I wish I was still blogging from the beach, but I'm sad to report we are home. Actually, we returned Wednesday evening to our home. Most of you know the feeling; there's nothing like being in your familiar space, your comfortable bed, that favorite coffee mug. Of course, there are always those things you were "hiding" from. Things like laundry, those things need fixing, or the bills.
As I climbed into bed last night, I thought about the concept of "home" as it applies to the life of a follower of Christ. Home for us isn't here on earth, but with Him in heaven for all eternity. This place where my bed lives is temporary. It serves only for my rest so I can live out the words of Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Sometimes we use "home" at a funeral, describing that a believer in Christ as gone home. While I completely believe that is a proper use of the word, I think we have a "home" here on earth that goes beyond walls and a roof. We have a home in the Holy Spirit. We have a place to rest, to recharge, to learn and be fed. And just like vacation, we can easily be absent from Him for many reasons, none of which include Him leaving us.
So, if you find yourself far away from God, come home! Come home through prayer, by reading His word, by repentance. Come face those things you might be hiding from with Him instead of trying to do it on your own. Be connected! After all, there's no place like home.
Philip J.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
He's Bigger than that...
I wanted to add a photo that I took specifically for this blog, but I don't have google images backup on this device. So you'll have to use your imagination: Picture looking out over the ocean from the beach. Of course it is beautiful and mesmerizing, but it also gives you a sense of how vast and unending the ocean is and just how small we are. Get this image in your head before you read on...
I sometimes think God into a small image like me. Sometimes I criticize Him for not thinking like me. Sometimes I wish He did things my way. Today I looked out over the expanse of the Pacific Ocean while the kids were playing. Like always, I almost end up in a trance being in awe of the vastness of it and listening to the waves against the sand. My mind immediately went to our Creator and just how big He is. Just how unending He is. Just how forever He is. And I have the audacity to think Him into my size. He made the entire universe and everything in it. And He made me! Why would someone or something so wonderful and fantastic even give a thought about me, let alone die for me!
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." I'm humbled to think that God, who made all things, made me "wonderfully". I'm reminded too just how insignificant I am compared to the vastness of the world and suddenly my problems are little. God is big, I'm not!
Father, forgive me for an overinflated view of my self. Give me a humble heart that wants only to serve you. Thank you for everything you created!
Philip J - blogging from the beach.........
I sometimes think God into a small image like me. Sometimes I criticize Him for not thinking like me. Sometimes I wish He did things my way. Today I looked out over the expanse of the Pacific Ocean while the kids were playing. Like always, I almost end up in a trance being in awe of the vastness of it and listening to the waves against the sand. My mind immediately went to our Creator and just how big He is. Just how unending He is. Just how forever He is. And I have the audacity to think Him into my size. He made the entire universe and everything in it. And He made me! Why would someone or something so wonderful and fantastic even give a thought about me, let alone die for me!
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." I'm humbled to think that God, who made all things, made me "wonderfully". I'm reminded too just how insignificant I am compared to the vastness of the world and suddenly my problems are little. God is big, I'm not!
Father, forgive me for an overinflated view of my self. Give me a humble heart that wants only to serve you. Thank you for everything you created!
Philip J - blogging from the beach.........
Monday, August 7, 2017
Let His Spirit run with it!
Good morning blog readers. I know it isn't my turn, but I couldn't hold back this morning after spending time in His word reflecting on His grace and Goodness. (Whomever is on the schedule today, please forgive me.)
If you saw me yesterday, you know my favorite book is Romans! Today I had the pleasure of reading one of the best parts! No matter how often I read through this passage, I'm always renewed, refreshed, and strengthened with the reality of our Living God who is with us at each moment, day by day, circumstance by circumstance.
"Likewise the Spirit, also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:26-28)
Isn't that great!!!! God himself who searches our hearts, who knows His perfect will for us, intercedes on our behalf, knowing we can't do it ourselves. I love that.
My extended family is going through a bit of turmoil right now, but nothing that God isn't in complete control of. I was talking to one of them who told me she didn't even know what to pray for regarding a circumstance she is struggling with. We talked about the verses above and how freeing it is to know that even when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf. God knows His best for us, He knows what we need and when we need it. Get out of the way and let Him run with it!
Philip J.
If you saw me yesterday, you know my favorite book is Romans! Today I had the pleasure of reading one of the best parts! No matter how often I read through this passage, I'm always renewed, refreshed, and strengthened with the reality of our Living God who is with us at each moment, day by day, circumstance by circumstance.
"Likewise the Spirit, also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:26-28)
Isn't that great!!!! God himself who searches our hearts, who knows His perfect will for us, intercedes on our behalf, knowing we can't do it ourselves. I love that.
My extended family is going through a bit of turmoil right now, but nothing that God isn't in complete control of. I was talking to one of them who told me she didn't even know what to pray for regarding a circumstance she is struggling with. We talked about the verses above and how freeing it is to know that even when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf. God knows His best for us, He knows what we need and when we need it. Get out of the way and let Him run with it!
Philip J.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
No Darkness
I can't say enough how much I love God's word. Everyday He is so faithful to me through His living word. My family has just started the journey of dealing with cancer; my dad. While many people and probably many of you have dealt with this before in your families, we have been spared so far.
I'm sure there are some dark days ahead, but as a whole, our family trusts in God and his plan no matter what. The dark days will only be something we feel, not from God!
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with on another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7)
"In him there is no darkness at all". What a great truth.
No matter what is going on in your life remember the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. There is no darkness.
Philip J.
I'm sure there are some dark days ahead, but as a whole, our family trusts in God and his plan no matter what. The dark days will only be something we feel, not from God!
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with on another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7)
"In him there is no darkness at all". What a great truth.
No matter what is going on in your life remember the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. There is no darkness.
Philip J.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
He will speak peace
Good Morning! (Or whatever appropriate time greeting when you are reading this.) 😊
At West Valley Bible Church and my community group, we talk a lot about being in God's word daily as a way to stay connected with Him, a way to know His will for us, a way to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is also a great way to set your mind and heart for the day ahead which is why we suggest your daily reading to be in the morning before you start your day. I can't count anymore how many times I've read something in God's word and it has applied directly to my day or something that I was struggling with. More often then not, I didn't even know when reading that I would have a conversation later that day with someone else who was dealing with the passage I read. How awesome is our God? He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
If you are reading daily, you are missing out! And.... I know it is hard to get up a few minutes earlier, but I would love to see you reading in the early hours of the morning before you start your day. The heart "reset" is so helpfu..
This morning I read a passage in Psalm that I know I've seen before, but today it just seemed to jump out at me that I read it three or four times really letting it sink in. We've had some stress at the Johnson home with kids and work and a sick family member. How easy it is to get worked up for various things but then to read "He will speak peace". Of course I know that to be true, but it sure is nice to be reminded:
"I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together, Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85:8-13)
Lord Jesus, I know you speak peace the truth. I know you will give what is good. Please Lord, make your footsteps my pathway. Let my life reflect You in everything I do. May I rest in your peace no matter what is going on for the moment.
Philip J.
At West Valley Bible Church and my community group, we talk a lot about being in God's word daily as a way to stay connected with Him, a way to know His will for us, a way to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is also a great way to set your mind and heart for the day ahead which is why we suggest your daily reading to be in the morning before you start your day. I can't count anymore how many times I've read something in God's word and it has applied directly to my day or something that I was struggling with. More often then not, I didn't even know when reading that I would have a conversation later that day with someone else who was dealing with the passage I read. How awesome is our God? He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.
If you are reading daily, you are missing out! And.... I know it is hard to get up a few minutes earlier, but I would love to see you reading in the early hours of the morning before you start your day. The heart "reset" is so helpfu..
This morning I read a passage in Psalm that I know I've seen before, but today it just seemed to jump out at me that I read it three or four times really letting it sink in. We've had some stress at the Johnson home with kids and work and a sick family member. How easy it is to get worked up for various things but then to read "He will speak peace". Of course I know that to be true, but it sure is nice to be reminded:
"I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together, Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85:8-13)
Lord Jesus, I know you speak peace the truth. I know you will give what is good. Please Lord, make your footsteps my pathway. Let my life reflect You in everything I do. May I rest in your peace no matter what is going on for the moment.
Philip J.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Didn't wait long!
Yesterday, I had the privilege of giving the message during first service. We talked about biblical waiting. Side note: Thank you to all of you who prayed for me and your supportive faces while I was speaking. While I don't mind public speaking, I'm always a little panicked when speaking about God's word to a group! Thank you for supporting me!
Anyway, we talked about waiting and one of the reference I used was, of course, Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength". I talked about the word "wait" actually could be translated as waiting (active not passive) and when I asked Skip to review my research he sent something that I shared with the congregation and I want to share now. Skip wrote:
"In the Hebrew mind, "waiting for the Lord" is far more active than passive. My father-in-law used to put it this way, 'If you want to know God's will, simply do God's will and He will reveal the rest to you in His timing.' In other words, if we are truly waiting for or hoping in the Lord, we will absolutely be about His business (daily in God's word, praying without ceasing, loving our families, telling people about Jesus, working hard for our employers, taking care of our employees, feeding the hungry, caring for widows and orphans, etc) just as Jesus was in John 4:34 where he said 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work'".
This morning, I was having breakfast with a friend who is a relatively new believer. He was talking about how to teach his teenage children to live the Christian life. He went off track for a little bit talking about having them "just worry about themselves". When he saw my face he stopped to ask what was wrong. I was a great opportunity to talk about the verse above (John 4:34) and about how an inwardly focus might not be what God had in mind. It was a great conversation.
So, I didn't have to wait very long at all to see God working directly in my life with others. Thank you Jesus!
Philip J.
Anyway, we talked about waiting and one of the reference I used was, of course, Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength". I talked about the word "wait" actually could be translated as waiting (active not passive) and when I asked Skip to review my research he sent something that I shared with the congregation and I want to share now. Skip wrote:
"In the Hebrew mind, "waiting for the Lord" is far more active than passive. My father-in-law used to put it this way, 'If you want to know God's will, simply do God's will and He will reveal the rest to you in His timing.' In other words, if we are truly waiting for or hoping in the Lord, we will absolutely be about His business (daily in God's word, praying without ceasing, loving our families, telling people about Jesus, working hard for our employers, taking care of our employees, feeding the hungry, caring for widows and orphans, etc) just as Jesus was in John 4:34 where he said 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work'".
This morning, I was having breakfast with a friend who is a relatively new believer. He was talking about how to teach his teenage children to live the Christian life. He went off track for a little bit talking about having them "just worry about themselves". When he saw my face he stopped to ask what was wrong. I was a great opportunity to talk about the verse above (John 4:34) and about how an inwardly focus might not be what God had in mind. It was a great conversation.
So, I didn't have to wait very long at all to see God working directly in my life with others. Thank you Jesus!
Philip J.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
God is on his throne
Rest easy- God is in control
My worries woke me up this morning before my alarm. As I sat down to hear from the Lord I was comforted by this passage in Psalm 2:2-4. The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,“Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.
In this crazy time we live in apparently God is not too worried about the nations who rage against him. Christian artist Shai Linne puts it this way in his song "Our God is in the Heavens". "That's like a kid with a Super Soaker trying to conquer Spain!"
Why is God not worried about those who would rage against him? Because he alone is sovereign and he does whatever he pleases. It's craziness to think otherwise. When my worry wakes me up I'm comforted knowing God is on his throne doing whatever he pleases and that as his son nothing comes into my life that's not for my good and his glory.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Greg Huber
Soli Deo Gloria,
Greg Huber
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