Devotional Diva

While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water. — 1 K i n g s 1 8 : 4

Don’t underestimate the power of a woman’s influence. Women have more power than they realize. When a man stands by and lets a woman have too much power, it can be devastating to the relationship, but also to God.

Today, take a closer look at your relationships and ask yourself this question: “Who’s ruling you?”

© 2010 by Renee Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com

Turn to Page 130 to read along in “Faithbook of Jesus.”

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” — E x o d u s 3 2 : 1

Whenever I see something around me that sparkles like a golden calf, I just have to have it. And if you leave me alone for one second, I’ll get it. But before you judge me (or agree with me), let’s understand this: The calf was made up of gold jewelry. Each piece was relatively small but added up to the shape of a golden calf.

If you’re struggling with the little things, confess them now before its too late.

© 2010 by Renee Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com

Turn to Page 129 to read along in “Faithbook of Jesus.”

I’ve just reached a milestone on Twitter. I surpassed 3,000 followers/following. I can’t believe I’ve made it this far. Since launching Twitter back in 08 my literary agent, publisher, and almost every single ministry gig including this next month in Dallas at The Potter’s Field (Brick House young adult ministry) I can honestly say that I am SO grateful.

In the spirit of thankfulness, I’d like to return the favor and give some books away. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the best Christian authors/speakers and in an attempt to have walking space in my room and further the work the Lord has placed in my life w/20-somethings I’m asking for your help. Just choose which book you’d like (some are even signed), and I’ll pay for postage.

For each book you choose, all I ask is that you leave a comment with the book you’d like with $10 or more donation to my ministry.

Mountain Movers International
2550 Post Oak Drive
Corinth, TX 76210-3029

Devotional Diva Support (Ministry name should not be written on check)

MMI is a non-profit, 501(C)(3), relief and development agency. All donations in support of Mountain Movers are tax deductible as defined by the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Ready? Set? Select Your Book!

1. “You Were Born For This” by Bruce Wilkinson

2. The White Book ” by Ken Mansfield (former US Manager of the Beatles, autographed)

3. “The Life” by J. John

4. “The Gospel According to Lost” by Chris Seay

5. “In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson (autographed)

6. “Funding Your Ministry” by Scott Morton

7. “Crash Course” by Daniel Darling

8. “Imaginary Jesus” by Matt Mikalotos

9 & 10. “Faithbook of Jesus” by Renee Johnson (me, autographed)

11. “Don’t Date Naked” by Michael & Amy Smalley

12. “Deep Church” by Jim Belcher

13. “Girls Gone Wise” by Mary Kassian

14. “Sex, Lies & Religion” by Randy Elrod

15. “The Kingdom Life” by Alan Andrews

16. “The Grade’s Guide to Time With God” by Th1nk/NavPress

17. “Untamed” by Alan Hirsch & Debra Hirsch

18. “Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller

19. “Coffeehouse Theology” by Ed Cyzewski

20. “Found Art” by Leeana Tankersley

21. “Intimacy With The Almighty” by Charles Swindoll

22. “Seeker Small Groups” by Garry Poole

23. “The Beatles, The Bible, and Bodega Bay” by Ken Mansfield (autographed)

24. The Grad’s Guide to Time With God” by Th1nk/NavPress

25. “Love is an Orientation” by Andrew Marin (autographed)

Please “Contact” me with your address and I’ll mail out the book(s) of your choice within 24 hours.

Thank you for supporting me and allowing me the pleasure of serving my generation! To read August’s monthly newsletter, please click here.

“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. — J e r e m i a h 2 3 : 2 4

Mark, 26, said of hide-and-seek: “Obedience to Christ isn’t just [seeking God] on the good days or bringing glory to myself on bad days [hiding].”

Dear Find-Me Jesus, I want to be found by you. There are a lot of things in this world that I should be hiding from

© 2010 by Renee Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com.

Turn to Page 128 to read along in “Faithbook of Jesus.”

So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. — R e v e l a t i o n 3 : 1 6

How many times have you walked into a bar hoping to spit some game?

If you’re not sure how to stay hot (yes, you!), ask Jesus. Seriously though, Jesus is our ultimate wingman. He wants us to succeed.

© 2010 by Renee Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com

Turn to Page 127 to read along in “Faithbook of Jesus.”

Origins - Create. Activate. Equip. – July 23-24th, 2010 – Downtown LA

The Origins Project Conference was something I looked forward to ALL month. If it’s anything to do with Eric Bryant and the team at Mosaic I’m in! I loved that it was a “friendly” event and not just about hype. Each speaker genuinely fit into the three categories of “Create” “Activate” and “Equip.” Each set built on the next which built on the next, and in between there was cool effects like music, rap, or spoken word. Since it was Origins first conference, I can’t wait to see what kind of creative minds come up with for next year.

Highlighting Create

Erwin McManus debuted “Crave: The Documentary.” Set in Toronto, Canada this short film took the risk of interviewing those from Barista’s to the owner of the Canuck’s. The highlight of the film for me was a man wearing all black with white hair who said he believed in Jesus, but did not go to church. He said he would if there were more people like Erwin who have the look of passion in their eyes. I can only assume it was Jesus’ love that he felt and I think I almost saw Erwin tear up in that moment! That’s what made an impression on me. Am I living the message?

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.” – Luke 11:34

Highlighting Activate

Walter Crontreras was part of the panel with activists. He mentioned the prophet Ezekiel and in particular Chapter 3 where he literally went in “bitterness of soul.” This was the part where I broke. I believe every cause God places on our hearts is directly from Him and from a burden He blesses us with. If it were about us and selfishness we wouldn’t continue to activate in our families, local communities, and around the world. I remember it like it was yesterday when God “called” me to the 20/30-somethings. He used 2 Timothy 1:5-10 to tell me not to be ashamed.

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” – 2 Timothy 1:8-9a

Highlighting Lunch

Brad Lomenick is part corporate part catalyst. He is an innovator, thinker, creator, and equipper. It was such a pleasure to meet him in person (finally) and we had interesting debate around the table on “leadership.”

Highlighting Equip

Can I just say that I love Dan Kimball? His heart for people (and in particular 20-somethings) is AMAZING. When he asked for 12 volunteers I jumped at the chance and wasn’t surprised that I was the first on stage. To be a part of the body of Christ is amazing and we need people like him and others around us to equip us properly for the task so we can continue to carry out the #1 commandment: love God and love others well.

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:29-31

Highlighting Mini-Breakouts

April Diaz is my hero. She gets stuff done and accomplishes so much. I had the pleasure of dialoging with her in a mini-breakout session in the Ultra “hip” lounge at the Nokia Center in downtown, LA. I loved hearing her take on creating an atmosphere where ALL AGES, not just adults or children can come together and worship together.

Highlighting New Friends

Loved meeting old and new friends @decart @juliekate @jessegiglio @jwatdot
@charltestlee @ericbryant @StefanJunaeus @swodeck @ImpelMinistry @JasonInLiberty @joanpball @mafeinberg @dankimball @erwinmcmanus @bradlomenick @aprilldiaz @DaveGibbons @amenabee