July 3, 2025 • 27 mins
Our deepest longing isn't for religious rituals but for authentic connection with the Jesus. Yet so many believers have mistakenly reduced their faith to church attendance—punching the spiritual time clock every Sunday morning while missing the transformative relationship Jesus offers.
This candid conversation peels back the misconceptions about Christianity to reveal what truly matters. At its core, faith isn't about fulfilling religious obligations or performing good works to earn God's approval. It's about discovering the genuine love of Jesus who meets us exactly where we are, regardless of our church attendance record, past mistakes, or current struggles.
We explore the spiritual wounds inflicted when well-meaning Christians tell others that their hardships result from not "doing what God wants." This toxic theology misrepresents Jesus, portraying Him as distant and conditional rather than compassionate and gracious. The reality? Jesus understands our struggles, counts every tear we've shed, and walks with us through life's darkest valleys. Whether facing international crises, economic challenges, or personal loss, His promise remains—"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
The conversation shifts to purpose, addressing how God equips each person with unique gifts and abilities. You don't need theological credentials or perfect qualifications to be used by God. Simple willingness, expressed through a humble prayer—"Lord, if there's one thing I can do for you today, show me"—opens doors to unexpected opportunities where God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
We conclude with thoughts on heaven, not as a distant cloudy realm of harp-playing, but as the ultimate reunion with Jesus and loved ones who've gone before us. Their prayers continue to echo through eternity, inviting us into the unconditional love that defines true Christianity. Ready to move beyond religion into relationship? Jesus is already waiting to show you what that looks like.
- If you would like to be a guest and share your story, click this link: https://thepromoter.org/story/
Thanks for Listening, and subscribe to hear a new episode each week!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kristie Johnson (00:00):
Hey, Ron, it's good to be back.
It's good to see you again.
Ron Meyers (00:03):
Yes, you have been traveling the world doing all
kinds of things with ministryand you and I are going to talk
for a few minutes and I justwant to talk about doing life
with Jesus.
You know, christy, I think youcan see the news.
A lot of people are concerned.
They're worried.
Should we worry as believers?
Kristie Johnson (00:22):
No, in fact, the Lord tells us that worrying
cannot do anything for us.
It can't change a color of ourhair, it can't add a day to our
lives.
So worry is actually theopposite thing.
That we need.
To have Concerns come up, yes,but we're to seek the Lord and
pray.
And he says that if we willtake faith instead of fear, then
(00:46):
worry is something he can getaway from us and allow us to
grow in the struggle we might befacing.
Whether it's internationalworries, whether it's daily
worries, god wants us to grow inour strength through the faith
in Him that he will freely giveus.
You know, faith is also a giftfrom God.
We have to ask for it sometimes.
Ron Meyers (01:06):
Yeah, you know you and I were talking before.
We went on the air that mytarget audience is for people
that don't go to church.
Maybe they have church hurts orthey just don't go to church,
but they can still love Jesus.
What is our role as believers?
Are we supposed to be punchingthat time clock every single
(01:26):
Sunday at church?
Kristie Johnson (01:28):
Well, ron, I think the problem is just what
you said.
It's punching a time clock.
God, I was there.
Hey, I got to go next week.
Uh-oh, today I'm sick.
What am I going to do?
No, it isn't about punching aclock at church, one of the
things that has happened to adear friend of mine.
She's a friend now.
(01:48):
I was counseling her at the timeand she was attending church
regularly, really doing it as awork to please God or an
obligation that she thought shehad to do to be a good Christian
.
And one day she did not havegas in her car.
She didn't have money to getgas, and she called another
person in the same church afamily member, as a matter of
(02:12):
fact, and they told her well, ifyou were doing what God wants,
you'd have enough gas in yourcar, you'd have money for gas.
Man, this is the worst thingthat someone can tell a
Christian that if they do whatGod wants, then they'd have
everything.
But now you must have donesomething wrong.
(02:32):
This is so devastating topeople's faith and also it's an
ugly picture of Jesus that isn'twho he is.
Who is Jesus?
Well, jesus is the Son of God,who loved you so much and knew
you could never be good enoughto deserve anything.
Ron Meyers (02:51):
And I'm going to go to church.
As soon as I clean up andstraighten up, I'm going to be
there.
I've been saying that for a fewyears, but I don't seem to get
into church.
Kristie Johnson (02:59):
Well, one of the problems is the church
itself.
The Bible tells us even thatchurches have terrible flaws.
They are doing things thatdon't please God and yet they're
not called to account, evenuntil the end of time.
But ultimately, ourrelationship with Jesus
(03:20):
sometimes has to be individualand we may not have a
congregation where we can go andattend.
You know, there are Christianswho go to the service with other
believers at the risk of theirlives.
They're not doing that becausethey think they're punching a
time clock.
They're going there to meetwith other believers, to be
(03:41):
encouraged in their faith and toface the trials and
tribulations they may have.
We're talking aboutnon-Christian countries where
people risk their life to go.
Why do they go?
Because God's ordering them todo that or they're a bad
Christian?
No, because they meet theretogether to join together with
other believers.
Because Jesus said where two ormore not a whole congregation,
(04:04):
where two or more are gatheredthere.
I am in the midst.
Ron Meyers (04:07):
So I could have church with another believer at
Waffle House or at IHOP orCracker Barrel my favorite place
.
Kristie Johnson (04:14):
I don't have to be in a building that has a
cross on it Absolutely, andthere are no numbers that are
being counted in heaven abouthow many times that you attend a
church service.
But, ron, a lot of people doget wounded in church because
they're misled, like this youngwoman that I'm talking about,
(04:35):
who was made to think that Godwas mad at her because she'd
done something wrong and thatwas the reason she didn't have
enough gas in her car.
Ron Meyers (04:44):
And we're not picking on churches, we are just
lifting up Jesus forindividuals that your answers
aren't going to come from achurch.
Your answers are going to comefrom Jesus.
And maybe you don't feel likeGod is a part of your life, but
I believe that all of us I knowI did, christy I got to a point
at one part of my life that Ijust hated my life, and when I
(05:06):
started hating what I was doing,it opened the door to who Jesus
is.
Kristie Johnson (05:13):
Yes, ultimately , god has created us, that we
need him.
He knows that we can'taccomplish all the things that
God has equipped us for.
You know, god gives us gifts.
There are gifts that is givento every human that's born.
There is a personality, thereis skills, there are strengths.
(05:33):
Sometimes there are weaknesses,but he knows who we are and he
wants to bring us to the bestplace we can be in life.
Through his spirit, through hisrelationship with us, he makes
us better than we really are.
Ron Meyers (05:49):
Now if somebody is listening saying well, I'm glad
I do all these good things.
I go to the soup kitchens, Ivolunteer at the nursing home
and I do a lot of good thingsout there, so I know God is
pleased with me.
Do good works, make adifference with our relationship
with Jesus.
Kristie Johnson (06:05):
Well, actually no, but at the same time, Jesus
may inspire you to do that.
But there's a key factor Ibelieve, Ron, and that is are
you doing it in the name ofJesus?
He said do all things in thename of Jesus.
If I examine myself and I think, oh, I'm doing this because I
want everyone to see what a goodChristian I am, that's an error
(06:28):
, because that is not aboutJesus.
You're making it about you.
It needs to be how good Jesusis.
It needs to be that you'rethere because of his goodness,
not because of who you wantpeople to recognize you to be.
The scripture tells us thatthere is a sin of pride, and
sometimes we can become proud ofhow good we are in Jesus.
Ron Meyers (07:00):
We create our own religion, pleasing ourselves for
God.
Right now, christy, you are ona lot of news shows and you talk
around the country.
What is on the hearts?
What are you hearing frompeople out there with Christians
?
What's going on in this world?
Kristie Johnson (07:11):
Well, there are groups of people that are
finding their daily life isbeing challenged by economics,
being challenged by a loss intheir family, a death, an
illness.
There are many challenges thatChristians are facing, but
there's one thing I can tell youis that every human being will
(07:33):
face these challenges.
It is part of the fact we livein a fallen world.
But without Jesus Christ, Idon't know how people get
through those things.
He is there to be a comforter.
He says that he has an accountof every tear you've shed.
He knows the struggle you haveand he's there to take you
(07:54):
through it, to take you throughthe fire, to take you through
the flood, to take you throughthe valley of the shadow of
death.
And I don't think peoplerealize sometimes that's because
someone you loved and youdepended on died a child, a
parent, a loved one in yourfamily is gone and you need
(08:15):
Jesus to walk you through and tobe the shepherd to take you
through that valley.
And this is where Christiansneed to encourage one another
that Jesus will never leave younor forsake you.
We have to know that and wehave to share that with others.
Ron Meyers (08:29):
I talk about destiny a lot on this show.
I think all of us have apurpose.
We have talents, skills andabilities that no one else has.
Christy, you've done a lot ofincredible things.
What's your purpose?
Kristie Johnson (08:41):
Well, number one.
I believe that we're all calledto be servants, and that is to
be servants to one another ashuman beings.
Sometimes we're called to loveour enemies, sometimes we're
called to meet the needs of thelesser fortunate.
Sometimes we're called to pray.
But I also believe that God hashigher callings for us, because
(09:06):
in being a servant, he saidhumble yourself before the
mighty hand of God and in duetime he will lift you up.
Ultimately, what God's purposefor us is is to bring a picture
of Jesus to others, that he canbe glorified for the good things
in our life, and God will giveyou the ability to do amazing
(09:28):
things you can't do or imagine.
Ron Meyers (09:30):
But somebody listening says well, that's easy
for all those educated peopleand those college graduates and
people that went to seminary,but I'm just not the brightest
light bulb on the shelf.
What could God possibly use mefor?
Kristie Johnson (09:43):
I'll tell you what God uses those who will
humble their heart and say Lord,I want to be used by you.
The simplest thing that someonecan do is just to encourage
another person, whether they'rea believer or not.
He said if you give a cup ofwater to a child in my name, you
(10:05):
will not lose your reward.
There are little things that weall can do, and if we'll do it
in the name of Jesus, then thatwill be recognized as a picture
of His goodness, his love, hiscaring, his mercy and His grace.
Ron Meyers (10:19):
You know they say that you never miss anything
you've never had.
And if people listening havenever really had a fun time in
life or really saw the beauty inlife, then it's hard for them
to imagine that God hassomething better for them.
And I say that because I thinkof my days when I was doing
things in the world.
(10:40):
I was happy.
I had no idea when I startedfollowing Jesus my life was
going to change in ways that,like I tell people, I'm doing
things I never knew I could doand the things I thought I would
do.
I'm doing things I never knew Icould do and the things I
thought I would do, I'm notdoing them.
So I say all that, thatsometimes it's just putting that
step forward.
And I think your friend had abeautiful prayer.
(11:00):
Maybe it was you that said Lord, use me every morning when I
wake up.
Kristie Johnson (11:05):
Yeah, we actually did this, Ron, before
on the radio and my friend alsohas been doing that.
It's when I wake up in themorning just to say, lord, if
there's one thing I can do foryou today, I want to do it, but
please make sure that I knowthis is you speaking, and if
you'll show me what to do, I'lldo it.
(11:26):
That one small thing might be,just as I said, to see someone
who has a need and just say, hey, I want to help you with this
because I'm a believer in Jesusand I know he loves you.
That is a simple thing to do,it isn't complicated.
But I will tell you, god wantsto use you.
He wants people to be blessedin his name.
Ron Meyers (11:48):
Why does it always seem to happen, at least to me?
I go to church, I'm singingsongs and I feel good, and then
I get on the road and I getbehind all these incompetent
drivers honking at me and Istart wanting to say certain
words that I can't say anymore.
It seems like when everythingseems to go well in life,
(12:11):
there's always someone orsomething that comes in to rain
on our parade.
Kristie Johnson (12:15):
Well, this started in the Garden of Eden,
I'm sorry to say.
We got to go back there andrealize that Adam and Eve had a
perfect world.
There was nothing that theycould not have had through the
power of God.
His relationship with them was.
Ron Meyers (12:36):
There was a spoiler no, no it wasn't a woman.
Kristie Johnson (12:41):
She ate the apple.
Well, she got tempted.
But she got tempted because itwas a trick of the devil to tell
her that there was somethingGod was withholding, and if she
would eat this fruit she'd havewhat God wouldn't give her, and
that was the knowledge of goodand evil.
Well, there was no evil at thetime.
(13:02):
But once they ate the fruit andwe fell, we turned over the
control of our life as a matterof choice.
God had given us freedom ofchoice, freedom of will, and now
we have to deal with theconsequence of a spiritual evil
in the world.
That is why, every time Goddoes something good for you, the
(13:26):
devil wants to come along androb you of it.
But we just have to know thatwe're in a spiritual war.
But Jesus won that spiritualwar.
God won that war.
Jesus' blood paid the price ofour sin and our mistakes.
And we now enter into arelationship with God where he
says this is what I'd like youto do, but if you make a mistake
(13:48):
and you repent, you can comeright back to that relationship.
Jesus paid the price foreverything that we've done.
Ron Meyers (13:55):
Amen, you are a little energizer bunny.
You are so excited about life.
Would you give some hope thereto our listeners?
Kristie Johnson (14:05):
Yeah, absolutely, Ron.
I want people to know that, aswe face these fearful events
coming on the earth, we shouldknow that God knows everything
that is coming, everything aboutyour life, everything about
mine, everything about what'shappening in the Middle East.
And he said fear not.
He said you're going to hear ofwars and rumors of wars, but
(14:27):
don't be fearful of these things.
These things have to happen and, ultimately, the reason that we
have a spiritual war is becauseChrist is reclaiming the earth,
is because Christ is reclaimingthe earth, he is reclaiming
mankind and he is going todestroy all the works of the
enemy.
Ron Meyers (14:46):
Now, when I go up to heaven, will I be able to do
podcasting up there?
Kristie Johnson (14:51):
Well, Ron, I don't know.
Ron Meyers (14:52):
Maybe you will.
Kristie Johnson (14:55):
I know that you have this gift for talking,
just like I do, so what are wegoing to be doing?
Maybe we'll be talking.
I think that when we look atheaven, it is important to
realize it is not about theclouds and playing a harp.
It is about worshiping God andbeing close to Jesus.
And I want to say if you everloved a human being in your life
(15:17):
, if you ever loved your littlebaby, if you ever loved your
little son, your daughter, ifyou ever loved a husband or wife
, understand how important theyare to you.
Jesus is that and all more thanthat.
He is ultimately the ultimatelover of our soul.
Ron Meyers (15:37):
Now what about my little dog Muffy?
Will I see Muffy in heaven?
Kristie Johnson (15:41):
Well, god created the animals and brought
them to Adam to be named.
He expected us to care for thecreatures on earth, not to
forget humans, but to care forthe creatures on earth.
And all I can tell you is thatGod knows how much we can love
our little Muffy or our otheranimals.
He even gives an illustrationof that when he was talking to
(16:03):
David, when the prophet Samuelwas talking to David about his
sin and he said there was a manthat had a little sheep and he
brought him in his house and heraised him in the house and then
this neighbor killed that sheep.
Now you know that story is totell David about the sin that he
committed with adultery withBathsheba.
(16:25):
But the truth is it also tellsus that God knows we love our
animal creatures and I'm goingto tell you I don't know if
you're going to see Muffy, but Idon't say you won't.
Ron Meyers (16:38):
You know one of the things I was talking to someone
a few weeks ago.
I said I think I have a theoryof why pets are on the increase.
Dogs and cats are being adoptedbecause they are the perfect,
unconditional love.
I mean that is a picture ofJesus in our pets because no
matter what we do to thoselittle pets, they come back
(17:01):
loving us, licking our face andsaying where's my treat?
Kristie Johnson (17:06):
Yes, but I don't think Jesus licks our face
or asks for a treat, ron.
But I understand what you'resaying.
Every person needs love intheir life and if you're getting
that love from a pet, you needto remember Jesus God.
He is the creator of everything.
Jesus Christ is the creator.
He created those pets to shownot just that the pet loves you,
(17:29):
but that he loves you, and thatlove that he has manifest in
his creation is also to help usunderstand who he is.
So that little pet is a pictureof the love that Jesus has for
us.
Ron Meyers (17:43):
That's it, the character, the nature of Jesus.
He comes back to us, no matterhow many times we fall, no
matter how many times we stumble.
He never leaves us, he neverforsakes us, he will never
divorce us.
We are the bride of Christ.
And you know, when we reallyunderstand at least for me,
christy, when I really startedunderstanding that, believing
that and having that seared inmy conscience how much I'm loved
(18:06):
and forgiven, I just seem toapproach life in such a
different perspective because Ihad no fear.
God had me in his hands and Iwas just doing life with Jesus
and I was going with the flow.
Kristie Johnson (18:17):
Yeah, the Lord talks about him returning for a
bride.
I mean, most of us canunderstand the love that we
would have for another person,that we would wait on them and
we would be welcoming the nexttime and the next opportunity we
got to see them.
That's a heartfelt thing andJesus is comparing that
(18:40):
relationship he has with us asan expectation of one day.
We're going to be togetherforever.
We're going to be all together.
Ron Meyers (18:47):
I know no more weeping, no more tears.
We'll be back with our lovedones.
I know you have a husbandthat's passed, but one day my
mom's gone, my dad's gone, butone day we'll all be together.
I tell people, listen, I'mgoing to believe in Jesus just
so I can see my family.
I'll take all the other stuffthat comes with it, but you know
, I want to see my family againand I do believe in what Jesus
(19:08):
says, that we will be togetherfor them that believe in him.
Kristie Johnson (19:12):
Absolutely.
And this is why you should notneglect ministering the gospel
of Jesus Christ, his mercy andgrace, to your loved ones,
because you are going to want tosee them.
But, ron, you know somethingelse that's even more incredible
when you think about it.
There are people who went beforeyou that you never knew.
There are people in your familythat have gone, left this earth
(19:36):
, and they are with Jesus nowand they're looking forward to
seeing you there.
If you ever had a grandma, agrandpa, a great grandma, a
great grandpa, do you know?
Their prayers are still ineffect, calling you to come to
know Christ, because they wantto see you.
Ron Meyers (19:53):
That's a beautiful statement.
Thank you for sharing thatBefore we go.
We're about out of time.
Will you pray for our listeners?
Kristie Johnson (20:01):
Oh, absolutely.
I'll be honored to do that,lord Jesus, as we come before
you as just flawed human beings,people who have made mistakes,
people who don't deserve to havethe goodness that you've showed
us.
But, lord, that goodness andthat mercy that you have is for
each and every human being thatwas ever born.
(20:23):
You knew us in the womb beforewe were even born and, god, you
had a plan to bring us toyourself.
I ask, lord, that you help usto humbly submit ourselves and
to ask you to bring that gloryinto our lives by the power of
Jesus blood, that blood thatcleanses us and that blood that
(20:44):
makes us your own, god.
Thank you for dying for us,thank you for loving us and
thank you, lord, that you giveus an opportunity to reach out
to others so that they also mayfind eternal life in heaven with
you.
Thank you, jesus.
In your precious name we prayAmen.
Hey, Ron, it's good to be back.
It's good to see you again.
Ron Meyers (00:03):
Yes, you have been traveling the world doing all
kinds of things with ministryand you and I are going to talk
for a few minutes and I justwant to talk about doing life
with Jesus.
You know, christy, I think youcan see the news.
A lot of people are concerned.
They're worried.
Should we worry as believers?
Kristie Johnson (00:22):
No, in fact, the Lord tells us that worrying
cannot do anything for us.
It can't change a color of ourhair, it can't add a day to our
lives.
So worry is actually theopposite thing.
That we need.
To have Concerns come up, yes,but we're to seek the Lord and
pray.
And he says that if we willtake faith instead of fear, then
(00:46):
worry is something he can getaway from us and allow us to
grow in the struggle we might befacing.
Whether it's internationalworries, whether it's daily
worries, god wants us to grow inour strength through the faith
in Him that he will freely giveus.
You know, faith is also a giftfrom God.
We have to ask for it sometimes.
Ron Meyers (01:06):
Yeah, you know you and I were talking before.
We went on the air that mytarget audience is for people
that don't go to church.
Maybe they have church hurts orthey just don't go to church,
but they can still love Jesus.
What is our role as believers?
Are we supposed to be punchingthat time clock every single
(01:26):
Sunday at church?
Kristie Johnson (01:28):
Well, ron, I think the problem is just what
you said.
It's punching a time clock.
God, I was there.
Hey, I got to go next week.
Uh-oh, today I'm sick.
What am I going to do?
No, it isn't about punching aclock at church, one of the
things that has happened to adear friend of mine.
She's a friend now.
(01:48):
I was counseling her at the timeand she was attending church
regularly, really doing it as awork to please God or an
obligation that she thought shehad to do to be a good Christian
.
And one day she did not havegas in her car.
She didn't have money to getgas, and she called another
person in the same church afamily member, as a matter of
(02:12):
fact, and they told her well, ifyou were doing what God wants,
you'd have enough gas in yourcar, you'd have money for gas.
Man, this is the worst thingthat someone can tell a
Christian that if they do whatGod wants, then they'd have
everything.
But now you must have donesomething wrong.
(02:32):
This is so devastating topeople's faith and also it's an
ugly picture of Jesus that isn'twho he is.
Who is Jesus?
Well, jesus is the Son of God,who loved you so much and knew
you could never be good enoughto deserve anything.
Ron Meyers (02:51):
And I'm going to go to church.
As soon as I clean up andstraighten up, I'm going to be
there.
I've been saying that for a fewyears, but I don't seem to get
into church.
Kristie Johnson (02:59):
Well, one of the problems is the church
itself.
The Bible tells us even thatchurches have terrible flaws.
They are doing things thatdon't please God and yet they're
not called to account, evenuntil the end of time.
But ultimately, ourrelationship with Jesus
(03:20):
sometimes has to be individualand we may not have a
congregation where we can go andattend.
You know, there are Christianswho go to the service with other
believers at the risk of theirlives.
They're not doing that becausethey think they're punching a
time clock.
They're going there to meetwith other believers, to be
(03:41):
encouraged in their faith and toface the trials and
tribulations they may have.
We're talking aboutnon-Christian countries where
people risk their life to go.
Why do they go?
Because God's ordering them todo that or they're a bad
Christian?
No, because they meet theretogether to join together with
other believers.
Because Jesus said where two ormore not a whole congregation,
(04:04):
where two or more are gatheredthere.
I am in the midst.
Ron Meyers (04:07):
So I could have church with another believer at
Waffle House or at IHOP orCracker Barrel my favorite place
.
Kristie Johnson (04:14):
I don't have to be in a building that has a
cross on it Absolutely, andthere are no numbers that are
being counted in heaven abouthow many times that you attend a
church service.
But, ron, a lot of people doget wounded in church because
they're misled, like this youngwoman that I'm talking about,
(04:35):
who was made to think that Godwas mad at her because she'd
done something wrong and thatwas the reason she didn't have
enough gas in her car.
Ron Meyers (04:44):
And we're not picking on churches, we are just
lifting up Jesus forindividuals that your answers
aren't going to come from achurch.
Your answers are going to comefrom Jesus.
And maybe you don't feel likeGod is a part of your life, but
I believe that all of us I knowI did, christy I got to a point
at one part of my life that Ijust hated my life, and when I
(05:06):
started hating what I was doing,it opened the door to who Jesus
is.
Kristie Johnson (05:13):
Yes, ultimately , god has created us, that we
need him.
He knows that we can'taccomplish all the things that
God has equipped us for.
You know, god gives us gifts.
There are gifts that is givento every human that's born.
There is a personality, thereis skills, there are strengths.
(05:33):
Sometimes there are weaknesses,but he knows who we are and he
wants to bring us to the bestplace we can be in life.
Through his spirit, through hisrelationship with us, he makes
us better than we really are.
Ron Meyers (05:49):
Now if somebody is listening saying well, I'm glad
I do all these good things.
I go to the soup kitchens, Ivolunteer at the nursing home
and I do a lot of good thingsout there, so I know God is
pleased with me.
Do good works, make adifference with our relationship
with Jesus.
Kristie Johnson (06:05):
Well, actually no, but at the same time, Jesus
may inspire you to do that.
But there's a key factor Ibelieve, Ron, and that is are
you doing it in the name ofJesus?
He said do all things in thename of Jesus.
If I examine myself and I think, oh, I'm doing this because I
want everyone to see what a goodChristian I am, that's an error
(06:28):
, because that is not aboutJesus.
You're making it about you.
It needs to be how good Jesusis.
It needs to be that you'rethere because of his goodness,
not because of who you wantpeople to recognize you to be.
The scripture tells us thatthere is a sin of pride, and
sometimes we can become proud ofhow good we are in Jesus.
Ron Meyers (07:00):
We create our own religion, pleasing ourselves for
God.
Right now, christy, you are ona lot of news shows and you talk
around the country.
What is on the hearts?
What are you hearing frompeople out there with Christians
?
What's going on in this world?
Kristie Johnson (07:11):
Well, there are groups of people that are
finding their daily life isbeing challenged by economics,
being challenged by a loss intheir family, a death, an
illness.
There are many challenges thatChristians are facing, but
there's one thing I can tell youis that every human being will
(07:33):
face these challenges.
It is part of the fact we livein a fallen world.
But without Jesus Christ, Idon't know how people get
through those things.
He is there to be a comforter.
He says that he has an accountof every tear you've shed.
He knows the struggle you haveand he's there to take you
(07:54):
through it, to take you throughthe fire, to take you through
the flood, to take you throughthe valley of the shadow of
death.
And I don't think peoplerealize sometimes that's because
someone you loved and youdepended on died a child, a
parent, a loved one in yourfamily is gone and you need
(08:15):
Jesus to walk you through and tobe the shepherd to take you
through that valley.
And this is where Christiansneed to encourage one another
that Jesus will never leave younor forsake you.
We have to know that and wehave to share that with others.
Ron Meyers (08:29):
I talk about destiny a lot on this show.
I think all of us have apurpose.
We have talents, skills andabilities that no one else has.
Christy, you've done a lot ofincredible things.
What's your purpose?
Kristie Johnson (08:41):
Well, number one.
I believe that we're all calledto be servants, and that is to
be servants to one another ashuman beings.
Sometimes we're called to loveour enemies, sometimes we're
called to meet the needs of thelesser fortunate.
Sometimes we're called to pray.
But I also believe that God hashigher callings for us, because
(09:06):
in being a servant, he saidhumble yourself before the
mighty hand of God and in duetime he will lift you up.
Ultimately, what God's purposefor us is is to bring a picture
of Jesus to others, that he canbe glorified for the good things
in our life, and God will giveyou the ability to do amazing
(09:28):
things you can't do or imagine.
Ron Meyers (09:30):
But somebody listening says well, that's easy
for all those educated peopleand those college graduates and
people that went to seminary,but I'm just not the brightest
light bulb on the shelf.
What could God possibly use mefor?
Kristie Johnson (09:43):
I'll tell you what God uses those who will
humble their heart and say Lord,I want to be used by you.
The simplest thing that someonecan do is just to encourage
another person, whether they'rea believer or not.
He said if you give a cup ofwater to a child in my name, you
(10:05):
will not lose your reward.
There are little things that weall can do, and if we'll do it
in the name of Jesus, then thatwill be recognized as a picture
of His goodness, his love, hiscaring, his mercy and His grace.
Ron Meyers (10:19):
You know they say that you never miss anything
you've never had.
And if people listening havenever really had a fun time in
life or really saw the beauty inlife, then it's hard for them
to imagine that God hassomething better for them.
And I say that because I thinkof my days when I was doing
things in the world.
(10:40):
I was happy.
I had no idea when I startedfollowing Jesus my life was
going to change in ways that,like I tell people, I'm doing
things I never knew I could doand the things I thought I would
do.
I'm doing things I never knew Icould do and the things I
thought I would do, I'm notdoing them.
So I say all that, thatsometimes it's just putting that
step forward.
And I think your friend had abeautiful prayer.
(11:00):
Maybe it was you that said Lord, use me every morning when I
wake up.
Kristie Johnson (11:05):
Yeah, we actually did this, Ron, before
on the radio and my friend alsohas been doing that.
It's when I wake up in themorning just to say, lord, if
there's one thing I can do foryou today, I want to do it, but
please make sure that I knowthis is you speaking, and if
you'll show me what to do, I'lldo it.
(11:26):
That one small thing might be,just as I said, to see someone
who has a need and just say, hey, I want to help you with this
because I'm a believer in Jesusand I know he loves you.
That is a simple thing to do,it isn't complicated.
But I will tell you, god wantsto use you.
He wants people to be blessedin his name.
Ron Meyers (11:48):
Why does it always seem to happen, at least to me?
I go to church, I'm singingsongs and I feel good, and then
I get on the road and I getbehind all these incompetent
drivers honking at me and Istart wanting to say certain
words that I can't say anymore.
It seems like when everythingseems to go well in life,
(12:11):
there's always someone orsomething that comes in to rain
on our parade.
Kristie Johnson (12:15):
Well, this started in the Garden of Eden,
I'm sorry to say.
We got to go back there andrealize that Adam and Eve had a
perfect world.
There was nothing that theycould not have had through the
power of God.
His relationship with them was.
Ron Meyers (12:36):
There was a spoiler no, no it wasn't a woman.
Kristie Johnson (12:41):
She ate the apple.
Well, she got tempted.
But she got tempted because itwas a trick of the devil to tell
her that there was somethingGod was withholding, and if she
would eat this fruit she'd havewhat God wouldn't give her, and
that was the knowledge of goodand evil.
Well, there was no evil at thetime.
(13:02):
But once they ate the fruit andwe fell, we turned over the
control of our life as a matterof choice.
God had given us freedom ofchoice, freedom of will, and now
we have to deal with theconsequence of a spiritual evil
in the world.
That is why, every time Goddoes something good for you, the
(13:26):
devil wants to come along androb you of it.
But we just have to know thatwe're in a spiritual war.
But Jesus won that spiritualwar.
God won that war.
Jesus' blood paid the price ofour sin and our mistakes.
And we now enter into arelationship with God where he
says this is what I'd like youto do, but if you make a mistake
(13:48):
and you repent, you can comeright back to that relationship.
Jesus paid the price foreverything that we've done.
Ron Meyers (13:55):
Amen, you are a little energizer bunny.
You are so excited about life.
Would you give some hope thereto our listeners?
Kristie Johnson (14:05):
Yeah, absolutely, Ron.
I want people to know that, aswe face these fearful events
coming on the earth, we shouldknow that God knows everything
that is coming, everything aboutyour life, everything about
mine, everything about what'shappening in the Middle East.
And he said fear not.
He said you're going to hear ofwars and rumors of wars, but
(14:27):
don't be fearful of these things.
These things have to happen and, ultimately, the reason that we
have a spiritual war is becauseChrist is reclaiming the earth,
is because Christ is reclaimingthe earth, he is reclaiming
mankind and he is going todestroy all the works of the
enemy.
Ron Meyers (14:46):
Now, when I go up to heaven, will I be able to do
podcasting up there?
Kristie Johnson (14:51):
Well, Ron, I don't know.
Ron Meyers (14:52):
Maybe you will.
Kristie Johnson (14:55):
I know that you have this gift for talking,
just like I do, so what are wegoing to be doing?
Maybe we'll be talking.
I think that when we look atheaven, it is important to
realize it is not about theclouds and playing a harp.
It is about worshiping God andbeing close to Jesus.
And I want to say if you everloved a human being in your life
(15:17):
, if you ever loved your littlebaby, if you ever loved your
little son, your daughter, ifyou ever loved a husband or wife
, understand how important theyare to you.
Jesus is that and all more thanthat.
He is ultimately the ultimatelover of our soul.
Ron Meyers (15:37):
Now what about my little dog Muffy?
Will I see Muffy in heaven?
Kristie Johnson (15:41):
Well, god created the animals and brought
them to Adam to be named.
He expected us to care for thecreatures on earth, not to
forget humans, but to care forthe creatures on earth.
And all I can tell you is thatGod knows how much we can love
our little Muffy or our otheranimals.
He even gives an illustrationof that when he was talking to
(16:03):
David, when the prophet Samuelwas talking to David about his
sin and he said there was a manthat had a little sheep and he
brought him in his house and heraised him in the house and then
this neighbor killed that sheep.
Now you know that story is totell David about the sin that he
committed with adultery withBathsheba.
(16:25):
But the truth is it also tellsus that God knows we love our
animal creatures and I'm goingto tell you I don't know if
you're going to see Muffy, but Idon't say you won't.
Ron Meyers (16:38):
You know one of the things I was talking to someone
a few weeks ago.
I said I think I have a theoryof why pets are on the increase.
Dogs and cats are being adoptedbecause they are the perfect,
unconditional love.
I mean that is a picture ofJesus in our pets because no
matter what we do to thoselittle pets, they come back
(17:01):
loving us, licking our face andsaying where's my treat?
Kristie Johnson (17:06):
Yes, but I don't think Jesus licks our face
or asks for a treat, ron.
But I understand what you'resaying.
Every person needs love intheir life and if you're getting
that love from a pet, you needto remember Jesus God.
He is the creator of everything.
Jesus Christ is the creator.
He created those pets to shownot just that the pet loves you,
(17:29):
but that he loves you, and thatlove that he has manifest in
his creation is also to help usunderstand who he is.
So that little pet is a pictureof the love that Jesus has for
us.
Ron Meyers (17:43):
That's it, the character, the nature of Jesus.
He comes back to us, no matterhow many times we fall, no
matter how many times we stumble.
He never leaves us, he neverforsakes us, he will never
divorce us.
We are the bride of Christ.
And you know, when we reallyunderstand at least for me,
christy, when I really startedunderstanding that, believing
that and having that seared inmy conscience how much I'm loved
(18:06):
and forgiven, I just seem toapproach life in such a
different perspective because Ihad no fear.
God had me in his hands and Iwas just doing life with Jesus
and I was going with the flow.
Kristie Johnson (18:17):
Yeah, the Lord talks about him returning for a
bride.
I mean, most of us canunderstand the love that we
would have for another person,that we would wait on them and
we would be welcoming the nexttime and the next opportunity we
got to see them.
That's a heartfelt thing andJesus is comparing that
(18:40):
relationship he has with us asan expectation of one day.
We're going to be togetherforever.
We're going to be all together.
Ron Meyers (18:47):
I know no more weeping, no more tears.
We'll be back with our lovedones.
I know you have a husbandthat's passed, but one day my
mom's gone, my dad's gone, butone day we'll all be together.
I tell people, listen, I'mgoing to believe in Jesus just
so I can see my family.
I'll take all the other stuffthat comes with it, but you know
, I want to see my family againand I do believe in what Jesus
(19:08):
says, that we will be togetherfor them that believe in him.
Kristie Johnson (19:12):
Absolutely.
And this is why you should notneglect ministering the gospel
of Jesus Christ, his mercy andgrace, to your loved ones,
because you are going to want tosee them.
But, ron, you know somethingelse that's even more incredible
when you think about it.
There are people who went beforeyou that you never knew.
There are people in your familythat have gone, left this earth
(19:36):
, and they are with Jesus nowand they're looking forward to
seeing you there.
If you ever had a grandma, agrandpa, a great grandma, a
great grandpa, do you know?
Their prayers are still ineffect, calling you to come to
know Christ, because they wantto see you.
Ron Meyers (19:53):
That's a beautiful statement.
Thank you for sharing thatBefore we go.
We're about out of time.
Will you pray for our listeners?
Kristie Johnson (20:01):
Oh, absolutely.
I'll be honored to do that,lord Jesus, as we come before
you as just flawed human beings,people who have made mistakes,
people who don't deserve to havethe goodness that you've showed
us.
But, lord, that goodness andthat mercy that you have is for
each and every human being thatwas ever born.
(20:23):
You knew us in the womb beforewe were even born and, god, you
had a plan to bring us toyourself.
I ask, lord, that you help usto humbly submit ourselves and
to ask you to bring that gloryinto our lives by the power of
Jesus blood, that blood thatcleanses us and that blood that
(20:44):
makes us your own, god.
Thank you for dying for us,thank you for loving us and
thank you, lord, that you giveus an opportunity to reach out
to others so that they also mayfind eternal life in heaven with
you.
Thank you, jesus.
In your precious name we prayAmen.
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