As I began this year, I wanted to take a more direct approach to my Bible reading in a way I haven’t done in previous years.  Many of you may know the impact the books of wisdom have had on…

Is this one for the people? 
Is this one for the Lord? 
Or do I simply serenade 
For things I must afford? 

From the DC Talk song “What If I Stumble?” 

With the opportunity to play and perform my own…

“You will not need to fight in this battle.  Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed.  Tomorrow go out…

Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.  And when all the people saw it, they fell…

If you are like me, the events over the past couple years and even the last few months have been nothing short of monumental.  It has been a roller coaster in many ways; going from one thing to the next…

***Please note:  As previously mentioned, the blog of the week is moving to a monthly format.  These monthly blogs and wice weekly devotionals will still go out if you are on my mailing list (sign up here:  https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions). Additionally,…

Away in a manger 
No crib for a bed, 
The little Lord Jesus 
Laid down his sweet head. 
The stars in the sky 
Looked down where he lay, 
The little Lord Jesus 
Asleep in the hay 

The cattle are lowing …

Hark! The herald angels sing, 
“Glory to the newborn King! 
Peace on earth and mercy mild, 
God and sinners reconciled.” 
Joyful, all ye nations rise, 
Join the triumph of the skies, 
With th’angelic host proclaim: 
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.” …

(Every year in October, I take some blogs from over the past few years that have resonated perhaps more deeply and repost them as the blog of the week.  Praying that this content will be a blessing to you --…

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of…

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.  For if you remain silent at this time, relief…

But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.  And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.  Acts 6:10,15 

Often the…

Psalm 91 

1 
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 
2 
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, 
    my God, in whom I trust.” 
3 …

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of…

Wrapping up a series on how to share and defend the Gospel, I wanted to take a week just to focus on some of the falsehoods that exist as we encounter our world.  Whenever the truth of Scripture is watered…

a·pol·o·get·ics (noun):  reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine. 

This term apologetics always used to confuse me a little.  It sounds like the word “apology” and I once thought, “Why do I want…

In plotting out a blog series for this upcoming month, I was stirred to think about the faith we possess.  In my own life, I wrestle with how well I understand what I believe and whether or not I can…

I hope this series “New Beginnings” has been an encouragement for you.  Let’s be honest.  January is a long month.  We start out with the hope of a new year where everything sort of has a climatic point; even before…

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 

We’ve all had a lot of time to reflect…

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in…

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

We’re in a month that centers around “thankfulness” as we celebrate Thanksgiving…one of my favorite…

(Originally posted 8-21-19) 

“Abundance isn’t God’s provision for me to live in luxury. It’s his provision for me to help others live. God entrusts me with His money not to build my kingdom on earth, but to build His kingdom…

See, I have set the land before you.  Go in and take possession of the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.…

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 

Well we are here after a month focused on prayer, ending at a point which I think makes logical sense.  These prayer points have taken ever-widening circles.  First we looked…

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 

This has been an eye-opening few weeks for me in composing these blogs.  I have had the opportunity to refocus and recenter my prayer life and I hope you have…