CRANK IT UP | Music has always had a powerful impact on my life. I used to jump on the bus before school with my Sony Walkman… Read more “Bring Me A Musician”
LOVE DELIVERS
LOVE. I DARE YOU TO DELIVER. There was something in John’s letter that reminded me of something Solomon once wrote: “When you make a promise to God,… Read more “LOVE DELIVERS”
Love. I Dare You…To Forgive!
I’ve been focusing my devotional life on the Cross lately, writing and reflecting on that most pivotal event in history. Next Wednesday will begin a season of… Read more “Love. I Dare You…To Forgive!”
LOVE. I dare you!
This week we begin a series on John’s first of three letters, simply titled 1 John. The series is called “LOVE. I dare you!” since love… Read more “LOVE. I dare you!”
go vertical
My name is Johnny Aho. I’m a 48 year old husband, father, pastor, and outdoor lover who has come to believe something with all his heart. What’s going… Read more “go vertical”
David – A God Chaser
I hope this doesn’t sound gruesome, but did you ever wonder what people would think of you when you’re gone? Paul gave a eulogy of sorts when… Read more “David – A God Chaser”
Unforgiveness is a sin?
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is… Read more “Unforgiveness is a sin?”
Worst of Sinners
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very… Read more “Worst of Sinners”
Lenten Devo_Day 32 “Shut Up Already”
“But there is spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 32 “Shut Up Already””
Day of Fools
Our family has vacationed in Canada at a little place called Kettle Point on Ipperwash Beach in Canada. A good month before we go my girls are… Read more “Day of Fools”
Lenten Devo_Day 31 “Someday”
“Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity.” (Job 31:6) Job believed God was not punishing him for sin. His God… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 31 “Someday””
Lenten Devo_Day 30 “Beaten”
“But now they mock me… Now I am mocked by their songs; I have become an object of scorn to them… They contribute to my destruction… Now… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 30 “Beaten””
Lenten Devo_Day 29 “Past Longings”
“How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 29 “Past Longings””
Lenten Devo_Day 26 “Special”
“He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing. He binds up the water in His thick clouds, yet the clouds are… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 26 “Special””
Lenten Devo_Days 27-28 “It’s Not Fair!”
“As God lives…my lips will not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.” (Job 27:2-4)It’s easier to praise God and thank God when life is going well.… Read more “Lenten Devo_Days 27-28 “It’s Not Fair!””
Lenten Devo_Day 25 “Starting Over”
Though Bildad is using this question as a statement of Job’s character, as an assessment of his life, it’s still a good question. How can a person… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 25 “Starting Over””
Lenten Devo_Day 24 “Trust in the midst of the ‘whys'”
“Why does God allow suffering?” That one question can keep so many people from turning to Him. It can instead serve as a turn off. Job had… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 24 “Trust in the midst of the ‘whys’””
Lenten Devo_Day 23 “He Hears Us”
“Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him…But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 23 “He Hears Us””
Lenten Devo_Day 22 “Prosperity”
“Is not your wickedness great, and your iniquity without end?…Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.” (Job 22:5,21) Eliphaz… Read more “Lenten Devo_Day 22 “Prosperity””
Hebrew Tribes
These thoughts are from A History of Israel by John Bright © 1972, 1981 The Westminster Press. Bright uses two words that need some clarification – cult… Read more “Hebrew Tribes”
Tribal Leadership MP3
Here is the audio version of the book, Tribal Leadership. The authors are getting this version out for free through http://www.zappos.com. It really is free and you… Read more “Tribal Leadership MP3”
Tribal Church
2008 Award of Merit from Religion Communicators Council Christian Century’s Top Ten Practical Theology Books of 2008 Many churches are seeking ways to reach out to younger… Read more “Tribal Church”
Tribal Leadership
Since the dawn of civilization people have formed tribes, and research demonstrates that humans are genetically programmed to form into groups. Within every company there are tribes,… Read more “Tribal Leadership”
TRIBE
There are some guys in my life I have been compelled to build into. Some may call this group their “12” – picturing Jesus pouring Himself into… Read more “TRIBE”
A New Definition of Insignificance
One of the blessings of going to the pastors’ midwinter conference through the Covenant is that I get scads of books free. (You like that word, scads?)… Read more “A New Definition of Insignificance”
Talkin’ ‘Bout My Girl
While my wife Michelle is was away this weekend with our eldest daughter, Christina, at a retreat at Portage Lake, I took Sierra and Rebecca to the… Read more “Talkin’ ‘Bout My Girl”
Be a Rebel
We’re in a battle. It’s a struggle against nothing we’ve seen with the naked eye. Once called the “shining morning star” who said in arrogance, “I will… Read more “Be a Rebel”
Praying with Authority
Why We Pray. I wonder, since God knows the end, why does He want us to pray? If He is all-powerful, why is it necessary to pray?… Read more “Praying with Authority”
This Means War
Why We Pray This link will take you to one of the most important truths I have learned on prayer. Why do we pray? If you have… Read more “This Means War”
I3:War In The Stars
As I’ve been reflecting on Revelation 12 and its tie to the most pivotal event in history, something caught my attention. Why was Jesus’ birth the cause… Read more “I3:War In The Stars”
I2:The Invader
Click this link… I2:The Invader …to listen to the second message in this series. The attack on Pearl Harbor (or Hawaii Operation, as it was called by the… Read more “I2:The Invader”
I1:The Invasion – The Battle Behind the Birth
If Christmas is all about hope, why are so many in despair? If Christmas is all about joy, why are so many depressed? If Christmas reminds us of clarity, why is everything so foggy? If Christmas is about peace, why is there so much war?
Speak Life
A prophet by the name of Ezekiel received this message from heaven: “Prophesy concerning these bones and say to them: ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!… Read more “Speak Life”
What are you dreaming?
A result of the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost was that sons and daughters would prophesy, those in the older generations would continue to dream and… Read more “What are you dreaming?”
Intercessory Prayer Resources
Intercessory Prayer – What is it? I have been re-learning what it means to be an intercessor. Here are some resources I have found so far. … Read more “Intercessory Prayer Resources”
What are you aiming at?
“I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it… Read more “What are you aiming at?”
disciples:sacrifice
I know it doesn’t take much creativity on the part of the giver, but I don’t mind getting money for my birthday. I love money. That can be… Read more “disciples:sacrifice”
disciples:obey
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a dog. I loved Snoopy growing up. Alright. I guess I still do. I still have… Read more “disciples:obey”
disciples:follow
Did you ever notice how many books on leadership there are? I have a personal collection of over 70 books on leadership. Let’s see. My books on… Read more “disciples:follow”
disciples:listen
We have a rule in our van about the use of the DVD player. The trip has to be longer than one hour in order to watch… Read more “disciples:listen”
got a reputation?
We had friends in Charlotte NC invite us over for a late lunch one day. We were greated at the door by Bill and Betty – handshakes… Read more “got a reputation?”
2007.10.22 Great Day
I can tell someone really didn’t want this message getting out, but he didn’t prevail. We’ve been in a series on the supernatural and I could have… Read more “2007.10.22 Great Day”
when the devil comes knockin’ (ephesians 6)
Adam and Eve gave birth to two sons – Cain and Abel. Abel lived in such a way that he enjoyed a close relationship with God. Cain… Read more “when the devil comes knockin’ (ephesians 6)”
Prophecy Scriptures
When God Speaks, How Do We Hear Him Today? Here are a list of Scriptures that are helpful. If you find any more, let me know. “For… Read more “Prophecy Scriptures”
about me
Name: John Erik Aho Nickname: Johnny Lifeverse: “Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” Psalm 71:18… Read more “about me”
reading together: an introduction
As I made my way through other blogs, I saw a great idea in interacting with others, especially my leaders: reading together. I’ll post more on this soon.… Read more “reading together: an introduction”
Jesus Resources
Bible Search Engines Search the Bible in a variety of different translations and languages: http://www.biblegateway.com. These Biblical commentaries, written by some of the brightest theologians in the… Read more “Jesus Resources”
Movie About Jesus
Movies on the Life of Jesus One of the best movies on the life of Jesus is simply called The Gospel of John (www.visualbible.com). You can view… Read more “Movie About Jesus”
2007.10.17 Getting Revived
I had a great time of prayer with the girls last night as well as with Michelle this morning. Not only are we praying, we’re praying Scripture.… Read more “2007.10.17 Getting Revived”
Scriptures I Pray:An Introduction
The Power of Praying Scripture I hear it all the time. “I want to pray, but I don’t know what to pray.” Pray Scripture. I have done… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:An Introduction”
Scriptures I Pray:God’s Word – My Life
God’s Word-My Life Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:God’s Word – My Life”
Scriptures I Pray:What I Want To Be
Portraits of Who I Want to be. Make me like… David. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:What I Want To Be”
Scriptures I Pray:My Character
Character Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:My Character”
Scriptures I Pray:My Wife
Making some little woman unspeakably happy Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:My Wife”
Scriptures I Pray:My Girls
My Little Women. Let them be like… Deborah, a prophetess, was leading Israel at that time…. Villages in Israel were deserted until Deborah…arose, a mother in Israel.… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:My Girls”
Scriptures I Pray:Friends
Standing in the Gap Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of… Read more “Scriptures I Pray:Friends”
2007.10.16 Michelle’s birthday
My bride turned 38 today. It’s really hard to believe, since she doesn’t look a day over 24. It’s almost like God turned back the hands of… Read more “2007.10.16 Michelle’s birthday”
HisStory and YourStory
Everyone has a story. There is a great one in John 4 about a woman who really wanted to hide from people because of her knack of… Read more “HisStory and YourStory”
Experience Ultimate Truth
In his book The Experience of Ultimate Truth, Michael Graham describes rubbing shoulders with the leading gurus and teachers of our time. He was among the first… Read more “Experience Ultimate Truth”
Jesus Experience:One of Mine
John E. Aho: The sun wasn’t up yet, but I was. We were on our way up to the redwoods in California when we stopped for the… Read more “Jesus Experience:One of Mine”
Jesus Experience
I had an experience that changed my life. I was sitting in an outdoor chapel in Romeo, Michigan listening to a man tell me how crazy God… Read more “Jesus Experience”
HisStory
His Story is About Humble Beginnings Who is Jesus Christ? He is God’s only begotten son, yet He came from the throne of His Father to the… Read more “HisStory”
Sons of the Prophets
As I read through 1st and 2nd Kings, I was struck by a group of people simply called sons of the prophets. Some have commented that communities… Read more “Sons of the Prophets”
Lead Yourself
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul told his young leader that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and… Read more “Lead Yourself”
Leaders Lead
I’ve heard it said, “I love the ministry. I just can’t stand the people.” I absolutely love the kids I’m working with. I’m just having a hard… Read more “Leaders Lead”
Draw Near
Why are there times we experience blocks in communication and connection with our Creator? When we’re thirsty for more of God, where do we go? How can… Read more “Draw Near”
Prophet in Bluejeans
What in the world would Jesus and blue jeans have in common? What would one of the greatest figures in human history and a pair of regular,… Read more “Prophet in Bluejeans”