“The Last Judgment” by Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel

 

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What I am about to share may offend some. My goal is not to offend but to share a piece of perspective and encourage saints in persevering for purpose.

As a young believer I was taken with the powerful reality of the Second Coming of Jesus. This intelligence was a precipitator of my conversion. My senior year  of High School my friend Mike shared that Jesus was coming back. His words hit me! They resonate ever more loudly today. I thought at the time, “Wow, the same Jesus in the Bible! If he is coming back that means he is real, that the stories about him and the things he said are true.”

I was stimulated for I had just started to read the Bible and was seeing Jesus as an awesome figure. I had mixed emotions. What would it be like to see him? Would I be ready? How could anyone to ready enough for such a heavenly Dignitary? Our name, Landing Strip Enterprises, is a Second Coming theme. The mission is to prepare the way and make a welcome runway for our Great Lord’s return!

There is no greater event to look forward to than the blessed hope, the return of our Lord Jesus. There is no greater event to prepare for than the Day of the Lord, the King fully come with His kingdom, the Wedding of the Lamb, the consummation of the Bride and Bridegroom!

A popular book came out as I was in diapers in Christ called The Late Great Planet Earth. It taught that Jesus was going to come before seven terrible years of global tribulation and extricate his believers from those troubles. At the end of seven years Jesus would appear again to judge the earth and establish his kingdom. Many adopted this teaching and I was among them.

Later I was at a Christian college where the professor shared a different view. He taught that Christians go through tribulation. I was alarmed! I thought he was a great Christian scholar but I started to think of him as a false teacher. I looked at my classmates as he spoke. I thought, “They are all being led astray!”

I took it upon myself to be the defended of truth and show the professor and class that the pre-tribulation rapture was the truth. I dog-eared my bible going back and forth to gain ammunition to confront his “heresy” and set things right with my professor and class. My only problem was that my studies lead me to believe, I had been wrong, by siding with a modern, popular teaching which was not rooted in Scripture.

Without going into a prolonged study let me share the basic points which took me back to the millennia-old view of Christ’s second coming.

 

THE BIBLE OFFERS NO GET-OUT-OF-TRIBULATION FREE CARDS

Tribulation is part and parcel with true Christian experience. Christ suffered and so do His followers. Jesus did not erase tribulation but brings His presence into it. He said, “In this world you have tribulation, but take heart, for I have overcome the world. Paul said all who live Godly in Christ will suffer. You may find many promises for suffering in the Scripture. If you’d like you may clip them out and put it on your refrigerator.

The word “overcome” is often found in Revelation as well as the expression, “the perseverance of the Saints.”  Perseverance is a virtue only necessary in difficulty.

So many Christians have died at the hands of totalitarian regimes. Chinese Christians were told by well-meaning Western believers that they would not go through tribulation. Many of them were disappointed as they died or suffered among the millions during the Chinese cultural revolution.

Suppose America suffered horrendously the loss of half of its population because of an asteroid, nuclear war or remarkable calamity. Suppose now you are a survivor in the wreckage. What comfort would it be if someone came up to you and said, “Millions of us are dead and millions more in ruin, but the good news is that Christians will not go thought the great tribulation?”  

 

SOME ARE “TAKEN” AND SOME ARE “LEFT”

We know that good Bible study requires context. Many have taken Jesus’ prophecy “one will be taken and the other left” as if this taught a great taking up of the saints, and a leaving behind of sinners.

I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.  Luke 17:34

Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”  Luke 17:35

But consider the context.  The story which sets the pattern a few verses before is that of Noah and the flood.

“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26-27

A few verses later we read of the destruction of Sodom

^“But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.  Luke 17:29

Jesus declare this is a pattern which will be duplicated. One group is destroyed and the other group saved, left alive.

“It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.” Luke 17:30

Concluding from this pattern the “one taken” is the one destroyed, and the “one left” is the one who has been saved from the destruction.  This is polar opposite of the pre-tribulation notion.

 

DATING THE ORIGIN OF THE PRETRIBULATION ESCAPE THEORY

The pre-tribulation rapture theory is a new doctrine on the block. Pinpointing its beginnings is challenging but it first shows up about 1800. If this teaching was not known today it would be very unlikely it would appear because some biblical scholar stumbled upon it in their study.

Robert Cameron gives an historical footnote. “Now, be it remembered, that prior to that date, no hint of any approach to such belief can be found in any Christian literature from Polycarp down…. Surely, a doctrine that finds no exponent or advocate in the whole history and literature of Christendom, for eighteen hundred years after the founding of the Church – a doctrine that was never taught by a Father or Doctor of the Church in the past – that has no standard Commentator or Professor of the Greek language in any Theological School until the middle of the Nineteenth century, to give it approval, and that is without a friend, even to mention its name amongst the orthodox teachers or the heretical sects of Christendom – such a fatherless and motherless doctrine, when it rises to the front, demanding universal acceptance, ought to undergo careful scrutiny before it is admitted and tabulated as part of ‘the faith once for all delivered unto the saints.’” (Robert Cameron, Scriptural Truth About The Lord’s Return, page 72-73).

 

THE QUESTIONABLE FRUIT OF THE TEACHING

The pre-tribulation rapture theory seems to make our goal to be getting to heaven rather than getting heaven to earth. The early Church orientation was to prepare the way for the Lord so that the King with His Kingdom would overcome the world. Remember, we have been praying 2000 years for the kingdom, the will of God, to come and be done on our planet! Jesus taught that the good leaven of the Kingdom would work its way through the entire lump. Saints were meant to be trailblazers preparing whole nation as disciples to be ready for the Lord’s return.

My general sense of those who have adopted the pre-tribulation theory is they are waiting for their ticket home and out of conflict rather than engaging in fulfilling the great commission.

Certainly, there are wonderful Christians who hold to the pre-tribulation rapture theory. I can’t blame them for wanting an exit from trouble. But I am seriously concerned they are being oriented to exit and escape rather than labor and fight for Christ’s kingdom and so to prepare a royal welcome.

Jesus taught we will have tribulation. This is a given. In Moses’ day there were two trubulations in Egypt. Pharaoh brought tribulation on the children of Israel, and God brought tribulation on Pharaoh and Egypt. I believe there is a similar template for our last days. Although Christians may experience tribulation from the ungodly, men at their worst cannot dish out tribulation like God.

Be of good cheer. You have been given the privilege of being a  soldier of fortune to pillage hell to populate heaven. Don’t look for escapes, hiding places and retreat. Light is meant to be put on a stand. Be engaged in God’s warfare on behalf of mankind. And lift up your head for your Redemption is coming!

 

YOUR THOUGHTS ARE WELCOMED

 

Steven C Johnson

Landing Strip Enterprises

 

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LOSS AND OTHER UNCOMFORTABLE SUBJECTS

Pamela C.G. Johnson

 

Greeting a friend-to-be, I was taken back by their response to my question, “How many children do you have? “

“I have two children. A son died a few years ago. I also have my living son.”

The losses people are dealing with are personal and leave a lasting imprint on their hearts and minds. We must step up in hearing them out. As awkward as it is to hear, the reality is that person loved someone who is now gone from their life. They are left with the haunting and real memories of their face, their memories, and their inability to love them as they once did.

The last 2 years have forced many losses upon us. It seems no-one is exempt. So how can we be present with one who has had loss and honor the life of the individual lost?  (We can apply other types of loss as well)

I suggest we learn to be self aware of our losses and understand so we can help others.

As a nurse I have had the privilege and pain to walk with so many suffering physical loss.

When a labor ended in the death of the baby I was holding the parent and the infant as they grieved the loss of new baby, what was not even thought of. I helped them hold their little one and touch her hair, her skin, as they spoke of her tiny fingers, exploring and coming to grips with their loss. Truthfully, I could hardly breath and wept openly with them. It was one of the most intense experiences of my life and I’m so glad I was able to die to my sense of right and wrong and let them live fully in that moment. It looks hours and they spent it holding her little body and speaking of what might have been and what was before them. It was almost perfect pain. Hard to describe, and if allowed I wanted to run from it, yet we let that grief wash over us all by staying in the moment.

I’ve attended at the bedside of hospice patients, holding hands, praying quietly, allowing family time and assisting them in overcoming fears to touch and speak their heart in that very significant hour. Sharing suffering with another is not an easy place to be. Suffering loss marks us for life. Some for better and some not. It’s absolutely appropriate to speak of the loss, it affects the living every single day.

In times past we allowed our aging and ill to die at home with family around them, sharing the memories of their life, laughing at the sweet past and the hopes of the future.

As a pastor I was part of celebrations of life.  One that stands out was a gentleman in his 90’s, suffering from liver disease. He was a lovely hue of yellow. While he was still living and alert we had a large circle of friends arrive and set up worship on his lawn. We  shared stories of how his life had impacted and changed ours. With humor and joy we sang his favorite hymn and simply loved on him and his precious wife. It was such a powerfully meaningful time. He was unable to stay till the end, but we who loved him didn’t want to leave as the unity, love and harmony, worship and holiness of that time was imprinted on our lives. The loss was so imminent, yet we pushed it away to celebrate his life.

I suggest when you find yourself in that awkward moment when someone shares a loss you were not expecting, that you press into it. Ask a few questions that pull out the value of that loss.

“Thank you for sharing that intimate detail.

“Is there more you would like to say about them?”

“What is a sweet memory you keep regarding your son?” 

“How are you living with your remaining son in light of the loss of your first son?”

“How rich you are to have shared that precious time with him.”

So many can sympathize and mourn with you in light of the last 2 years. Thank you for sharing with me.”

If it seems particularly fresh you might ask how they are making each day count with the uncertainties of this life. As people mention their loses I hope you will NOT just stand there as if a brick hit you, or move on like their words never reached your ears. Identify as a human and respond in compassion.

One very powerful experience I was a part of took place in Jerusalem, Israel. Steven and I were renting a room from a woman who lived in a high rise apartment. Down the hall from her another apartment was celebrating the life of someone who recently passed.

The door to their apartment was open all day, every day for 30 days. 30 DAYS

Any and everyone was invited in to hear the widow tell her story. Pictures of the man and their family adorned every table and wall. A prominent one was draped in black. The widow, to wore black. Family and friends were present sitting, sharing, and attentive always for the widow’s needs.

They soaked in their sorrow and grief every waking moment for 30 full days with strangers, family and friends. No one was turned away and everyone was respected as a guest to give honor to the lost one and their family.

I was so affected by this focus and honoring of the life of one person.

At the end of 30 days the door is closed as any home would be. The widow continues to wear black for 12 months. And the community acknowledges her as his widow. Perhaps we could value others’ loss in that way. Helping them unpack their loss and re-experience the immense thing we call life.

Our Heavenly Father felt it so valuable to experience life He sent His son to share it with us! 

In life there is suffering and sorrow. We are greatly enriched by every opportunity to weep with those who weep and laugh with those who laugh.  All of life is worth feeling, experiencing – giving way to our emotions and being with another in the moment.

Yesterday morning our daughter Theresa gave birth to Liberty. She was hard fought for and so is prized! “Giving birth” is too lightweight an expression. This was a serious battle well fought and won. Theresa was the champion “point-woman” in the fight. We are proud of her!  By her side was a team of “operators.”

 

Her warrior prince Darrell was faithfully contending with her. Her mother, the ultimate mother/baby nurse, was as well. The team was larger still.

 

From Pam:

Such hard pushing, … and one thing after another until IVs n meds n 14 people about to take her to OR n then she pushed enough to get the vacuum on n w episiotomy she came at 7:43 n is now nursing.

She started sucking her fingers n latched right away. 7.1 n 19”

Theresa was exhausted but keep saying afterwards, “This was worth it! This was worth it!” Our Lord reminded us,

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”  John 16:21

Our Lord was not just talking about the challenge of bringing forth babies. He was in labor to bring forth something colossal, anticipating his own cross as well as being sensitive to the grief of his dear disciples.

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:21

Our new granddaughter Liberty Grace is a parable for us all. It is a fight to gain LIberty. Because of this she is prized!

Our Son Brian reflected on the birth of his niece; “Liberty is a desperate fight. At times it does not look like it’s going to happen. But inch by inch, sometimes backwards she will come for those who are persistent.”

Yes, we own that today and are determine to fight, as God guides and helps us, to the victory! May it be our inner unshakable resolve!

SEEING GOD’S MERCY AFTER THE FIGHT

So often after a fight we realize the gracious hand of God has helped us win the day. We recognize our strength, skill, knowledge and resolve were insufficient to win the day. In every virtuous hard-fought battle God ultimately gets the glory for being our helper and our Sufficiency!

My heart goes out to the heroes and heroines of our Great Cosmic Story who contend to bring forth LIBERTY! They also will say, “This is so worth it!”

I am certain I hear the Lord Jesus saying it!

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.”  Hos 11:4

Steven C Johnson

Landing Strip Enterprises

 

My wife Pam takes her turn at a blog. It seems all painters of Jesus’ crucifixion feel obliged to garb him with a loin cloth. But just as Adam and Eve found themselves naked so did out Lord Jesus. He refused to let shame cling to Him. In fact, the cross was His way to cover ours!

Chew on this for good nourishment!  Steve

 

Hebrews 12 leads us through some of Jesus’ darkest and most determined moments.  As I read the first few verses my mind paused to consider what he may be asking us to despise and endure.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Heb 12:1-2

Challenging times are increasing in the western world. Western Christians for the most part have not really experienced persecution and by choice have become silent even in the face of devastating intimidation and limits placed on us. 

If we look back across Jesus’ earthly life we can easily see times of difficulty. Consider His 40 days in the wilderness. Would he ask you, me, to suffer unrelenting difficulty and in our darkest most devastating moment, allow Satan to test us?

It was difficult enough to fast 40 days and nights but the testing beyond seems cruel. Perhaps we need to relook at the discipline of the Lord? Can we begin to challenge the soft and self-focused life we accepted as normal? These are my observations and questions as I ask Abba to lead me through this passage, in light of today.

When I don’t get what I want or think I need, or when others are credited or lauded and no one notices me, how will I handle it?  Have I become so full of self-pity that I cannot lift my eyes from childhood pain or lack, and waddle about with a broken wing dragging behind me.  These are shames, hostilities, making us weary. 

Yet we are reminded there is a circle of beings watching from heaven. So cast off the weight-wearying burden, lift those cast down eyes and shrug off discouragement.

Jesus is our example. He looked to the one who wrote his life script and completed it before any of it was lived. We too must ‘count it all joy’ realizing our life is lived in a sinful world with lawless and sinful people trying with all their determination to get their way, all trying to be a god.

Perhaps we would agree we have been asleep and ill-guided by allowing someone else to tell us what is true. Most people have not studied out their beliefs but simply followed a speaker they prefer. This is an error. Luke shows us to be like the Bereans who searched the word of God “to see” if what others say is true.

While our brothers and sisters suffered persecution and the ultimate sacrifice by giving their own lives we slept and shook our heads and clicked our tongues.  Now we see our liberties and values being squeezed in the vise of globalism. The very hand of evil and it seems the symbols are everywhere in plain view. 

Our preoccupation with “poor me” with the litanies of past hurts and trauma cost us.  Jesus experienced our every “hard knock.” He is offering us a victorious solution.

He’s not denying the pain or struggle he’s simply overlooking it, “despising the shame.”  What a huge realization. He was fully human to experience everything we have in a sinful world, yet spotless.

How do we despise our shameful, sin laden life, the exposure of our self-nature? How, when alone, and we feel the lack of positive supporting “ata’boys,” “Got your back honey” and “You can do it?”

We look into the face of our elder Brother. We consider Him, who overcame. We humbly walk in that mercy and grace, looking to his example.

We must spend more time in the secret place to rise in the hour of need. We will not fail if we believe like Caleb, repent like David and hold a heart of gratitude like the returning leper.

I find such richness in Hebrews 12, as it examines my heart. Let it train us to be the children of God. Despising the shame and embracing the Joy set before us, we endure for our prize.   

Kindly, Pam Johnson

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the [c]chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.   Hebrews 12:3-11

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How exciting to ask Father God a question and see Him graciously and generously answer! Today I have an invitation

Pam and I are leading a connect group called: Finding Answers to Knotty Questions. It’s really a class on learning how to inquire of God. This is an online class using zoom so you can easily join us from home! We begin Tuesday Feb 15^th AT 7pm (PST) and meet weekly 10 weeks. You can find the link below.

 

Rebekah becomes pregnant! There is a tremendous jostling in her womb. She can’t get an appointment for a sonogram. So, she goes to inquire of the Lord.  God answers her seeking!

“Two nations are in your womb,
    and two peoples from within you will be separated;
one people will be stronger than the other,
    and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23

So history proves it out!

 

Daniel was pondering the desolation and exile of the Jewish nation while captive in Babylon. When will this be over?  

He pours through Jeremiah’s prophecies and finds the prophet declare, “This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.”   Jeremiah 25:11

He looks at his wrist watch. “O my goodness! It’s one minute to 70 years!”

He and his friends go into deep prayer. An angel shows up. The captives are released and free to return to Israel! Daniel searched and got liberating answers!

We all have questions. Some are personal like Rebekah’s

Should I marry Bertha?

Invest in bitcom?

Move to Baltimore?

Where did I lose my phone?

Some quests are global like Daniel’s.

How in the world can we disciple nations?

Restore righteous government?

Overcome evil in education, the media, and science?

Prepare the way for Christ’s return?

We invited you to join us! Together we will learn how to ask, seek and knock – and so – receive, find and have doors open?

 

Joining is easy. Show up at 7pm (PST) on Tuesday nights starting Feb 15^th  by clicking this link!

 

Put it in your calendar. We’ll see you then!

 

10 WEEKLY SESSIONS

1          INQUIRING: The generous, entreat-able God.

The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.   Gen 25:22

2          SOLUTIONISTS: Becoming a resource for others

A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!   Prov 15:23  

3          THE FACE OF GOD: Our greatest quest

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Ps 27:8

4          PROVISION: Asking, seeking and knocking

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  Luke 11:9

5          FINDING LOST THINGS: Recovering the stolen and lost

Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?   Luke 15:8

6          GAINING WISDOM: Our most valuable commodity

But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?   Job 28:12

7          RELATIONSHIPS: With whom should we connect?  

And Barnabas went forth to Tarsus, to seek for Saul.  Acts 11:25

8          LOCATION: Is my geography important?

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”   Acts 8:26

9          MINING GOD’S CREATIVITY: Finding our full expression

Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.   Exodus 25:40

10       DREAMS, VISIONS AND PROPHECY: Places we get answers

God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.”  Gen 46:2

 

Joining us 7pm (PST) on Tuesday nights starting Feb 15^th, by clicking this link!

 

Steven C Johnson

LandingStripEnterprises.Com

 

 

 

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For a short time, I worked for a funeral company in Knoxville, TN. It was short for one reason. I can handle dead bodies and truly find it meaningful to comfort the bereaved in Christ, but  I could not stomach the business.

Of course, the company and those who worked for it are not here to defend themselves. There were good things about the company, and many good people worked for it. What I could not stand was what I saw as pretense and money grubbing.

In the back-room with staff and sales people there were often conversations about how much money could be made in the funeral business, and how to go about making it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be successful in a job or business. Businesses may have mottos which say, “You are our number one priority” but we know it is often slogan. People who come to bury their dead are in a more vulnerable place than those shopping for a dishwasher or pair of socks.

In the funeral business we met people in shock, numb with pain, afraid for their future, feeling like orphans, lonely and unsure, in an environment and place of decision-making they had never been in before. And there is no leisure for making decisions. Choices need to be made immediately. I was grieved and sicken by the subtle pressure on the survivor to “properly” care for and “honor” the memory of their loved one.

“This will be your last great chance to honor your Dad. I’m sure you loved him deeply. How would you like to show your appreciation for him – the way he cared for you, the fun times you had, all the things you owe him? He certainly was a valuable person to you. How would you like to show how you valued him?”

Today most people who bury their loved-one embalm the body so it will last 4,000 years, put it in a water-tight casket, and put the casket in a concrete box buried underground. There are other little things like the flowers, obituary notices, a cleric to conduct a service, the meeting room, piped in music, and such. The average funeral cost $7500. Of course, that is only if you love the deceased in an average way. “I’m sure you’ll want to go all out and buy the bronze casket with ‘the lifetime-warranted pillow.’” 

Most people who came to the funeral home were not rolling in cash. Today the “bare bones” cremation is about $1000. The price is typically considerably higher. It seems most who cremate are seeking economy.

“You don’t need to worry. We do accept credit cards. Every time you make a payment you can remember your dear old Dad and how much you own him.”  I lasted about two months in this atmosphere.  My conclusion, “Let the dead bury their dead.”

I visited Mount Angel Abby in Oregon in my college days. When a brother in the monastery died, the others would dig the grave, wrapped him in burlap, and pour the dirt back on him. I’m confident this cost less than $7500. This seemed so faith-filled and authentic. It lacked a lot of the outward forms of most funerals but seemed to have plenty of heaven’s content. I wonder why more people don’t follow this practice.

In former days families would invite loved ones to come see the deceased laying in the bed or on the kitchen table to say their goodbyes. Someone in the family might build a box. Friends would dig the hole, lower the body and cover it up. This was done without paying for cosmetics. They might cover the grave with stones or place a wooden cross at the head.

Did you know that in most state you can bury a loved one in your pasture or back yard? You must wait for the coroner to show up and submit the death certificate but then you can handle the body according to your wishes. If you consider doing this check your state laws. The funeral industry has made this practice harder in some places. If you sell the property you must inform the new owner of the burial.

I’ve often thought I’d like to buy a pasture for goats and sheep and let people bury their dead there. I’d call it “Potter’s hill.” Perhaps I’d charge $100 if the family was not able to dig the hole themselves. That would be one way to get rich. 

I’ve conducted many funerals and memorials. It is impossible for us to prevent the truth, “Dust you are, to dust you shall return.” We Christians don’t look at visible things which are destined to perish but to invisible realities which never end. How grateful we are to the One named, “The Resurrection and The Life!” When it is time to bury our dead may we do so with Heaven’s perspective and peace.

Steven C Johnson

LandingStripEnterprises.Com

 

LISTEN TO A SECOND COMING CAROL MEDLEY HERE!

 

“Will we still be singing Christmas Carols after the Second coming of our Lord Jesus?”

Now, I love Christmas Carols, but when the dazzling, bowl us over and raise us up second coming of Jesus is history past, and we look backwards on the Great Return of our glorious Savior, and we are walking with Emanuel face to face, will we sing songs yearly recalling that Ultimate Great Appearing – just like we sing songs about the first coming?

Perhaps Christmas 1.0 will be superseded by Christmas 2.0. Perhaps we will take a month a year after Jesus returns to live with us and rule the nations to sing Second Coming carols.  

LISTEN TO A SECOND COMING CAROL MEDLEY ABOVE

Let me know what you think.

Steven C Johnson

https://landingstripenterprises.com/

Get Steve’s newest book at Amazon!

 

A very joy-filled Gratitude Day! You each are reasons to upgrade our Thankfulness! 

This run Pam shares a recent testimony about our river. You’ll be encouraged!

LISTEN TO THIS BLOG HERE!

AND SEE THE VIDEO BELOW.

 

Hearing Ana Mendez Ferrell and watching the testimony as she shared asking forgiveness of the African Elephants was so impactful for me.So much so that I actually dreamedabout it the following night.

In the dream Ana came to me and said, “You can do this.”I was thrilled and not sure what that might look like.

As soon as we began looking at the riverfront property (we now own) we heard the accounts of the river flooding and the death and destruction that followed it.

We knew this was our property and beganapplying, “I will give you the land you step on.” and began to speak to the river.“You will remain within the boundaries God has given you, and will not flood while we own this land.” We also blessed the forest, hills and mountain range and the moisture, rain and snow.

During this summers drought we prayed daily for the right amount of rain. We always blessed thearea. Its a big thing to me to bless the area we live around.

When we lived in agricultural areas we prayed often for the right amount of rain, snow, wind so that the farmers could get the best harvest. Mostly it was praying for the drought to end and the rain to come and it always did.

We have seen the river drop to the lowest level the community has seen this past summer and now the news sources were telling us the rivers of western WA. had not been this high since 2015. Truly flood stage. Communities beyond us were being evacuated, as homes were in jeopardy,some under water.

Our closest neighbor called Steve and I could tell from his side of the conversation our neighbor was fearful.Steve offered to pray with him and led out, and then something unusual happened. The neighbor prayed, OUT LOUD. He had never done that, in fact he’d been a stinker at times and a bit of a trial for us.So humbling himself to ask for Gods help was a big deal.

Ihad complete peace yet kept praying as we watched the river rise, coming nearer and nearer to our riverfront yard.

Our neighbors started coming down (we live at the lowest point on our cul-d-sac) watching the river and parroting the past scenarios.Loss of houses, land, bridges and deaths that ensued.

Steve had gone down to measure how far the river had risen and how close it was to flooding our property, within 2 feet.

The rain had been pouring downnonstop for a few days and my weather app was indicating there was 100% rain for the next few days.

I had been watching and praying but now I sensed I was to go visit the river. With peace in my heart I told Steve, “I think I’m supposed to go to the river.”

I put on my rain gear and walked outside. I was greeted by a neighbor talking about moving his RV and another couple who were fully engaged in the fear and worry of the first guy.

They walked up to me and began to share fully.

I listened and gently but firmly replied, “Thats not going to happen today.”They shared more.I took a breath to reply and felt a shift and instead of disagreeing I agreed with them. ‘Yes, in the past these things had happened andthis may even be a perfect time for more of those things to happen again”, BUT… I let them know we had prayed over this river and I was certain this time was not that. (In my heart I was surprised as I heard myself, I was so confident, so at peace) I encouraged the neighbors to do what gave them peace patting one gentleman on his shoulder.

I walked on down to the rivers edge noting the huge beach, we enjoyed most of the time we had lived here ( 2 years), was gone. I walked along on the last rocks left above water and talked to God.

“God did you hear what I said. I sure hope you back me up. I don’t usually talk like that. Those people don’t know You and we have been gently loving them and sharing who we know.

What am I doing here?”

I sensed I was to place my feet in the water. So I stepped into the water and stood there watching the angry, brown water churn around my boots.

Looking up at the expanseof the river I spoke.“ Tilton River I release you from death and destruction and I realign you to agree with Gods plan for you, to bring forth life and that abundantly.”

That seemed to be it. I waited, but nothing more came and I worshipped with the rivers new identity, and walked back up to my home.

The rain slowed, Steve took another measurement and the river was 8 inches lower than previous.Later that day it was 2 feet lower and the rain was a light drizzle.

(I had not addressed the rain.)

The rain slowed and actually stopped for a while. Our neighbor stayed up all night watching the river.We went to bed and slept well.He called us as soon as our lights went on the next morning telling Steve, “God heard our prayers, and I’m going to bed now.”

The rain stopped for half of the day and the river has continued to go down.

And I am so excited about the life that will begin on these banks, for families and this community.

God is so good to back up my faith and my words and with Ana I learned I can partner with heaven to bring that realm to earth.

WATCH THIS VIDEO AS OUR RIVER COME CLOSE TO PEAKING

Steve and Pam Johnson

LandingStripEnterprises.Com

LISTEN TO THIS BLOG HERE!

DEATH IS ICKY, AND JESUS IS WONDERFUL!

“Daddy, what happened to the kitty?”

I’ve always maintained that death is icky. I’ve never changed my mind. We began our acquaintance with death as tots when we saw the dead cat in the road and the fly on the window sill.

When I was about eight my grandfather died. There was an open casket at the funeral. I went up to the casket with my mom at the end of the service. Grandpa looked bad, really bad. Mom said, “You can touch him if you want.” I had no desire to touch him. It was icky and scary!

They took grandpa in the box and put him under the ground in a country cemetery. We drove past the cemetery whenever we went to visit grandma and other relatives. I did not like driving by that cemetery. I did not like thinking of grandpa underground in that box. Other relatives were there in boxes under the ground. It was icky and scary.

A childhood friend shared a “helpful” superstition with me. He told me, “If you can hold your breath when you drive by a cemetery you will live a year longer.” It was challenging if you drove by larger cemeteries. But, you know what? It worked! But what it didn’t do was change my attitude that death is icky and scary.

Beyond the thought of being in a box under the ground was the wondering about life after death. Could there be something ickier after death? Rotting flesh is icky, but what if there were ickier, scarier things in an afterlife?

I attended church as a youth and learned that Jesus was sweet and kind. In retrospect I think there was more about “Jesus was” than “Jesus is.” I never got the message that Jesus gave death a royal trouncing. Because of this it seemed death was bigger and more tenaciously powerful than the “was” Jesus.

Finally, as a Senior in High School I read the New Testament for myself. I developed a love and respect for this marvelous, wise, virtuous, powerful Person. Eventually I came to call Him, “My Lord.”

I found Jesus really is the Resurrection and the Life! The grave, death and the powers of hell are helpless before Him. His promises gave me victory over the great-granddaddy or all fears, death.

I came to see that not only can we be free of the fear of death, we can vaunt over it, mock its weakness and celebrate its destruction – all because of the victory which our Redeemer gained for us at the cross, and through his resurrection and ascension. We are able to spurn, diminish and despise death! Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:

Where, O death is your victory?

Where, O death is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Our powerful, loving God sees death as icky too. It is totally out of order with His kingdom of vibrant life, and unbecoming his children. So, He dealt with it, and made a way out for us all!

I’ve walked through cemeteries and been overcome with tremendous confidence and boldness as I’ve sited Isaiah 26:19;

But your dead will live; their bodies will rise – let those who dwell in the dust of the earth wake up and shout for joy – your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead!

You will think me daffy but once as I was walking through a cemetery quoting this verse I heard death under harassment say, “Stop doing that!”

The tables are being flipped! Death is afraid of believing Christians. What thrilling resurrection reality! Dust reconstituted! Lost things recovered! Grief and tears wiped away by the Hand of the Loving One! Old renewed! Reunion!

Death is a weakling compared to our “Stronger One.” What comfort, what rest, what exhilaration and delight! We flaunt over death because of Jesus!

Every fear – spiders, falling, financial loss, rejection – is connected to the great granddaddy of all fears, the fear of death. “He delivered me from all my fears.”

My Christian brother and sister, no long allow yourself to be intimidated by death. You are built to intimidate it! Death has been given a mortal blow!

 

How grateful are you that Jesus tasted death for us that we might taste His life?

What can you do today to put the fear of death in its place, and embrace the wholesome, regenerating fear of the Lord?

Do you have a testimony of overcoming the fear of death?

 

STEVE’S NEW BOOK, COMPOUNDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Read it and leave a review at Amazon

REVIEWS OF COMPOUNDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT 

I highly recommend this book, especially for men who want to up their game as encouragers. The articles are brief, upbeat, tender, and tough. During the past two years, almost weekly, I’ve been in prayer rooms and men’s meetings with Steve Johnson—I’ve never encountered a person anointed as much as he is with the gift of encouragement (Romans 12:8). And with his comprehensive writing, Steve continually captures his reader’s attention with vivid, creative lines. Read this book, one chapter at a time; and if you can, find a way to meet this man!

                                                                                                 Geoff Pope

I found your book to be very encouraging. It calls us to a higher ground. I heard God speaking through the words he gave you to write. I appreciated having his Word to read throughout the book.

I especially enjoyed the lessons on wonder, amazement and creativity. I wrote down a quote to pray for friends and family: “May our friends and family who are distant from Yeshua be hit hard by his overflowing kindness, bringing them to true repentance.”

Also, having a background working with special needs children, I was touched by the pool story about Cain. Thank you for giving me the privilege of reading your book!!

                                                                                                        Liela  Cuglivan

 

Steven C Johnson

LandingStripEnterprises.Com

 

                                                                                                                                                     Photo attribution  

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Open-mindedness is one of our highest values. We encourage growth in knowledge, discovery of new truths, free thinkers and think tanks. Narrow-mindedness closes the door to new insights, exiting discoveries and fascinating new vistas.

Among the narrow-mined are the bigots, the mentally blind, the stagnate and fools. But, could it be, that on occasion, the narrow-minded approach is the way of the wise while others are so open-minded that their brains fall out?

Jesus of Nazareth said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it” (Matt 7:13). Jesus tells us we should narrow in.

Christians are often accused of being narrow-minded. The charge really needs to brought to our Lord Jesus.  His claims, “I am the bread of life,” “I am the light of the world,” and “I am the door” seen singular and exclusive. What do you do with a guy who says in John 8:24, “Unless you believe that I am He [God’s chosen One] you shall die in your sins?” You either put him in an asylum or you follow Him as your Master.

The musician does not say, “Any note will do.” The doctor doesn’t say, “Any medicine will do.” So what nonsense overtakes us when we say, “Any religion will do?” My teacher said, “Children, put your thinking caps on.”

“Narrow-minded” Christians for the past two millennia have been confessing, “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:2).

Many profound religious leaders of all types have come along. They have said, “I’ll show you the way. I’ll teach you the truth. I’ll instruct you in life.” But Jesus says, “I am the way, I am the truth, I am the life. No one comes to the father except through me” (John 14:6). Pretty audacious wouldn’t you say? Who is this Jesus anyway? Glad you asked!

Some would like to make Jesus out to be a philosopher, political activist, or one of the “ascended masters.” Jesus claimed to be none of these.

Jesus claimed to be the only Son of God (John 3:16 5:16-18)

to have the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7)

the power to raise the dead (John 5:24-25)

and the authority to judge mankind (John 5:27).

You may accept it or reject it but the Bible clearly teaches, “There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5-6). Had Jesus thought that other religious would do the Job He would certainly have avoided Jerusalem and passed up the cross. He died there convinced that He was God’s ransom to set us free from sin and judgment (Mark 10:45).

Many are offended with Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God. But the drowning person doesn’t complain  that the life ring is the wrong color. I have never heard anyone protest that oxygen should not be an essential element. Still, many would like to think of following Jesus as an optional religious hobby. Some say what is really important is sincerity. “

“It’s not what you believe, it’s that you believe it sincerely.” Does that make sense to the horse? What would you say to the mechanic who says, “You don’t need oil in your crank case.” Use sand, water or flower petals. The important thing is to be sincere.” Sincerity is certainly desirable but it only functions in tandem with truth. “Faith is like a rope,” says Dr. Michael Green. “”It matters enormously what you attach it to.”

Whoever heard of someone phoning a friend and thinking in their “open-mindedness” that any number should do the job? How can what is nonsense in everyday life suddenly become profound wisdom when dealing with religion? Witness some open-minded folks who say, “All religious are basically the same.” On the surface this seems tolerant, humane, conciliatory. But attempts at harmonizing religions produces ear-jarring cacophony.

My friend, all religions could be false but they cannot all be true.

Try to harmonize the views of God: One? Many? None? The god of self?

Check out the views of the afterlife:

Oblivion?

Disembodied spirits?

Reincarnation?

Merging with the cosmic whole?

Resurrection to hell or to heaven.

When someone says, “All religions are basically the same,” are they thinking of religions which cripple the feet of women, sacrifice children, eat their enemies, force children into “sacred” prostitution, or practice “honor” killing? It just won’t mix. The discrepancies between various religious systems are irreconcilable. Although we may find things of value in a number of religions there is a lot of rot that passes as spirituality.

When Jesus comes again in the glory clouds of heaven with an innumerable host of angels, some religious folks will be upset! But they will not be able to protest, “Leave me alone, Jesus, I’m trying to tap into my god-self” or “ Jesus, how dare you break my reincarnation cycle!” Every eye will see him. It will be the most colossal reality check!

Many religions pursue vaporous and intangible delusions. Real Christians eagerly wait for the substantial and concrete return of our crucified and risen Savior. The power of His indestructible life assures us that we will live with Him forever (John 6:51; 14:19). That’s why we call Jesus’ message, “Good News!”

If you are hunting for a nice religion you have literally hundreds to choose from. In fact, new designer religions are being fabricated every day. But if you are hunting for LIFE come to the narrow way that is universally open to all! Jesus invites in Matthew 11:28  “Come to me ALL  you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” I commend to you Jesus the only Son of the living God!

Where to from here? Anywhere if you don’t care about your destination. But if you are asking, “How do I enter the narrow road that leads to life?” I suggest the following:

Read the New Testament accounts of Jesus. You will find yourself falling in love.

Believe the far-out truth that God really loves you and proved it in His Son.

Own up to your own sins, your shortcomings and mortality before God.

Ask Jesus to forgive your sings, to be your Master, to come into your life and make you a new person. He will!

Be determined to grow in your new life by communicating with God every day!

Plug into a sincere group of Christians who strive to live out the truth of God’s word in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Horses are known for horse-sense. Keep your mind and heart open to the narrow way of the Lord Jesus Christ. Enter in the narrow door that leads to broad open places!

Steve Johnson, LandingStripEnterprises.Com