http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23493 "The pen is mightier than the sword" is an old expression that is proved true in every generation. Many wars have ended with the stroke of a pen. Many conflicts have begun with the almighty pen. Words are powerful and dangerous. With words we can bless and curse from the same lips. With words we can express feelings and emotions, build relationships, give comfort, encouragement, praise, and even promotion. Words are a communication tool that is limitless.
God considered the importance of using words when He decided that His words were to be recorded. The Bible is a written record of the words, thoughts, actions and plans of God. Once written it becomes law. Once in print you can count on it, even base your life on His words.
We can speak before we think but can never "take back" once the words have rolled off our tongue. Thinking before speaking can save a lot of heartache and trouble. I am glad that God is very clear throughout His word. We can understand and put into action the very Word of God.
God could have had anything He wanted written down for us for all eternity. Knowing this helps me gain a new perspective and appreciation for the Bible. I know that the words recorded are the exact words that we would need for all our life. You can count on every word in scripture.
I encourage you to read the Bible very carefully and hang on every word. It is God speaking, God promising, and God communicating to you personally.
Words are important and His Word lasts forever!]]> Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:39:57 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23493 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23073 Thousands of hours of practice in preparation for just a few moments of competition. Their lives will be defined by a few milliseconds or one- hundredths of a point. All to determine who is the best at what they do. One little slip or bobble and their dreams are ruined. All this is done on a worldwide stage that is unforgiving. Add to this the pressure that the "favorites" carry as their country depends on their performance to let the world know how great they are. One tiny mistake and it all comes crashing down.
Those that do well are awarded not only gold medals but sponsor contracts that can add up to the millions. Their lives are determined by such a performance and many have not even reached the age of adulthood. The competition is great and the pressure even greater. No one forgets what they have done on such a stage.
I am glad that I live a life that is judged by the greatest Forgiver of all. God watches us, inspires us, trains us, picks us up and gives us the motivation to keep going. His critique is full of grace and mercy. He even gives us a "do over" when we fail. He is my Savior and my friend!
I may never gain awards for any accomplishments on this earth. I may never be noticed by mankind or sponsored by a soft drink or car company. I do look forward with full hope to hear God say, "well done my good and faithful servant." And THAT is worth more than gold!]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:44:00 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23073 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22646 Living in Alabama we really do not get very much snow so the promise of a storm was a huge event. Just a few flakes can shut the schools and the streets down. All motion stops when flakes begin to fall. School closings and a rush on the grocery stores for bread and milk. Why is it always bread and milk and not candy and cake?
If the snow did actually arrive it usually was not enough to make a snowman of any stature. But just having everything covered in white was exciting.
Then there were those days, like today, when snow was predicted (in a child's mind it was promised) but nothing happened. Wake up to the same scenery you went to sleep with. Visions of school being closed and riding a sled woke every child up early to not miss a minute of the fun. Sadly, no snow. The day goes on as usual. Promise made but not kept. disappointing.
God NEVER disapponts. He delievers! What He has promised, He will provide. His Word, the Bible, is not full of predictions but promises you can count on.
I am glad to know that each day I awake I will not be disappointed by God. I can look forward to the day knowing that He will deliever on ALL of His promises.
The forecast for tomorrow? I don't know. The promise of God, you can count on it!]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:32:03 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22646 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22170 "I serve a risen Savior." What a great verse from the old hymn, He Lives. Christianity is the only religion that can make this claim. Because He is alive today He is active in our lives. So, what can God do? Many words come to my mind: everything, all things, anything, whatever He wants to do. I do believe that God will do what is in my best interest as His child.
"God can do more in one moment than we can do in a lifetime!" I heard this phrase at a conference and it has stuck in my mind. To have the perspective of the magnitutde of God's activity against what I may can accomplish is staggering. God spoke and the world came into being...I can't do that! My best work fails miserably in comparison to His mighty acts.
Because God can do so much, I can trust Him with the days of my life and the life in my days. He knows the future while I struggle with the next moment. He knows the outcome while I am searching for my next move.
Not only CAN God do but He WILL do! His promises are sure and His word complete. On the days when I am searching for answers...God is at work. During the times when I may doubt...God is at work. When I fail Him...God is at work.
I am reminded of the scripture that says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Whithout Christ I can do nothing of any lasting value. My service must be "through Christ" and not in my own strength. I must work through His eyes, hands, and feet to see what He sees, do what He wants done and go where He wants me to go.
I am encouraged today to remember that God can do and will do His will in my life. Remember: God can do more in a moment than you can do in a lifetime!]]> Tue, 2 Feb 2010 08:57:59 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22170 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21764 I ate lunch with christian leaders from Uganda, Nirobi and several other countries. I heard of how the church is growing faster today than ever before around the world. Some countries need training for pastors as they have more churches than they have pastors.
Some of the staggering figures that stuck in my mind is that there are 1,000 churches planted every day, 125,000 people on average come to Christ every day. More muslims have trusted Christ in the last thirty years than in the last thirteen centuries.
The challenge of this conference was to double the number of churches worldwide in the next few years. 1.6 billion people worldwide profess Christ but there are 6.5 billion people in the world. We need to reach the next billion. There are 32 countries (language groups) that have never heard the name of Christ and do not have a single verse of the bible in their language. Even though the church is growing, it is not growing fast enough to keep up with the population growth.
Every Christian needs and must lead one person to Christ in order to reach the next billion. Every church needs to start a new church in order to double our impact around the world. My heart was stirred and I will never be the same having attended and participated in this conference. One great aspect of the conference was that it did not center on any denomination but only on Christ! I see hands joining across the denominational lines for the greater cause of reaching the world.
This blog cannot contain but a single drop of all I experienced and learned. I do believe in the coming weeks you will be able to read of the mighty things God is doing around the world. I hope you will continue to pray for me as I "get into the closet with God" for His divine leadership in my life. God is great and I know this very well!]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:28:54 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21764 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21330 As we start 2010 I want to give a brief update of family, ministry and writing.

In the area of family: My oldest son will be graduating college in May of this year. His plan is to go to the next level and earn his Master's degree in engineering. I know he will do well as he is a fine young man with so much potential. My middle son will be completing his first year of college. He has adapted well and matured so much in the process. His dreams are big and I believe he will fulfill them. My youngest will be completing her sophmore year of high school and get her driver's license in June (pray for us!). My wife and I will celebrate twenty-five years of marriage in August! God has been so good to us and we are so grateful.

In the area of ministry: We continue to lead the Lighthouse Community church in Harpersville, Alabama. The church will celebrate ten years of ministry. We have baptized 145 people and have seen many lives changed. I am always amazed at the hand of the Lord as he opens windows of opportunity of service. We have a long road ahead with many challenges. God will carry us through and give the grace we need. We see new people almost every week that need the love of God in their lives. We never run out of hurting people looking for answers that only God can give.

In the area of writing: I am working on another project that is very challenging. I am about half-way through as long as God doesn't steer my thoughts in another direction. The revisions have been many and I haven't even engaged an editor as yet. This project looks at how we handle our relationship with God. Do we play games or are we fully surrendered? Why is the church not more effective in changing the world? I think the title sums it all up: "Playing With God." Please pray for me as I write. It is a passion of mine that requires more time than I can alot. Even so, I am committed to writing even if it takes a bit longer that anticipated.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog and praying for me. Comments are always welcomed. Also, tell your friends about "Simple Living" as I know they will enjoy the read. And to the 31,000 hits so far on this blog....Praise God and keep working!

]]> Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:57:12 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21330 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21001
What do you plan to accomplish in 2010? I have not made any New Year's Resolutions this year but I do want to be faithful to the Lord. I encourage you to read the Bible every day, pray every day, and support your local church. God will use our obedience to change the world.

Throughout 2010 I plan to take a slow walk through the book of John. John is one of the gospels written by John the disciple who was part of the inner circle of Christ. John spent the most time with Jesus and is known as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." I know God will speak through this study in a wonderful way.

This weblog is approaching 30,000 hits. I am blown away by such a response. Feel free to invite others to this site as I continue to write and hopefully be an encouragement in following Christ. Also, I hope you will spread the news about my book, Simple Living. I am about half way through writing a new book. I hope to finish it in the coming months.

I appreciate all the prayers and support of my ministry. It is always an honor to spend these moments with you.

God bless,

Pastor BR]]> Sun, 3 Jan 2010 12:15:13 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21001 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=20784
The few days between Christmas and the New Year are days of introspection. This time is often used to think through the previous year analizing decisions made and things accomplished.This is done in preparation for New Year Resolutions. Yes, those promises of a better life, better spending habits, more time with family and deeper devotion to God.

The problem is that resolutions are "word promises" and not necessarily "heart intentions." They sound good but require a change that few are really ready to make. How long do resolutions usually last? I guess it depends upon the resolution made. A determination to loose weight can last until the first opportunity to "pig-out" on your favorite food.

More than resolutions, God makes promises that He will keep. As you search through the scriptures you will find over 2,000 promises. Each one is secured by the heart of God. God never has "intentions" but promises. His word is sure and can be counted on.

During this inbetween time of evaluating your life and preparing for the new year, I pray you will make more than just New Year Resolutions. I pray you and I will make promises that we wil commit to throughout the year. Whatever you did not do this past year you have an opportunity to do this year. Decide to have a close walk with God every day. Get into His Word, the Bible, and learn how to really live. Give what you can and serve those in need. Love God more than you ever have before. Trust Him with all your heart. Remember that He holds your eternity in His hands so He can take care of today and tomorrow and even the whole year!

I pray you have a wonderful new year filled with the blessing s and prmises of God. I pray you will seek Him each day and grow into a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ!

Happy New Year!]]> Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:54:15 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=20784 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=20266 Anything you do on a regular basis can become mundane and forgettable. When a routine sets in we can travel through the holidays without even thinking. It seems that every year we complain about losing the true meaning of Christmas. Every year a sermon is preached on how the world has taken over Christmas and put the emphasis on gift instead of the Savior. People fill churches to hear such sermons only to leave an attend another worship experience: shoping.
It is as though we know that Christ should be the central focus of Christmas but we just can't seem to break the routine. Knowing and doing are two seperate things. Verbalizing what should be seems to take the guilt away of giving into the routine.
How many family members would be hurt or offended if they recieved a card with sincere thoughts instead of gifts they didn't need. Could it be that families getting together for fellowship would be enough without all the additional trimmings that redirect from the real meaning of Christmas?
I am not an anti-christmas person with a "bah humbug" attitude. I love to get gifts like the next guy. If we are truly missing the meaning of Christmas then I think actions should be taken instead of just passive words. It is possible to give gifts AND keep the true meaning of Christmas alive. It is possible to help one another remember the Christ-child during this season.
The true meaning of Christmas does not have to be lost amid celebrations and wrapping paper. Maybe just taking a few minutes while families are gathered to read the Christmas story from the Bible could begin a new emphasis on Christ.
Hmmm....just a thought about Christmas.]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:38:31 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=20266 http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=19706 Cyber Monday is the next busiest online shopping day. December 17th is the last day you can be assured that what you order will arrive on time for Christmas. Knowing these dates, moms & dads prepare for Christmas shopping. Counting the days and the dollars to ensure a wonderful Christmas celebration.
God prepared for Christmas like no other day. Isaiah 40:3 says, "Prepare the way of the Lord." God prepared for His coming through His genealogy, Mary, the Inn, and the star. A brief look at Jesus' genealogy includes a prostitute, a murderer, an adultrous man and woman, thieves and some of the strangest in all society.

God prepared Mary as a young teenager with a tender, obedient heart.
God prepared for the Inn to be filled and the star to be set in motion.
God prepared His name: Immanuel...God with us.
God prepared His mission: the Savior of the world.
God has even prepared the heart of mankind to receive Him.
God prepared for the very first Christmas celebration.

Are you prepared? Your shopping may not be complete, meals not fully planned and travel plans still up in the air, but have you prepared your heart for celebrating His birth?

I pray that as you get ready for the Christmas holidays you will prepare for the Savior. Be fully prepared for Christmas.

Trust Him as your personal Savior and Lord. He is prepared for you, are you prepared or Him?]]> Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:40:03 PST http://www.billyjohnson.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=19706