The Heart Of Worship | Derek Charles Johnson
The Heart Of Worship | Derek Charles Johnson
Cover of the song “The Heart Of Worship.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson.
Words/Music: Matt Redman (1998)
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WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
—MUSIC:
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THE HEART OF WORSHIP LYRICS
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord,
for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath!
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord,
for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord,
for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord,
for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus
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Are You Born Again? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 30, 2023
Are You Born Again? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 30, 2023
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
One of the key identifiers of a “Christian” I heard growing up was the term “born again Christian.” In my naivety, it seemed like more of a qualifier than anything else. There are perhaps people who just believed in Christ and then there are those who are truly “born again”! But as I reflect on this terminology, it still seems to be an important distinction and even a clarification we must reconcile. As Peter states in his letter, it is Christ that has caused us to be born again…not born of blood and water but of the Spirit (as Christ laid out to Nicodemus in John 3).
So why make a big deal out of this? Should we even mention it? I believe it’s important. To truly be a Christian, one must be born again. It can be easy to claim “Oh I’m a Christian” and even believe because mom or dad (or someone else) believed, we believe too. But the access to that “living hope” Peter speaks of only comes to those who profess a faith in Jesus Christ. A faith marked by confession of sin, repentance, and an acknowledgment of Him as Lord and Savior. For that person, the status of “born again” is conveyed with all its rights and privileges. As we examine our lives may we do so with confidence if we’ve made this decision. From there, may we be motivated to ask those we encounter this simple question: Are you born again?
Question for today: Is there one person today that I need to ask “Are you born again” to?
Pray: God open up opportunities for conversations to happen with those who need to know Jesus.
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253
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Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing | Derek Charles Johnson
Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing | Derek Charles Johnson
Modern reworking of the hymn “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing.” Electric guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson.
Words: Robert Robinson (1758)
Music: "Nettleton" by John Wyeth
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WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
—MUSIC:
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_________________________________________________________________
COME THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING LYRICS
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s redeeming love!
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
hither by Thy help I’m come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart Lord take and seal it;
seal it for Thy courts above.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart Lord take and seal it;
seal it for Thy courts above.
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VIDEO DEVOTION ANNOUNCEMENT!
To keep reading my devotionals, you can go to my Facebook page where they post in readable format (https://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1/) OR you can sign up to get these to your email inbox (https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions)
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Two Paths, Two Different Ends | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 28, 2023
Two Paths, Two Different Ends | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 28, 2023
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1,2
Psalm 1 is a short discourse (6 verses) on the two roads we can take through life: a path of righteousness or a path of wickedness. For the righteous man there is happiness; a feeling of being “right with God.” He is a man who takes delight in God’s Word and bears fruit. He is prosperous. God watches over him. The wicked man on the other hand, is the exact opposite. His way does not lead to life. His path ultimately comes to ruin and destruction. At the end of all things, he will not survive the Lord’s judgment.
Sometimes these black and white descriptions from Scripture make our world uncomfortable, because it’s a world that wants to live in shades of gray. But when we come to Christ, we acknowledge that we do not know the right way; the way that is best. We surrender to a plan that is better than ours and lay down our wants, desires, and even our standards of right/wrong in exchange for the standard and the way. The path laid out before us is clear. It just depends upon which road we ultimately choose to take. Each day we can either submit and follow Christ or go our own way. The path in Him may not always be easy, but the rewards are out of this world.
Question for today: How have I experienced both paths in my life and come to know that it is much better pursuing Christ than trying to do life without Him?
Pray: God I thank You for a way that is clear to finding life and fulfillment. It is through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
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164
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Being Joyful, Not Just Happy | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 25, 2023
Being Joyful, Not Just Happy | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 25, 2023
Do not grieve, because your strength comes from rejoicing in the LORD. Nehemiah 8:10
Emotions come and go. Happiness and sadness can all exist within the same day, from one moment to the next depending upon our circumstances. How then does one develop contentment and even have joy despite the emotions swirling around? For myself, I find a difference between pursuing happiness in life and living in a state of joy. Happiness can be fleeting and although I have a desire to always be happy, look happy, and pursue what makes me happy, I don’t think it’s a reality. God knows us intimately and knows there are seasons of the soul. But a common thread throughout those seasons must be one of joy.
Joy is something that points us beyond just this life. “A joyful hope” ultimately means that when our days are over, we will be taken up into glory if we are in Christ. We will go to a place without sorrow or tears, a place made perfect by His presence. What that means for us in the here and now, is that nothing in this life can possibly shake us from the joy that we gain in knowing Christ. Just as Jesus was able to endure the cross, because of the “joy that lay before Him,” we are able to endure whatever life brings. Jesus’ went to the cross knowing it would ultimately bring joy for you and I. That news doesn’t just make me happy, it makes me rejoice!
Question for today: What does living in a state of joy rather than pursuing happiness look like for me?
Pray: Jesus you went to the cross with the promise of heaven being the joy laid before you. Thank you for going to the cross and for modeling to us what true joy looks like.
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135
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What Can God Do With A Life Fully Sold Out To Him? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 23, 2023
What Can God Do With A Life Fully Sold Out To Him? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 23, 2023
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:39,40
There is something to be said about understanding destiny and identity in our lives as we examine the life of Joseph. There was a confidence displayed, not in himself but in the Lord. That confidence led to boldness and to being a man of action. As we look at Joseph going before Pharaoh, we look at someone whose whole life had been preparation for this moment. God gave him a unique ability to interpret dreams. God put him before greater and greater men of influence. And despite setbacks and hardships, God put Joseph in power at the exact right moment…for His timing and purposes.
As we look at our lives, can we see the fingerprint of God weaving the story as He has desired? When we do, we understand that nothing is by accident or mere coincidence. Even the mistakes we have made can be turned around and used for His glory and our benefit. When we allow ourselves to be humbled before the Lord, we allow Him the opportunity to raise us up for His plan. Staying obedient, staying humble and hungry for His presence and doing this day after day after day…it all adds up over time. It then begs the question: what can God do with a life fully sold out to Him? It’s worth finding out.
Question for today: What attributes of Joseph’s life led him to a place where God could raise Him up as second in command to Pharaoh?
Pray: God I want my life to be that life fully sold out to You! I desire Your greater plan and purpose.
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143
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How Great Is Our God | Derek Charles Johnson (with lyrics)
How Great Is Our God | Derek Charles Johnson (with lyrics)
Cover of the song “How Great Is Our God” written by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves. Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson.
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WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
—MUSIC:
Buy: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store
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________________________________________________________
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD LYRICS
The splendor of the King,
clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
153
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Wisdom Must Be Pursued | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 21, 2023
Wisdom Must Be Pursued | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 21, 2023
My son, if you receive my words…making your ear attentive to wisdom…then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path. Proverbs 2:1,2,9
There is a deficit within Christianity today of true spiritual wisdom and discernment. It is not for a lack of sermons, books, seminars, and other resources. We have so much information readily at our fingertips. We live in an “information age.” But our desire to learn and grow is not always there. We are often stunted because of this. We come to know Christ and experience that initial transformation. But we can remain in the infancy stage of our walk simply because we stop wanting to grow deeper.
The book of Proverbs could be summed up as a book of wisdom. It is a clear reference to Christ as the one Who embodies and bears wisdom. It can be easy to seek out the teacher who is more knowledgeable of a particular subject. But faith should cause us to want to grow and feed ourselves rather than relying upon the instruction of others. There’s nothing wrong with being taught, but we should desire more than just what we receive on Sunday morning. Wisdom must be pursued and as we pursue it, the Spirit instructs and guides us. He is the true Teacher.
Question for today: Is my walk in Christ deeper than it was a year ago? 5 years ago? If not, why is that so?
Pray: Lord this word is personal and I cannot look over the fence at anyone else. I look inward and say, “Take me deeper and further than where I’ve been.”
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137
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There’s No Fear In Love | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 18, 2023
There’s No Fear In Love | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 18, 2023
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
A worship song that has become a favorite of mine over the years is called No Longer Slaves. In this song, the chorus states “I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.” I’m realizing more and more that living in fear and loving God are two things that cannot coexist within the believer in Christ. It seems simple enough. But the past few years have shown me just how easy it is to be afraid of my surroundings and to trust God less. The fear I display is really a denial of Christ’s power and authority. It is also a place where I am not in right relationship with Him.
Of course this all gets back to identity. When I do not understand my identity in Christ, I begin to seek my purpose in other things. Inevitably my plans come to ruin or at least stall out. When I step out understanding that I am His and have complete faith, I step out in obedience and assurance. Sometimes we may fall. Some things may not go exactly how we planned them. But God is not using those moments to hold us back. No, He uses them to draw us out into deeper waters, to continue putting our fears aside and loving Him more. Because His plans are for good and not harm! There’s no fear in love and our identity must be founded upon the love of our Savior.
Question for today: What’s one faith step I’ve been unwilling to take because fear has held me back?
Pray: Lord my simple prayer today is to love you more and to fear less. Your perfect love casts out fear.
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148
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IN THE GARDEN - DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON #cover #worship #church #hymn #shorts
For my full length cover of In The Garden, click here: https://rumble.com/v37x3sf-in-the-garden-derek-charles-johnson.html
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IN THE GARDEN - DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON #shorts #hymn #worship #subscribe #inspirational #speaklife
For my full length cover of In The Garden, click here: https://rumble.com/v37x3sf-in-the-garden-derek-charles-johnson.html
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THE AS BOLD AS LIONS PODCAST #podcast #shorts #fyp #SharingJesus
From the latest AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast: Who Is Jesus? (Sharing Your Faith)
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Listen to any podcast episodes on the mini-player link on my website: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast
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Accountability Starts With Humility | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 16, 2023
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.
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82
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In The Garden | Derek Charles Johnson
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)
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WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON:
—MUSIC:
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____________________________________________________________________
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.
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Skin-Deep or Heart-Deep? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 14, 2023
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
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136
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The Jesus Model Of Forgiveness | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 11, 2023
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.
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Knowing Our Destiny Changes Everything | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 9, 2023
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.
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Living In The Construction Zone | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 7, 2023
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.
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Will He Delay? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 4, 2023
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.
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Who Am I? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | August 2, 2023
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.
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Business As Usual | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 31, 2023
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.
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He Won’t Go Back On His Own | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 28, 2023
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.
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The Hall Of Faith | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 26, 2023
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.
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The Value Of Scripture | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 24, 2023
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.
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