Here are a few snap-shots from this year's Lion's Roar Conference in Dallas (Grand Prairie), TX.
James Johnson
Austin Power House Church
www.austinpowerhouse.com
www.facebook.com/jamesyjohnson
johnson.james.y@gmail.com
512-587-6064
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Since Christmas, I'm sure you've seen Valentine's decorations and merchandise in every store you've visited. Each year, it seems to get earlier and earlier. Married couples stress out about what to get their spouse (if they get them anything at all). Singles are crudely reminded about their "station" in life. What a joyous occasion, huh? Having experienced Valentine's Day both married and alone, I've learned a lot.
God had me write a brief Valentine's Day message in 2008. If you look through the archived posts, you can find it. Most of it was derived from 1 Corinthians 13. My life was much different, then. During this season of my life, I was actually courting a young lady who later became my wife. Last year, just weeks after renewing our vows on Valentine's Day, she filed for divorce. This post is not about placing blame. It's not a sick solicitation for pity or a plea for feelings of sympathy. This post is an impartation of truth and encouragement. However, I don't think any of us will ever truly get a revelation of God's Word surrounding love. His unfailing love, marriage vows, covenants and oaths are perfect in every way. They are purpose-driven and meant to be kept!
After my divorce, I was left fighting feelings of guilt, failure and condemnation. There was also the battle of purity. Since the devil knew my body wasn't his, he wanted me to lust with my eyes. Since God has given me the ability to shut them when an attractive woman walks by, the devil tried to attack my thoughts. When he learned that I took my thoughts captive and made them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), he started attacking my dreams. During all of this, I never felt released to start talking to members of the opposite sex - at least not in any kind of romantically charged setting. In fact, it quickly became avoiding any relationship (friendship) at all. Was this right or wrong? I still don't know, but I know it protected me. Only in the past week, or so have I felt that I've been released (through much prayer and fasting) to start adding females to my circle and balance of friends. If God opens other doors, I'll walk through them!
All of this being said, I want to address God's single children in this post. It does not matter if you have a boyfriend / girlfriend or fiancee - if you are NOT married (in the eyes of the Lord) you are single and God is speaking to you today.
The following Scripture has been BURNING in my Spirit all week.
"But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord - how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world - how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world - how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction." 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (NKJV)
Admittedly, I use a LOT of Scripture when I write, but I don't feel led to do that today. I know that many of us [singles] desire to have someone in our lives - even those of us with the Godliest of intent. There is nothing wrong with this, but listen to what Paul says. He is essentially telling us that this is a season to fully devote ourselves to the Lord. This season of singlehood has allowed me to serve the church in ways I never thought I could! It has truly been a tremendous blessing and a great joy! But, I also know that God is preparing a Godly wife for me! When I get married (I honored my vows before and I will honor them again), I won't be able to serve like I do now. My wife will be my ministry. God tells us in Genesis 2 that His desire for us is not to be alone! He has a helpmate for those of us who desire one! Add a kid (or two) to the mix and you have now grown your ministry!
Today, I want to encourage you. If you are single, USE THIS SEASON! In the name of Jesus, it's a season you'll only enjoy one time (or for some of us, the last time)!
In Christ,
James
Only 2 days left! Buy a ticket for a chance to win one of the following vehicles! Drive / ride out in style!
2007 Kawasaki Ninja
Red
Low Miles
1995 Ford Mustang GT
New Paint
5.0L!
SEE PICS!
Call, email, DM, FB or Tweet me! I only have a few tickets left! Drawing will be held at Austin Power House Church on January 30th!
www.austinpowerhouse.com
@APHChurch
James Johnson, Realtor
Austin Texas Homes, LLC
www.austintexashomes.com
www.facebook.com/jamesyjohnson
jamesjohnsonhomes@gmail.com
512-587-6064
I hope you enjoyed this post! Connect with me on any of these networks!
I know by looking at the picture for this post, you're probably wondering where I'm going with this... As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enter another year, there is something stirring in my spirit. I struggle with the fact that there are millions of people who will "celebrate" Christmas tomorrow, yet completely deny God or the birth of Jesus Christ (let alone His death for our sins).
As I meditated on this thought, the Lord revealed something to me. He showed me all of the preposterous things we believe (and even encourage others to believe), yet still deny Him. In the spirit of the holiday season, let's use something current as an example. Santa Claus. We market him, celebrate him and even ask him for things (I've heard Santa wish lists read with more passion than many prayers). As if that isn't enough, we perpetuate the entire belief with our kids.
With what other things do we do this? The tooth fairy? The Easter Bunny? Big Foot? The Lochness Monster? UFOs? Aliens? And no matter how ridiculous the myth or legend, those who celebrate their claims will still not face as much criticism as someone who shares the gospel and the good news of Christ.
Why do we put more trust in a corrupt government to deliver our tax return than we do in the righteous God who delivered us from hell?
I remember as Obama and Bush ran their respective presidential campaigns, Obama's motto was, "Hope." It was plastered on every poster, pin and commercial.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
This Christmas, I urge you; If you can truly open your mind to a myriad of nonsense, why not open your heart to someone who is real?
Though my focus has not been on blogging this month, I felt it necessary to share this one.
If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you know that by the grace of God, I have overcome a very serious illness. I am moving next week, which means I have been packing the past few days. As I was going through some boxes, I encountered one that was unmarked. I opened it. The contents of the box are displayed in the attached photos. I didn't even know I still had this stuff. I thought I had thrown it out long ago.
The box contained a substantial stack of medical bills, hospital admission bracelets and various literature regarding Ulcerative Colitis - a chronic illness I was diagnosed with in 2005. It's funny how God tends to remind us exactly where he found us. Through my illness, pain and suffering, God found me and restored me. To this day, my doctors cannot explain the miracle that occurred within my body.
Matthew 19:26 (NIV) says, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." I don't know what you might be going through today, but I do know that Romans 2:11 (NIV) says, "God does not show favoritism." Simply put: What He has done for me, He will do for you.
Keep fighting the good fight of faith!
James
This is not going to be a long post. It is not going to be full of Scripture. It will ask a few questions, though.
Dr. Edwin Louis Cole once said, "The way you leave is the way you enter." The way you leave 2010 is the way you will enter 2011. During a time of year when most of us are busy with social gatherings, shopping, etc., have you taken time to really consider what you want in 2011? Isn't the New Year a little late for making resolutions, anyway? How many of us are 100% certain that we'll even see 2011? Tomorrow is not promised!
Plans to lose weight, quit smoking and build a better business all have one thing in common - change. What needs to change in your life? Are you even ready for change in your life? Would you know what to do with it?
If you are truly ready for bigger and better in your life: Call, email, DM or find me on Facebook. I will be more than happy to pray with you, pray for you and show you what God wants to do for you in 2011! Hope to hear from you!
God bless,
James
http://www.facebook.com/jamesyjohnson
