Jeff Johnson's Blog

$5 CD Bin

2011-09-26T15:44:00.001-07:00

So, I went to walmart while the girls were at soccer practice in Shelby. I had to get something for Erin. My curiosity always leads me to the bins near the back where they put CDs and DVDs in he sales bins.

I had to smile as I looked thru the $5 CD bin. Tons of albums by a wide variety of artists - including Billy Ocean, Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, Paula Abdul, Backstreet Boys, Foreigner, Journey, Ozzie Ozbourne, Blondie, Wynona, Alabama, Madonna, Boys2Men, Billy Joel, Elvis, Johnny Cash and so many more current and past stars. It amazed me to think that all these very successful stars get just a breath of success in the world's eyes. In the end... all that work... the fruit of their careers... money and fame... just to end up in the bottom of a $5 sale bin :/

True life and success has to come from outside of us. Our own efforts and accomplishments really don't amount to much in the end. 2 Corinthians 4:7 declares, "but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Jesus is that Treasure in us for this life and the life to come... even though our frail bodies/lives don't really gain much "worldly" success in the end, this life is for showing that God is the true power at work in our lives!

Until next time or trip to walmart,

jj

Ps- I couldn't resist: i bought an MC Hammer greatest hits album. "Can't touch this!"

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Top to bottom, left to right!!!

2011-06-26T10:22:00.001-07:00

Ok... just got back yesterday from an awesome week at M-FUGE. We were poured out as an offering this week, yet God somehow filled our lives to the max!

A verse that God gave me early in the week in my devotion rocked me this week. I couldn't get it out of my mind and heart. Kind of like an old song that repeats in your head (like: "Don't tell my heart, my achy-breaky heart... thank you Miley's dad!)

Psalm 35:9-10

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” (NIV)

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation. All my bones shall say, "O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?" (ESV)

But let me run loose and free, celebrating God's great work, Every bone in my body laughing, singing, "God, there's no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!" (The Message)

I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Every bone in my body will shout: "No one is like the LORD!" You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them. (Contemporary English Version)

Ok, so this verse really challenged me this week. It "tackled me" to use an illustration from our speaker this week.

The challenge to me is for every fiber of my being to celebrate the work of the Lord in my life. That at the very core (or being or "bones!") I would be literally shouting, "God, there is no ONE like YOU!" There's not any person, place or thing that compares to the greatness and glory of our God. Yet, does my life reflect this truth from top to bottom, left to right - in all that I am and do?

We are all quick to speak up when it comes to things that are important us or about people/ our family & kid's accomplishments. We will argue with people and get angered when we're insulted or put down or disagreed with - especially when we're dealing with finances or political viewpoints. We'll scream with incredible passion until we have no voice cheering on our favorite sports team or personality. Why can't I/we be so bold about my/our God? Is there any subject matter or declaration from our lips that deserves more energy and attention than bragging on the LORD?!

Jesus Christ has radically saved me from my sin and self into a relationship with Himself that has given me new life: forgiveness, freedom, passion, purpose, love... the list could go on and on! I am gloriously changed by the work God has done in my life - for today and all of eternity. May every part of me in every moment shout, "GOD, YOU ARE IT, MY ALL; NO ONE COMPARES TO YOU!!!!!!!!!"

for HIS glory alone.

jeff

Been a long time

2011-06-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

We've been home for over a year with Joseph. It's been an incredible year; God has truly blessed us with His presence and provisions.

I plan to get back to my blog more this summer.

Jeff

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Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2010-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Do you know how you felt when you went to summer (sleepover) camp or a big trip for the first time? You were excited, maybe a little anxious, and probably had more questions than answers. This is about how I feel right now. Erin and I will leave with our WHOLE family (my mom and Erin's folks too) in less than 2 weeks for China to complete our adoption of a 2 yr. old boy in Beijing.

It's hard to explain exactly where my emotions are right now. I'm very excited, maybe a little anxious, and yes I probably have more questions than answers. It's not that I don't trust God in all of this. He had guided us each step of this 3+ year journey and I have no doubt of His provision for us physically or financially.

It's as if this is the culmination of a long hike up the mountain. We've been staring at the rocks just in front of our feet for so long now and weaving our way through each turn of the path... and we are about to reach the summit! It's as if I know what we are about to go through will forever change our lives - every bit of who we are as a family and followers of Jesus!

Really, this whole experience has caused us to step out in faith truly trusting in the Lord... it's exciting, yes a little anxious, still without some answers to the questions at hand - BUT ALWAYS TRUSTING IN THE LIVING GOD! And this is what the Bible calls FAITH - "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1

Easter thoughts & prayer!

2010-04-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to the world.

We don't celebrate Easter for the colorful eggs, jelly beans, or the Easter bunny (btw... shouldn't the thought of an oversized bunny coming into your house in the middle of the night scare any little kid?). We celebrate Easter because of Jesus - pure and simple!

The power of God on display in the flesh - Jesus' righteous life on display. God became man. Light in the darkness. Yet, the world neither recognized nor received him. Instead, they tried him as a common criminal, exchanged him in order to free a murderer, and hung him on a cross until he died the most humiliating death one could imagine. Good Friday.

This was not the end. Sunday morning. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. Good Sunday. Great Easter.

The power of God on display in flesh. God breathed life and healing back into a broken and beaten body.

Paul declared in Ephesians 1:19-20 that we have that same resurrection power available to us. I want the power of God on display in my life. This is my Easter prayer. I pray that God would continue to work his mighty power in my heart and that my life would show Christ's love in such a way that He only gets the attention and praise.

Happy Easter.

1 second...

2010-02-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

After watching tonight's speed skating finals, I never cease to be amazed at how things we see resemble real life stuff. These racers are so close to each other speeding around the rink seemingly in perfect pattern and control... then BAM! one of them slips or catches his blade and he tumbles helplessly into the padded wall. OR... someone pushes in just the right spot & time and that causes a disruption of one's balance - then again into the wall!

Isn't life just like that? One slip (ME) or shove (others) and I can fall on my face or struggle to stay up. What a challenge for me to guard the things in my life (testimony, attitude, words, etc.) which seem to hang in the balance every moment of every day. I have to focus constantly... NO LETDOWN!

Michael (DOC) shared Ephesians 6:12 with the guys group this past Monday night. I'll add verse 11 for the close: "Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you may take your stand against the devil's schemes."

2 Things

2010-02-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Something I've read in the Bible has been searing the inside of my brain (and my heart too). In 2 places in Revelation, John records statements made about believers who had given their lives as martyrs for Jesus Christ. Revelation 6:9 & 20:4.

In both references, these people were commended for 2 THINGS: (1) the testimony (life lived outwardly & public) they maintained for Jesus Christ and (2) the Word of God. Wow!

May my life shine with these 2 things - a life lived and devoted to knowing Jesus and making Him known and also a love/passion for the Word of God!

Summer craze once again!

2009-06-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

well, after a very rainy and mild spring... Summer is finally here! Thunderstorms, cantaloupe, mosquitos, humidity, and home-grown tomatoes!

As I look forward to the summer plans with youth and the family, I can't help but recall some of the summer highlights from the past years. After all, this is my 11th summer as Minister of Students at FBCKM - so my wisdom, experience, and AGE do afford me a few memories to share!

In no particular order:

One... our first World Changers in Youngstown, Ohio. I'm sure glad Shane came with us b/c Erin and I didn't know anyone or have a clue what was going on. I remember some of the youth boys doing the some WWF wrestler's "sexy boy" song - very funny! And on the way back, I had to keep Shane awake ALL night since he liked to drive home in the middle of the night.

Two... Beach trips with the youth! Garden City, Springmaid, and now Epworth by the Sea - all great places for us to hang out, play, worship, and more. My morning tradition was to get up for the sunrise. Great times!

Three... Hilton Head with the Welmaker family. It seems Erin's family has been going there off and on for a long time. We all started to go maybe about 6-7 years ago. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year. So much fun with all the kids on the beach, in the pool, the Lighthouse, playing golf, eating overpriced Seafood, riding bikes, playing tennis on clay courts, lawn bowling, sand castles, having birthdays, and on an on.

Four... working in our garden! yes, even a pseudo-southern boy from Florida can put some seed and tomato plants in the ground... timer, water, fertilizer, and a little TLC later - and we've got awesome homegrown fruits & veggies!

Five... my life will forever be changed because of my experiences at M-Fuge (every summer) and especially my three trips to Honduras! These are places and events that have shaped my present and changed my future. God has used each of these to open my eyes and spirit to His heart for this world and the call for my life as His follower.

I could go on forever, but I won't. May this summer be filled with life-changing experiences that leave me in awe of the Lord and grateful to him for every second with my wife and children!

My Lucky Day! Scratch that... my GRACE day!

2009-04-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

So Erin and I went on a retreat to Atlanta with some of our 12th graders... we had a great time. We got a great deal and stayed at the Embassy Suites right next to Centennial park in downtown. Our fun included some of the youth getting drenched in the Centennial fountains, exploring the Aquarium (2 words: Whale Shark!), late-night Cranium, grubbin at the Hard Rock Cafe, an interview on camera by CNN, lunch at the Varsity, MARTA, the Underground, Copy/Paste (lol), and more.

Well... since I grew up in south Florida, I am fan-crazy for most teams from Miami (Go Dolphins). Since it's baseball season, I closely follow the Florida Marlins. It just so happened that my Marlins were in town (ATL that is), you know we had to go to a game! We headed out from the hotel traveling about 10 blocks to hop on the Marta transit bus to Turner Field. On the way up the street I stopped and asked a bus driver how much it would cost to take us to 5 points. He said "aww, just get on the bus, I'm headed there now." That was awesome... a free ride saving us time and energy.

When we got to the game, I immediately ran/hopped down to the field to watch the end of batting practice. I didn't notice the security lady (Arquita) stopping Erin and a few of the youth. She initially said that we needed to have tickets to be down there, but changed her mind for some reason. She saw my foot in a boot and then to my shock asked us where we wanted to sit. "Ummm, let me think - as close as we can" was exactly what I said, I mean begged. lol. We got awesome seats right on the left field wall between 3rd base and the foul pole. I was so close I could smell the game. Icing on the cake (besides the nice man from Ireland who sat next to me with that great accent) was the Marlins beating the Braves 5-1! I told Erin that it was definitely my day.

I couldn't help but think my experiences Tuesday reminded me of God's grace. "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions -- it is by GRACE you are saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5). We did nothing to deserve that free bus ride. We didn't pay. We got something we didn't deserve. Our original seats were in the upper deck - nosebleed; yet, we were given a free gift. I was once a dead man walking... spiritually that is. Years ago in college I was given something I didn't deserve. I received the free gift of God's love perfectly demonstrated in His son Jesus. My life has never been the same.

Arquita, thanks for the great seats. gracious. God, thanks for Jesus and for new life! GRACE

ps... I could have turned down the offer for the new seats... "whatever!" What about you? Have you accepted God's free gift of His son Jesus. Don't turn down that incredible offer! Contact me if you have questions. If you're sitting in new seats/life already... thank God for His grace.

The Madness Begins

2009-03-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's perhaps one of my favorite times of the sports calendar - the opening 4 days of the NCAA Basketball tournament. People go crazy... office pools, bracket-busters, psycho fans, underdogs, CINDERELLA and the fun goes on and on. The news reported that companies all over America lose millions in productivity during March madness. Man, I love it!

The truth is it doesn't take much for people... no scratch that, for ME to get excited about basketball. Even though I've broken my foot TWICE (in the same spot) since August playing b-ball, it's my favorite sport period. Obsession is an understatement.

So why is it that I can give my attention and time so easily to the "madness," and yet can struggle in my passion for God? This is not a criticism of basketball, it's an honest assessment of the struggles of man. God made us to obsess over Him, not His creation or other things that "bling" for our attention. Where it all goes wrong is when I (we) constantly go crazy following and sacrificing in pursuit of everything but God. Why must we have to be reminded that NOTHING WILL SATISFY US EXCEPT GOD.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

"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 - it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5

Time is ticking!

2009-03-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have a moral dilemma each Monday night. Do I watch Heroes or 24 at 9pm? Man, that's a tough choice. I find both shows pretty entertaining and fascinating on many levels. I think the concept of 24 (a whole season being 24 hours... every episode 1 hour in "show" time) is amazingly simple and creative. A lot happens to Jack Bauer in the span of 1 episode - 1 hour or 60 minutes or 3600 seconds. Unfortunately, it's not close to reality. Heroes is in it's own league of storytelling. My favorite character is Hiro Nakamora, the one who can control time with a simple eye blink.

Anyways... the whole subject of time is in my face a lot lately. It seems that I can't keep up with time - the days and weeks just fly by! In our planning for the new service at church (Overflow), it seems like this last year has been a few weeks. My children are growing extremely fast and that makes me sad. Come June, Erin and I will have been at FBC Kings Mountain 10 years. What happened to my teen years? what am I saying? what happened to my 20s? lol.

I'll get to the point. Psalm 39:5 declares, "You have made my days a mere handbreath; the span of years is as nothing before You. Each man's life is but a breath." My life is a breath. Take a breath... didn't take long did it? Talk about perspective. It's starting to sink in. Sometimes I wish we could freeze time like Hiro Nakamora... or even live life like a DVR. Pausing when we want to, skipping the commericials, etc. To God, time is nothing. To God, the time of my life is much less than nothing. Wow. I need to make the most of every moment (and breath): my witness, pursuing God's will and heart, and more!

In the spirit of 24... tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock...