Andrew Curtis Johnson

Monday, December 10, 2007

2007-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Each second leads to the next, each minute leads to the next, each hour leads to the next, each day leads to the next, each week leads to the next, each month leads to the next, each year leads to the next, each decade leads to the next, each century leads to the next, each millenium leads to the next. It would seem as though it’s endless but it’s not. He who set it in motion will put it to a stop.

He alone transcends time. To transcend can mean, “to pass beyond the limits of”, “to be greater than, as in intensity or power; surpass,” or “to exist above and independent of (material experience or the universe)”.

Firstly, He passes beyond the limits of time. We know from Scripture that God defined the limits of time. “In the beginning,” we are told, “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Further on, we read that, “God called the light ‘day’ and the darkness he called ‘night’” (Genesis 1:5). Finally, on the fourth day of creation, God made the stars to “serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years” (Genesis 1:14). Surely, the One who defined the limits of time may pass beyond its limits.

God is greater in intensity and power than time. He is not temporal; He is eternal. That is, God has no beginning and He has no end. “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2).

Finally, God is above and independent of time. He spoke through the prophet Isaiah saying, “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:8-10).

Tuesday, November 29, 2007

2007-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was reading in the Pioneer Press this morning and found an article that caught my eye. It’s entitled, “Roberts says God told him to resign”. The article basically is reporting that Richard Roberts (son of Oral Roberts) resigned as president of Oral Roberts University because God told him to. Close to the end of the article, the phrase, “the Lord said,” jumped out at me. It made me a bit nervous. How can one know with confidence and assurance what “the Lord said”?

The Roberts’ are well known for their preaching of the “prosperity gospel”. The prosperity gospel when summarized might sound something like this: You have a God-shaped hole in your heart that only He can fill but Jesus died so you can experience peace, joy, love, and lasting happiness (e.g. money). This “gospel” is a false one because one may experience peace, joy, love, and lasting happiness and end up in hell. The Jesus of the Bible on the other hand commands that all men everywhere repent. God’s word is power unto salvation (see Romans 1:16).

His Word tells us how to experience prosperity: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1-2). With some form of “Thus saith the Lord” used in Scripture more than 2,500 times, I think it is the only way we can know with confidence and assurance what “the Lord said”.

Monday, September 17, 2007

2007-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I’m thinking about worship for youth group on Wednesday. One of the songs I picked is “Everlasting God”. The song is based on Isaiah 40:27-31 which says, "Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God?’ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

The two words that jump out at me are “weary” and “everlasting”. “Weariness” is defined as “temporary loss of strength or energy resulting from hard physical or mental work”. I would go as far to add that one could be emotionally weary. A synonym could be “drained”. “Everlasting” is an adjective meaning “continuing forever or indefinitely”. I think the connotation of the word distinguishes it slightly from the word “eternal”. Eternal, it seems to me, relates to a temporal mindset whereas everlasting has no bounds. The key distinguishing word is indefinitely.

When I think of the word “everlasting”, I think of the “Everlasting Gobstopper”. Its flavor lasts indefinitely (or it’s supposed to). In just the same way, God’s power lasts indefinitely, His strength lasts indefinitely; He lasts indefinitely.

How do we tap into the Everlasting so that He will give us strength when we’re weary and increase our power when we’re weak? It is simply this: Hope in the Lord.

Friday, September 14, 2007

2007-09-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I went to the Oasis Prayer Service at church last night. It was in one word – powerful. There’s nothing like the combined power of praise and prayer. Both are about God – not us.

I got a chance to pray with Mike and he also shared with me about Esther. We are told in scripture that the women chosen to go before the king had to go through twelve months of beauty treatments. “And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given to her to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace” (Esther 2:13). Then in verse 15, we are told that when Esther’s turn came “…she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested…” She won the favor of everyone – most importantly, the king. It was all because she asked, “What does the king want?”

What do you want, King Jesus? What would please You?

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

2007-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the movie "Black Sheep" there's a scene where actor Chris Farley is helping his brother campaign by putting up posters. He is in a forest area and he puts a poster on every.single.tree. When he puts up the last one, he falls down this huge hill and when he gets to the bottom he exclaims, "What was that all about?!"

I had one of those moments yesterday because of Sunday night. I thought everything was fine while I was talking to my girlfriend on the phone but then she started to feel down. I asked her why and she claimed that she didn't even know why. Then yesterday I just talked to her online and encouraged her and told her how much I love her. After that she was all...bubbly...

My point? I barely understood any of it. And I still don't understand why she was down.

I think there are some things that I will never understand. I'm also sure that Job (who I wrote about recently) had a few, "What was that all about?!" moments in the midst of his tribulation.

On the other hand, the Bible tells us about Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. "The king asked, 'Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness?'" (2 Samuel 9:3). David wanted to lavish God's kindness on Jonathan's son who we are told was crippled in both feet. David even went as far as to invite him to always eat at his table. "Mephibosheth bowed down and said, 'What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?'" (2 Samuel 9:8). In other words, "What was that all about?!"

Mephibosheth did not deserve this kindness but we are told in verse 1 that David's motivation for showing this kindness was "for Jonathan's sake". We do not deserve God's kindness. We have been crippled by our sin yet King Jesus says, "Come!" He says, "Eat at my table." It is one of those things we may never understand -- and that is good.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (1 John 3:1).

Friday, September 7, 2007

2007-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the book of Job, we are faced with Satan as “…the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night…” (Revelation 12:10). Revelation 12:10 goes on to say that “he has been hurled down”. The next verse is really powerful. It says, “They [the brothers] overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11).

First, Job’s livestock and family were taken away from him. Basically, everything that was precious to Job was ripped away. The goal was to make Job curse God yet Job 1:22 says, “In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”

Satan again comes before God saying, “… ‘A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 2:4-5). Then, Satan afflicts Job with physical pain. We are told that Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. This action is a symbol of mourning. In other words, Job was depressed. To make it worse, Job’s wife tells him to curse God and die.

Again, Job maintains his integrity. “He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said” (Job 2:10).

In psychology, depression is defined as, “a psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness.” Surely this is what Job experienced. He said, “Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor? Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness” (Job 30:25-26).

When we are stumbling around in the darkness (like Job), we need God to light the way. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s word illuminates what was once darkness. He makes what was once nothing into something. Just as in the beginning, God spoke and it was, all He needs to do is speak one word. In divine fiat, it must be.

In the conclusion of Job we are told that the latter part of Job’s life was more blessed than the first part. God is faithful. He is saying to each one of us right now, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten – the great locust and the young locust, the other locust and the locust swarm – my great army that I sent among you” (Joel 2:25).

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

2007-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

God has a unique way of ministering through His Word. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). His Word is "living and active".

His Word was active in my life last night. God told me to read Philippians 3:20-21 which says, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. "

His power enables him to bring everything under his control. Is God in control? If we heated the head of a pin to the temperature of the core of the sun it would kill everybody within 1,000 miles. Could Jesus swallow that pin? Yes. God is powerful. Is Jesus able to take care of all our needs and problems? Yes.

The sun is like a giant hydrogen bomb. Each second 4 million tons of the sun are converted from mass to energy. We get 1 billionth of that energy on earth. If Earth's orbit were 3 percent further away from the sun, it would be too cold and if it were 3 percent closer, it would be too hot. God made it that way and He was precise. Can I trust God to be Lord? Yes I can.

The number of electrons that pass through the filament of a light bulb in a minute is the same as the number of drops that flow over Niagara Falls in a century. Does God know that number? Yes He does. Does He know my struggles, pain, and heartache? Yes He does.

Every second, the body makes 2 to 10 million red blood cells. If all the red blood cells were lined up side by side, it would go around the earth at the equator 4 times. Is one red blood cell shed by the Savior sufficient for me? Yes. His grace is sufficient.

I know all this yet I still worry. Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own" (Matthew 6:34). Likewise, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Sunday, August 19, 2007

2007-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

It has been way.too.long.

In Philippians 2, Paul exhorts us to imitate the attitude of Jesus Christ in the area of humility. Preceding the doxological statements in verses 6-11 Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Later, in verses 6-11, Paul describes the attitude of Jesus. Paul states that Jesus took on the very nature of a servant. This is evident from Jesus' own words: “'...Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'” (Matthew 20:26-28). His purpose was to serve. The culmination of this was to give His life as a ransom for many.

Closely connected to humility and servant hood is the idea of authority. Philippians 2 states that Jesus was in very nature God – the ultimate authority. However Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,” we are told. The word “consider” literally means (in this context) “to take or suppose to be true or entitled to belief, without examination or positive proof, or on the strength of probability”. Jesus knew He was God and the word “consider” implies that He thought about it but rather than assume the rights of the Godhead to be His, he took on the nature of a servant.

This is not guesswork on my part. In John 13, the account of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, this concept is expounded upon. The writer of this gospel says, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God” (John 13:3). Rather than boast of this authority, Jesus washes His disciples' feet in humility.

I'm supposed to imitate this humility whether in a position of authority or not – but especially in a position of authority. My life is not my own. It's not for me to call the shots. Just as Jesus knew that He had come from God and was returning to Him, I know that I have been called by Jesus to go (Matthew 28) and that soon He will call me home to the place He has prepared for me.

Consider others better than yourselves...

Monday, June 18, 2007

2007-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

As I sit here writing these words, I'm looking out a window. I see trees blowing in the wind and it is as though the clouds are deciding whether or not they should release their contents on the earth. When I see this, I wonder. What kind of power could manipulate the forces of nature? The answer to that question should be obvious: the power that created it.

The Bible gives an account of Jesus calming a storm in 3 of the 4 gospels. The best account (I think) is in Mark 4:35-41. In verse 38 the disciples ask the sleeping Jesus, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" It is then that Jesus calms the storm -- almost as if he were answering that question. After the fact, we have our answer to that question: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Was it merely the question that made Jesus exercise such power? No. We must look at those who asked the question.

The verse before 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). The key word is "humble". We must be in a state of humility in order for God to exercise power in our lives. We must either humble ourselves or be humbled. The disciples were humbled by a storm; we may be humbled by circumstances. I would rather humble myself.

As a nation, the same principle applies. The Lord appeared to King Solomon and said, "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Again, the key word is "humble".

How do we humble ourselves? At this point it is worth noting that in those verses, humility is accompanied with praying, seeking the face of God, and an attitude of repentance. Humbling ourselves is recognizing our lowly position in comparison to God. This can be achieved through genuine worship where God is exalted and magnified. Genuine worship (along with praying) is also a means of seeking the face of God.

When all those factors are in place, God exercises power. I do not think there is a specific order to those factors but I do think that they all must be in place. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face through genuine worship and have an attitude of repentance. Then God will exercise power.

-Andrew Johnson

Monday, June 4, 2007

2007-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the opinion section of the paper lately there have been claims that intelligent design (the more political correct term for Creation) is unprovable. The same people claim that science totally and completely supports evolution -- which is no longer a theory according to those people.

Maybe there should be a fact section in the paper. It would most definitely not mention evolution. Evolution is a mantra for those who want nothing to do with God. They proclaim it as a fact over and over again in the hope that it will become truth. It is a wall that is put up as a defense against belief in God. When we more closely examine evolution though, we find that not only is it utterly lacking in scientific support but it is nonsensical. The foundation for evolution crumbles.

Why is evolution nonsensical? It claims that order comes from disorder. Furthermore, if we examine our human beginnings from an evolutionary standpoint, we find that we came from a rock. How incredibly insulting!

When the wall crumbles, what is left? Agnosticism? Maybe for a while this is more honest than outright disbelief in God. However, choosing this as a worldview is like choosing immobility as a means of transportation. We cannot linger in the realm of "I don't know" forever. We must search for validity.

One dictionary defines the word "empirical" as "derived from experiment or observation rather than theory". God -- the God of the Bible -- is the only God that makes Himself empirical. He challenged the people of Israel saying, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, emphasis added). Elsewhere God has said, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3). Solomon rightly said, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The God of the Bible is the only God who tells us to experiment and observe. He has given us the following experiments and results: "If you seek me with all your heart, you'll find me." "If you call to me, I'll tell you great and unsearchable things you don't know." "Trust in me with all your heart; don't lean on your own understanding and acknowledge me. Then I'll make your paths straight."

Let's all test God (yes, even Christians) so we will not be found guilty of choosing immobility as a means of transportation. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). Let's choose forward motion and run the race for this is the only legitimate means of transportation.

-Andrew Johnson

Friday, June 1, 2007

2007-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God -- I say this to your shame" (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

Not many people know that punctuation can sometimes assist in telling you the meaning of a text. Here, I am referring to the semi-colon. I usually think of it as the "equal sign of language". It indicates that two clauses have equal value.

In this particular context, the clauses that are equal are "stop sinning" and "there are some who are ignorant of God". In other words, "Stop sinning because it's a bad witness to those who aren't saved." The Bible makes this issue quite clear: "We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him" (1 John 5:18).

At this point, there is nothing more to explain. Paul used an imperative and for the most part, imperatives are self-evident. His imperative? "Stop sinning."

In contrast, Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

2007-05-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

So..journaling...it's hard to do on consistently... Anyway, what to write? *thinks*

Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are very similar in nature. Both chapters proclaim, "You are worthy." Why is God worthy? "You are worthy our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being" (Revelation 4:11). He is worthy because He "created all things". "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him" (Psalm 33:6-8). Why should the people of the earth revere him? "For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm" (Psalm 33:9).

In Augustine's words, this is called "divine fiat". When God speaks, it comes to be; when He commands, it stands firm. The closest example that could be given would be typing on a computer. My finger presses a certain key and almost instantly, the letter appears on the screen. The fact that God doesn't even have to lift a finger -- just speak -- is what makes it divine fiat. It shows God's magnificent power.

Revelation 5 tells us why the Lamb is worthy to open the scroll: "...because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). Furthermore, "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:10). God is worthy because He saved and sanctified us. " He is the atoning sacrifice [propitiation] for our sins, and not only for our but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2). This also shows God's magnificent power.

I am convinced that Revelation 4 and 5 are intricately woven together in their nature. Firstly, God is worthy as Creator. Secondly, He is worthy as Savior. And finally, He is worthy as Sanctifier. More than that, I am convinced that when on refuses to accept one of the characteristics of God, then the others become obsolete. If we pull the rug out from under God as Creator, we are pulling it out from under the same God as Savior and Sanctifier.

"'Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.' All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame" (Isaiah 45:22-24).

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Monday, March 19, 2007

2007-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm depressed. I'm cranky. Why? I got into a big ginormous argument with my mom after church. But before that, my aunt was getting on my case. I don't even remember what it was all about. It doesn't matter though. "Love keeps no record of wrongs." I'm not sure that was my motivation. In fact, I'm pretty sure it wasn't. But it'll do. What I do remember is how much it hurts when people that are supposed to love you and be on your side aren't on your side. It hurts.

Anyway, Mark Scott prayed for me, John Herbes prayed for me, and people prayed for me at Prayer and Share. I really hope James was right (see James 5:16). Yeah. It feels like when I pray there's a big wall that my prayers are bouncing off from. I pray with no avail. Maybe others are different. I hope so.

I still love MY Brittany even in the midst of all this. Last night she sent me an email which said the following: "I love you. I'm amazed by you. After all you've been through, you're still holding on and enduring everything. I admire you for that. And I know it's hard. I would have given up a long time ago and done something I would have regretted. You have incredible strength, Andrew Curtis Johnson. I love you, and respect you so much...words cannot even begin to describe. Keep holding on. I'll be there for you. Always. ~Brittany Evelyn"

After reading that, I cried. I have incredible strength? That's what my name means basically. It can mean "manly" or "a strong man". I don't feel strong; I feel weak. Incredibly weak. And vulnerable. To sin and the attacks of the enemy.

Last night, after kind of mulling over all that, the song "His Strength Is Perfect" came to my head. I didn't even remember the whole song...just that line. I don't know if it has any significance but it probably does. In other words, there's something still in me. "Times are hard. Times have changed. Don't you say? I keep holding on to you... It's hard to keep the faith alive day to day, leaning on the strength I've found in you... You're the hope of all the earth..."

I don't know what else to say. I don't know what to do. I don't know what I want. YOU do.

Help...

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Sunday, March 18, 2007

2007-03-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

"God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises" (Psalm 47:5-6). Four times the psalmist says to sing praises. Firstly, I should sing praises because He is God and secondly I should sing praises because He is King. I'm sitting here in the middle of the Sunday morning service and worship is over with. Or is it? I don't want it to be over with though. My soul has been downcast lately and Psalm 42 says, "...for yet I will praise him, my Savior and my God." I need to praise Him.

Thank you, Lord for Your Word. Thank you that You are God. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). His riches are endless. It's going to be okay. But when, Lord? When will You supply all my needs? Reveal it to me, Lord. I will wait. "The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD" (Lamentations 3:25-26).

I will praise Him. I will wait quietly in expectation. I put my hope in You. Let Your salvation come!

-Andrew Johnson

Sunday, February 25, 2007

2007-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

So…I definitely live in Minnesota. There’s more than a foot of snow on the ground. As much as I “like” snow (more like “am able to tolerate”), I didn’t like the fact that church was canceled today. I like church. And I didn’t like not seeing my Brittany today. I mean twice a week is all we get together most of the time. I wish I had more time with her…

But what I really need is more time with God. I need more time with my eyes fixed on Jesus. I need less time in sin. I need to make it so that there is no time to sin. And with that time I’d serve God. I want God to consume my sin. Sometimes I feel so dirty. But I know that I’ve been cleansed in the blood of Jesus. He paid that I could not, giving his sweat, his blood, and ultimately his perfectly holy life in my place. The law demanded that from me. Jesus paid it all.

*sigh* I really can’t get Brittany off my mind. I don’t want to. I want to know her more. I want to be with her whenever I can. I honestly think she’s that amazing. Actually, I think she is more amazing than I actually am able to know. I want to get married.

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16). Oh God, open your hand toward me. You know my desires. I don’t. My heart is wicked. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

Thank you Lord. Goodnight!

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Thursday, February 22, 2007

2007-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

So I got into a discussion with Zac today about Creation v. Evolution and the Fall of Man and stuff like that. It saddens me that we in America are a spitting image of Romans 1 (especially verses 21-23). As a result of believing the lie called evolution (which is actually idolatry) we have come to the point where we know God but neither glorify him nor give thanks to him (v. 21). We claim to be wise which is especially clear in modern taxonomy. Man has been given the name “homo sapiens sapiens” meaning “wise, wise man”. But the Bible makes it clear that we are fools if we practice this form of idolatry (v. 23).

Why is idolatry foolish? Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” In the idolatry of evolution, man becomes the ultimate deity – he becomes god. As a result, we can practice all forms of iniquity. The ultimate goal? It is to “…enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time” (Hebrews 11:25). It is just that – a short time because God “has set forth a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man [Jesus] he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

So what is the cure for our idolatry? If we are fools because of it, as the Bible says, wouldn’t it be logical that we must become wise in order that we can forsake our idolatry? “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27). Idolatry is a snare that leads to death; we need the fear of the Lord.

The author of Psalm 119 said, “My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws” (Psalm 119:120). We need God’s laws. We need God’s laws to impart wisdom to us. And the wisdom is this: “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24).

Are you wise?

-Andrew Johnson

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

2007-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

In Judges 6:36-40, we are told about Gideon asking God for a sign. He places a fleece on the ground and asks God for there to be dew on only the fleece and the ground to be completely dry. God does so. Gideon again asks God for a sign. This time, he asks that the fleece be completely dry and all the ground surrounding it to be wet. God again does so. The key thing Gideon said was, “…If you will…” (Judges 6:36b).

What is God’s will? “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone would come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). I think it would be safe to glean from that verse that God is willing that everyone would come to a saving knowledge of Him – namely Jesus Christ.

God, if it’s your will, would you let me talk with somebody today about spiritual things? Will you enable me to speak YOUR words? Would your fill me with Your Holy Spirit?

God has commanded that I be filled with His Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18). Would you fill me now, Lord?

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely home to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18). I’m not afraid of Satan; “I’m not ashamed of the gospel” (see Romans 1:16).

-Andrew Johnson

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

2007-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

So yeah…I haven’t updated my journal in a while.

I’ve been thinking since Sunday night (for reasons that I shall not mention here)…is there more to the Church being the Bride of Christ than we are told in a Sunday morning sermon? In Ephesians 5 it is revealed that a man’s love for his wife points to Christ’s love for the Church. Is it at all possible that more comparisons could be made between Christ’s love for the Church and a man’s love for his wife? My answer right now would have to be a yes.

My first comparison would have to relate to the roles of men and women. In my experience or learning, I’ve found that men are primarily initiators and women are primarily responders. I believe that this becomes more visibly evident when it comes to sexual union between a man and a woman. However, I do believe it to be true on more levels such as emotional, intellectual, etc.

Likewise, we are commanded, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-26). It is Christ – He is the one who initiates. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). His motivation for initiating was joy! Should mine as a man be the same?

Back to the sexual union for a jiffy… Both a man and a woman attain some kind of joy as a result [of that act]. Again, men are initiators and women are responders…

To draw some kind of conclusion, Christ initiates as our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. His motivation is joy. As responders we are the saved, sanctified, healed and ruled people of God. We achieve joy in this…

“Consider it pure joy…”

-Andrew Johnson

Monday, February 12, 2007

2007-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

So my English teacher said something that got me thinking. He said that “Christianity” is the dominant religion in America. I put the word “Christianity” in quotes because my best guess as to why that is so is because the majority of America has the wrong Jesus.

Do I have the right Jesus? Is he a Jesus that’s just a good friend – who winks at my sin and makes me feel “fuzzy” inside when I worship him? Or is my Jesus holy? I choose the latter.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus is the gate (John 10:7-10)! Jesus is the road (or Way, John 14:6)! The majority of America does not have the correct Jesus of the Bible. I do. What am I to do with my knowledge?

God, I know what I’m supposed to do with Your Son. Now am I supposed to watch silently as others trample His blood underfoot? Stand up, stand up for Jesus!

-Andrew Johnson

Thursday, February 8, 2007

2007-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

So God is sovereign. Apparently. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. Right now it doesn’t. But, when I stop and think, He really is. It’s no coincidence that in Bible study with Ben and Stefan we’re studying the book of James. James said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

I did a little word study into the word phrase “consider it”. The closest definitions that fit the context (I think) are “to rule, command”, “to have authority over”, and “to consider, deem, account, think”. I’m supposed to think of my trials as pure joy? I’m supposed to rule over and command my trials to be pure joy? How do I exercise that authority?

Paul and Silas were put into prison, we are told in the book of Acts (Acts 16:16-40). Verse 25 says, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). In the midst of their trial they praised God. What kind of praise was it? Was it praise that took command of their trial?

That’s my best guess as of right now. I need to continue praising God in the midst of my trials. I need to consider my trials as pure joy. You [God] are my joy…

-Andrew Johnson

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

2007-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

“I surrender… You surround… when my world revolves around… You…” *sigh* I need to surrender; I desperately need Him to surround me – to speak to me and help me. I need to listen. I know His voice. I really think the word “listen” has the connotation of actively hearing – hearing with obedience. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

There’s the written Word of God and then there’s His spoken Word. In my experience, one cannot hear God’s spoken Word unless one hears (and memorizes) His written Word. Can one not listen to God’s word and still hear His voice? I think not. We need to be doers of His written Word before we even begin to recognize His voice. The Word of God “is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). We have heard what was written but “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). I must hear His voice and follow Him. If one sheep has a problem with running away from the shepherd and the rest of the flock, the shepherd will actually break its legs. Then he will drag the sheep around with him wherever he goes for the time it takes for the sheep’s legs to heal. As a result, because the sheep was so used to being with the shepherd, will NEVER leave him again.

I so want to follow Jesus like that but do I want Him to break my legs? Have I run so far in my sin that He would do such a thing? I hope not. I hope I will follow Him because I love His sweet-sounding voice.

*sigh* That’s a lot to think about. I like thinking about deep things like that though. “…my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge ‘Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests…” (Hosea 4:6). I can honestly say that I have not by any means rejected knowledge. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Thank you Lord for your mercies.

-Andrew Johnson

Saturday, February 3, 2007

2007-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

So this whole weekend I haven’t been able to hear God’s still small voice. Maybe it’s because I’ve had a headache for most of the weekend or maybe I haven’t taken the time. I should take more time than I do to just listen.

Hmm…I’ll write more later because it’s dinnertime. We get steak! Yay!

I’m too tired to write more.

Friday, February 2, 2007

2007-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

So I decided that though I like journaling in my palm-pilot, I’m going to have a written journal.

Anyway, I’m up here for the men’s retreat at Big Sandy. It’s been an okay time so far. The speaker here is awesome too. Yeah, I don’t have much else to say about that.

I miss my Brittany SO MUCH!!!! I want her for a long time. Forever, actually. It’s going to be amazing. My marriage, I mean. Oh there was one thing that the speaker said tonight that stuck out. He said basically that we should want Christ more than we want things to improve. Lately, I’m a complainer. Especially when I can’t be with Brittany. It’s probably some form of idolatry….

Goodnight,
Andrew Johnson

Thursday, February 1, 2007

2007-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

"[It is of] Jehovah's lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 ASV). Praise God!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

2007-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

So it's 6:48 am in the morning. I had to rush this morning to make it on the bus. It sucked. But anyway, what's up with me?

Yesterday was the beginning of 2nd Semester. It all went good except web page design with Mr. Liveri. I brought my backpack to class like I usually do. Apparently he has a big problem with that. He told me that even though I had a backpack pass (which was stolen, by the way) that I couldn't have it in class. Later on he told us to take out our schedules and I would have BUT mine just happened to be in my backpack. Hmmm... Also, he said that he won't let you have a backpack even if it's in an IEP. That confuses me because an IEP is backed by the government. All that is really the only thing that has me pissed right now.

"When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his haters be at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7 BBE).

Lord, let my ways be pleasing to you.

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Saturday, January 27, 2007

2007-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

So today I had work. From 4:30 until 10 as a cart runner. I'm exhausted because I also had to close section B.

Anyway, I'm home now and it's 10:57 PM. The show "Travel The Road" just finished. I'd really like to do what they do - missions. I know I'm called to some type of ministry.

I could be a pastor or Bible teacher. God's Word says that people perish for lack of knowledge. Let's just say I won't be perishing for that. God's given me knowledge in abundance.

I could be a worship leader. I taught myself guitar. I love worship songs and I write my own music. I so enjoy it when I can bless others with worship.

I could also see myself as a missionary. I'm currently in a 3rd level German class. I just can't stand the rampant post modernism and agnosticism in Germany and the rest of Europe. I love helping people in practical ways. Oh, and I also love evangelizing the lost.

Maybe I'll just do it all. Or pray about it and let God decide.

-Andrew

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

2007-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ugh! Finals today! In periods 1, 3, 5, and 7 I have finals. I'm done with two of them (orchestra and chemistry) as of 10:14 am and surprisingly, I think I aced them. I think I'll ace the next one too. (Why wouldn't I?! It's German.) And lastly, I'll have a final in world history which doesn't have me TOO worried because it's ALL multiple choice.

It's tomorrow I'm worried about. I have finals in English and math (a.k.a. the classes I hate the most). Jesus told me not to worry about tomorrow though. Each day has its own troubles. I need to trust God. "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

-Andrew

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

2007-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

So I may not have the spiritual gift of encouragement but I really do love encouraging people. Especially MY Brittany...

She thought she was going to fail her writing test this morning. I told her that she would pass because I've read her writing before. She still thinks that she writes too much. Oh well. I know she passed.

Anyway, the Bible talks about reaping what you sow. Sometimes I wonder if I'll reap the encouragement I've sown in a big way later on in life...say when I'm married. I hope so. It's going to be good even if it's not good now.

-Andrew

Monday, January 22, 2007

2007-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ugh... I'm not prepared for finals. I don't want to be. I want a fresh start. I want the freedom to do well if that makes any sense. Probably not.

Anyway, the choir song "Sweeter" has been running through my head all day. I think I'm going to die the death of a martyr. Just because. Look at Acts 1:8.

Goodnight.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

2007-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not even going to try to catch up on journaling. I just wanted to write that I didn't get kisses today. It hurt. I'm not even going to explain. But you're kidding yourself if you don't know that it's deeper.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

2007-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

So I'm trying to do research on Song of Solomon. The problem? Just about everything I read says that the book is an allegory for Christ's love for the Church. I don't quite agree. I think Christ can be seen in EVERY book of the Bible. However, I think there is also practical application.

So what's the practical application for Song of Solomon? What's the book about? It seems obvious to me that the book is about SEX. That's right. Sex. It's about sexual love (dod(e) in the Hebrew) between a married man and woman. So what does it mean? I don't know. There are so many people that are wiser than me. But I want to know what they know...and have true understanding.

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, and REDEMPTION" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

2007-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

So this is probably the longest I've been able to keep up in my journaling...

Anyway, I asked God to meet me in my quick prayer this morning. I so want Him to answer that prayer; I expect Him to. "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:3).

*sigh* I need God. My life is boring, it sucks, I keep falling into sin, and I'm not where I want to be. I need God to grant me the gift of repentance. I NEED it!!!!

After church...

God met me! He's a God that answers prayer.

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

2007-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I found out that Brittany's going to a movie with her friend Caleb. Why do I have to get so jealous?

Number one, he's a guy. It seems that lately, a lot of guys have been hitting on her. Not cool. Secondly, it seems like she has no FREEDOM to be with ME. The way I see it, her parents had to approve of her going to a movie with Caleb...but yet her parents NEVER approve of her going to a movie with me? And they know me... It hurts. Thirdly, does she even make it a big deal to be with me? It doesn't seem like it. She spends more time, when I do get to SEE her, talking with her other friends. I'm even to the point of being jealous for her time. Which is why I wrote this...

I seriously love her or I wouldn't be so worried about this. I'm worried for myself though that I'm becoming obsessed...

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Monday, January 15, 2007

2007-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

So I'm at Caribou...thinking -- random thoughts.

I seriously love MY Brittany like no other. When I say "like no other", I mean that it's not like the love of a normal teenager. I'm sure every teen thinks that at some point, but I have proof...

The first proof I'll cite is time. I've been with my Brittany for 2 years, 1 month, and 2 days as of today. Not normal. I mean for the average teen to get past the point of infatuation is like a miracle to their peers. 2 years is definitely not normal.

The second proof I'll cite is commitment. I've said over and over again that I want to marry her. I'm that committed--that willing to wait for her. I doubt that I'd be happy with anybody else FOREVER which is how long marriage lasts. I just can't picture it.

The third proof I'll cite is emotional attachment. There was a word that was used in youth group as kind of a derogatory terminology for this, but then again, it was talking about unhealthy emotional attachment. The word was "soul-tie". Anyway, I now use the term to describe my relationship with Brittany. I believe that the quickest way to form one is through being physical. There was a lack of that early on in our relationship (which I think was good). In fact, our first hug was forced (don't ask me to explain). Our first kiss was June 21, 2005 which means that from when I asked her (December 13, 2004) out until that point was a period of 7 months and 8 days. Now there definitely is one according to my theory of "everything".

All this evidence leads me to the conclusion that 1) I'm not normal 2) I'm crazy 3) I'm too analytical for writing this and 4) I'm going to marry MY Brittany. I'll hold onto the latter.

-Andrew Curtis Johnson

Sunday, January 14, 2007

2007-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Now that I have this palm pilot, I might do more regular journal entries...

Anyway, I just wanted to remind myself not to invite my mom to my wedding. She would ruin what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. Just like she made me extremely angry today. She called MY Brittany a whore! All because I was texting in the car. Nothing justifies saying that. I swear that she will regret it because she refuses to apologize to me or her.
She'll regret it.

-Andrew Curtis Johnson