Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Have you ever seen anything implemented in your life and begin to make a change? I can remember one of the first times that my basketball coach told the team to run down to a nearby graveyard and back. It was less than a mile down the road and was part of our conditioning. It seemed like 10 miles in those days, because my lungs and heart were not in that good of shape. After a while, I could tell the changes that were taking place in my body and I was actually becoming healthier and faster. What used to be a dread became a delight, because I was able to sense the freedom of running like the wind.
Change is often difficult to overcome in our lives. We can get set in our ways, cold, and indifferent. We had rather sit still and enjoy the same patterns that we have always been in. When it comes to the Gospel, we are always subject to change. The Gospel can not set idle in our lives. It will impact us and tear down every comfortable wall we have in our hearts when the Holy Spirit implants the engrafted Word and begins a work in our heart. When God begins a work in our heart, we repent and change according to His will. Actually, true salvation is a miracle of change where a dead man who is lost in sin is quickened and made alive in Christ. The Gospel has power and permeates every aspect of our lives.
While helping in revival services this past week, I watched the Gospel have it affect on many hearts. There was a 13-year old boy who heard the truth last Monday and came quickly to the altar of prayer. Within 15 minutes, Jesus saved his soul, and he said his burden of sin and condemnation had gone away. The boy who came into the church with his head down and little to say left with a smile and joy in his heart, because his sins were forgiven. The young girls and boys who played outside noticed the change immediately saying, “He’s acting like a different person!” God’s grace, mercy and peace will make a person a new creation.
The second situation that occurred was between two men who used to be at odds against each other on the streets. One of the men had been saved and called into the ministry. He was full of the Spirit as he testified to what God had been doing in his life. He had only preached a few times, and he said that in many pulpits, he felt like he was being judged by his past. He said many in the congregation didn’t seem to appreciate what God had done in his life, because they couldn’t see past the old person he used to be. He emphatically said that the old man that he once was dead, because Christ had saved his soul. The song leader, formerly being an investigator, was blessed to see God’s work and reminded him that he used to be after him while creating havoc in the streets. God’s grace had reached into his life and changed him from the inside out. After this testimony, a man in his 30s stood up in the back of the church and confessed that he used to despise the man. Apparently, they had confrontations on the street. He openly asked forgiveness from the Lord and the man who at he had been at odds with. Without hesitation, they met each other in the middle of the aisle, embraced, and were reconciled through the power of the Gospel.
How is the Gospel of Jesus Christ impacting your life today? Is there anything different in your life in comparison to the rest of the world? The Gospel of grace is life-changing. I do not mean that it changes your life once and you are saved and done. Salvation begins at a point in your life when you repent, have faith in Christ, and are declared righteous on the merits of Christ alone. Many think this is the beginning and end. However, this is only the starting point of everlasting life. At this point, you begin to life! You will not be able to walk close to Jesus and not be changed. How long has it been since you felt the pains of change? When I starting running to be conditioned to play basketball, everything in me wanted to rebel and quit. I had been used to walking. Sometimes, the Lord wants to take us to the next level through discipline that we may be able to run the race that is set before us more effectively!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Potential Servants
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption.
Acts 13:36
Have you ever seen the potential in something that someone else has been unable to see? I can remember one of the first houses I looked at when I began searching for a home. It was located in a nice area in Nashville, Tennessee, yet was going to be moved to another location. The home could have been bought at a cheap price, placed on a nice plot of land, then remodeled and bricked. I was almost sold on the deal when my imagination began roaming, and I thought of the wife and children that may make the house a home. It had great potential. The only problem was if I would be willing to pay the price. Initial costs, remodeling, time, and sweat…
Over the past few days, my eyes have been opened up to lives that possess great potential. At the women’s prison on Sunday, there was a young lady sitting in the middle of the crowd who was moved by the message from Psalms 1. It was comparing and contrasting the life of the righteous and the wicked. It explained the progression of sin from walking in the wrong crowd, standing in the way of sinners and then sitting in the seat of the scornful. I am sure that she never imagined sitting in prison when she was learning her multiplication tables in 3rd grade. However, she had been drifting through life like chaff in the wind. She didn’t have any stability, security or satisfaction? Who knows where she would have been if someone had been around to see the potential in her life and direct her to Jesus? On Sunday, tears fell from her eyes as she heard of the hope and life that is found in Jesus Christ.
At the mission, a young man named Martel, 24, sat across the table eating his lunch consisting of fried chicken, slaw, carrots, bread and cheesecake to sweet to eat. He ate it anyway but couldn’t’ handle a second one. He was from Detroit, Michigan. He had moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University before getting in trouble and quitting school. He was now on the streets for a short while before deciding what he was going to do next. He shared with me a little about his life and the wake-up call he received when his brother died in May from a gun-shot wound. He realized that life was not all about the money, and the stuff he had been doing. After watching God provide for his daily needs in a miraculous way, he told me that he began searching for truth. His mom and grandmother told him where to look so he turned to the Word of God. He had so many questions about God’s Word and could quote from his hand-held New Testament better than many that sit in the church pews each Sunday. He shared gospel lyrics that he had written and said that he wanted to continue to study God’s Word to know Him better. God was at work and blessed our fellowship. I saw in him a vibrant, fresh, and inquisitive heart behind the camouflage shirt and khaki pants. He’s on rock bottom from a worldly perspective, but rock bottom is not bad when you are standing on the ROCK of Jesus Christ!
During a youth weekend, I noticed the crowd of young people from various states gathering to worship and serve the Lord. Though many of them wore shirts, ties and dresses and came from established families, I saw a real hunger for God’s Word and a yearning to live successful lives for the glory of God. Success is not measured by dollar figures, homes and cars, but by a life devoted to God’s service. These young people longed to see the lost saved, church alive and Jesus exalted. Worldly success is temporary while godly success lasts in eternity. We live each day in between the two, and it is important to measure which we are impacting the most. These young men and women have been privileged with a godly home, church and strong foundation and are reaping the benefits. In Luke 10:2 Jesus said unto his disciples, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Whether you have been in jail, been homeless or lived a stable home life, there is great hope for anyone who will turn to Jesus casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Life is not picture perfect, but can leave us shattered, battered and bruised. Though I walked away from the house and thought the price was too much to pay, I am thankful that Jesus saw my ruined sinful condition, made me a new creation, and filled me with His Spirit that my heart would be a sanctuary for Him to dwell in! If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31b) Are you living at your full potential?
Acts 13:36
Have you ever seen the potential in something that someone else has been unable to see? I can remember one of the first houses I looked at when I began searching for a home. It was located in a nice area in Nashville, Tennessee, yet was going to be moved to another location. The home could have been bought at a cheap price, placed on a nice plot of land, then remodeled and bricked. I was almost sold on the deal when my imagination began roaming, and I thought of the wife and children that may make the house a home. It had great potential. The only problem was if I would be willing to pay the price. Initial costs, remodeling, time, and sweat…
Over the past few days, my eyes have been opened up to lives that possess great potential. At the women’s prison on Sunday, there was a young lady sitting in the middle of the crowd who was moved by the message from Psalms 1. It was comparing and contrasting the life of the righteous and the wicked. It explained the progression of sin from walking in the wrong crowd, standing in the way of sinners and then sitting in the seat of the scornful. I am sure that she never imagined sitting in prison when she was learning her multiplication tables in 3rd grade. However, she had been drifting through life like chaff in the wind. She didn’t have any stability, security or satisfaction? Who knows where she would have been if someone had been around to see the potential in her life and direct her to Jesus? On Sunday, tears fell from her eyes as she heard of the hope and life that is found in Jesus Christ.
At the mission, a young man named Martel, 24, sat across the table eating his lunch consisting of fried chicken, slaw, carrots, bread and cheesecake to sweet to eat. He ate it anyway but couldn’t’ handle a second one. He was from Detroit, Michigan. He had moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University before getting in trouble and quitting school. He was now on the streets for a short while before deciding what he was going to do next. He shared with me a little about his life and the wake-up call he received when his brother died in May from a gun-shot wound. He realized that life was not all about the money, and the stuff he had been doing. After watching God provide for his daily needs in a miraculous way, he told me that he began searching for truth. His mom and grandmother told him where to look so he turned to the Word of God. He had so many questions about God’s Word and could quote from his hand-held New Testament better than many that sit in the church pews each Sunday. He shared gospel lyrics that he had written and said that he wanted to continue to study God’s Word to know Him better. God was at work and blessed our fellowship. I saw in him a vibrant, fresh, and inquisitive heart behind the camouflage shirt and khaki pants. He’s on rock bottom from a worldly perspective, but rock bottom is not bad when you are standing on the ROCK of Jesus Christ!
During a youth weekend, I noticed the crowd of young people from various states gathering to worship and serve the Lord. Though many of them wore shirts, ties and dresses and came from established families, I saw a real hunger for God’s Word and a yearning to live successful lives for the glory of God. Success is not measured by dollar figures, homes and cars, but by a life devoted to God’s service. These young people longed to see the lost saved, church alive and Jesus exalted. Worldly success is temporary while godly success lasts in eternity. We live each day in between the two, and it is important to measure which we are impacting the most. These young men and women have been privileged with a godly home, church and strong foundation and are reaping the benefits. In Luke 10:2 Jesus said unto his disciples, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Whether you have been in jail, been homeless or lived a stable home life, there is great hope for anyone who will turn to Jesus casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Life is not picture perfect, but can leave us shattered, battered and bruised. Though I walked away from the house and thought the price was too much to pay, I am thankful that Jesus saw my ruined sinful condition, made me a new creation, and filled me with His Spirit that my heart would be a sanctuary for Him to dwell in! If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31b) Are you living at your full potential?
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Who Am I
I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.
Psalm 119:94
The facts are all there… Just ask my mom, she will tell you exactly who I am. Her opinions melted and broke my heart as she described her thoughts of me. It is not everyday you call your loved ones and ask them to tell you what they think of you. However, as I listened to a familiar Casting Crowns’ song today, I was intrigued to know what others thought.
If you did not know me as a child, let my mother tell you what I was like. She claims I was energetic and entertaining, singing songs and getting the attention of others as much as possible. She explained that I was self-confident and a leader among my friends. Mom said that I loved sports (I don’t remember this), and I was my daddy’s girl. Learning came easy for me; I was smart but not studious. I loved church and the friends I made there, but who I was continued to change despite what I was being taught in God’s house.
As a teenager, one who had been saved and was a child of God, I had changed a bit. As my mother spoke today, it seemed simple for her to describe me and also point out negative terms to depict who I was in those years. I was driven to excel, and it did not matter to me how I got to the top as long as I did. I was involved – if there was a club to be in or a gathering of teens to meet up with, I was there. My mom relates that I was self-centered and a manipulator – I seemed to get whatever I wanted with no effort. Just after I had been saved, I started acting as one who did not know Christ at all.
Hearing these descriptions from my mom really pierced my heart, knowing that they were true. It seemed to hurt my mom as she spoke of me in this manner, and I understood the pain I had caused her. Still, I imagined how God felt about me at that time, how I must have broken his heart as He watched me become the person I was. Would He even want to claim me as His own?
Grace was involved in my life. I cannot tell you how or when I noticed who I was becoming, but God told me who I was. It is never easy when God rebukes you for your wrongdoings and who you are. It became clear that I was a person who was difficult to love. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions (Ephesians 2:4-5a).”
The eyes of a parent can see things others cannot. When I asked my mom to portray me as I am today, she smiled; I could just hear it in her voice. She said, “You have become a servant to others instead of worrying over pleasing yourself.” Is this the way God sees me too? He is my Father; does He think of me the way my mom does? “You are a teacher and a writer who is creative, responsible, gifted, and resourceful; you use your talents for the benefits of others. You are focused on God’s work and not your own.” My hope is that others see me for who I am just as God does, not for what I do. “…For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b).” Who I am is not who I used to be. Do you hear it? It is the smile of a Father who can be pleased with His child.
Completely His,
Jenna Johnson
Psalm 119:94
The facts are all there… Just ask my mom, she will tell you exactly who I am. Her opinions melted and broke my heart as she described her thoughts of me. It is not everyday you call your loved ones and ask them to tell you what they think of you. However, as I listened to a familiar Casting Crowns’ song today, I was intrigued to know what others thought.
If you did not know me as a child, let my mother tell you what I was like. She claims I was energetic and entertaining, singing songs and getting the attention of others as much as possible. She explained that I was self-confident and a leader among my friends. Mom said that I loved sports (I don’t remember this), and I was my daddy’s girl. Learning came easy for me; I was smart but not studious. I loved church and the friends I made there, but who I was continued to change despite what I was being taught in God’s house.
As a teenager, one who had been saved and was a child of God, I had changed a bit. As my mother spoke today, it seemed simple for her to describe me and also point out negative terms to depict who I was in those years. I was driven to excel, and it did not matter to me how I got to the top as long as I did. I was involved – if there was a club to be in or a gathering of teens to meet up with, I was there. My mom relates that I was self-centered and a manipulator – I seemed to get whatever I wanted with no effort. Just after I had been saved, I started acting as one who did not know Christ at all.
Hearing these descriptions from my mom really pierced my heart, knowing that they were true. It seemed to hurt my mom as she spoke of me in this manner, and I understood the pain I had caused her. Still, I imagined how God felt about me at that time, how I must have broken his heart as He watched me become the person I was. Would He even want to claim me as His own?
Grace was involved in my life. I cannot tell you how or when I noticed who I was becoming, but God told me who I was. It is never easy when God rebukes you for your wrongdoings and who you are. It became clear that I was a person who was difficult to love. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions (Ephesians 2:4-5a).”
The eyes of a parent can see things others cannot. When I asked my mom to portray me as I am today, she smiled; I could just hear it in her voice. She said, “You have become a servant to others instead of worrying over pleasing yourself.” Is this the way God sees me too? He is my Father; does He think of me the way my mom does? “You are a teacher and a writer who is creative, responsible, gifted, and resourceful; you use your talents for the benefits of others. You are focused on God’s work and not your own.” My hope is that others see me for who I am just as God does, not for what I do. “…For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b).” Who I am is not who I used to be. Do you hear it? It is the smile of a Father who can be pleased with His child.
Completely His,
Jenna Johnson
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Challenged
Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (Jude 1:3 NASB)
At 5 years old, I graduated from a tricycle to a bike that had training wheels. I can remember the first ride in the front yard of our house. Every body (Dad, Mom and my sister) was watching to see if I could make it. It was like watching a fawn trying to take it’s for steps, or maybe like a baby bird that was just learning how to fly. Of course, as you could guess, the momentous occasion of peddling the bike by myself ended in 30 seconds or so. I was on the ground, but ready to get back up again. Have you ever felt like this when it comes to sharing your faith with someone else? Unsure, unstable, and winging every word you say. You don’t have to be.
Yesterday while at the mission, I watched something unfold from the distance that inspired me. First, there was a homeless guy named Raymond who has visited 49 states and 4 Canadian provinces. He is in his early 60s. He is tall, toothless, yet talented with words. Second, there was a group of high school students participating in a mission’s outreach program called M-Fuge. They are living at a local college and reaching out into the community of Nashville at various ministries. They are right out of school for the summer, saturated by the world, yet willing to serve. As the students began preparing the trays for those eating, Raymond comes in and begins questioning them. He says, “Are you really Christians or are you just pretending?” With a smile and a laugh, he realizes that he has taken these high school students off guard. How would this make you feel if you were asked this question? The girls respond to some of his questions to defend themselves about why they are there to serve. They responded, “We are trying to do good that God’s light may shine through us.” Before everyone gets into the cafeteria, he asks them, “What can God do for a sinner like me?” He told them to hold that thought, and he would be back after lunch was served.
Taken back, the girls talk among themselves and then disperse to meet and greet some of the homeless that are coming in for lunch. On this day, there are not as many people eating at the mission, because it is the first of the month. Many get there checks, and the day on the street is called, “Dope Day!” In a week or so, the money will have been spent on drugs, alcohol and women. They always come back looking for help in a few weeks. Raymond seems to be clear headed and often has a smile on his face. He comes back after lunch and begins questioning the young girl’s faith about Jesus, salvation, the One True God, and how to deal with sin. He probes them for answers about this great salvation that they speak of. He acts like he doesn’t understand anything about the gospel of Jesus Christ. One young girl is drilled about how she knows this is real. She gets so frustrated and almost mad as he refuses to believe her answers. They take Raymond to the Scriptures and try to explain John 3:16 and God’s amazing love in giving his own Son as our Substitute and ultimate Sacrifice. He said, “I get it.” He then asks, “Do you know what 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us?” All of their Bibles were on the bus, so one of the chaperones pulled his from his backpack and allow the girl to read, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Behind his worn clothing and toothless but priceless smile, he explained the purity and purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He talked about the sinfulness of man, the imputed righteousness of Christ, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and the joys of eternal life. He told the girls that his hope was in Christ and that he was following Him. A High School Junior named Baillee said, “I knew it!” As we all walked away, we learned the valuable lesson of not just knowing what you believe but making sure your beliefs line up with Scripture. Eventually, you and I will be faced with people where the rubber meets the road. Will you be able to stand, ride or fall? It all depends on how much training you have done in your front yard at home!
At 5 years old, I graduated from a tricycle to a bike that had training wheels. I can remember the first ride in the front yard of our house. Every body (Dad, Mom and my sister) was watching to see if I could make it. It was like watching a fawn trying to take it’s for steps, or maybe like a baby bird that was just learning how to fly. Of course, as you could guess, the momentous occasion of peddling the bike by myself ended in 30 seconds or so. I was on the ground, but ready to get back up again. Have you ever felt like this when it comes to sharing your faith with someone else? Unsure, unstable, and winging every word you say. You don’t have to be.
Yesterday while at the mission, I watched something unfold from the distance that inspired me. First, there was a homeless guy named Raymond who has visited 49 states and 4 Canadian provinces. He is in his early 60s. He is tall, toothless, yet talented with words. Second, there was a group of high school students participating in a mission’s outreach program called M-Fuge. They are living at a local college and reaching out into the community of Nashville at various ministries. They are right out of school for the summer, saturated by the world, yet willing to serve. As the students began preparing the trays for those eating, Raymond comes in and begins questioning them. He says, “Are you really Christians or are you just pretending?” With a smile and a laugh, he realizes that he has taken these high school students off guard. How would this make you feel if you were asked this question? The girls respond to some of his questions to defend themselves about why they are there to serve. They responded, “We are trying to do good that God’s light may shine through us.” Before everyone gets into the cafeteria, he asks them, “What can God do for a sinner like me?” He told them to hold that thought, and he would be back after lunch was served.
Taken back, the girls talk among themselves and then disperse to meet and greet some of the homeless that are coming in for lunch. On this day, there are not as many people eating at the mission, because it is the first of the month. Many get there checks, and the day on the street is called, “Dope Day!” In a week or so, the money will have been spent on drugs, alcohol and women. They always come back looking for help in a few weeks. Raymond seems to be clear headed and often has a smile on his face. He comes back after lunch and begins questioning the young girl’s faith about Jesus, salvation, the One True God, and how to deal with sin. He probes them for answers about this great salvation that they speak of. He acts like he doesn’t understand anything about the gospel of Jesus Christ. One young girl is drilled about how she knows this is real. She gets so frustrated and almost mad as he refuses to believe her answers. They take Raymond to the Scriptures and try to explain John 3:16 and God’s amazing love in giving his own Son as our Substitute and ultimate Sacrifice. He said, “I get it.” He then asks, “Do you know what 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us?” All of their Bibles were on the bus, so one of the chaperones pulled his from his backpack and allow the girl to read, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Behind his worn clothing and toothless but priceless smile, he explained the purity and purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He talked about the sinfulness of man, the imputed righteousness of Christ, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and the joys of eternal life. He told the girls that his hope was in Christ and that he was following Him. A High School Junior named Baillee said, “I knew it!” As we all walked away, we learned the valuable lesson of not just knowing what you believe but making sure your beliefs line up with Scripture. Eventually, you and I will be faced with people where the rubber meets the road. Will you be able to stand, ride or fall? It all depends on how much training you have done in your front yard at home!
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