Bill Johnson - Center of the Universe: A Look at Life From the Lighter Side

D ESTINY I MAGE B OOKS BY B ILL J OHNSON

A Life of Miracles

Dreaming With God

Release the Power of Jesus

Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind

When Heaven Invades Earth

Here Comes Heaven

Spiritual Java

Center of the Universe

Momentum

Walking in the Supernatural

Hosting the Presence

BILL JOHNSON

C ENTER
OF THE
U NIVERSE
T OO

A Look at Life
from the Lighter Side

Copyright 2013Bill Johnson

All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request. Unless otherwise identified, Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All emphasis is the authors own.

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ISBN 13 TP: 978-0-7684-0325-1

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CONTENTS

While Im not a great counselor, I have learned that anyone who knows a bit of the Bible and loves people can learn to help others. Counseling is a ministry that has come into prominence in recent years, sometimes for the wrong reasons, but still, its one worthy of our respect. Counsel is elevated in the Bible by Solomon, who teaches its importance for anyone interested in a life of wisdom. We are commanded to seek it before making important decisions. (See Proverbs 1:5; 11:14; 19:21 and others.)

Years ago I worked in a youth ministry called the Salt House. In our work with young people we emphasized discipleship, and in turn led these disciples in evangelism. Much of our time was spent in counseling. At least two of our workers went on to become professionals in that field.

Much of our evangelistic work was with drug addicts and users. Because of this kind of focus, two nursing students from Chico State University came to interview me as part of a class project. Their report was on the services that were provided for the young people with drug problems. They decided to use our ministry as a resource.

To say that they were skeptical about our untrained staff is like saying that sumo wrestlers are simply larger than average men. Everything about my interview told me I was on trial. Here I was, 20 years old, trying to help people who the professionals were unable to help. I could understand their disbelief. It was a bit overwhelming for me too. During our interview they learned that we had a board of directorsmen of distinction both in the church and in their professionswho helped oversee our ministry. Of the six members, one was a medical doctor and another was a psychiatrist. With that information, I finally seemed to have a moment of favor with the studentsthat is until they asked me if I sent referrals to the psychiatrist (all the people we had no business trying to help). Before thinking, I said, Weve never sent anyone to him, but he has sent some to us. I fell out of favor quickly. I love how God works, using the foolish things to confound the wise.

Through the years I have learned a couple of things about people coming for counsel: they seldom lie, and they seldom tell the truth. Let me explain. People usually say things that are true, but seldom say all that needs to be said in order to identify the real problem. A wife may say, My husband left home last night, and hasnt called me to let me know where he is. Its a rare person who will make up a story like that. But, what she may neglect to tell me is that she threw a vase at him and told him not to come back, ever. While she didnt lie, neither did she tell the truth.

A counselor is like a teacher in that they are to communicate truth to people. Often when I speak to hungry Bible school students, I find myself speaking in an authority that is greater than my norm. Hunger brings it out. God is so committed to feeding the spiritually hungry, that we (teachers) end up speaking of things that we never before understood until that meeting. It is the same for the counselor; he or she speaks with a power that is either enhanced or hindered by the honesty and hunger of the one seeking help.

What is it to be honest? It starts with being truthful to ourselves. Once weve done that, we must carry it to its logical conclusion and confess to God. Itll never catch Him off guard. Some fear His rejection. Yet God never rejects the humble, only the proud.

One of the greatest signs of spiritual pride is the inability to confess sin, whether in attitude, thought, or action. Parents, or others in authority, often avoid confession, fearing that it weakens their position before the ones they serve. The opposite is true. Parents who refuse to confess sin to their children will find that a communication gap grows as the kids become older. Why? Because children are very aware of their parents weaknesses. While they dont require perfection, they do require honesty. To refuse to acknowledge sin can be a form of dishonesty. And good communication is built on trust, which has truthfulness as its foundation.

The pathway to success, according to Scripture, is very simple. Do things Gods way. Part of our success in life is measured by friendshipspeople who are loyal, devoted to God, and will offer help and support as is needed. At times we must seek out the specialist for help or counsel. But most of the time, a friend who loves God and will be honest with us will do just fine. Paul, in referring to how the Body functions said, speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Truth and love are the work of the counselor and the average Christian alike. And so, encourage and be encouraged. Take full advantage of the counseling ministry that takes place every day in our lives with committed believers. That is the normal Christian life.