Derek Charles Johnson

For my full length cover of In The Garden, click here: https://rumble.com/v37x3sf-in-the-garden-derek-charles-johnson.html

For my full length cover of In The Garden, click here: https://rumble.com/v37x3sf-in-the-garden-derek-charles-johnson.html

From the latest AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast: Who Is Jesus? (Sharing Your Faith) Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/Y4A19rzvjCb
 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-is-jesus-sharing-your-faith/id1551824939?i=1000624352951
 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-as-bold-as-lions-podcast-77407650/episode/who-is-jesus-sharing-your-faith-120992673/
 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mh1AjPXeSdmxxbTXQG25j?si=IK2nMOCeRSW9XiWLKiwa2Q
 Listen to any podcast episodes on the mini-player link on my website: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast

Accountability Starts With Humility | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 16, 2023 Obeyyour leaders and submit to them,for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have togive an account. Hebrews 13:17 One of the last charges in the Book of Hebrews is for the audience to obey and submit to its leaders. In the New Living Translation, this verse states “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say.” In a culture that says things like “You do you” and “Be yourself,” there isn’t a lot of room for checking in and having oversight. The sentiment really then becomes “I want accountability on my terms…I really just want others to affirm my decisions.” However, there is no Biblical support for this type of thinking. Sadly it has influenced and affected the church in many ways. As Hebrews closes, the author reminds us to submit to those in spiritual authority. Pastors, mentors, accountability partners — these are people in our lives who should have spiritual headship over us. They are there to ask tough questions and to allow us to bare what is inside. And that is a good thing. To start this process, we must exhibit humility. It is where accountability begins and when we grasp this, we start on a road to becoming more and more like Christ. Question for today: Is there someone in my life to whom I am accountable? Pray: God I pray for people in my life who can ask tough questions and to whom I can be held accountable. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

In The Garden | Derek Charles Johnsona Modern reworking of the hymn “In The Garden.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Words/Music: C. Austin Miles (1912) ------------------------------------------------------------- WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
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 —INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson/ ____________________________________________________________________ IN THE GARDEN LYRICS I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear The Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known. He speaks, and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known. I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling, But He bids me go; through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known. And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.

Skin-Deep or Heart-Deep? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 14, 2023 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 Our culture rewards things based on outward appearances. Looks and beauty are favored as a skin-deep society judges and sizes up everyone through the eyes. This is nothing new. In ancient times kings and leaders were chosen much due to their appearance; if they looked like a king. Israel wanted a king so they could be like other nations who had kings. Saul fit the part; handsome and taller than any other man. In Saul, God gave Israel the king they wanted, but not the king they needed. Although Saul was a failure as king, God had another man in mind; someone who didn’t “fit the mold” in terms of what we’d expect a king to look like. But in God’s eyes, his heart was already where it needed to be. David was a “man after God’s own heart” and he led Israel as a true follower of the Lord. What God looks for in us is not based upon what man praises or not. It is based upon our hearts and He rewards those whose hearts belong to Him. When we remember this, we become less concerned with our skin condition and more concerned with our heart condition. Question for today: What is my heart condition like today in the Lord? Pray: As the culture around emphasizes appearance, how am I staying anchored to what God looks for and desires in me? Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

The Jesus Model Of Forgiveness | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 11, 2023 When Jesus stood up, He said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” John 8:10,11
 One of the hardest parts about loving like Jesus is modeling forgiveness like He does. In John 8, we have the account of the woman caught in adultery. Her accusers bring her before Jesus, not only wanting to condemn her but also to trap Him. As so often happens, the script is flipped and everyone must take into account their own sin. Jesus’ words“The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her,”are words that cut to the heart. Everyone realizes they are not without sin; they all deserve their own punishment.
 We forgive because we have been forgiven ourselves. We forgive much because we have been forgiven of much. And we forgive repeatedly because we must be forgiven repeatedly. This point alone is worth its own emphasis — the concept of forgiveness is a major tenet of our faith. The takeaway for you and I is simply to say if we are in Christ, we must show His love by forgiving one another. That can be a hard pill to swallow because forgiveness means letting go of something; even a deep pain or hurt inflicted by someone else. But Jesus forgave up to the point of His death and we must be willing to do the same. Question for today: Is there an act of forgiveness I’ve been refusing to do because it is personally very hard? How do I come into agreement with what Christ says about forgiving others? Pray: Lord help us extend forgiveness and receive it even when it is hard. You have shown us the example we must follow. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Knowing Our Destiny Changes Everything | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 9, 2023 For the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 There is an exchange that takes place between David and Goliath as the two of them meet on the battlefield. Of course, Goliath ridicules David at the outset and has strong words for him: The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” (1 Samuel 17:44). But David stands undeterred. He knows God has not brought him nor Israel to this moment to allow either to fall. Goliath and the Philistines loomed large. But God was larger. David had not forgotten the destiny of his people even though many of them had. David was a warrior before he even approached the giant. God had prepared him. What about us? When we see things around us that look bleak are we quick to despair and lose hope? Or do we speak truth into the battle knowing God has a plan? When we are in Christ, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit. This same Spirit was upon David and it gave him boldness…supernatural boldness. We move in power and authority when we know Whose power we are moving in. It is not our own. It is from Him and we are called to act upon it. When we know our destiny, everything changes. David did and Israel was forever changed because of it. Question for today: If I am in Christ, how is my destiny different than before I knew Him? Pray: Lord help me walk in truth today knowing and understanding that I am Yours and You watch over me. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Living In The Construction Zone | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 7, 2023 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H7zoeyai9WU And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
 My family and I moved into a new neighborhood a couple years ago and with many new homes going up, the buzz of construction was all around us. I loved watching empty lots go from bare ground to poured foundations with framework, roofing, and siding. At any given moment homes were in their beginning stages all the way to nearly completed — with everything in between. It’s a beautiful thing really; the building of a home. To see the process unfold and watch the work being done truly is remarkable.
 Of course I couldn’t ponder this process of building a home and not make some connection to our lives, spiritually-speaking. When a person first comes to Christ, there are similarities to that dirt ground with freshly poured concrete. It’s raw but a process is starting. As the walls go up and the house take shape, we begin growing in our faith. From there, much is happening on the inside that can’t be seen from the occasional passerby. The fixtures are going in, the plumbing, the electrical and so on. With further growth in Christ, the construction keeps humming along. When will the house be complete? Well, when He calls us heavenward. But until then, we live in the construction zone and allow Christ to build us up in Him. He does great work!
 Question for today: This side of eternity, we are works in progress. What is God teaching me right now that is building my faith and causing this “home” to take shape?
 Pray: Lord, I’m not a finished home but I’m not just dirt on the ground either. Thank You for the process of molding and shaping me. I ask that You keep the building plans moving along in Your perfect timing. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Will He Delay? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 4, 2023 And the Lord said,“Hear what the unrighteous judge says. Andwill not God give justice toHis elect,who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to themspeedily.” Luke 18:6-8 In thinking about the justice of this world, we often see things as slow-moving or perhaps not at all. The world has in place standards of right and wrong, but often operates in its own timeframe and apart from Scripture. In this regard, Jesus makes note of an unrighteous judge in Luke 18 — a man who did not fear God or respect man. A widow with a complaint against an adversary came to this judge day after day, demanding “Give me justice.” (Luke 18:3) In this parable, Jesus teaches that even this unrighteous judge would grant justice for this woman, to keep her from bothering him. If this man could administer justice, how much more our Heavenly Father?

We may be interceding for something and it seems long in coming. We could be at the point of giving up and throwing in the towel, thinking “God has forgotten this need.” But can we see the bigger picture and know that our Father is so much more righteous and attentive than someone like this judge? Even more than our earthly fathers or mothers? Yes and to that end He will not delay. We are to keep persisting in prayer, giving the matter over to Him and trusting that He will bring justice — and speedily within His timing. Question for today: What is the need that I am asking God not to delay on right now? Pray: Lord this parable from Luke 18 reminds us that You are a good Father and You hear the cries of Your people. Help us to remember this when we are ready to give up. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Who Am I? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 2, 2023 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Galatians 3:26 Identity is a big word these days; often a buzzword heard in certain parts of the culture. In “finding ourselves” one must figure out what makes him or herself unique. What is it at the end of the day that defines you? Is it your job or place of employment? Is it being a father or mother? Is it being someone’s son or daughter? Maybe it’s the church you attend of the ministry you are a part of. While all of these things are important and can be good things about us, the thing that truly defines the believer in Christ is this: we are children of the Most High God. When we come to the place where we stop searching for identity, we enter a place of peace, fulfillment, and joy. One reason the world is broken and fallen is because apart from Christ, it does not know true identity. Apart from Christ the nonbeliever looks for validation somewhere. Sometimes it is those “good” things described above. But sometimes it is harmful things (addictions, sexual perversion, or money). The quest to answer “Who am I?” starts and ends with Christ. When we are His, we no longer need to fill a void with something less. He is enough, hallelujah and amen! Question for today: What does my life look like before and after Christ and how can I see my identity has changed? Pray: Thank you Lord for the opportunity to call upon your name and be given a new heart. All my longings are found in you. I search no more. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Business As Usual | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 31, 2023 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭ Jesus describes the coming of the Kingdom and of the Son of Man in Luke 17:20-37. In this passage, He links the cultural climate and condition of this time back to that of two Old Testament characters: Noah and Lot. Both of these men saw destruction occur in humanity as whole. Yet, right up until the flood (Noah) and the raining down of sulfur on Sodom and Gommorah (Lot), life was “business as usual.” People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, getting married and making plans. There was no thought given to God’s purposes and plans. Similarly today we have a society that thinks not of life beyond this world. Life goes on day after day. People make plans and as the prevailing culture gets more and more depraved, many just turn a blind eye and continue to “live and let live.” Jesus warned of these things and alerted us to the fact that His return will come very suddenly. In that moment, we must be ready and we cannot look back, as Lot’s wife did. We cannot live out these days as “business as usual.” We must be ready for the coming Kingdom. Question for today: In what ways can I see our days as not much different than Noah’s or Lot’s? How am I staying spiritually ready today? Pray: Thank You Lord for your word which warns us of things to come and urges us to be ready. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

He Won’t Go Back On His Own | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 28, 2023 “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 As far as we may be from Old Testament times, there are strong parallels between the storylines of ancient Israel and those of modern times. To be fair, Solomon was right: There is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) What Israel went through, its ups and downs, was directly connected to the condition of their hearts. When they were obedient, serving God and honoring Him, they felt and saw His blessing. When they chose to follow other gods and were seduced to follow the surrounding cultures, they lost that blessing. Still, God had made a covenant with them. He would not turn His back on His own. What is the proper parallel to our times? To America? We are country founded on religious principles and ideals. We have lost much of that original founding and traded it for selfish, humanistic ambitions. Still, there is a remnant of this land that has not “bowed the knee to Baal.” God will not turn His back on those who have remained faithful to Him. America, on the whole, may or may not be saved. But God will watch over the ones who have faithfully stood for truth and refuse to bow to the culture. Be encouraged that even though the mountains may shake, the Lord is with you! Question for today: Even as the headlines look dire, how is my trust in the Lord being strengthened from day to day? Pray: Thank You Lord that You watch over those who profess Your name. Help me to not be afraid no matter what this world looks like. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

The Hall Of Faith | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 26, 2023 By faithAbraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a placethat he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 If you read Hebrews 11 (and I encourage you to do so), you see account after account of God-followers acting upon a certain promise yet not knowing the where, when, how or even why of the action they were taking. They simply moved out “by faith”…a phrase which by my count, occurs at least 19 times within the chapter. Many giants of the Old Testament make an appearance as the writer of Hebrews reminds us of their fascinating stories. As I look at each of these accounts and the entirety of Hebrews 11, I see one recurring element: faith begins with a promise. Abraham, Joseph, and Moses were all given promises that were not necessarily completely fulfilled in their lifetimes. If we examine our own lives, we see the promise of God and accept it by faith as well. There are elements to our profession of Christ which we must take without seeing, hearing or touching. Think about some of the great mysteries of the Gospel: the virgin birth, Christ’s resurrection, His Second Coming. There is not a person alive today who has experienced those events first-hand because they either happened long ago or will happen at some point in the future. Therefore we take the truths of the Bible “by faith” just as these heroes themselves did. There is a promise in each element that we cling to. If Christ truly was born, lived, died, and raised back to life, then we are offered the same resurrection from death; we are released from death’s cling upon our souls. If Christ is coming once again, we have a promise to be with Him at the end of our days. Question for today: As the heroes of the faith clung to a promise without seeing, how can I cling to the promise and hope of Christ without having seen it as well? Pray: Thank You Lord for giving us examples to follow in Your word. We await the return of Christ, knowing everything the Bible says about Him is true. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

The Value Of Scripture | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 24, 2023 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,thatthe man of God may be complete,equippedfor every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 I find the seasons of my life in which I am in need the most are the ones when I neglect the reading of Scripture. Perhaps it’s a pride thing or maybe it’s just an underestimation of the power of God’s word. Whenever I start to think I can handle life alone, I pull away from the Bible. “I’ve got this Lord. I can do it. I know Your word well enough to take it from here.” But in those moments I really don’t know. And I have no idea just how deep my need is when I drift away; even just a little. I love that Scripture is something eternal; it was never a “one and done” type of book that you close and put on the shelf for good after reading. It is living and active. It cuts to the heart of the matter. It’s a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Paul tells us that all Scripture is “God breathed” and is good for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Do those things ever stop? No. Should I ever stop reading His word? No. When we fully understand the value of Scripture and its importance in our everyday lives, we unlock a gift that is better than anything else this world can offer. I can’t do this alone Lord but thank You for Your word! Question for today: Do I go through seasons in which I neglect reading God’s word? Why do those times occur? Pray: God this is a personalized prayer for anyone reading or hearing this today…please deal with the (fill in the blank reason) for why I neglect Scripture. Help me to read the Bible on a daily basis. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

The Harvest Is Ready | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 21, 2023 When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected,like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples,“The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38 For a couple years now, the church my family and I attend closes out each Sunday morning service the same way. In what has become our standing “benediction,” we as a congregation read Matthew 9:36-38 aloud together. Our church has rallied around the idea that our community needs to know the hope of Jesus. This hope is more than what occurs on a Sunday morning and it goes beyond our building’s four walls. It’s a hope that must be lived out and on display from day to day. As I read these verses each week I’m reminded how Jesus framed the scene for His disciples: the world around is full of distressed and dejected people. They are like sheep aimlessly wandering with no purpose. No direction. And no hope. What is our role in all of this? To be workers in the harvest field. The harvest is ready. The fields are ripe. But the amount of workers to go out is few. We ask God to send more laborers and at the same time we take up the call with fervency and expectancy. This is our call. May we take it sensing the Father’s heart for the lost. Question for today: How can I show the hope of Jesus to those around me today that do not know Him? Pray: Lord I pray for more workers for the harvest. I also pray that in my own sphere of influence, I am sharing the Gospel and sharing Your hope each day. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Why Did Thomas Doubt? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 19, 2023 But he said to them,“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” John 20:25 It’s interesting to study the reaction of Jesus’ disciples and followers after the crucifixion and resurrection. Peter has his own encounter with Jesus which leads to restoration and commission. The two walking on the road to Emmaus did not even realize they had been in His presence until He had left, saying “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while heopened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). But it is Thomas, doubting Thomas, who really is an interesting character. Despite the eyewitness accounts of those who had walked and talked with Jesus, Thomas refused to believe. He had to see the nail marks and touch the wounds of his Savior. We can easily discount Thomas for his doubt and lack of faith. We can say we would have reacted differently and been more willing to believe. But the fact is, everyone can have a “doubting Thomas” moment in their life. A point at which we don’t want to believe unless we see, touch, hear…until our senses are aware. But what is faith? It is the evidence of things of unseen (Hebrews 11:1). It is believing without having everything laid out in front of us. And it is blessed because Jesus takes time to qualify it: Jesus said to him [Thomas],“Have you believed because you have seen Me?Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Are we willing to believe without seeing? Question for today: Can I see that what caused Thomas to doubt is the same thing that can cause my doubt as well? How do I believe without seeing? Pray: God give me faith to believe even when my default is to doubt. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Who Do We Say He Is? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 17, 2023 He [Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15,16 The world loves to define things according to its own standards which are arbitrary at best. Putting people into boxes helps others figure out who someone is and what they are capable of. In Jesus’ ministry, there were many opinions about Him. Was He a good teacher? A prophet? Was He just the reappearing of someone who already came before? To define Christ was to be able to determine who He was and what He was about. It pushed people’s boundaries to accept that He was more than just a mere man. Jesus asks His disciples two pointed questions: who do others say I am and who do you say that I am? The second question was the one the disciples needed to get right. Peter answered “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In Mark 8, Peter says He is the Messiah. This revelation is important. As Christians, we have to cling to this truth as we live in a world that tries to define Christ differently. Many get it wrong and will advance opinions that are unbiblical. We remain grounded in Scripture and steadfast, knowing that He is the Christ…He is the Messiah! Question for today: How do I define Who Jesus is according to the Bible? Pray: Lord let my belief in You be undefiled by what the world tries to say. Your word is truth and I can stake my life upon it. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

As For Me And My House | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 14, 2023 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 The closing words of Joshua to Israel carry much weight — both for his original audience and for us today. His charge in Joshua 24:15 is clear: he says exactly what he will do as he leads his own family. He was a man respected and looked up to. A man of integrity and character. A true leader. Here he was imparting an important truth — the idea that where all of this starts is in the home. To lead our homes well, we must declare that we are God-followers (capital “G”), not god-followers (lowercase “g”). “As for me and my house” is a declarative statement. Have we made it either intentionally or purposefully somehow over own homes? Even if we are single and unmarried, we must take this stand because it matters. It makes all the difference to look at what the world offers and still be able to say, “Nope, that thing has no pull on my heart no matter how good it looks.” What is that “thing”? It could be the god of money, sex, influence/power, acceptance, security…the list goes on and on. The home is the place where we give clear direction and purpose for ourselves and our family. Joshua laid out the options and he made clear the choice he would make. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Question for today: What other “gods” compete for my allegiance? How do I declare “we will serve the Lord” in my home? Pray: God I pray over my home — that it would be a place You would inhabit and that whether married or single, You would have the place of authority in my life. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

The Old Rugged Cross | Derek Charles Johnson Modern reworking of the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Words/Music: George Bennard (1912) Listen to Derek’s cover of The Old Rugged Cross on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6V30OFIJoFrS6LRshqtRNA?si=fe91b83a635a43c9 -------------------------------------------------------------
 WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
 Buy:https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store
 Stream on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3oD2mtH
 —RUMBLE:https://rumble.com/c/DerekCharlesJohnson
 —FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1
 —INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson/
______________________________________________________ THE OLD RUGGED CROSS LYRICS On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross The emblem of suff'ring and shame And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He'll call me some day to my home far away Where His glory forever I'll share So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown

Words Matter | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 12, 2023 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 In raising a family, I’m coming to terms with the idea that my kids are a true reflection of me. For better or for worse, I can see myself in my children. Their physical appearances, their quirks, mannerisms, and behavior (introverted for the most part!). But it’s often their words that reflect me the most. And their words are a measuring stick of whether or not I have encouraged or discouraged them. I might think, “Where did they hear that….why did they say that?” But if I’m honest, I know exactly where they got it from: me. We’ve looked at Ephesians 4:29 in our home because I think it’s a transformational verse. Words can be used to either build up or destroy. They can help a person improve and be pointed to a higher standard or they can knock down and belittle. Far too often, I’ve chosen my words too lightly. I’ve acted out of emotion rather than stepping back and considering what my words really are saying. As Christians, if we can consider our words more deliberately along with the Spirit’s guidance, think of what good we could do in this world. Words matter and we must be willing to use them for building up others. In so doing, we are building the Kingdom, one soul at a time. Question for today: Am I able to see the effect that my words have on those around me? Pray: Lord help me to choose words wisely. Let them be used to build others up, not tear them down. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Where Is Your Faith? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 10, 2023 And they went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He awoke andrebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased,and there was a calm. He said to them,“Where is your faith?”Luke 8:24,25 When going through storms of this life, it is easy to react in predictable ways. I do it all the time and it seems like my default is to worry first…pray second! Our natural tendency is to figure out how to fix a problem. If it seems unfixable within our own power, we can easily go down the path of despair. Despair, when left uncorrected, leads to hopelessness. From there we begin to manifest thoughts like “It’s all over. What’s the point? Even God has forgotten/turned His back on me.” It’s a place we never want to be if we are in Christ. For the disciples in the boat on a stormy sea, it looked like the end was near. Despite having Jesus onboard, fear gripped them. The power of the wind and the waves seemed bigger than the power of Christ. This was after seeing many miracles and walking with Jesus for some time. When they awaken Jesus, He rebukes the wind and waves and the storm dies down. But it is Jesus’ question “Where is your faith?” that should shake us to the core. Faith in Him is where we start; even as the storm rages. Rather than first going to a place of fear (and spiraling downward), we must come to Him knowing His power is greater than anything we face in this life. In those moments He is looking for our faith. Question for today: Is there a situation right now that appears hopeless in your life? How do you turn that fear into faith and trust the Lord despite the storm? Pray: Lord I thank You that even the wind and waves have to obey Your voice. There is nothing impossible for You. Help me to seek You first when life seems hopeless. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Rest, Reflect, Renew, Repeat | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 7, 2023 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5,6 For much of this year, I’ve been focused on tasks. Making a list of priorities and trying to stay consistent; knocking them off one by one. Most are recurring, meaning that every week those tasks reappear and must be completed. There’s blogs and devotionals to write, podcasts to record, songs and videos to work on, the list goes on. To push things off too long only makes things pile up. Or even worse, the task may get demoted by some greater, more pressing need. If the superseded task is non-essential, it may fall off the map and never get picked back up. So into this list of doing, I often hear the Lord whisper the need to pull back and just rest in Him. He’s not so concerned about my “to-do list,” even if those things are good and about the Kingdom. He’s primarily after my heart. When I find time to rest and reflect upon His word, my mind is renewed. I have greater focus and actually feel able to do what He’s calling me to do. When I push away that still, small voice, I find my problems only begin to snowball. When all I am is doing, but not abiding, my life is more chaotic and out of control. There’s a practice I’m learning to develop: it’s built on resting, reflecting, renewing, and repeating. Give it a try today. You might just find you see life through a whole new set of eyes! Question for today: How has my daily planner become a place where I have not left enough room to abide with the Lord? Pray: Lord forgive me for pushing away Your still, small voice. I want nothing more than Your presence. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

This Is Not Our Home | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 5, 2023 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 If we’re honest, the past few years of the American church have allowed a creeping in of various teachings and falsehoods; things which overall have compromised the Gospel. We must be willing to admit the church as a whole has fallen more in love with the world and not vice versa. In our efforts to speak into the culture, we’ve often taken a softer stance on various issues so as not to offend or turn others away. We’ve allowed pastors to preach sermons, authors to write books, and musicians to play songs that don’t necessarily line up well with God’s word. It’s not always easy to admit when we have been wrong, but I believe collectively the church must repent for the ways it has ignored God’s standard and chased after lesser things. You and I must find a balance between existing in the world but not being caught up in it. Earth is not our permanent residence. Heaven is. We must prepare for eternity and in the process, tell others about Jesus. It’s easy to get distracted and focus on the here and now. It’s easy to want to solidify our own standing in life and not want to rock the boat too much. But when we start to shrink back from tough subjects, the world rushes in and controls the narrative for us. We have to keep our focus on Christ and realize this place is not our home. We are called to be here and called to share the Gospel. Life’s too short not to! Question for today: Is there anything in my life right now distracting me from purpose of telling others about Christ? Pray: God remove our distractions and refocus us back on you. Forgive us for any half-truths or false truths we’ve allowed to seep into our midst. Jesus is the only means by which we are saved. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

Christ Be Magnified | Derek Charles Johnson (with lyrics) Cover of the song “Christ Be Magnified” written by Cody Carnes, Cory Asbury, and Ethan Hulse. Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson.
 ---------------------------------------------------------- WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
 Buy:https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store
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________________________________________________________ CHRIST BE MAGNIFIED LYRICS Were creation suddenly articulate With a thousand tongues to lift one cry Then from North to South and East to West We'd hear Christ be magnified Were the whole Earth echoing His eminence His name would burst from sea and sky From rivers to the mountain tops We'd hear Christ be magnified O Christ be magnified Let His praise arise Christ be magnified in me O Christ be magnified From the altar of my life Christ be magnified in me When every creature finds its inmost melody And every human heart its native cry O then in one enraptured hymn of praise We'll sing Christ be magnified O Christ be magnified Let His praise arise Christ be magnified in me O Christ be magnified From the altar of my life Christ be magnified in me
 I won't bow to idols, I'll stand strong and worship You And if it puts me in the fire, I'll rejoice 'cause You're there too I won't be formed by feelings, I’ll hold fast to what is true If the cross brings transformation I'll be crucified with You 'Cause death is just a doorway into resurrection life If I join You in Your sufferings, then I'll join You when You rise And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints My heart will still be singing, my song will be the same O Christ be magnified Let His praise arise Christ be magnified in me O Christ be magnified From the altar of my life Christ be magnified in me O Christ be magnified Let His praise arise Christ be magnified in me O Christ be magnified From the altar of my life Christ be magnified in me