The Cure for Troubled Hearts

by Gregory A. Johnson


We are living in troubling times, but Jesus warned us that it would get this way, and it can get a lot worse before it gets any better. Beloved, Scripture says, “But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great
wrath, because he knows that his time is short!" (Revelation 12:12 ESV).

Yes, the world is troubled, but I feel led to talk to you about something more personal. As Christ’s followers, we are troubled by what is taking place in the world, but many are also dealing with troubled hearts concerning finances, loved ones, relationships, poor health, aging, and uncertainty.

It was the night before Jesus’s crucifixion, and he was eating with his disciples; it is their last supper together. There is an air of depression in the room. These Christ-followers left a lot to follow him, giving up businesses and careers. Due to answering Jesus’s call, they had less time to spend with family—parents had aged and children had grown while they were away following Jesus. Now, Jesus is telling them that he is leaving them to go back to the Father. What will they do? How will they make a living? Who will hire them? Who will believe in them?

Credibility and security are leaving these Christ-followers as quickly as the brisk breeze blowing through the open windows of the warm upper room. Their hearts are troubled. Have you ever found yourself in this upper room of despair? I have, many times, and even more recently than lately. What are we to do?

Listen to what Jesus spoke to them on that distant, but yet familiar evening: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3 ESV).

So often we get distracted by the present, and we lose sight of our future destination. Our present may be less than desirable, and even troubling, but our future is utterly astounding. Jesus even gives us help to get through the present until our future is realized. You see, Jesus and his presence is the cure for troubled hearts. Let Jesus whisper in your ear these everlasting words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27 ESV).

Beloved, receive Jesus’s peace. Even now, allow his peace to flood you and fill your being. Take in his grace-given tranquility with slow and deliberate breaths that are as vital to your spirit as oxygen is to your body. Do not allow your heart to be troubled. Sense his presence; receive his peace.

Experiencing Victory in the Midst of Trouble

by Gregory A. Johnson

The news of this world is troubling. If you watch the evening news or read the daily newspaper, you know what I mean. There are wars, rumors of wars, terrorism, civil unrest, genocides, droughts, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, shootings, kidnappings, robberies, assaults—the list goes on and on. This world is troubled.

Christ-followers live in this troubled world, struggling at times, but they are not part of this world. They are here on temporary assignment to follow Christ, making His Kingdom known. Their citizenship is out of this world. They live here in the midst of trouble, but their victory is secure! The One they follow has overcome the world, and because He did, they will.

How Far God Separates You from Your Sins

by Gregory A. Johnson

I have had the privilege of watching the sun rise from a sandy beach on the East Coast of America, and I have watched the sun set from a sandy beach on the West Coast. Both shorelines are beautiful yet they are completely different, with flat topography on the East Coast and a mountain range hugging the West Coast. Both experiences are breathtaking, causing an awareness of a Creator who inspires awe in all that He has created and in all that He does.

One of the most incredible things any of us can experience is the forgiveness of our sins. The forgiveness of our sins by the Creator is truly wonderful and amazing. If we confess our sins to God, and we run to Him in repentance, He not only forgives us, but He also removes those sins from us. We are guilty but owe no penalty. Why? Christ took the penalty for our sins when He died on the cross for them.

Just how far does God remove our sins from us?

We Need a Faith and Justice Revival in Our Day

by Gregory A. Johnson

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" (Revelation 7:9-10 ESV).

On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born in a day when those with dark skin did not have equality with those with white skin. The African American was not allowed to ride in the front of the bus with the European American. African Americans could not use the same restrooms. They could not eat in the same sections of the restaurants. The children could not play in the same playgrounds nor go to the same schools. They could not drink from the same water fountain. They could not even go to the same church. Slavery, a great sin of the nation, was over, but segregation and all of its inequalities remained in America. In the land of the free and the home of the brave, not everyone was free; many were bound by the injustices of racism. It is with that backdrop that a dream was birthed in an individual. Although that dream has not fully reached reality, it is burning intensely in the hearts of many in our day.

Dr. King lived his life in the belief of God’s rule that all people are created equal, and all people should be treated equally. This is the dream of justice driven by faith. It is the dream that God gave to Dr. King. It is the dream that God plants deep into the heart of citizens of the Kingdom.

Close Your Church Office on Martin Luther King Day!

by Gregory A. Johnson

The senior pastor walks into the room to conduct yet another weekly staff meeting that amounts to the same questions being asked week after week; they were just worded in different ways. The basis of the questions is this: What can we do to get more people to attend our weekly service.

Many of the staff grow tired of these questions and the staff meetings. Dreading to attend, and trying to find ways to avoid them, the staff often made light of the meetings in private. It is very obvious to those close to him that the only thing driving the senior pastor is numbers; he doesn't have a heart for people. It is all about the attendance numbers he reports to the denomination's headquarters. This is how he measures the success of himself, his staff, and the church.

My Dad's Toolbox

by Gregory A. Johnson


The day in which we live is full of uncertainty and change. We don’t know when our Lord will return, but we watch with anticipation as we move along on our journey of following Him from earth to glory. With each passing day, we realize how fragile life can be; we realize that we need help on our journey. Each of us needs encouragement and people in our lives who will encourage us.

As I was growing up, I always helped my dad when he worked on things around the house or on the cars. I would get his toolbox and be quick to hand him each tool that he asked for. To this day, when I see dad’s toolbox, I remember all the great times I had as I spent time with him working on things. They are memories that uplift and stir me to this day.

As a pastor and an author, I look at myself as one who helps others by handing them the tools they need for their journey as they follow Christ. The Be Encouraged series is a set of encouraging tools that will be of great value in the Christ-follower’s toolbox.

It's a Wonderful Life

by Gregory A. Johnson

It is during those times when life does not seem to be working out, feeling as if life could have been different, failing to see our impact on others, wishing we had not even been born, that we need to realize that it truly is a wonderful life. 

It's hard to see this throughout the entire year, as we deal with the ups and downs of life regardless of the calendar. It doesn't have to be just at Christmas time, as in the climactic scene in the classic movie It's a Wonderful Life when George Bailey, played by the one and only James "Jimmy" Stewart, found himself in a situation that seemed impossible. George was contemplating ending his life, wishing he had never been born, failing to realize that his life had impacted so many in positive ways until he was shown by an unlikely source, Clarence Odbody (Angel, Second Class) played by Henry Travers, that if he had not been born, the people of Bedford Falls would not have had such a wonderful life.

It's a Wonderful Live - Movie Trailer

Through it all, the movie projects that God had a purpose for George Bailey and was working through him to help others in ways that would not have materialized if George had not been born. The Bailey house had a merry Christmas that year because God answered the prayers of people who loved George, and He sent a messenger to show George his worth just in time. It's a Wonderful Life is a great movie recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.

In our house, my family and I have traditionally watched the movie on Christmas Eve, although it is a good movie to be watched at any time of the year. Because of our tradition, when I think of characters of Christmas, George Bailey is one who pops into my mind.

I wrote the book, The Characters of Christmas: God at Work in our Lives, to encourage people to realize that God is always working in our lives, even if we cannot see it or feel it. The book is not about fictitious characters from a movie, like George Bailey, and it's not just another Christmas book or a book to be read at Christmas time. In the book, I take the real-life characters of the Bible at the birth of Jesus and show how God worked in their lives while making it relevant to each reader by showing how God is working in his or her life, no matter what he or she is going through. It will speak to you during any season of the year and regardless of the season of life that you currently find yourself in. I pray that, as Clarence Odbody, God will use the book as a messenger to show readers and those they recommend or give it to, that God is truly at work in their lives. With some, it will be just in time.

Please know today that you have value; you are favored by God. He allowed you to be born for a purpose.  He is working in your life. He is working in your seemingly impossible situation. As you realize this, you will realize that this truly is a wonderful life. Know that you are loved, gaj

Favored by God

by Gregory A. Johnson

Are you facing something impossible in your life right now? If you read that question and can’t think of anything impossible that you are facing at this present time, please still keep reading. You will face something down the road on your journey that will be an impossible situation for you to handle without help.

For most, as they read that question, something immediately comes to mind as it is always on their mind. They go to bed thinking about it, and they get up thinking about it, and it consumes their thoughts throughout the day. Not knowing what to do or where to turn next, they reason, they plan, and oftentimes they make the wrong choices and execute the wrong plan which only causes more pain and heartache. Impossible situations can overwhelm, discourage, and depress while ostracizing us from those we love and those who love us.

How to Stay Encouraged in the Midst of Suffering

by Gregory A. Johnson

Many people are suffering today, including some who are Christ-followers. Contrary to the belief of some, people of faith also suffer. Suffering does not come only to those without faith. Christ suffered; Christ-followers will also suffer.

I know that suffering is not a topic that brings thrilling goosebumps or makes us want to shout or dance with joy. Maybe that is why some churches and popular church leaders avoid the subject today, but it should not be avoided. In fact, with all the suffering people around the world, we need to talk about it and find ways to help people cope and make sense of it all.

Are you suffering today? Do you know of those who are suffering today? I imagine you can say “yes” to one or possibly both of those questions.

In the midst of suffering, you will always find encouragement in God’s Word. Most of the New Testament was written to people of faith who were experiencing tremendous suffering. The church suffered much during the first three hundred years of its existence. I don’t find the early preachers, like the Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter, avoiding the subject. In fact, they experienced suffering firsthand, and they talked about it openly, bringing encouragement in the midst of suffering.

How to Face the Impossible

by Gregory A. Johnson


You may be facing an impossible situation today. If not today, maybe tomorrow you will. Life is full of the impossible.

The nation of Israel faced a seemingly impossible situation when they came up to the Jordan River on their way to the Promised Land. There were no bridges, and the water was deep. How would they ever get to the other side? They faced the swirling currents of the swollen Jordan River, remembering that God got them across the Red Sea on dry ground. He did it before; He would do it again.

As Christ’s followers come upon impossible situations, they stand firm in their faith, knowing that nothing is impossible with God. As they stand in faith, they remember every other impossible situation that God has brought them through.

Will You Dare to Be a Daniel?

by Gregory A. Johnson

Will you dare to be a Daniel? As I recently read through the book of Daniel, I was challenged with that question.

As a young man, Daniel was taken from his home in Jerusalem to serve the king of Babylon during the Babylonian captivity. His environment changed overnight, as he was placed in a culture that was so different than what he was accustomed to. He could have allowed this new culture to influence his life, or he could live counter to it. Daniel decided to live counter to culture, regardless of the cost.

How to Look at Your Circumstances Differently

by Gregory A. Johnson

I may be tired, confused, and even somewhat depressed when I go into my place of prayer, but I’m strengthened, enlightened, and my heart is full of thanksgiving when I come out. I go in as one person and come out as another. I’m renewed in His presence.

If you pray, you know what I am talking about. You have experienced the same. Do you know why it happens?

Prayer changes us. Even if our circumstances are the same, after we spend time around the throne of God in prayer, we are changed. When we enter our place of prayer, we are not the same person as we are when we come out.

Seeing God's Grace

by Gregory A. Johnson

I was preaching the good news of Christ in Santiago, Cuba, on a hot and humid, tropical, spring night to hundreds of people who had gathered elbow to elbow. The small building the church used for meetings was packed full and the crowd stretched out the open doors. There was standing room only as the people flowed into the yard outside and across the street. Later I would be told that there were over nine hundred people there listening that night; most of them outside, listening through loud-speakers because they could not get into the building for the crowd that had gathered.

Peace During the Storms of Life

by Gregory A. Johnson

When we receive Kingdom peace from Jesus and move throughout life living under His expectation that we go, live, and walk in this peace, does that mean we will never have tumultuous times? No, it does not mean that at all. We will have storms that come throughout our journey. Some will be sudden and unexpected. Some will be short-lived in duration, while others will be marathons. As the storms come and go, we are to remember who is in the boat with us. The disciples had to learn this, and so do we.

Taxes, Choices, and Jesus

by Gregory A. Johnson

Today there is much fuss about taxes. I pay my taxes, but I’m no tax expert nor am I an economist with an opinion on what tax structure is best for people and the economy. One thing I do know is that I would rather be paying taxes today than in Jesus’ day.

In Jesus’ day there was much fuss about taxes also, but He did not get involved in the debate. One thing He did was go out of His way to befriend the tax collectors even though the taxes they imposed were both oppressive and unjust.

Called by Grace

by Gregory A. Johnson

We see much grace displayed by Jesus as He handpicks ordinary people to be His followers. He gives the imperative to follow Him, but all will have to choose whether or not they will obey Him. We learn through Scripture that receiving the grace of the Kingdom offered to us by God through Jesus is a choice—Jesus calls us to follow Him, but the choice is ours.

While the world today is looking for leaders to step up, Jesus is looking for followers to step out. The call to step out and follow Him is all grace. The act of stepping out will require faith and that faith is initiated by Jesus in those whom He calls. Jesus calls us right where we are; He calls us just as we are. He makes us into what He wants us to be, as we answer the call and follow Him.

One at a Time

by Gregory A. Johnson


While pastoring in central Kentucky, we were fortunate to have a very capable and talented Christian education director, Rae Jean Slusher. Rae Jean conducted training conferences for our teachers and in one of those trainings she gave an illustration that has stuck with me ever since. She showed a video clip that told a story about a boy on the beach who is dismayed by all of the starfish washed up on the beach, knowing that with them being exposed to the rays of the sun and without water, they will dry up and quickly die. The boy starts taking the starfish one by one, throwing them back into the water where they will live.

What Is Happening in the World?

by Gregory A. Johnson


What is happening in the world today? What does the future hold? How can I make sense of it all? How can I be saved from it? These are all relevant questions that are being asked by many. Please allow me to point you in a direction that can shed some light.

Psalm 2 is both a prophetic and messianic psalm that points us to Jesus and that which is to come. The present condition of our world is described prophetically in the first three verses. It describes our day. "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters" (Psalms 2:1-3 NIV).

Be a Star for Jesus

by Gregory A. Johnson

Have you ever been in the country away from city lights on a clear summer night when the moon is less than half-full? The stars are so bright, twinkling, and glistening, and you can see so many more of them than you can in a well-lit city. It is one of those spectacular sights that reminds all of creation that God is the all-powerful Creator. I can sit under a sky like that for hours and praise God in all of His splendor and glory.

Our culture today is darkened by sin; it is crooked, twisted, and greedy. We can choose to grumble and complain about how bad things are, or we can be like the stars whose light pierces the darkness. The choice is ours, but we will not make a difference by only talking about how bad things have become.

When Are We Most Satisfied in God?

by Gregory A. Johnson

I came across a quote attributed to John Piper saying: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." The quote made me stop and do some thinking. I want God to be glorified in me, and I imagine you want God to be glorified in you—I don't think there is any question about that. A good question that generates much self-inspection is this: when are we most satisfied in God?

As I thought about that question, I jotted down some thoughts based on my own personal experiences.

I think am most satisfied in God when:

• I am realizing His gifts of grace and peace in my life that are made obvious daily.
• I am admiring Him and His work in His creation.
• I am accepting His love for me that was completed and demonstrated at the cross of Christ.
• I am receiving His forgiveness as I run to Him in repentance.
• I am content with what I have, recognizing that all I have is given to me by Him.
• I am praying.
• I am reading and learning Scripture.
• I am fasting.
• I am allowing devotion to prayer and God's Word to be a part of my daily schedule.
• I am following Jesus in point-of-need ministry. 
• I am receiving the blessings of Kingdom citizenship.

I'm sure that this list is far from being exhaustive, and I imagine that I will think of more points as I do some additional pondering, but I was wondering, when are you most satisfied in God? Comment below and let me know.

Know that you are loved,
gaj

Olympic Running and the Race We Run

With the London 2012 Summer Olympics well under way, Olympic running has started. If you have done any running, you know the tremendous training that is involved in order to finish a race, let alone win it. Running is not easy.

It always amazes me how well tuned the Olympic runners are. They have trained for years to reach the level of athletes they have become. When they go to the starting line, their confidence is in their training. Each one runs the race to receive an Olympic medal. Fixing their eyes on the finish line, they will give it all that they have.

Each one of us has a race to run; our life is a race. No one else can run it for us; we run our own race at our own pace. How we choose to run it will determine our ultimate destiny. How can we successfully run our race?

Sharing Favorite Scripture

This is my first post on my brand-new website. I thought it would be appropriate to share what I love to read, study, apply, obey, teach, preach, and write about—Scripture.

Let me share four of my favorite Scriptures with you. It's hard to pick just four, but here they are: