Derek Charles Johnson

Today’s Devotional - Monday July 4th “Freedom Comes At The Cross” Forfreedom Christ hasset us free;stand firm therefore, and do not submit again toa yoke ofslavery. Galatians 5:1 Question for today: As a nation we face challenges to remain free. Similarly, how am I challenged not to return to past sins or bondages that Christ has loosened from my life? Pray: Thank You Jesus for my freedom that was purchased at the cross! Let me not return to a yoke of slavery. 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

Seeking God’s Approval, Not Man’s | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | February 27, 2023 And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6:5 As the first martyr of the early church Stephen is a key individual to study. In reality, we are not given a ton of information on him. Stephen is only mentioned in Acts 6 and 7 but his role is an important one. Because of his good repute and being “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3), Stephen is chosen to help out in a much needed role: to minister to the needs of widows. The ministry of the early church was expanding so quickly that some needs were getting left behind. Among those needs, the concerns of widows were being neglected. Stephen had already proven himself behind the scenes and was one of the men chosen for this role. We know Stephen quickly is thrust into a position where he must defend his faith. He is outspoken about Jesus and therefore ruffles the feathers of many Jewish leaders in the synagogues. We know Paul (then Saul) was among those who rounded up Christians and executed them. What we learn from this courageous act of Stephen is something that still applies today: we must serve God faithfully in season and out. Sometimes that may mean a lack of favor from men. Stephen was not after the approval of man. He wanted to serve His God faithfully and did so until the end. Question for today: Have I experienced pushback for my faith in Jesus (at work, school, online, etc)? How did I respond? Pray: Lord, thank You for examples like Stephen who stood courageously for their faith even when it cost him everything. May I be as bold when it comes to defending the Gospel. 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 KINGS / / Piano Cover by Derek Charles Johnson / / Lyric Music Video Cover of the song “King Of Kings.” Written by Jason Ingram, Scott Ligertwood, Brooke Ligertwood. Piano and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. ------------------------------------------ WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
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______________________________________ KING OF KINGS LYRICS In the darkness we were waiting Without hope, without light 'Til from Heaven You came running There was mercy in Your eyes To fulfill the law and prophets To a virgin came the word From a throne of endless glory To a cradle in the dirt Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings To reveal the kingdom coming And to reconcile the lost To redeem the whole creation You did not despise the cross For even in your suffering You saw to the other side Knowing this was our salvation Jesus for our sake you died Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings And the morning that You rose All of Heaven held its breath 'Til that stone was moved for good For the Lamb had conquered death And the dead rose from their tombs And the angels stood in awe For the souls of all who'd come To the Father are restored And the church of Christ was born Then the Spirit lit the flame Now this gospel truth of old Shall not kneel, shall not faint By His blood and in His name In His freedom I am free For the love of Jesus Christ Who has resurrected me Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings Praise forever to the King of Kings

Today’s Devotional - Monday December 5th “Who Do We Say He Is?” He [Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15,16 Question for today: How do I define Who Jesus is according to the Bible? Pray: Lord let my belief in You be undefiled by what the world tries to say. Your word is truth and I can stake my life upon it. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com

What Can God Do With A Life Fully Sold Out To Him? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | February 20, 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. 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

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. 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 Words We Speak Over Ourselves | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | April 14, 2023 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The words we say and speak about others are powerful. And sometimes we must repent for the things that come out of our mouths that are said in error. But what about the words and thoughts we harbor about ourselves? Just as stinging are the lies we believe that profess harmful untruths. “You’re not good enough. You’ve failed before, you’ll fail again. How do you even call yourself a Christian?” Most of the time these lies come from the enemy’s whisper into our ears. Often they come during an especially vulnerable moment. Rather than rejecting the lie at face value, we consider it, mull it over, and begin to internalize it. I was struck a few weeks ago about the words I believe about myself in a moment of worship on a Sunday morning. “I am a child of God” was a reminder I needed to hear and speak over my life. For as much wrongful thinking we do in a week, we need to keep coming back to truth: what God’s word says about us in Christ. The verse today from 2 Corinthians is truth. It says we are not the people we once used to be. In Christ, we are made new. We have a new identity and because of that, we have freedom from wrongful thoughts and words. When we begin to grasp this more fully, our whole perspective and purpose begins to change…for the good! Question for today: What’s a lie I’ve believed about myself that Christ calls me to lay down today? Pray: Jesus help me to think right thoughts about myself today and to speak right words. My identity is wrapped up in 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

Singing Of The Cross | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | April 5, 2023 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 There is nothing quite like the point at which a sinner recognizes his or her need for Jesus. If we are in Christ, we all have come to that point some time during our lives. It’s a moment in which our shame and His sacrifice collide. In our hearts, we feel the burden to acknowledge our need for Him. In our minds, we know the weight of sin we carry as we replay it over and over again. And in our spirits, we recognize the emptiness that exists without His Spirit. In short, the moment we say “yes” to Jesus is the moment of much joy and hope. For me, some of the most powerful messages of the cross outside of Scripture are those songs and hymns which tell the story; the story of our sin debt being paid by our Savior. Songs like Jesus Paid It All, Amazing Grace, or The Old Rugged Cross. These are songs in which the listener can agree, “Yes I once was lost too. I was a messed up sinner. It wasn’t until Jesus came that I truly found life.” This week is a great time to revisit that moment you recognized your need for Jesus; maybe even to sing of it! It’s a wonderful time to reaffirm that His work on the cross is enough for you. It’s the hope we carry into each and every day this side of eternity. Question for today: Can I go back and remember the time I asked Jesus to be Lord over my life? What was it like? What does it still mean to me today? Pray: Jesus I am thankful that You went to cross on my behalf. I sing of Your salvation. 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

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. 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

Derek Charles Johnson’s performance of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” What hymns are your favorite? I would dare to guess that for most people who like hymns, this one is in the top 10. Maybe even top 5. There’s a simplicity about Great Is Thy Faithfulness that I love. In many ways, this is a song of gratitude and thankfulness. “Morning by morning, new mercies I see,” is a recognition that God is good, everyday. And when we have doubts or question where He is, we simply need to look back and examine His track record. Truly “there is no shadow of turning” with Him. He’s come through before. He will do it again! I hope this song blesses and encourages you today. Let it be a reminder of the character of the Lord…great is His faithfulness. 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/ 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, Lord, unto me

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 
-------------------------------------------------------------
 WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC: 
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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

ONE THING REMAINS (YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS) / / Acoustic Cover by Derek Charles Johnson / / Music Video Cover of the song “One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails).” Written by Christa Joy Black, Jeremy Riddle, and Brian Johnson. Acoustic guitar and vocals by Derek Charles Johnson. ------------------------------------------- WHERE TO FIND DEREK CHARLES JOHNSON: —MUSIC:
 Buy:https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store
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 —INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/derekcharlesjohnson/ ______________________________________ ONE THING REMAINS (YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS) LYRICS Higher than the mountains that I face Stronger than the power of the grave Constant in the trial and the change One thing remains One thing remains Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love And on and on and on and on it goes Yes it overwhelms and satisfies My soul And I never, ever have to be afraid Cause this one thing remains Oh one thing remains Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love In death, in life I'm confident and covered by The power of Your great love I know my debt is paid And there's nothing that can separate My heart from Your great love Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love

Today’s Devotional - Monday October 10th “Fake Outrage” “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26,27 Question for today: How can I avoid being drawn into senseless arguments today? Pray: Lord thank You for the example we have in Jesus who showed us how to differ with others in a way that still showed love. 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

Today’s Devotional - Monday November 21st “Thankful Just Because” Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34 Question for today: Is thankfulness a response I willingly express to the Lord? If not, why? Pray: God I am thankful today simply to be called Your child. Let that be enough for 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 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com

Drive The Enemy Out Completely | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | March 3, 2023 Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. Joshua 16:12 The Book of Joshua is a fascinating book as we see the nation of Israel go in and finally take the land God promised them. Under Moses the people rejected the promise because they were afraid of giants in the land. Joshua takes a whole new generation of Israelites in and after the crossing the Jordan, they takedown dozens of kings and kingdoms. However, asad footnote was apparent by the end of the book: certain enemies were not fully driven out. The people they were told to remove were left in various areas and cities. There’s an application here to our spiritual lives. When we choose to follow Christ and leave behind an old lifestyle we must do all that we can to remove ties to those old ways. What are the triggers that linger around and tempt us? Maybe a subscription to a streaming service that has shows we don’t need to watch. Maybe the drinks we leave in the fridge just in case we need to loosen up after a stressful day. Maybe it’s a phone contact we need to delete because those conversations onlylead to gossip and slander. Whatever means the enemy can use to gain a foothold, he will use them. Israel dealt with many headaches years down the road because they let the enemy live in the land. Under the Lord’s power, it is our charge to drive the enemy out completely from our lives. Question for today: Are there any areas of my life that I am giving the Devil a foothold in? How can I close that door completely? Pray: God give me strength today to drive out the enemy. I want to lessen the opportunities for temptation to win. 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

Obedience Over Sacrifice | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | March 29, 2023 Then Samuel said: “Does the LORD take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD?” 1 Samuel 15:22 Saul was a king who could execute a battle plan successfully. He was a warrior; able to engage the enemy and conquer Israel’s foe. But his fatal flaw was being unable to completely carry out the instructions God gave him. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul defeats the Amalekites but spares their king and several livestock even though his instructions are to destroy everything. Instead of obeying, Saul sets up an altar and offers a sacrifice to God. In this, God is not pleased and rejects him as king. David was a king who was after God’s heart. Hungry, humble, and obedient, he followed God’s command to the letter and didn’t seek to take the kingship by force, waiting until God gave it to him. David made mistakes too, but he was quick to repent and turn away from his sin. Saul let his pride get in the way. In these two lives, there is much we can learn about persistence and waiting for God’s perfect timing. Question for today: If God sees obedience as more desirable than sacrifice, how do I apply this to my life? Pray: Lord, keep me humble today knowing that you delight in an obedient heart. Forgive me for pridefully trying to do things on my own. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

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

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

Today’s Devotional - Monday September 26th “The Secret Life Of Surrendered Saints” Whoever dwells in the shelterof the Most High will rest in the shadowof the Almighty. I will say of theLord, “He is my refugeand my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1,2 Question for today: Am I regularly unplugging and finding a secret place with my Lord? Pray: God forgive me for allowing distractions to take priority over You. You have my full attention. 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

Today’s Devotional - Monday December 26th “Resting And Reflecting” Come toMe, all who labor and areheavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, andlearn from Me, for I amgentle and lowly in heart, andyou will find rest for your souls. ForMy yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Question for today: As much as it is busy during this time of year, how am I making room for extra rest and reflection in the word and in prayer…knowing how essential it is? Pray: Jesus I thank You for the call to just “Come to You.” I receive that and answer that call by resting in Your presence. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com

Let God Write Your Resume | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | January 6, 2023 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them,for he has defied the armies of the living God. 1 Samuel 17:36 In the story of David vs. Goliath, there’s a moment at which David must convince King Saul to let him go and fight the giant. David has grown offended by the taunts and jeers of the Philistine Goliath towards the “armies of the living God.” He asks what will be done for the man who is willing to fight and kill him. Word gets back to Saul and although David is willing to fight, the king has his doubts. David is just a youth. What experience does he have? But in his response, David goes through his lists of accomplishments on the field — lions and bears have fallen by his hand. Goliath would be no different. When we allow God to bring us through smaller, more minor battles, we find that we are prepared for the bigger things to come. We must trust that in this process, He is “building and writing our resume.” God knew that one day, Goliath would confront Israel. He knew David would be the man to take him down. All the years fighting bears and lions were preparation years for David to get ready. David may not have even known why those smaller battles occurred but once Goliath appeared, he knew how to fight and win. May we let God write our resumes as well so that when we face Goliaths, we take the same posture, saying “The battle is theLord's, and he will give you [Goliath] into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:47 Question for today: Am I able to see God writing the resume of my life, knowing smaller battles and hidden years are preparing me for the journey ahead? Can I trust Him in the smaller things as well as the larger ones to come? Pray: Lord just as You were preparing David in his youth, You prepare us. Our spiritual growth in You means that we can face and conquer giants because You give us the ability to do it. Want to subscribe to the AS BOLD AS LIONS devotional and blog mailing list? Click here to sign up: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/as-bold-as-lions Tune in to the weekly AS BOLD AS LIONS podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including: Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3DfKqbU Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3gp6jvJ Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/6RgTqIoe0gb Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G4Zt86 iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/3UymTde My website podcast player: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/podcast We’d love to hear from you! Email: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com Interested in hosting Derek for an event? Visit https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/contact

God Of All by Derek Charles Johnson, streaming on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4OtCgueXstwG9kPId4sojk?si=d106b62839054684

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

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.” 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

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