Center of the Universe A Look at Life From the Lighter Side are slices of real-life experiences from a pastor to his congregation that mix real concern with real humor. From tales about fly-fishing and an uncontrollable hunting dog to a revival in Africa and healing the homeless, this compilation of 93 stories brings smiles as well as profound insight. With a very casual style and voice, author and pastor Bill Johnson shares with you as a personal friend, committed to revealing valuable lessons he learned on the lighter side of life. For instance:
Youve probably not wondered what reward the vegetable world will have in Heaven, but I have. If the first will be last and the last will be first applies to them too, I expect that mustard greens will become like good chocolate in Heaven. After all, being at the bottom of the totem pole of the vegetable world, you have nowhere to go but up. I also hear that lima beans have the inside track on being Heavens raspberries.
The enjoyable stories illustrate truths that will help you in your everyday spiritual journey through life and keep you smiling all the way.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Inside
Chapter 2: A Time for Things to Break
Chapter 3: Divine Distractions
Chapter 4: Embrace Change
Chapter 5: Preparing for Revival
Chapter 6: Good or Best?
Chapter 7: My New Dog
Chapter 8: Mustard Greens
Chapter 9: Planning
Chapter 10: Raising Dogs
Chapter 11: Stress and Rest
Chapter 12: Unstringing Our Bow
Chapter 13: Writing Letters
Chapter 14: Rez is Coming Home
Chapter 15: Simple Life
Chapter 16: Laugh
Chapter 17: The Winds of Change
Chapter 18: Explosive Under Pressure
Chapter 19: Drought Versus Winter
Chapter 20: Never Again
Chapter 21: Paper for Fire
Chapter 22: Reminders of Innocence
Chapter 23: Writing
Chapter 24: My New Toy
Chapter 25: Coffee and the Cross
Chapter 26: Limitations and Liberties
Chapter 27: Sounds of Fear or Peace
Chapter 28: True Happiness
Chapter 29: Sing a New Song
Chapter 30: Safe in the Center
Chapter 31: Finding Your Niche
Chapter 32: Fervent Prayer
Chapter 33: Discoveries in Prayer
Chapter 34: Precious
Chapter 35: Exposure Creates Interest
Chapter 36: Hearing God
Chapter 37: Imagination
Chapter 38: Quiet Time
Chapter 39: Proverbs
Chapter 40: Lessons in Prayer
Chapter 41: Watching Your Heart
Chapter 42: Keys to Hunger
Chapter 43: A Fish Story
Chapter 44: Forgiveness
Chapter 45: Braces and Baseball
Chapter 46: Hunting in the Good Old Days
Chapter 47: Loving the Undeserving
Chapter 48: TP
Chapter 49: Who We Are
Chapter 50: Beatitudes
Chapter 51: Repentance
Chapter 52: The Day the Freezer Died
Chapter 53: Cynicism
Chapter 54: My Wedding Ring
Chapter 55: Success
Chapter 56: Facing Immorality
Chapter 57: Mistakes
Chapter 58: Jumping to Conclusions
Chapter 59: Temptation
Chapter 60: Restoration
Chapter 61: Discipleship
Chapter 62: True Confession
Chapter 63: Jobs Friends
Chapter 64: True Loyalty
Chapter 65: Releasing Your Children to God
Chapter 66: Pastors of Weaverville
Chapter 67: Spiritual Roots
Chapter 68: Mothers
Chapter 69: Heroes
Chapter 70: Receiving Christs Gift
Chapter 71: Good-bye to Grandma
Chapter 72: Letters From Kids
Chapter 73: Receiving Dick Joyce
Chapter 74: Students
Chapter 75: My Children
Chapter 76: Friends
Chapter 77: Prayer in the Marketplace
Chapter 78: Good News
Chapter 79: Marketing Schemes
Chapter 80: Rain
Chapter 81: Toronto
Chapter 82: Graduation
Chapter 83: Find the Needy
Chapter 84: An Alternative, Not a Protest
Chapter 85: His Gospel
Chapter 86: Building the House
Chapter 87: Thoughts on Travel
Chapter 88: Revival in Malawi
Chapter 89: Calling Africa
Chapter 90: Love, Not Political Pressure
Chapter 91: Leaving for Bethel
Chapter 92: Good-bye to Weaverville
Chapter 93: Grieving in Change
About the Author
Bill Johnson is a fifth-generation pastor with a rich heritage in the Holy Spirit. Bill and his wife, Beni, are the senior pastors of Bethel Church in Redding, California. All three of their children and spouses are involved in full-time ministry. They have nine wonderful grandchildren.
