war against the mind of Christ. Proverbs 23:7 gives this warning: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." It is sobering to remember that Jesus really is concerned with what we think about. Yikes! When I honestly look at my thoughts throughout the day, I am disturbed to discover they are often rooted in fear, laziness and doubt. Fear, because it seems safer for me to come up with my own solutions--to remain in control. Laziness, because it is easier to let my thoughts have their own way--it's a lot of work to reign them in! And, doubt, because my mind is a natural enemy to the will and way of the Lord. But, pride may be the real/underlying reason it's so difficult to surrender my thoughts to the Holy Spirit for help. In spite of the challenges, God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him. In bible study, every week, we reassure each other with Paul's promise that the "spiritual" person has been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:15-16). Yet, we are honest enough to openly admit: it's a battle!
That is why I appreciate Paul's honest and hopeful challenge to us in Romans 12:1-2 (see Encouraging Words, below). This is good news! It says: God is merciful. He understands my limitations and He has help for me. I don't have to stay stuck. God's power is transforming. He will transform my thinking. I need to be honest and surrender to the Holy Spirit for help. Surrender is my act of worship. I can please God with my thoughts and actions. May we continue to discover, together, that God's love is extended to us by His grace and we really can see His victory in our thoughts. It's a lifetime discipline, but we're in it for the long haul. Pressing on...and encouraging you to do the same! January 26th, 2012 Shannon Kearney
The last few months I've been regularly asking myself to be cognizant of what I am thinking about throughout the day. I am working on this because, in our bible study, we are discussing how our minds can be a battlefield of thoughts that war against the mind of Christ. Proverbs 23:7 gives this warning: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." It is sobering to remember that Jesus really is concerned with what we think about. Yikes! When I honestly look at my thoughts throughout the day, I am disturbed to discover they are often rooted in fear, laziness and doubt. Fear, because it seems safer for me to come up with my own solutions--to remain in control. Laziness, because it is easier to let my thoughts have their own way--it's a lot of work to reign them in! And, doubt, because my mind is a natural enemy to the will and way of the Lord. But, pride may be the real/underlying reason it's so difficult to surrender my thoughts to the Holy Spirit for help. In spite of the challenges, God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him. In bible study, every week, we reassure each other with Paul's promise that the "spiritual" person has been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:15-16). Yet, we are honest enough to openly admit: it's a battle!
That is why I appreciate Paul's honest and hopeful challenge to us in Romans 12:1-2. This is good news! It says: - God is merciful. He understands my limitations and He has help for me.
- I don't have to stay stuck. God's power is transforming. He will transform my thinking.
- I need to be honest and surrender to the Holy Spirit for help. Surrender is my act of worship.
- I can please God with my thoughts and actions.
May we continue to discover, together, that God's love is extended to us by His grace and we really can see His victory in our thoughts. It's a lifetime discipline, but we're in it for the long haul. Pressing on...and encouraging you to do the same!
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January 19, 2012
John Rice
Have you ever heard of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah? I'll bet you have...but you may know them better as: Shadrach, Mishach and Abednego (the three young Jewish men who were taken captive by the Babylonians along with Daniel). They were taken from their homes in Judea and forced into service under the crazed despot, Nebuchadnezzar. One of the first things that happened to them in captivity was having new names forced upon them--in an attempt to make them fully Babylonian. Where Hananiah meant "Beloved of the Lord", his new name Shadrach meant "Beloved of the sun god". Mishael meant "Who is like God", but Mishach meant "Who is like the moon god." Azariah meant "The Lord is my help", but Abednego meant "Servant of Nego, the fire god." You see, the Babylonians renamed them in an attempt to erase any memory of their ties to Judah and its one God...What happened instead, however, is truly awe-inspiring and full of meaning for us as we follow Dusty's teachings on worship.
The men were required, along with all other Babylonians, to bow down and worship a huge golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar (this thing was as tall as an eight-story building!). The punishment for not doing so was to be thrown into a furnace and burned to death. When the three men from Judea refused to worship the golden image, they were thrown into a furnace which had been heated to seven times it's usual temperature because of Nebuchadnezzar's rage. The men knew their God was capable of saving them, but even if He didn't, they would not betray Him by bowing down to someone else. They'd rather be burned to death and enter the kingdom of Heaven--to be with God--than live a safe, but idolatrous life in Babylon.
Wow! How amazing is that?! How courageous and full of integrity! What examples for us believers! And, it makes me realize that true worship is as much about what we don't worship as what we do. There are so many temptations to worship the many idols of our own "Babylon" right here in 21st century America. What, or who, will we worship? What will we refuse to bow down to? Brings to mind the saying: "You better stand for something or you'll fall for anything!"
Lord, when we hear the call to bow down to something other than you, give us the grace to keep standing for You, and You alone.
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