Renee Johnson

Faith and Beer

Renee Johnson — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:51:03 -0700

"But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, 'God is truly here among you'” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25, NLT).

God used that passage of Scripture over six years to speak to me. He told me that my writing would bring people to Christ! I was searching and searching for an excuse to find a reason to write because writing was too difficult for me. I was so broken. My faith was not where it needed to be.

My best intentions were a waste compared to my own disobedience and lack of trust.

I know what it's like to experience pain, fear, abandonment, and the destruction of every hope imaginable. I know what it's like to wake up in the middle of the night and not think I'm going to make it to morning.

I know what it's like to not let the tears fall because it would open the raw wound on my face from the eczema that took the all the skin off for more than a year.

I know what it's like to be admitted into the hospital for what doctors called a mystery. I know what it's like to gain over one hundred pounds from a little nasty medication called prednisone.

Add everything up from the 10+ years I suffered and you have one broken girl who just wanted her Abba Daddy to heal her. Ten years of asking, "if you heal me I'll do ANYTHING."

And He has!! And

I see you, yeah you. Hiding behind the pew of a church, in the grocery store, or in the backseat of a strangers car. Not knowing. Not trusting. Not hoping. There is hope. There is redemption. There is healing from pain. Give God your hurts. Give God your destiny.

You. Are. Not. A. Failure.

Alcohol is not the answer, so don't even turn to it. Faith isn't the answer either. It is hope and trust mixed with obedience.

Trust in the one who saves.

Trust in the one who created You.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” At this, Abram fell face down on the ground (Genesis 17:1-3, NLT).

Fall.

Fall hard.

Fall to your knees.

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:8-9, NLT).

Are you willing to wait?

Come to repentance.

While you're waiting.

Come to repentance.

Whether you're 9 or 99 years old.

Come to repentance.

Whether you're hurt, scared, or afraid.

Come to repentance.

When you don't feel like it.

Come to repentance.

Tear your hearts.

Come to repentance.

Fall to your knees.

Come to repentance.

Sooner or later will come a day when you will won't have a choice but to fall on your knees and worship God.

Come to repentance, now!

Dear Jesus, That is why you say, "turn to you now while there is time." Help us to give you our hearts. Help us to come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don't let us tear our clothing but our hearts instead. May we return to you, our God, for you are merciful and compassionate, slow to angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to relent and not to punish. Amen.

Whom do you follow?

Renee Johnson — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:13:47 -0700

"Can one blind person lead another? Won't they both fall into a ditch" (Luke 6:39, NLT)?

Today's blog inspiration comes from a number of places.

#1 - Editing my dating & relationships book for Harvest House

#2 - Study of 1 John 1

#3 - Personal reflection & quiet time

#4 - Time spent with my boyfriend.

#5 - Remembering my first book, "Faithbook of Jesus."

Recently, I was convicted and encouraged by the "blind leading the blind" passage. What a great representation of examining the self, right? David was personal with God; that is why I believe He was called a man after God's own heart. He continually asked God to "search" his heart (Psalm 139:23-24). David's impact on the Israelites went deeper than just a king, but through knowing God he was able to leave an eternal blessing and dynasty (2 Samuel 7:29).

Which begs the question: Do you know whom you follow?

"If God has yet to give you that insatiable hunger for the truth of His Word, I would plead with you now to seek such a thing from Him. Why must I ask God instead of simply pursuing such a desire out of my own heart? For the same reason you don't get married after the first date, because the heart is all-together deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), to seek such a thing on your own will lead you into the grave danger of finding a hunger to study the Scriptures as an end in itself which has no meaning and no value. No, instead, let the Lord teach you that all study of the Scripture must have its end in knowing the author more intimately and deeply. If we study the Bible as an end then we make the same mistake as the Pharisees who knew the Old Testament very well, but did not know the author" (Marc Fisher).

As much as I have enjoyed getting to know my boyfriend and spend time with his family this weekend, I realized something much deeper in my soul. Time spent with God is worth more than any human being. When I don't desire Him more than anyone else, there's something wrong with me!!!

Do I know the Scriptures more than God, Himself?

Do I follow God closely enough to hear him say with my own ears?

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left" (Isaiah 30:21, NLT).

I find it interesting that John the Baptist's disciples came over to Jesus to personally ask him if he was the Messiah they were looking for or should they expect someone else (Luke 7:20)?

Personally expect. Did you catch that? When we encounter God personally. When we get to know His character. When we know the power of His Word. I can say that now because I've lived it.

After I wrote my first book, "Faithbook of Jesus" I caved. My body was so broken. Panic attacks left me bed ridden for a long time. Here I had just written over 105,000 words (that's roughly 636 pages double spaced or 300+ pages printed).

My knowledge of Scripture had overgrown my ability to rest in Him. To abide. I was this sad, scared little girl who didn't know how to climb up on the lap of her Father God and cry out to Him.

I was too blinded by my own insecurities instead of searching for the author, Himself. It wasn't until I fully surrendered and let my career die to spend enormous amounts of time with Him that I got it.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be" (Luke 12:33-34, NLT).

Was I still scared to death how I was going to recover? Yes.

Was I wondering where my next paycheck was coming in? Yes.

Was I wondering if my career in ministry and writing was over? Yes.

"Go back to John [the Baptist] and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cursed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me'" (Luke 7:22-23, NLT).

Sometimes the author God asks us to do things that are FAR beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes He doesn't even give us all the answers. He simply asks us to wait in trust. To obey Him even when we can't see, touch, taste, feel, or hear him.

"We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him" (1 John 1:1-2, NLT).

"Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it" (Psalm 37:5, NASB).

Dear Father, May our joy be complete because we know YOU and not just Your Words. Help us to better know the author--YOU. We ask you to pour out your Spirit on our heart, mind, and soul. Teach us how to love you and love others we pray. Amen.

Faith is Dynamite

Renee Johnson — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:48:59 -0800

Dynamite faith is childlike faith.

The other day I was having my quiet time (as I do every morning), and it JUST happened to be the day I was going to sit down and "discuss" with God how He's going to provide for my needs. I mean...

He called me.

Told me to move.

And so here I am scared and asking like a little child...or am I?

A child does not repeatedly ask his parents whether he will be taken to a doctor if he becomes ill or whether there will be another meal to eat (at least, not very often in our culture). The reason he does not ask such questions is that his parents have proven to him over and over again they they love him enough to take care of his needs. It is the same with God...

This is faith. How happy would a parent be if his child constantly questioned him as to whether his needs would be met? The parent would feel frustrated and sad, perhaps angry that the child did not trust him (Billy Graham, Unto The Hills, January 29).

Talk about a God-sized punch to the face.

Is he going to take care of my needs, and will I have enough? Yeah and duh!

I was talking to my friend, Chris Tomlinson today about faith since we're both in the same boat: I quit my job last year and he lost his four months ago...and it's interesting how well we're both doing. Here is what he wrote on trust from our conversation.

That's what inspired me to write this post and even create a funny little video for you because faith is dynamite.

Maybe not the way I expected.

Or had hoped.

But, as God's child I choose to be mindful.

Here's a tribute to my mom and my dog, my constant companions this past year. I'm SURE going to miss them, but I know that my God is faithful and whenever I doubt Him I just have to remember dynamite faith.

I throw my hands up in the air sometimes

Saying AYO

Gotta let go

I wanna celebrate and live my life

Saying AYO

Baby, let's go (c) Taio Cruz

Never Going Back

Renee Johnson — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:28:21 -0800

Have you ever seen the movie Finding Forrester? Sean Connery taught a young boy how to write by using his words, then when he felt comfortable enough he would start using his own words. What a great tool for writers block!!! For this week's blog, I felt it was appropriate to use a poem I wrote many years ago when I was in a REALLY bad spot.

I had just moved to Texas to do DTS (Discipleship Training School) with Ambassadors For Christ and my eczema had begun to take the skin off my hands...which was devastating considering I just recovered from losing the skin off my face and feet.

Here goes nothing...

"Ten years of a divine wound," The Lord said. "It must be entire, complete Not pierced with sharp metal, But dull rock. "It must hurt and wound To break you. So when the time comes for Me To fulfill my prophetic promise to you, You will cry out, 'I'M NEVER GONNA GO BACK!' "In the stillness of My Presence you will Feel the Harvest of Peace coming, To restore and repair the loss. "Come, Renee, return to Me. I have broken you, now rejoice!" (Faithbook of Jesus, page 170)

I feel this is relevant today because God was, is, and will always be in the business of redeeming our lives, our past mistakes--even our future!

One thing I know for sure, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62, NLT).

Another set of words that have deeply encouraged me this week come from a devotional I am reading by David Jeremiah called "Life Changing Moments With God." Each devotional is made up of only Scripture. Love it. Love it! Here is February 4th's:

The Lord has said to you, "You shall not return that way again." Father, truly if I, as Israel, call to mind that country from which I have come out, I would have opportunity to return. But I desire BETTER (emphasis added)...a heavenly country. By faith, I rather suffer affliction...than enjoy passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater...Justified, I live by FAITH; but if I draw back, Your soul has no pleasure in me. But I am not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. If I put my hand to the plow, and look back, I am not fit for Your kingdom, God... (there's that verse again!!!). Deuteronomy 17:16; Hebrews 11:15-16, 25-26; Hebrews 10:38-39; Luke 9:62

Friday, Feb. 4th was the day I signed my new lease in San Diego. It is such an amazingly-God-sized confirmation that I am moving forward. I'M NEVER GONNA GO BACK! It's hard because I still have commitments (that I love) here in North County, and a family (who takes great care of me), but I also serve a God who has a far and greater imagination to the tapestry of my life and when I trust Him and put my life in His hands He blesses me. I don't know about you, but I want to be blessed!!!

No matter where you are currently in your life--seek God first.

Spend time in His Word.

Pray.

Get involved in community.

The more you reach out, the more chances you have to grow! Amen?

Interview with Alece Ronzino

Renee Johnson — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:49:24 -0800

I thought today would be a good to post my interview with Alece, creator of One Word 2011. It's been a couple weeks for the New Year to sink in, and people's resolutions and values to be tested. At least for me they have!

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. What a blessing to celebrate a man with a dream. Someone who risked their life for a cause.

Today, I am honored to share with you Alece's story. One of great great dreams and great losses. I ask her what her dream is, and (not) surprisingly she answers that she's not sure.

Interview ::

Renee: "When did you start picking a word to be the anthem or theme of your year?"

Alece: Last year was the first time I chose a word to focus on all year long. My word was RISK, and it shaped my life in huge ways. I blogged all year about my commitment to risk more, and how it played out in every area of my life.

Renee: "What made you take it to the blogopshere?"

Alece: My blog is my community -- the gathering place of an incredible family of friends. Last year, I shared what I was doing and encouraged The Grit family to join me. Naturally, I did the same again this year too. I never anticipated the huge response that erupted! As of today, 257 people have blogged about their One Word, and it continues to grow. It has been incredible to hear how God has already begun using people's words to challenge and change them. And the community aspect of doing this together is beautiful. Just amazing, really.

Renee: "Would you mind sharing the scary bits of your story and what led you to the ministry you are NOW doing?"

Alece: The cliff-notes version of my life is that I moved to Africa at 19, got married, and helped pioneer a ministry to train indigenous leaders. In 13 years the ministry grew to a cross-cultural team of 60+ staff, and when my husband decided to leave for another woman, everything came crashing down. As for the scary bits, I think this season of relocating back to America and huge personal transition is by far more frightening than it was to move to Africa on my own as a teenager. I'm learning to live in this state of in-between, trusting God for a future I can't even envision or hope for. Yet.

Renee: "How can we help you (via support, prayer, love)?"

Alece: Never underestimate the power of encouragement. Random "love notes" and kind words are a huge source of strength for me. I also rest in the prayers of others'. They literally carry me on days when life feels impossible. Sometime soon I'm going to need to start looking at other ministry/non-profit jobs. It overwhelms me to think about right now, but soon... And I could use all the help I can get when that time comes.

Renee: "What is YOUR word for this year?"

Alece: My One Word for 2011 is LOOK. It's not a beautiful word, I know. But it gets the job done. It reminds me everyday that if I want to see God at work in the rubble of my life, I have to look for Him. When it's hard, when I hurt, when I have no hope, I can still choose to look for His hand holding mine. I'm living life with eyes wide open this year, looking for His beauty in my ashes.

Renee: "Is there's one dream or wish in your heart for this next season of your life, and would you mind sharing?"

Alece: To be honest, dreaming feels impossible right now. I spent my life living the only dream I've ever had, and I'm still in a process of grieving the loss of that. Some days it's hard to believe there will be another dream for me, on others I can feel His redemption bringing it closer. So I guess that's my dream for this season... I dream for a dream. For new hope. For Him to redeem even this.

Renee: "Would you say you're living the dream right now--or is that something you're still working on?"

And you answer...?

15 Reasons to Read Your Bible This Year!!

Renee Johnson — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:23:50 -0800

In 1997, my mom gave me a NLT One Year Bible. I was in the hospital with severe eczema all over my face and feet. She read to me Hosea 6:1-3 that says,

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”

I was determined to find my own verse so I read through the One Year Bible for eleven months and twenty six days later I found it.

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10, NLT).

My life has never been the same since and I wholeheartedly believe in reading the Word daily. That’s why I do what I do. I write, speak, teach, publish, laugh, and love according to what I’ve learned through this book. 1997-2011 marks my crystal anniversary of being in the Word. That’s 15 years of being fruitful and remaining in the vine that is Jesus.

Because I’m SO passionate about it I’m giving you 15 reasons to read through the Bible this year with me!!

1. Get to know Jesus. If you like someone you’re going to spend time & money getting to know them. It’s really that simple!

2. Be a follower. Disciple = follower. It’s not a spiritual term. You follow people on Twitter and Facebook, so why not be mindful to follow God FIRST?

3. Discipline takes time. Over the years I’ve discovered what works for me. Yearly devotional + One Year Bible + journal = a very happy Renee. Find what works best for you and stick with it!!

4. If you’re bored, God’s bored. I don’t remember who told me that, but it’s stuck with me. If you’re in the middle of reading your daily this & daily that and you find that you’ve replaced the ritual with religion. Get. Out. Quick. Find something else. Do something else. Go somewhere else. Ask someone else.

5. Don’t be afraid. Perfect love (from God) casts out all fear. Throughout a year’s time you and I will encounter trials and temptations. Watch for them and stay alert. Mostly though don’t be afraid. If you need help remembering this just open to Joshua 1. I think God says it like 8 times. Don’t be afraid…Don’t be afraid…just keep swimming…just keep swimming…

6. Ask. Just because you or I am in the Word daily doesn’t mean we still struggle. Ask for help!

7. Don’t do it alone. We need community. We need people. We need help. See if one of your friends or family can keep you accountable to spend your time daily with God. If you don’t tell others, they won’t know to ask.

8. Learn more! I’m like a sponge. I soak up everything I see, touch, taste, smell, read, etc. Here is a great way to spark learning in your life. Take a topic you read about in your daily quiet time and dig deeper.

9. Use helpful tools. My favorites are NLT One Year Bible, Streams in the Desert (devotional), My Utmost For His Highest (devotional), BibleGateway.com, You Version, and Logos.

10. Use your senses. The Bible actually says to taste and see what is good (Psalm 34:8). Food tastes good, your time with God should too!

11. Find your promise. There are a million (okay maybe not a million) promises. I like to treat my Bible as a text book and underline my favorite verses and write “Promise” up on the top margin to remind me of God’s promises.

12. Memorize Scripture. If you can quote your favorite movie, you can memorize Scripture. Just sayin’

13. Fall in love with God. No matter what you read, how difficult a passage is, or how frustrating it is to find time to spend with Him…He is worth it! All of it. All the marbles, all the money, everything in the world does not compare to Him!

14. His grace is enough. My heartache is knowing God, seeing that He can heal, and watching when He says no. Grace is figuring out that He is enough. No. Matter. What.

15. God is the Beginning and the End. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That means that January 1-December 31st is all under His control.

Late Night Confession

Renee Johnson — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:33:00 -0800

I know how to be assertive in business; I don't know how to be responsive (not initiate) in relationships :(

It started off as a tweet. In my quiet time my thoughts grew louder until it made its way onto the page.

Here is my late night confession...

I can't ruin it and it's not [already] too late. Jesus please forgive me for thinking that You're not above or bigger than me and my problems. Seriously ridiculous.

The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and he lifts those bent beanth their loads. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything he does, he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him, he hears their cries for help and rescues them (Psalm 145:13-14, 16-19, NLT).

Things that need to change.

I'm not comfortable being pursued by guys.

I think it all goes back to my childhood where my parents would watch my every move and monitor every interaction. So when I was allowed freedom I got anxious and over ate.

I initiate to remain in control.

To not let any guy see my weaknesses. I'm afraid a guy is going to look back on the painful years of my past and reject me, or worse--not even pursue me at all. Deep down I want to be pursued. But I'm afraid. Afraid that no guy is ever going to notice me, pursue me, and keep pursuing me in spite of me.

Because ultimately, it's not even about me. Add God into the picture and that eliminates 99.9% of the boys. Waiting around for that 1% of men who actually have God in their life (not to mention balls and a backbone) and...that takes you back down to zero. Throw in a seminary degree and it now leaves me with a depressed feeling I've never had before. And I don't get depressed. I'm the anxious one, remember?

For a guy to know (and love) Scripture as much as me? ha. Just call me Sarah, the one who laughs at God. And yet he exists. Isaac. I know because God promised me many, many years ago and He's literally used His people to confirm in my life.

So why now? It's not like I haven't tried Match.com or eHarmony or church or bars or friends. Because I finally miss my friend.

I want to overcome the lie that no guy could ever be my best friend.

I was the kind of girl who grew up in a conservative Baptist household. Like I said earlier--I had no guy friends, and to be honest it's less complicated. I don't believe guys and girls can be friends unless it's work related, no chemistry, etc. Okay okay. Maybe I'm the one in this equation.

Stop.

Before the lies come flooding in like the California rains. I'll stop. And believe. Believe to hope. Hope again that my friend is still there out somewhere.

I miss you. I love you. I need you.

Seminary Update #2

Renee Johnson — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:15:31 -0800

Yep. That’s right Update #2.

Today I went to visit Bethel Seminary in San Diego. I am interested in their Masters of Arts (Theological Studies), or M.A (T.S.) with an emphasis in Biblical Studies.

Before I get ahead of myself. I want to share a series of confirmations I’ve received about Bethel. Normally, I’m reluctant to share because it’s not often that God says “go here, do this.” Because…

We have freedom.

I’ve learned one thing from the past eight years as a 20-something to find myself…unless it’s a sin issue…God doesn’t make, force, or require us to do things in which he gives us the freedom to choose. Kind of like which parking spot. Just pick one!

However going to seminary is a lot more complicated then that so that’s why I’m seeking wise council from mentors, peers, my family, friends, and church family.

So…here are my confirmations!

#1 – The Vice President and Dean of George Fox Seminary

He received his MDiv from Bethel Seminary, San Diego. This made me laugh because I hadn’t even realized that I could apply to a seminary in my own backyard. And the fact that he was a Bethel grad made me realize–hey why not check it out. THEN that’s when the confirmations started happening.

#2 – Reading my One Year Bible

Hosea 12:4, NLT jumped out at me. Literally. It read, “Yes, he (Jacob) wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him.”

I want to meet God face to face.

George Fox is awesome. And I wouldn’t trade their Distance Learning degree in Spiritual Formation for anything….until I realized that all I do is sit and write in front of a computer all day. So, face to face interaction…let alone GOD. SIGN ME UP!!!

#3 – Reading “Big God” by Britt Merrick

Page 126 reads, “Not only did Abraham confront culture and worship, but he was also willing to witness. It says in Genesis 12:8 that he went to a place called Bethel and called upon the name of the Lord…And in the Mosaic writings, when it says ‘called upon the name of the Lord,’ it generally means that he proclaimed the name of the Lord. Abraham was now witnessing about, testifying of, the one true God.”

Hello. There it is again. I am desperate to call upon the name of the Lord. To ask for his help in the ministry HE CALLED me too! Wow. I’m just so in awe right now

#4 – Karissa Braun’s Graduation Party

I met her roommate’s dad, Mark, who works for Bethel in their development office. He was VERY encouraging. It also happens that one of their other daughters is a missionary to a certain part of the country that my parents are as well. Dude! Love this…

#5- My friend Ronel

I met her via social networking/friends at The Rock Church, San Diego who attends Bethel Seminary and encouraged me to check them out!

#6 – On Campus Visit today

I know this S T R E T C H I N G it, but the recruiter for Bethel is a HUGE Nebraska Cornhusker fan and, well…anyone who is a fan of NE is my friend I was born and raised in Lincoln, NE until I was 7. We moved to CA so my parents could join staff with Campus Crusade.

Loved the visit. Excited to talk about all their professors, classes, opportunities, and divine appointments that would come about as a result of BEING there. The diversity intrigues me, the classroom connections, community, community, community. I cannot stress enough how I love my small group at North Coast. My growth group rocks and I can’t wait to be in a learning, growing community. It’s important as a leader to receive as much as I give–if not more.

So there you have it.

Next month as I wrap up my next book I’m going to be working on my application, and with your prayers I look forward to getting accepted and attending in the Fall of 2011.

My BIG Announcement

Renee Johnson — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:03:30 -0800

I couldn’t wait to spill the beans. I have decided that it’s time to apply for seminary. For those of you who know me, this is something I’ve prayed about for a while.

I’m ready to know more about the Word.

I’m applying for a Masters of Theology in Spiritual Formation at George Fox Seminary. They have a killer Distance Learning program starting in the Fall of 2011. The way I see it…if I’m writing devotionals about the Bible I’d like to know what I’m talking about as I keep up with a growing ministry God’s called me to! Looking back, I’ve always been a lover of the Word and appreciate your prayers as I go through this process!!!!!!!!

Important Update For 2011

1. My blog:

The daily devotionals taken from “Faithbook of Jesus” will end. You can catch them in the archives on my blog in case you want to start over for next year.

I will be starting a Read Through The Bible In A Year Challenge and posting updates & ramblings every Monday along with devotionals on Wednesday over at Tyndale’s New Living Translation blog.

If you want to sign up for the weekly devotionals please do at the top right hand side of my website or just follow along on Facebook or Twitter.

2. Speaking:

Throw Mountains tour begins Spring 2011! I am BEYOND excited to share the stage with some of the most amazing people and friends. We will be traveling to PA, IN, LA, and UT.

My schedule is open next year and I look forward to speaking at a church near you!

3. Writing:

I am currently under contract with Harvest House for a book on dating & relationships and will release more information as I have it. The scheduled release date is January, 2012.

4. Ministry:

If you would like to be on the prayer and/or support team for Devotional Diva ministries please feel free to contact me. I send monthly updates via email and sometimes post them on my blog.

Thanks again for allowing me the privilege to encourage you forward in your relationship with Christ! I’m SO excited for the new year…thanks again for your prayers as I take a step of faith and obedience!

New Living Translation

Renee Johnson — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:47:07 -0700

Last week, I drove down to San Diego Children's Hospital and sat in the parking lot so I could tell you my good news.

Thirteen years ago God asked me to be his feet. Six years after that God asked me to be his hands. For ten years I watched as everyone else excelled, and I stayed at home. Stuck. The only thing I wasn't stuck were my quiet times. Daily Devotionals became my sanctuary as the skin peeled off my face, feet, and hands. Then a miracle happened. The Word healed me.

I am so honored to be past my humiliating and horrified days of living without any skin on my (DISCLAIMER: Do not click if you have a queasy stomach) Fingers, Hands, Feet.

It is my pleasure to let you know that I have the opportunity help you engage, enjoy, and embrace the New Living Translation! Tyndale is relaunching their NLT blog soon and........I GET TO WRITE DAILY DEVOTIONALS FOR THE SAME TRANSLATION THAT SAVED MY LIFE!

Hosea 6:1-3, 1 Peter 5:10, Revelation 21:5-7 NLT

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.