Derek Charles Johnson

A Growing Dependence | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 3, 2023 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I Who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one Who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 It can be easy to convince ourselves that independence and less reliance on outside forces is the best way to live. In the USA, our Founding Fathers upheld the idea of an independent nation and the sovereignty of the individual. Freedom was a rallying cry that brought this Union into existence. Much of this is good and with proper intention. Less dependence on government, less intrusion by the State, and less interference in matters of daily life help to foster a society that can stand on its own two feet. Ideally, government should support the family and support the God-given role of man and woman, husband and wife. Sadly, this is rarely the case in our country today. Within Christ however, our dependence must grow day by day. We put aside the effort to just “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps” as we encounter trials or tribulations. No, our faith must deepen and we must regularly admit and confess our need for more of Him, not less. In Isaiah, the Lord reassures Israel as the One Who holds their hand; Who literally helps them. Our deepening reliance must always be in Him and less upon this world. To grow more dependent on the Lord is a good and wonderful thing. It’s not a bad thing at all! Question for today: In my life, how have I become more dependent upon the Lord? Pray: Lord I admit my daily need for You. It’s a need nothing in this world (not government, not money, not my own ability) can provide. 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 Comforter Has Come | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 30, 2023 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26 In the Bible, the Holy Spirit has several descriptive titles one of which is the “Comforter.” For today’s verse, I specifically chose the King James Version as His title is translated Comforter here. Other translations use similar words such as Helper, Counselor, Companion, and so on. In this verse, Jesus is reassuring His followers. He will be returning to Heaven. But the Father will send them the Holy Spirit and He will be with them, teaching them and guiding them as they go forth with the Gospel. We do well to study these attributes of the Holy Spirit because we have full access to them when we accept Christ. In John 14, Jesus explains that He leaves us with peace. He leaves us with an ability to remember His [Christ’s] words. Really these things come to us because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In short, the Holy Spirit gives empowerment for daily living as Christ followers. We sometimes lack an awareness of the Spirit or just shy away because we misunderstand His role in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is what comes in and lives inside of us when we make a declaration of faith in Jesus. What a blessing it is to know, the Comforter has come…the promise is fulfilled! Question for today: Do I misunderstand the role of the Holy Spirit in my life? How can I read the Bible in a way to help my understanding grow? Pray: Thank You Lord for sending us the Comforter! May He bring peace and an awareness of what Christ has taught us through His word. 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 Blessing Of Encouragement | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 28, 2023 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Good job bud! Proud of you.” I can remember the words of my dad growing up who would encourage me and spur me on to work harder and do my best. I still love hearing his words whether on the phone or a text, knowing that it lifts my spirits and keeps me going. Whether or not we have a parent like that in our lives or a teacher or mentor, we know how good it feels to simply be encouraged by someone. It’s a blessing that little else can replace and a timely word or gesture can help keep us on-track when everything else seems to be falling apart. I believe as we grow in Christ we must ask ourselves “Who am I investing in?” There is so much that is broken in our world today. There is so much division and hurt going on, even within the church. I know church people are not perfect and we can turn on each other fairly easily. But what if we strived for more and started to build bridges within our fellowships by simply encouraging each other? It doesn’t take a lot but I assure you the act goes a LONG way. A kind note. An acknowledgement of “Hey, I’m praying for you.” A selfless act like bringing a meal or visiting someone in the hospital. All of those things help to build the kingdom and they happen one person, one relationship at a time. Have you been blessed by someone else’s encouragement? Good. Now go and do likewise in Christ. Question for today: Who is one person I can reach out to today and simply bless with an encouraging word? Pray: God help me to be a person who encourages and seeks not to tear down but build 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

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus | Derek Charles Johnson Modern reworking of the hymn “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Words: Simon Marak 
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___________________________________________________ I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS LYRICS I have decided to follow Jesus I have decided to follow Jesus I have decided to follow Jesus No turning back, no turning back Though none go with me, still I will follow Though none go with me, still I will follow Though none go with me, still I will follow No turning back, no turning back The world behind me, the cross before me The world behind me, the cross before me The world behind me, the cross before me No turning back, no turning back I have decided to follow Jesus I have decided to follow Jesus I have decided to follow Jesus No turning back, no turning back

He Shall Supply | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 26, 2023 And my Godwill supply every need of yoursaccording to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Paul’s words in Philippians 4:19 can often be misconstrued especially as they relate to the “health and wealth” gospel fallacy (the “Prosperity Gospel”). Just “name it and claim it” has been a mantra that simply does not align with Scripture…especially when one looks at the context of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The often misapplied verse of Philippians 4:13 (I can do all thingsthrough Him Who strengthens me) comes after Paul states he finds contentment in whatever state he is in (rich or poor, hungry or well-fed). This doesn’t sound like a man who promises only good things will follow once we accept Christ. Paul is thanking the church of Philippi because they sent him a gift. It was not a well-off or wealthy congregation, but they took it upon themselves to support Paul’s work. In turn, he reassures them that God will meet the needs they have. This is a reminder to us today: God takes care of His own. It may not always look the way we expect it to; in fact it rarely does. But He often comes through in a way that exceeds our own expectations. For us, it can be tempting to seek that blessing and be drawn into a “prosperity” mindset. But that path is not one of trust in Who He is, but only in what He can do for us. We must acknowledge that the Lord will provide our daily bread. He shall supply what is needed for this day! Question for today: Have I seen how the Prosperity Gospel and teachers therein have led many astray in following Christ? Pray: God I thank You for the fact You supply the need I have today. 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

Trust And Obey | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 23, 2023 Jesus answered him,“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, andWe will come to him andmake Our home with him. John 14:23 In some of His closing words before going to the cross, Jesus explains to His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come and dwell within them. This is the “Helper”: the Spirit of truth and the key identifier that will set those who follow Jesus apart from the rest of the world. To be indwelled by the Holy Spirit meant having the ability to be taught what is needed (John 14:26) and to have peace within this life. With the uncertainty that loomed in front of the disciples, one has to think they went back to these words often to find hope moving forward…certainly amidst the crucifixion but even after Jesus ascended into heaven. I love the words from the refrain of the hymn, Trust and Obey: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Part of what the disciples were called to do and we are as well, is to simply trust and obey. Jesus outlines this in John 14 and specifically verse 23: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. To keep the words of Christ are to obey. To walk in trust. We also walk in humility knowing that the words He provides are better than the path we would choose for ourselves. What is the reward and the benefit? Well, one is that we are taught what is needed (as mentioned). Secondly, this right relationship leads us into peace and the ability to face whatever life throws at us. What an amazingly simple concept and how often do we miss it? Just trust and obey! Question for today: How have I found joy in my life as I’ve taken to heart the concept of “trusting and obeying”? Pray: Lord may we never get past the simplicity of what You reveal to us. As we trust You and love You, we find peace and have the Helper (the Holy Spirit), guiding our lives. What a promise. 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

Seeing God For Who He Is | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 21, 2023 Yours,Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours,Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 As we consider coming into God’s presence in prayer, there is a need to start with some self-examination. In doing so, we acknowledge that God is God and we are not. We cannot have a proper view of God until we see Him as holy and righteous. We have to see God in this light in order to understand who we are: frail, fallible human beings prone to wander away from our Creator. Prayer is a time to refocus and recenter ourselves and gain proper perspective. This is a good thing and something that must be incorporated into our daily quiet times. Over the course of this day there will be moments where we feel “in control” of things and other times in which things seem “over our heads.” Can I submit that whether we think we are in control or not, it is ultimately God Who watches over every step and sees our path from beginning to end? It is in that light in which He sees us. When we see Him as being Sovereign, it changes our attitudes. It takes us from being earthly-focused and gives us an eternal mindset. We must start each day in prayer with a posture of adoration and worship. Seeing God for Who He is sets the tone for our day like nothing else can. Question for today: If I have lacked true awe and worship for God, how can I take steps to get back into proper fellowship with Him? Pray: God I thank You that You are God and I am not. I adore You and praise You for Who You are. Give me an eternal perspective today. 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

Goodness Of God | Derek Charles Johnson Cover of the song “Goodness Of God” written by Jenn Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Ben Fielding, and Brian Johnson. Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. SUBSCRIBE to Derek Charles Johnson: https://bit.ly/30J9V2Z
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 WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
 Buy:https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store 
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—FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1
 —INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson/ ____________________________________________________________________ GOODNESS OF GOD LYRICS I love You, Lord Oh Your mercy never fails me All my days, I've been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In darkest night You are close like no other I've known You as a Father I've known You as a Friend
 And I have lived in the goodness of God All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God Your goodness is running after It's running after me Your goodness is running after It's running after me With my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give You everything Your goodness is running after It's running after me Your goodness is running after It's running after me Your goodness is running after It's running after me With my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give You everything Your goodness is running after It's running after me All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God I will sing of the goodness of God

Which Way Christian Man? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 19, 2023 Butthe path of the righteous is likethe light of dawn, which shinesbrighter and brighter untilfull day. The way of the wicked is like deepdarkness; they do not know over what theystumble. Proverbs 4:18,19 Lately I’ve seen a certain meme on some pages I follow on social media. This meme includes the caption “Which way, Western/Modern man?” The meme is really an attempt to address a certain aspect of culture, which looks at where we’ve been and where we are headed. Sometimes the memes address an issue like physical health and fitness. In years past (even in our Western culture), we ate a purer diet, had less processed foods, and less “junk” overall. Are we going to follow the path left for us or continue down a path of unhealthy habits? That is just one example, but in each meme the idea is the same: will we stay the course we are on or go back to what was laid out before us — the path of our forefathers and ancestors? In many ways, those old paths are becoming less and less familiar due to our culture’s short-term memory and short attention span. As I apply this concept to spiritual matters, I consider a similar question: which way Christian man? The tenets of our faith, aspects unshakeable and uncompromising, are under attack. Is the Bible still inerrant? Is Christ the Son of God? Are Heaven and Hell really real? Is Jesus the only way to be saved? These are the questions we have before us. Some in the greater “Christian faith” have decided to go down a different road than the one we have been on for centuries — since the founding of the church and beyond. As I sit and consider all of this I have to look at my own home and my own leadership therein. As Proverbs 4:18,19 states, there is a way of righteousness which leads to light and there is a way of wickedness that ends in darkness. In today’s climate, the question is as important as ever: which way Christian man? Question for today: What compromises have I seen in the church in my lifetime, especially in recent months and years? Pray: As Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), I pray that commitment as well. The path of the righteous is the path I wish to be on. 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