Derek Charles Johnson

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. 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

Today’s Devotional - Monday October 3rd “Believing The Unforeseen Promise” And He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “so shall your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and He counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5,6 Question for today: How like Abraham am I able to step into God’s promise for my life despite not seeing the whole picture? Pray: God give me faith today to believe in what You are doing whether or not I can see 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 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com On the web: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com

I EXALT THEE / I LOVE YOU LORD / / Derek Charles Johnson / / Acoustic Cover / / Music Video Cover of the songs “I Exalt Thee" and "I Love You Lord". Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Words/Music: Pete Sanchez - I Exalt Thee (1977), Laurie Klein - I Love You Lord (1978) --------------------------------------- WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
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____________________________________ I EXALT THEE / I LOVE YOU LORD LYRICS I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee, O Lord! I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee, O Lord! For Thou. O Lord, art high above all the earth; Thou art exalted far above all gods. For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth; Thou art exalted far above all gods. I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee, O Lord! I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee! I exalt Thee, O Lord! I love You Lord And I lift my voice To worship You O my soul rejoice Take joy my King In what You hear May it be a sweet sweet sound In Your ear

Today’s Devotional - Friday May 6th “Let’s Stay On The Mountain Awhile” And [Jesus] was transfigured before them and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and for Moses and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:2,4 Question for today: Whether I’m on the mountain or in the valley, how does my faith in Christ not change despite my surroundings? Pray: God thank You for the glimpses of heaven You’ve shown me. Help me to trust despite not always being on the mountain-top. 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 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com On the web: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS / / Derek Charles Johnson / / Acoustic Cover / / Music Video Cover of the song “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Words: Thomas O. Chisholm (1923) Music: FAITHFULNESS (William Marion Runyan) ---------------------------------------------
 WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
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______________________________________ GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS LYRICS Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided: great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow: blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided: great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided: great is Thy faithfulness great is Thy faithfulness great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Are You Born Again? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | April 3, 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. 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

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL / / Derek Charles Johnson / / Acoustic Cover / / Music Video Cover of the song “It Is Well With My Soul.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson.
 Words/Music: Horatio Gates Spafford-lyrics, Philip Bliss-composer (1873) ----------------------------------------------- WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
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_______________________________ IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL LYRICS

 When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."
 It is well, with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul. My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well, with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; Even so, it is well with my soul. It is well, with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul. It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul.

Derek Charles Johnson’s performance of “Stand In Your Love” Written by Ethan Hulse, Josh Baldwin, Marcus R. Harris, and Rita E Springer From the album “Victory” by Bethel Music There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 If I could list one word as a snapshot of our lives over the past year or so, it would be the word FEAR. Fear has been a predominant factor ruling us a people, as Americans, and sadly, also as Christians. I know personally fear has kept me from doing things God has laid on my heart. It has caused me to keep quiet about certain things. And the boldness I am called to display in Christ…well, fear as a crazy way of keeping that boldness in check. Fear and boldness are like oil and water. They don’t mix. So this song by Josh Baldwin and Bethel Music is truth I need to hear, especially in the moments when fear starts to rise. The chorus is so simple, yet hooky: My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love! That line can literally get stuck on repeat in my head. When it does, it reminds me that fear does not have the final word. God does. Fear would take us to the grave. Fear would keep us locked up and in bondage. And fear would tell us the cross wasn’t enough. But it would be wrong every time. Jesus overcame so we didn’t have to be afraid. His victory spells the end of fear. That’s where I want to live. How about you? As always, feel free to like and share. And if you haven’t already, please hit that subscribe button! Derek's newest album, "Seeing For The First Time" is available for order now! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3drvb2c iTunes: https://apple.co/2Jcdp58 Apple Music: https://apple.co/33MhJSe Pandora: https://pdora.co/2UxruPZ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wCq1zR YouTube: https://bit.ly/2JqTEXE CDs available here: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/product/553513 Connect with Derek Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson MeWe: https://mewe.com/p/derekcharlesjohnson http://www.derekcharlesjohnson.com/ When darkness tries to roll over my bones When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own When brokenness and pain is all I know I won't be shaken, no, I won't be shaken My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love Shame no longer has a place to hide I am not a captive to the lies I'm not afraid to leave my past behind Oh, I won't be shaken, no, I won't be shaken My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love There's power that can break off every chain There's power that can empty out a grave There's resurrection power that can save There's power in Your name, power in Your name My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love My fear doesn't stand a chance When I stand in Your love Ohh Standing in Your love

Derek Charles Johnson’s performance of “Be Thou My Vision (Be My True Light)” I was playing around with this familiar hymn, Be Thou My Vision, and in the turnaround sections between verses, I started adding a separate lyric line. “Be Thou my vision, Be my true light, High King of heaven, my soul satisfied.” With hymns, I don’t often rework or reimagine melodies. But sometimes an additional line seems to fit. In a lot of our modernized worship music, bringing hymns into our context is just a small way to keep them fresh and to appeal to a multi-generational audience. I love that so many hymns can do that and that they still speak, no matter how old. Be Thou My Vision is (again) a huge favorite of mine. There’s so much depth in these lyrics; the writer desires a true closeness with the Lord. I say this a lot but these truly are some of my favorite lines of any hymn out there. Hope you’ll enjoy this one! As always, feel free to like and share. And if you haven’t already, please hit that subscribe button! Derek's newest album, "Seeing For The First Time" is available for order now! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3drvb2c iTunes: https://apple.co/2Jcdp58 Apple Music: https://apple.co/33MhJSe Pandora: https://pdora.co/2UxruPZ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wCq1zR YouTube: https://bit.ly/2JqTEXE CDs available here: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/product/553513 Connect with Derek Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson MeWe: https://mewe.com/p/derekcharlesjohnson http://www.derekcharlesjohnson.com/ Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought, by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one Be Thou my vision, Be my true light High King of heaven, my soul satisfied High King of heaven, my victory won May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Still be my vision, O ruler of all Be Thou my vision, Be my true light High King of heaven, my soul satisfied Be Thou my vision, Be my true light High King of heaven, my soul satisfied

Just As I Am | Derek Charles Johnson Modern reworking of the hymn “Just As I Am.” Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Words: Charlotte Elliott (1835) Music: William B. Bradbury (“Woodworth” melody)
 -------------------------------------------------------------
 WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC: 
Buy:https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store 
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____________________________________________________________________ JUST AS I AM LYRICS Just as I am without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come! Just as I am and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come! I come! Just as I am though toss'd about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come! I come! Just as I am Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

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Today’s Devotional - Friday November 18th “Why Is It So Hard?” Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19,20 Question for today: Does the Great Commission seem hard as I apply it to my life? If so, why does it feel that way? Pray: Lord, help me understand it is Your Holy Spirit at work as I go and preach the Gospel. It’s not up to me to save souls. That is Your job. 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 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com

Faithful Always Faithful | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | March 10, 2023 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4 The other day I was going through an old filing cabinet with various documents and tax forms we’ve saved over the years. I’ve been setting up an office so I was hoping to clean out things as much as possible. As I was digging through some folders, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. Seeing old paystubs from when I was a poor college student with barely two pennies to rub together. Seeing documents from the first home purchase my wife and I made, knowing in the years that followed we’d move several more times. And even finding an old W-2 from when I drove a delivery route for a local pharmacy in my hometown as a teen. Lots of memories. As I reflected back on some of the seasons connected to these documents, I realized how faithful the Lord is. When we’re in a difficult stage of life, it can be easy to doubt whether or not God will come through. It’s tempting to abandon Him even as life takes turns we weren’t expecting. Whether the bank account is full or running on empty, His faithfulness to us does not change. Often the seasons are meant to teach us something so that we can draw closer to Him. As I’ve looked back over my life I realize He’s always been there. To look back from time to time is good and it keeps us moving forward as well. Question for today: What are the landmarks in my life that I can look back to that show God’s faithfulness to me? Pray: I praise You Lord for being faithful in every aspect of my life. I can look and back and see Your hand. It keeps me going, knowing You will never leave me nor abandon 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 Intersection Of Faith And Fear | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | March 22, 2023 Then He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40 Waking up we are daily confronted with two choices: the choice to serve ourselves or the choice to surrender and serve Christ. In those two extremes, we find ourselves choosing a path of faith or a path of fear. If we choose to do things our own way and in our own power, we ultimately allow fear to mark our lives. Why? Because decisions made out of fear are not based upon trust and surrender. They are based upon a false belief that God doesn’t have our best interests in mind. We know better and “can take things from here God, thank you very much.” Getting up everyday and choosing fear can lead to a life that never sees its true, God-given potential. So what then are we to do? First of all, start your day off reminding yourself Who is in control. Who is it that lives inside of you, that you pledged your heart to? If Jesus is Lord, all it takes is a simple prayer, saying “God be my ruler and my ultimate authority today.” In the words of a famous song, “Jesus, take the wheel” is appropriate and not trite at all. It acknowledges that the driver’s seat can be occupied by one of two people: me or Jesus. By starting your day with the realization that your life is His and not your own, you will be able to move forward putting faith over fear in every situation. Your trust will develop and strengthen over time and you’ll look back seeing moments where you truly grew as a follower of Christ. Each day these roads converge in our minds: have the ability to choose faith and deny fear each and every time! Question for today: How am I applying this very message to a specific area of my life today (perhaps an unmet need…health-related, financial, employment or otherwise)? Pray: God, I surrender my life to you once again knowing that surrender is an everyday thing, not a one-and-done event. I choose faith over fear. I choose You 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

Today’s Devotional - Monday October 17th “All That Matters Is Hearing ‘Well Done’” His master said to him, “Welldone, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21 Question for today: If I haven’t been about hearing “well done” but striving after something else, how do I need to rearrange my priorities? Pray: Lord what a day it will be when we are face to face with You in glory! We long to hear “well done,” and be with You for eternity. 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 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com On the web: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com

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. 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

BUILD MY LIFE / / Pat Barrett / / Acoustic Cover by Derek Charles Johnson / / Lyric Music Video Cover of the song “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett. Written by Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, and Pat Barrett. Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. ---------------------------------------------
 WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
 Buy:https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store
 Stream on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3oD2mtH
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______________________________________ BUILD MY LIFE LYRICS Worthy of every song we could ever sing Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Jesus the name above every other name Jesus the only one who could ever save Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You We live for You Holy there is no one like You There is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me Worthy of every song we could ever sing Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Jesus the name above every other name Jesus the only one who could ever save Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Oh we live for You Holy there is no one like You There is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken Holy there is no one like You There is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken

Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/431JZhV Apple Music: https://apple.co/40CrI9a YouTube Music: https://bit.ly/3G7Z0EM Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/ORZW6nYTEyb Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3U9odEU

My Hope Is In The Cross by Derek Charles Johnson Stream on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zAw6K1

Today’s Devotional - Monday December 12th “Going From Darkness To Light” Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Question for today: What darkness do I no longer walk in because the light of Jesus has come into my life? Pray: Lord I express gratitude today that Your light outshines the darkness. You are the light of the world. 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 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com

Will You Go? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | March 20, 2023 And I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 In the opening chapters of Isaiah, there is a clear indication of what the book will be about: the judgement of God’s people and His desire to restore them following their punishment. In these early chapters an interesting scene is described; a scene most have no concept for: the throne room of heaven. Isaiah was given a glimpse into the worship of angels singing “Holy, holy, holy” and of the Lord Himself. He felt unworthy. He felt unclean. He was broken over his own impurity before a holy God. But in Isaiah 6:6,7, we read that his guilt was atoned for; his shame was taken away so that he could stand before the Lord. Isaiah next receives a burden to go and tell the people of Israel about everything that would be coming. Some of it would not be happy news. Most of it was not. But the Lord impressed upon him the need to write and to share: to be a watchman to warn his fellow Israelites so they could turn back to God. This same burden that was laid upon Isaiah is a burden we should be aware of as well. God does not pick perfect people to carry out His will. He uses vessels like you and I. Into this call, He is looking for obedience. He is looking for surrender and willingness. Isaiah heard the Lord’s voice asking “Who will go?” When it comes to God’s mission for your life and where He wants to use you, are you willing to say “Here I am! Send me.”? Question for today: Am I willing to respond to God’s call when He asks me to do something; even if it seems difficult or overwhelming? Pray: Lord I pray my heart is always willing to say “Here I am! Send me.” Despite what the obstacles look like, help me trust that You go before me and will prepare the way. 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 Same Kindness | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | March 27, 2023 And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved usand gave himself up for usas a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 There is true heart-change that goes on the more the love and kindness of Christ indwells within us. Things we would never have cared about before start to break our hearts. Needs that we see in the world around us begin gnawing at our souls. We may look at the world and even ponder things like: Who is going to feed them? Who is going to clothe them? Who is going to take care of them? Who is going to share Christ with them??? We begin to see the world through fresh eyes; eyes I believe we were always meant to have before sin and the fall tarnished our view. Christ is the first one to show us how to truly see. Jesus’ death on the cross is love in action. It is kindness to the ultimate degree. And we are called to walk this path. We know the journey can be difficult. We know the flesh rears its ugly head from time to time and we get more concerned about our rights and our privileges. But the Christian man or woman is called to a different lifestyle. You can see it in chapter after chapter of Matthew through John. Jesus has a sincere love that doesn’t turn away but extends itself time and time again. His acts of kindness are not random and are not by chance. They are intentional and they point to Who He is. We are inhabited by that same Spirit and it calls us to display the same kindness. Question for today: What is one act of kindness I can display to someone right now? Pray: Jesus thank You for Your example of kindness. It is what draws us to repent and turn towards You. 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

KING OF GLORY / / Derek Charles Johnson / / Acoustic Version / / Lyric Music Video Acoustic version song of my song “King Of Glory.” Music and lyrics by Derek Charles Johnson. In celebration of 10 YEARS OF CARRY ON. Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. Listen to the recorded version on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/36630juNc1d9OI4Z3PkohY?si=609688069c2f4a2a ---------------------------------------------
 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/
______________________________________ KING OF GLORY LYRICS From the rising of the morning sun To the setting of the same You are faithful over all the Earth You are constant, You remain We will lift our hands in praise to You We will worship all You are King of Glory – come write Your story on our hearts You are Holy – we are changed by who You are From the moment that our lives begin To end of our days You watch over every step we take You are good in all Your ways King of Glory – come write Your story on our hearts You are Holy – we are changed by who You are King of Glory – help us see Heaven here with us You are Worthy – worthy of all our praise and love Come stir our hearts Take us deeper with You Come stir our hearts Take us deeper with You Come stir our hearts Take us deeper with You Come stir our hearts Take us deeper with You King of Glory – come write Your story on our hearts You are Holy – we are changed by who You are King of Glory – help us see Heaven here with us You are Worthy – worthy of all our praise and love King of Glory King of Glory King of Glory King of Glory

Derek Charles Johnson’s performance of “Amazing Grace” Of course I had to cover this classic hymn at some point! I was going back and forth between a very stripped down, simple version of the traditional version OR the updated Chris Tomlin (My Chains Are Gone) version. I love both and really have no preference. But in the moment, it just felt right to do 4 verses and leave out the updated refrain. This song has lived for ages and will live for many more (if Jesus’ tarries). Who knows? We might be singing it in heaven as well! I know it’s been a song that I learned and loved from little on up. I’m sure you have as well. Hope you enjoy it! As always, feel free to like and share. And if you haven’t already, please hit that subscribe button! Derek's newest album, "Seeing For The First Time" is available for order now! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3drvb2c iTunes: https://apple.co/2Jcdp58 Apple Music: https://apple.co/33MhJSe Pandora: https://pdora.co/2UxruPZ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wCq1zR YouTube: https://bit.ly/2JqTEXE CDs available here: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/product/553513 Connect with Derek Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/derekcharlesjohnson1/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson MeWe: https://mewe.com/p/derekcharlesjohnson http://www.derekcharlesjohnson.com/ Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now I’m found, Was blind, but now I see. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun.