I Survived!

To state it plainly, the past 3 months of my life were far from a pleasant stroll in the park; and if I could be completely candid the days that filled them were racked with pain, depression and anger. My soul literally ached and anxiety pumped through my veins. The unplanned dismantling of a "love connection,” the untimely passing of a friend and the stresses associated with adjusting to a new job had me discouraged and displaced. 

During this dark season the typically jovial person I tend to be was lost and the hope of return was bleak. I found myself sleeping more and praying less. In fact, I felt like I was perishing spiritually but somehow during this time I found the strength to put on the mask of happiness. My joy had been sapped and for the first time in my adult life I was truly walking in “the valley of the shadow of death.” I could not control what I was feeling internally; and what made it worse was that this was dictating what I did externally. As a man called to preach and proclaim God’s word through various streams (i.e. blog posts, sermons, etc.) I had found myself completely off course. The encourager needed encouraging and those that were depending on me were left hanging.

I then went on a rant of questioning God’s rationale. Why aren’t things going the way I want? My circumstances just don’t make sense. Yes, silly enough, I was questioning the God who sustains life itself, the one who set the moon and stars! It was during my search for answers that I heard the spirit of the Lord God speak. Ironically, His answer to me came in the form of several questions. “What’s going on?” “Why do you doubt me?” “Is it right for you to be angry?” Surprisingly, these questions brought me liberty in my mind and spirit. Through these series of questions God allowed me to see that I had become caught up in my emotions, which had stemmed from unwanted circumstances. It also became evident that I had allowed my emotions to interrupt my Godly assignment, purpose and sense of well-being.

After a period of reflection, I also realized that despite the situations and circumstances that had seemingly been born to kill my virtue and abort my assignment, I SURVIVED!

Now, if we can play a quick game of hopscotch let’s jump over to the Bible, specifically to the Book of Jonah. Within the context of this book’s 4 short chapters we find a man (Jonah) that was also given an assignment (1:1). He then became caught up in his emotions and tried to flee from the Lord, as he didn’t FEEL like doing what he had been called to do. Jonah 1:4 declares that the Lord sent a “great wind on the sea,” this storm threatened to break up the ship that Jonah thought would provide him a way of escape. Jonah knew that he was in the wrong, and he recommended that the ship’s crew members toss him into the sea so that the storm would calm. Hesitantly, the crew members obliged and subsequently he was swallowed up by a “huge fish” (1:17).

Through a prayer of repentance God eventually delivered Jonah from these “storms of life” and he would go on to complete the assignment that God had originally mandated. To sum things up, Jonah also SURVIVED! Everything that could and should of taken him out, including his own actions, did not prevail!

As you read this post, I’m unsure of your individual circumstances. But one thing I am sure of is that we’ll all encounter periods in this mortal life that will leave us empty and dismayed. I’ve just shared 2 examples of individuals that faced “storms.” They both threw in the towel and God threw it back. Yep! Somehow and someway they both SURVIVED!

Maybe life has come at you fast lately, or maybe you’re still feeling bogged down from things that have occurred in the past, such as sickness, heartbreak, the loss of a job, financial issues, etc.. Regardless of what you may be currently experiencing or what you may have gone through….if you are able to read this post, that means you SURVIVED! The fact that you are still able to function and think in your right mind means that you SURVIVED. Despite feeling like you have gone to Hell and back, you SURVIVED! The truth of the matter is that many individuals get stuck in the “valley” and never find a way out. So as you read and reflect on this post be thankful for the STORMS, because the STORMS reveal the STATE of our STRENGTH!

Before I close my laptop, and retire writing for the day, do yourself a favor. Take all of your circumstances and toss them into an imaginary pile and scream aloud and proud – I SURVIVED!!

When the storms of life seem to way you down

Remember there is one in heaven who is wearing the CROWN!

He sits high and He looks low

He loves you more than you will ever know

Never again do you have to doubt

Because for every situation, there’s a way out

Just cast your cares upon the Lord

And like an eagle you'll mount up and soar!

--- Oliver C. Johnson III

"I Ain't Got No Worries!"

Author's Note:

First and foremost, for those of you that have been waiting patiently for another post....I sincerely apologize. Last year I received much positive feedback and I certainly appreciate all my supporters.

Now please understand that the delays between posts were not intentional; however, it should be noted that my inspiration for every post stems from real-life experiences. So quite naturally, this requires that I actually live what I write about. So enough of the explanatory verbiage -- enjoy the first post of 2013 and share it with somebody!

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I'm willing to take a gamble and say that the majority of the folks currently reading this post have probably been to numerous church services, heard numerous sermons and participated in numerous conversations where FAITH was the focal point. Furthermore, you probably heard or discussed the fact that as a Christian you should not WORRY; and that WORRYING is the opposite of FAITH...and that FAITH is required to not only pleased God but to also see the manifestation of blessings and miracles in your life (hopefully the CAPS helped to provide emphasis).

Sound familiar? OK..maybe you've never worried about your bills, your job, your family or your future. Well then, I'll talk about myself -- I tend to think that I walk by faith (or at least I make an attempt to) and that I have a strong belief (faith) in God; but I'll admit that 2 weeks ago this faith was tested. At a time when everything seemed to be going well in my life.....I found myself instantaneously bombarded by thoughts of doubt and worry, thoughts that opposed the very truths and promises of God. This sneak attack of "fiery darts" caught me completely off guard but during this storm the Holy Spirit reminded me of some practical truths which ultimately led to my victory...here are some of them:

1. What 99.2% of churches teach about worrying is true; however, most institutions fail to teach how to overcome worry/doubt. It is critical that we first understand what God's promises are so that we can recognize when worry and doubt are tossed into our spiritual atmosphere. Remember this -- in order to recognize a LIE you must first know and understand the TRUTH!

2. Once we recognize that worry/doubt has marched onto our spiritual battlefield we must act quickly to war against them. 2 Corinthians 10:5 states this: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -- NIV 1984

Now, you may be wondering how to take worry/doubt hostage. This is done by choosing not to dwell on negative thoughts (such as worry and doubt) when they enter into the mind. We CANNOT always prevent thoughts from entering our mind but we CAN prevent thoughts from influencing what we do. We must replace negative thoughts such as worry and doubt with positive truths (scripture). 

3. Worry & doubt, although their genesis is often found in physical circumstances, are attacks against the mind; and these attacks are spiritually based as found below in biblical scripture:

Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - NIV 1984

As such, in order to be victorious concerning the battle that takes place in the MIND, it must first be understood that the battle cannot be won by fighting in the FLESH. Even the extremely skilled Floyd Mayweather Jr. would lose this battle every time! 

Thoughts of worry and doubt that flood the mind are attacks and can be considered warfare from Satan (dark world). The reason he (Satan) tries so hard to inject thoughts of worry and doubt into our minds is he's aware that the mind controls the actions of a man. He also understands that it is IMPOSSIBLE for an individual to reach their divine destiny if their thoughts are consistently in opposition to God. OK, let me state that again in layman's terms. If you are expecting God to bless you with financial increase you must first believe that God is capable of doing such! This principle is very elementary but it is often overlooked. 

Let's be honest, we've all experienced worry or doubt, or both (or we will at some point), as well as a host of other thoughts that come to block life's forward progress. But it's imperative to remember the truths above. Take authority over your mind, even now, which will ultimately allow you to take authority over your life. And after you do that, look at yourself in the mirror and yell loud and proud: "I Ain't Got No Worries!" I promise you'll be relieved as the weight of worry and doubt are lifted!

Until next time! -- Oliver C. Johnson III

It's Time To Go!

Recently, hurricane Sandy struck the northeastern coast of the United States leaving many powerless, homeless and even worse – dead. As of early November, the number of casualties related to the storm edged above 110. In addition to the high death toll, there was also catastrophic damage to personal and public infrastructure related items. To those impacted, “normalcy” now seems so very distant from the once peaceful shore. The glimmer of hope that was once so familiar and common was taken hostage with no expected date of return.

Despite the apparent morbid and depressing details aforementioned, for many, there was a more pleasant outcome. Prior to this “Superstorm” striking, warnings to evacuate were issued to the masses. As a result, many took heed to these warnings and seemingly prevented their own untimely demise. They realized that they couldn't change the path of the storm...and they realized that it was time to go!

Beloved, we must understand that often times in life, seemingly “bad” things will occur to us even when we are attempting to do what is right in the eyes of our God. Also, these unwelcome circumstances can often leave us disgruntled and dismayed and often frustrated do to lack of control. They can even lead one to ask God “Why? What have I done to deserve this? After all, I was just trying to do what was right!”

Do these questions sound familiar? Well I’m sure they were too familiar to Paul and Silas after their circumstances turned south as outlined in the book of Acts 16:16-34. Paul, a servant of God, a man freshly determined to walk within the will of God, found himself greatly irritated prior to a prayer session. As scripture accounts, he and his preaching collegue Silas were harassed by a girl who was possessed. She, being possessed by this spirit, had gained much wealth for her owners as she was able to "foretell" the future. However, this stream of wealth was quickly interrupted after Paul called the spirit out of her. Then, unjustly, the consequences for Paul’s actions were flogging and an undisclosed amount of prison time for both he and Silas. 

Paul and Silas were walking within the will of God upon incarceration. And I’m sure to them the consequences received for their action was both undesirable and seemed unfair. I’ll dare to say that we’ve all probably been in some sort of situation where we have felt like we were being held captive for doing something that was right -- something that God called us to do -- I know I have!

Well, the story doesn’t end there. Acts goes on to state that while imprisoned and in chains, Paul and Silas decided to access the source of their strength! Instead of sulking from the circumstances that they faced, they realized that their praise was their weapon of warfare and that it was also a catalyst to release the power of God into their situation. Scripture states that at midnight, the darkest point, they began praying and singing hymns to God; and, as a result, verse 26 states: “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.”

Ladies and gentleman, there are some lessons to be learned.

First, not all “bad” things that happen to us are from Satan. God often intentionally places us in uncomfortable and undesirable situations. Situations purposed to either: bring us closer to Him, increase our faith, increase our praise and/or help to deliver someone else! These situations can also “protect” us from unseen impeding danger as sometimes it is only during our period of being “locked up” that we're reconciled to God. This can also be a time that allows our WILL to collide with His WILL.

Next, it is CRITICAL that we’re of good cheer while in the “holding” position. This can be difficult as being “held” can bring on feelings of uncertainty and worry. Using Paul and Silas as an example, we must also remember that during this time, PRAISE must be our best friend and closest acquaintance. Fervent praise can transform our attitudes and has the ability to shift our now and style our future. It also possesses the power to move us out of “planned imprisonment” by loosing our CHAINS! Moreover, we must realize that Satan understands the POWER of PRAISE. And, as such, he desires to render us mum and subsequently powerless by playing on our mind/emotions while in the season of "holding!" So please, understand the difference between what you feel and what you know to be true!

Moving forward, it also needs to be apparent that God does not intend for us to stay in the “holding cell” forever! This Godly lockdown is typically intended only to last for a season…a season that may only have a duration of a few days! We MUST be sensitive to God’s voice and God’s timing..and most importantly we MUST understand when IT'S TIME TO GO!

Today, some of you may be plagued by circumstances that have you questioning God’s rationale..maybe you feel like you've  experienced a “superstorm.” At any rate, I came to encourage and remind that “……all things God works for the good of those who love him…(Romans 8:8).” However disheartening your current circumstances may be, there’s good news -- they have an expiration date, a date that is determined and dictated by your praise! Start praising now because IT'S TIME TO GO!!!

Stay in Ya' LANE

37 days ago, the quadrennial 2012 Summer Olympic games came to a conclusion in grandiose fashion. Afterwards, I was left thinking about which events I enjoyed most; and I must admit, the men’s 4x100 relay topped my list. If you watched the race then you’re aware that the Jamaican team won -- led by the lightening fast Usain Bolt. Witnessing the shear talent and ability of the runners was exciting and exhilarating…but for me, the careful attention to detail was just as impressive. Speed was not the only variable that led to the Jamaicans victory; they also had to successfully stay within the confines of the established competition rules. Which, to name a few included: starting the race, staying on the track, staying in the assigned LANE and ultimately crossing the FINISH LINE. To the participants, most of these things probably seemed relatively rudimentary independent of the gold medal at stake and millions of viewers observing every move.

Well, paramount to the Olympic race introduced, there is a “race” that all Christians have been assigned to compete in. Interestingly enough, its “rules of competition” closely mirror those mentioned above:

Starting the Race

In order to effectively compete to complete this race that has been set before us by God, our creator; it is vital that we first understand that a race exists and that we’ve been chosen to participate in it. Each of us has a specific purpose that has associated assignments. All of which work together to help us reach our divine destiny. The road by which we travel to reach this destiny can be viewed as a “track,” and the journey itself can be viewed as the “race.” However, please note, the gunshot is not fired (race does not begin) until we commit our lives to Jesus Christ by confessing that He is Lord (Romans 10:9).

Stay on Track

How sad would it be to see a world-class athlete, with world-class speed, compete in a race and fail to stay on the track? After we begin the “race” it is imperative that we stay on track! We were created to glorify God by successfully walking within our purpose and reaching our pre-established destiny. Satan, God’s adversary, would love nothing more then to make an attempt at robbing God of his splendor by persuading us to get of track. Now, we know that God can never be robbed of His splendor because He is omnipotent and cannot be defeated; however, this does not discount the fact that our adversary will make constant attempts to distract us from reaching the finish line. The finish line represents our place of destiny, similar to the land of milk and honey (Canaan) promised to the Israelites by God (Gen. 17:8; Deut. 11:24). Satan often specializes in sending distractions that have NOTHING to do with the race at hand. Furthermore, he specializes in tricking us to focus on the runners in surrounding lanes which can cause us to get off track. Understand that each of us are unique and apart of this uniqueness means that we have a distinct destiny. Therefore, no matter how great the temptation, it is never wise for us to compare our progress, or accomplishments with someone else! Stay on Track!

Stay in Ya’ Lane

However trivial it may sound, as participants in the race, we mustn’t forget to STAY IN OUR LANE! In Philippians 3:12 – 14 (NIV), the Apostle Paul said this:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

A few lessons can be learned from these verses. First, Paul understood that he was running a race and that he was a work in progress as are we. In the same vein, he also understood that he had to press during the race. The term “press” is key because this implies that while racing there WILL be opposition and adversity. If not, there would be no need to “press.” 

Second, Paul remained humble while racing and knew that in order to get to the “prize” or the finish line; he had to stay in his lane! And to stay in his lane he had to forget what was behind and strain towards what was ahead (run past and through the distractions).  

 

Cross the Finish line

Luke 9:62 declares: Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” 

Jesus makes it clear that once we put our hand to the plow (or once we start the race), we should have a mindset to complete our work (race). It is of utmost importance to keep a winning mindset while running our race and the finish line should also be at the fore front of our cerebral cortex. The moment we give our lives to Christ and start the race we've already won, however; it is still up to us to make this materialize in our lives. Our perseverance coupled with our faith in God’s divine word can serve as a catalyst for this materialization; but ultimately work MUST be done to CROSS THE FINISH LINE! 

So, I said that to say this ---> a gold medal called DESTINY awaits you…..don’t stand her up! 

"In God We Trust"

In recent years, the use of the maxim “In God We Trust” has seemingly morphed into a cliché. Currently, it can be found on US paper currency and has sporadically shown up on US coins since 1864. Ironically, she hasn’t used this catchy motto, portrayed to be a staple for the US government, too often. It appears that our government could take a lesson from the late Barry White’s award-winning track “Practice What You Preach.”

On a side note, the US government isn’t the only body that sometimes struggles to fulfill this “patriotic” creed.  According to Proverbs 3:5-6, God has called ALL Christians to TRUST in Him and to not become dependent on human understanding. As a result, He has promised to make our paths straight. We currently live in a day and time polluted with economic hardships. It is a time where many have lost jobs, taken pay cuts or felt like they have taken a step in the wrong direction. Yet, in the midst of such chaos, God is still calling the Christian to TRUST and to NOT worry about food, drink or clothing (Matthew 6:31). 

Apart from the economic struggles present, many Christians have also entered into a season of healing and reconciliation from past hurt/situations. God has called His human creation to accomplish great things in this life and to fulfill a divine purpose, both individually and collectively. As a part of this “higher calling” we are to be transformed from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18). Let it be known that transformation is necessary for the “next level,” and cleansing is a vital part of this process! In all that we do God desires that His glory be revealed and that His light shine through us. Well, it becomes difficult for His light to shine when there are other objects such as unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and hurt present. In addition, it becomes difficult for us to move upward in ALL aspects of our life when we’re carrying excess baggage. 

Total trust in God can seem like an unattainable mark; but I'm persuaded that in today's climate it is a must and an absolutely requirement by our maker. As my grandmother would say......"I gotta feelin' everythang gonna be alright!" BUT, this sense of comfort, peace and know all begins with TRUST! 

Hit 'em with the HE!

Disappointment can often be common place throughout the Christian walk. A missed opportunity such as a chance at a dream job, a promising business venture or a healthy relationship, etc. can often leave one discouraged and disgruntled. If not a missed opportunity, the failure of a previously established situation can also leave a follower of Christ sullen, questioning the very rationale and logic of God. The questions below probably sound very familiar:

• I thought that this man / woman was for me, so why have they disappeared from my life?
• I'm sick of this job, something has got to give. Lord when will you come through? I need you now!
• Lord, I'm not getting any younger and I greatly desire to have a family of my own......am I doing something wrong? Why hasn't this blessing manifested yet?
• I know you blessed me with my spouse, why does it seem that they're so difficult and hard to get a long with?

The truth of the matter is, man is a being that was created to rule over all creation (Genesis 1:26). As the only creature created in God's own image (v.27), man is also extremely intelligent -- sometimes to a fault. The abundance of this God-given insight can often lead to one's numerous attempts at fabricating a life plan; however, as noted in scripture (Jeremiah 29:11), God has already established a plan concerning every man's life. There is a struggle that's seemingly present between learning to relinquish control and the choice to trust God's plan! Why the struggle? It requires belief that GOD's way is better than anything we humans could ever establish. God's blueprint for each and every Christian is beyond earthly comprehension (1 Corinthians 2:9); therefore, it is only through Godly trust that it can be executed.

It is imperative to understand that relinquishment DOES NOT mean that a Christian cannot have dreams and goals. In fact, God is the one who implanted them. But it DOES mean that the Christian must learn how to make certain that each dream and goal is strategically aligned with the WILL of God, which is revealed in biblical scripture. God provides vision, but this does not mean that it will always manifest WHEN we expect! God also provides provision, but this too does not mean that it will always be HOW we expect!

When faced with the pressure of dealing with life's failures, mishaps, untimely setbacks and trials......when you should be climbing a latter, but in actuality you're climbing a step stool.....when you feel like your Christian walk has turned into a crawl....and when it feels as if Satan is riding your back like the fool he is........you have to "Hit 'em with the HE!" This simply means that you must remind yourself and declare to Satan who God is as well as what He has already done and what He is going to do! For HE is the Great I AM! HE is the Alpha and Omega! HE is the King of Kings! HE is the same yesterday, today and forevermore! HE is the rock of ages! HE is the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob! HE is the God that is the lover of my soul! HE hasn't failed me yet! HE shall supply all of my needs according to His riches and glory! HE has established my footsteps!

Again I say --- "Hit 'em with the HE!"..............

Dry, But NOT Dead!

The Nationwide insurance agency has a catchy slogan -- "Life Comes at You Fast," which has been the center of a number of commercials recently. As of late, I've noticed that this phrase seems to reflect my feelings towards life quite accurately. In fact, on most days it feels like there aren't enough hours to finish my "to-do" items! Through unsolicited feedback, I've grown to discover that I'm not the only one that feels that time exceeding the speed limit.

We live in a society that is highly demanding; where hard work and hustle are common place across age, race and gender. Our society has also planted a general idea that busyness equates to successfulness. Consequently, for many, their dreams have been lost under the pile of debris caused by an attempt to fulfill this creed. If the busyness and hustle of life haven't caused this, then maybe unexpected circumstances have. But, however grim things may appear, under the rubble are attainable dreams waiting to be revived and resurrected.

In the context of Ezekiel 37:1 - 14, the prophet Ezekiel found himself standing in a valley filled with dry bones. I can only imagine how eerie it must have felt being surrounded by what appeared to be death. As the story of "The Valley of Dry Bones" reveals, Ezekiel followed God's command by prophesying that the bones would be restored with tendons, flesh and skin. Through a separate act of obedience, he also restored "breath" and resurrected bodies that once possessed the "dry bones." Scripture then records that the bodies stood up on their feet as a vast army.

This account, brought to us through the prophet Ezekiel, has some invaluable lessons. Similar to Ezekiel, we too can have "valley" experiences.......times when it feels as if all of our efforts in life have been done in vain and that our dreams have dismally diminished, seeking to rise no more. Often, it is during these times that feelings of depression and discouragement can also seek to poison our thinking and crucify our hope. However, just like Ezekiel, during these times of "death," we too can speak life in the midst of the "valley." We too can exercise our Godly authority and prophesy that virtue will return to our dreams (dry bones)! We too can speak that the "winds" will shift and that divine breath will be restored to our seemingly lifeless aspirations!

The truth of that matter is, the storms of this life can only have victory over us and our dreams if we allow them to! The power of life and death dwells in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), and life can be spoken today! To the destitute dreamer(s), I say............things might be DRY, but they're certainly not DEAD!

Yours Truly,

Oliver C. Johnson III