As Bold As Lions Podcast

Send us a textBe still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!  Psalm 37:7What does it look like to "rest expectantly" or to rest with expectation?  This episode considers this idea against the backdrop of several verses in Psalm 37.  As we come into the summer, we often trade one level of busyness and "over-programming" for a season that moves at the same pace (just with a different look).  These months are often perfect times to pull away, to find rest in our Savior, and to quiet ourselves before Him.  Sadly, we often don't utilize them as we should.  Let this podcast take you into the summer, recognizing your need for more of His presence and less of the world's pace.  Find rest and be expectant for what He will do!  

Send us a textIn Acts 17:16-34, we see Paul's encounter in Athens at the Areopagus.  This was a center of philosophical thought, higher learning, and judicial proceedings.  It was a place to go to discuss ideas and to debate.  Paul was invited to share about his God and his beliefs in front of an audience at the Areopagus.  Within this chapter, we see Paul makes inroads and finds common ground with his audience.  He follows the right "evangelical" course, yet some were disapproving and even mocked his message.  Still, others wanted to listen and hear Paul out.  Finally, some believed!  We see the power of the Gospel through this event.  From this Acts 17 account, there is much we can use in terms of our own witness and our need to boldly speak about Christ just as Paul did.  Check out the new AS BOLD AS LIONS merch items:   https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store

Send us a textWhen we look at the holiness of God and how we can get it wrong, we need not look any further than the example of Ananias & Sapphira in the early Acts church.  As we come to Acts 5, we see the church in line with the Lord's leadership -- it is seeing miracles occur, needs taken care of, and God is adding to their number.  Suddenly the brakes are hit as we learn of Ananias & Sapphira, their sin and choice to withhold from God the full truth of their donation.  In this story, we see that God indeed takes holiness seriously and He desires a pure Bride, a pure Church.  We can hide nothing from God.  We must run to Him to confess and profess -- confess sin and profess Him as Lord.  Watch short movie, Jesus The Narrow Way:  https://youtube.com/shorts/K7tfDmnK1vk?si=JzaqNnIHGqKdYOk_Check out the new AS BOLD AS LIONS merch items:   https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store

Send us a textIn the account of 1 Samuel 13-15, we see the demise and downfall of King Saul, the first king of Israel.  His undoing involved his unwillingness to wait for the Lord, his decision to make rash vows before Him, and the fact that he chose sacrifice over obedience.  In the mistakes he made, he allowed for compromise in the way he treated the holiness of God.  God takes holiness very seriously and we can look at various players in Scripture and learn from the mistakes they made.  In doing so, we can find a way that is better and is after the heart of God.  Check out the new AS BOLD AS LIONS merch items:   https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store

Send us a textThis week being Holy Week, we are contemplating the meaning of Easter.  With any major holidays around the church calendar (Christmas included), it can be easy to go through the motions and simply "check the box" by attending a service, participating in worship, and so on.  But what is the deeper meaning of these things and why do we celebrate, especially the death and resurrection of our Lord?  Today's episode reminds us of some of truths that accompany Easter; truths that when lived out, have the potential to transform our lives.  Check out the new AS BOLD AS LIONS merch items:   https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store

Send us a text5 loaves of bread and a couple fish.  How would it ever be enough to feed the large crowd that stood before Jesus and the disciples?  Today's episode takes us to John 6:1-15, the account of Jesus feeding the 5000.  This passage can become very familiar to us; so much so that we miss the weight of just how powerful God is and what He can do.  In our lives God will often place before us a need that seems too big to imagine any solution.  In that process, He is asking us to display "obedient trust."  As we partner with Him and step in faith into what He is asking, we see His glory on display.  We see Him as the God of endless resources.  Be encouraged, God never runs out!  

Send us a textMega church pastors falling into moral failure.  Epstein lists and Diddy files coming out into the open.  Government admission of misleading Americans during the COVID response.  Exposure and potential exposure is all around us.  When we focus on what we see and hear, we can get discouraged and perhaps even have our own faith shaken.  But if we are focused on the Lord, we don't lose heart.  Essentially, exposure must first start with us -- allowing the Lord to examine our souls.  From there, we allow ourselves to be used in the process that God is already doing.  Even from the ashes of what is being dismantled, God is building an unshakeable Kingdom.  May we be bold as we step out in faith in these days.  Buy the AS BOLD AS LIONS TRUCKER HATVisit my store:  https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store

Send us a textExposure is a term we've been hearing a lot lately.  But when it comes to what God is doing and revealing, how do we respond?  How does it affect our faith?  Today's episode is part 1 of a 2-part series.  It focuses mainly on the Biblical and Scriptural support for exposure and realizing that today, God is still doing the same things we see in the Bible. We have to trust what He is doing and even partner with Him to be agents of change in our world.  The Lord is at work and exposing much...in 2025 and beyond.  Buy the AS BOLD AS LIONS TRUCKER HAT

Send us a textIn John 4, we see an encounter Jesus has with the Samaritan woman at the well.  In this encounter, there is a point at which Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah.  In response to this, the woman rushes back to her village with the big news:  “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” John 4:29.  Many villagers respond and see for themselves this Jesus; discovering that He truly is the Savior.  As we dive into this passage today, we see that there is no one too far gone for Jesus to reach.  We also discover that in our worship, the Lord desires worshippers in spirit and in truth.  Finally, the news of the Gospel should compel us to go and tell others, just as this woman did.  Many are thirsty for Living Water.  Are we willing to share Jesus with them?   

Send us a textIn John 1, we see a handoff taking place of disciples.  More specifically, the disciples of John the Baptist see Jesus ("the Lamb of God") and follow after Him.  The way John recounts this in his Gospel, we see no effort on the part of John the Baptist to take away from or keep his followers from seeking the Lord.  And really, that was his mission:  to prepare the way for the Lord.  This episode examines the call of these first disciples and asks some questions to ourselves:  is there anything in our lives that we follow greater than Jesus, are we telling others about Him, and are we allowing Jesus to do "even greater things" in our lives as He speaks to Nathanael in John 1:51.  This podcast is an extension to the Wild Faith series; a call to continue seeking after Christ in all we do.  

Send us a textGo 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 Ending this series on Wild Faith, we are looking at the Great Commission and how it is a call to simply "Go" and share the Gospel.  This episode uses some content from a previous blog in 2021, but the thrust of the message is the same.  We are not given the option to simply stand idly by while others do the work of evangelism.  When we do move out, we see that Jesus is right alongside us and even goes before us into the situations we come across.  Life is too short.  The stakes are too high.  We must share Jesus with the world.  A wild faith demands it.  

Send us a textBut as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15Continuing on talking about "Wild Faith," the home is ground zero for where a bold faith is shaped and put on display.  Homes that exhibit wild faith will look different than others on the block.  Jesus will be the center and foundation of such homes.  And a generational inheritance of Christ will be the mark of the sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters of homes built upon wild faith.  Today's episode dives into this discussion and the importance of covenanting with the Lord to make Him the reason for everything we do.  This faith will then shape our interaction with the world, making us bold to share the Promise that we have!  

Send us a textWhenever we put the word "wild" in front of something, we can have a certain impression because of what we perceive wild to mean.  In this episode, consider a definition of wild which means "passionately eager or enthusiastic, going beyond normal or conventional bonds, and deviating from the intended or expected course."  When considering all of these meanings and then applying it to our faith, we can see how God would use us in ways that take us from living in the status quo or just as a cookie-cutter Christian.  In this episode, we get an idea of what Derek means when he says the phrase "wild faith" and how to apply it as Christians.  Ideally, it means moving closer to God and further from this world, seeing that God is exactly Who He says He is, and that the patterns we see the faithful display in the Bible are the same patterns that we should expect today.  It's a wild faith and we are called to live it!

Send us a textBut He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.  Psalm 81:16With this first episode of 2025, we are looking at this concept of honey from the rock:  an idea which comes to us from Psalm 81.  We see that honey signifies God's abundant blessings upon our lives.  From the Psalm we also see that in order to truly taste of these blessings, God desires obedience from us.  Finally, the phrase "honey from the rock" truly points us to Jesus; that He is the Rock and honey is the grace and salvation imparted to us by Him.  This entire concept is eye-opening and something that can and should transform our faith.  It's a great place to start out the New Year:  considering how we can taste the honey that God has for us this year and ultimately pursue Him more deeply.  

Send us a textThis episode is a bit of retrospection...looking back at 2024 and highlighting a few words that encompass the year.  This year had its moments where we didn't know what was coming next; especially in terms of political events.  It was also a time of growth, especially within the church (locally and on a national/global scale).  And it was a year that showed promise:  God was faithful and remains faithful even through what 2025 will bring.  Take a moment to listen and reflect back upon the year that was.  Through this, allow yourself to see how God was there each step along the way.  Let that guide you into what the next year will bring!

Send us a textThis episode is a "Christmas Edition" episode that is part of the Hymns That I Love series and also accompanies the Songs Of The Season series (from 2021).  Join me as we again dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of a beloved hymn.    LO, HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)Watch Derek's recording here:  https://youtu.be/6HVbnazk_Ek Lo, How A Rose E'er BloomingAuthor unknown (German origins), translated by Theodore Baker with harmonization melody by Michael Praetorius.  Lo, how a Rose e'er bloomingFrom tender stem hath sprung!Of Jesse's lineage comingAs men of old have sung.It came, a flower bright,Amid the cold of winterWhen half-gone was the night.Isaiah 'twas foretold it,The Rose I have in mind:With Mary we behold it,The virgin mother kind.To show God's love arightShe bore to men a SaviorWhen half-gone was the night.This Flower, whose fragrance tenderWith sweetness fills the air,Dispels with glorious splendorThe darkness everywhere.True man, yet very God,From sin and death He saves usAnd lightens every loadFrom sin and death He saves usAnd lightens every load

Send us a textTherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Ephesians 6:13If we have had recent victories in our nation, in our churches, our homes, etc, we must still realize this:  we are in a spiritual battle.  The enemy is prowling, regrouping, and readying an attack -- on those who profess and claim Christ.  Today's episode centers much upon spiritual warfare and the realization that as believers, we cannot stop pressing in and moving forward.  We must put on the armor everyday.  We must plead the blood over our homes.  And we must stand in Christ's victory.  Are you suited up?  Are you getting into the secret place everyday?Check out my podcast series on The Full Armor of God:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-bold-as-lions-podcast/id1551824939?i=1000593099440

Send us a text“To recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”  George Washington What are the origins of the holiday we celebrate known as Thanksgiving?  The day was set aside by a proclamation by President George Washington in 1789.  This proclamation has much to benefit our understanding of this day and what it means to our nation.  Namely, this day is a day of thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God.  This podcast episode walks through this proclamation and the implications therein...things that still apply to us now some 200+ years later.  Read the proclamation here:  https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091

Send us a textWhen examine the familiar story of David and Goliath, we see in David a man who is motivated in faith by the fear of his God.  David could not have taken the steps of obedience that he took had he not lived in a fearful surrender.  The armies of Israel were bound in fear; David stepped forward when no one else did.  He also knows God has delivered him from big foes before (lions and bears) and the giant Goliath would be no different.  Lastly, he gives all credit to the Lord.  The victory is for His glory and His alone.  Join Derek for this podcast episode which takes a fresh look at this famous battle.  In this, let your own faith be moved forward to trust that God still is the God who takes down giants! For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26Watch the David and Goliath clip mentioned in this episode:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCm-8qf1fU&t=44s

Send us a textToday's podcast is a single episode (i.e. "one-off") which is based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11.  In this passage, we read Paul's words to Timothy.  His words are full of encouragement.  His words are directive (as a mentor to a mentee). His words bring warning against falsehoods and false gospels.  These short eleven verses point the believer to find accountability, to be discerning, and to preach the Gospel with our lives on display each day.  May this episode be an encouragement for you to live out your faith...boldly!  

Send us a textMoses My servant is dead.  Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.  Joshua 1:2Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9This episode is a call to action.  We know the world is in chaos around us.  But that should not keep us from entering into the promise God has called us to.  What dreams has He laid before you?  What things are unachievable unless He steps in?  With the backdrop of Joshua 3, this episode looks at the Jordan River crossing by Ancient Israel.  In that event, the generation that had been with Moses (the ones who crossed the Red Sea) had all died out.  This new generation had to step into the water to see it part.  They were also called to memorialize and remember what took place.  This story is a reminder to us:  God is still calling us to cross Jordan Rivers.  What water is He calling you to step into today?  

Send us a textIf My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14Today's podcast episode is a bit of a departure from other episodes in that its focus is primarily on prayer.  There are 4 major areas of focus:1. Prayer of repentance over this land2. Prayer for God to bring the right persons into power (president, governors, senators, reps, state and local level officials)3. Prayer for Christians to be involved in this process and to be bold4. Prayer for the future of this country and to turn its eyes back to God (revival)Join Derek as we walk through each of these areas and spend some concentrated time in prayer.  We are crying out for the Lord to heal this land.  We are crying out for His hand upon this election and leaders as we move forward.  We are asking for boldness with the Body of Christ.  And we want to see revival in our lifetime!  Amen. 

Send us a textIn looking at various passages of Scripture, especially in the New Testament, there are encounters in which a similar sentiment or expression is raised:  how do I find salvation?  In these encounters, a similar response is given and in-roads are made to the hearer; an unbeliever who is not a follower of Christ but a seeker of truth.  A few of these conversations are looked at today:  we revisit Paul and the jailer in Acts 16.  We look at Nicodemus and his late night visit to discuss matters with Jesus in John 3.  And we contemplate Peter once again and the hearers of his sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 (an event in which 3000 find salvation).  Do we understand that many are so close and are looking for the answer to "What must I do to be saved?"  If and when we do, we find out that we are the tools God uses to bring about these salvations, through the Holy Spirit.    God Questions - How Can I Be Saved Article:  https://www.gotquestions.org/how-can-I-be-saved.html 

Send us a textFinishing up this batch of Profiles In Courage episodes, we are looking at Paul.  In Acts 16:16-40, Paul and Silas have an encounter in Philippi that leads to them being beaten and thrown into prison.  As we observe the reasoning behind their imprisonment, we can easily see why this was unfair and unjust.  Yet Paul praised God while he was in jail.  During that time at midnight, God sends an earthquake and the prison doors fly open.  Long story short, Paul's obedience to the Lord leads to the conversion of the jailer and his entire family.  Through this passage, we learn that sometimes tough things come even we are obedient to the Lord.  But through those circumstances we must and should still praise.  As we do, we see God is faithful and walks with us through the trials we face.  I hope you will be blessed with this episode and encouraged to go back and listen to this entire series from these past few weeks.  Feel free to reach out:  info@derekcharlesjohnson.com 

Send us a textNow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.  Acts 4:13As we move into the New Testament and look at Peter this week and Paul next week, we see boldness in both men in the pages of Acts.  After Christ's ascension, there is something that takes place within Peter.  It is apparent through the first few chapters as he preaches and addresses various crowds:  from those gathered at Pentecost, to those after the healing of the lame beggar, to the ruling council of Sadducees.  In each instance, Peter's boldness leads him to share the Gospel and to connect this same Jesus with prophecy as a fulfillment of the Scripture.  Peter's boldness can and should become our boldness.  In a world which needs to hear, are we taking the truth with us into the settings we're in each day?   Listen to:  Jesus & Peter - Prior To/Following The Crucifixion (ENCOUNTERS) https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1663204/episodes/8520597-jesus-peter-prior-to-following-the-crucifixion-encounters

Send us a textContinuing on in our Profiles In Courage series, we are looking at Daniel. Specifically, we are looking at Daniel 6 -- the famous "Daniel in the lion's den" account.  Daniel was a man who was willing to defy governmental orders in order to obey his God.  The fact that he ends up in the lion's den attests to his own refusal to bow to man over God.  In the process, he gives all praise and glory to God when he is found alive and well after a night with the lions.  In this, his stand for God is something the King takes and pronounces to his entire kingdom:  the God of Daniel....He is the living God, enduring forever (Daniel 6:26).  What might our stand for God look like in the end?  If we are saved from the lions as Daniel was, we give glory to God.  If we face martyrdom like Stephen in Acts, we give glory to God.  Either way, the Gospel goes forth and God is praised!  

Send us a textRebooting a series that debuted in 2021, this week we are looking at Abraham and the path he took as he courageously obeyed his God.  Our text comes from Genesis 22, the retelling of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac.  Isaac was the promised heir and the one through which God would make Abraham a mighty nation.  In choosing to follow the Lord, Abraham shows an outward obedience despite any inward hesitation he may have felt. He shows that God brings provision through our obedience.  Finally, God does not forget His promise to Abraham and makes good on all He said He would do.  We know the names of these Profiles In Courage, these heroes of the faith, because they stepped out.  If they had refused, their account would not have made it into the Biblical record.  But because we know their names and their stories, we can take heart.  God goes with us and before us into the steps of faith we must take.  

Send us a textSeek the Lord while He may be found;     call upon Him while He is near;let the wicked forsake his way,     and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him,     and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.For My thoughts are not your thoughts,     neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.For as the heavens are higher than the earth,     so are My ways higher than your ways     and My thoughts than your thoughts.Isaiah 55:6-10Derek shares a standalone episode this week, detailing some insights from a recent passage he has studied:  Isaiah 55:6-10.  In this passage, we see that God invites us to seek Him while He may be found.  He has compassion and extends His pardon to the wayward sinner.  And we can trust Him despite what we see going on around us.  His ways and thoughts are higher than our own.  Listen in and be encouraged by this episode; a subject that should give us much hope even in these days.  

Send us a Text Message.Finishing up this last group of 3 episodes in this series (Stuff That's Been On My Mind), we're diving into the election.  Yes it is on everyone's mind.  No I don't intend to tell you who to vote for.  But as a Christian, I believe we CANNOT afford to sit this one out.  2024 will have lasting implications for our country.  We must pray, go to the polls, and keep praying.  There are certain value voter issues that have stark contrast between the two candidates:  know what Scripture says and vote those values.  No matter what happens, we know God is in control and He reigns.  Kings and kingdoms bow down to Him and no matter who is in the Oval Office, that office must bow to the King of kings.  May this episode encourage you as a Christian and may we continue to pray for America in these days; days that are vitally important to our future existence and freedom.  

Send us a Text Message.Is revival possible in our lifetime?  For Christians, especially believers in the United States, we have longed for and prayed for revival for many years.  And in some places we are seeing pockets of revival and moves of God that are stirring many to follow Him.  But could a widespread, wide-scale awakening happen in our day?  This episode dives into this subject and acknowledges that in order for revival to occur we must have repentance, we must realize that no government or power of man can change our situation, and that any move of God will have elements that won't look how we expect.  This causes us to be fully dependent upon Him as we follow God's charge in 2 Chronicles 7:14:  If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

Send us a Text Message.Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  2 Timothy 3:12 Rebooting a series that was started in May, we look again at another topic that has been on Derek's mind lately.  The discussion of persecution -- especially in the Western Church -- has been a growing concern.  Whether or not we consider American believers as "persecuted," we do see signs of growing hostility and harassment towards those who bear the Gospel.  This episode is an honest look at this topic and how we handle it moving forward, knowing that if we are in Christ we will face persecution.  The good news is we can take joy in knowing it is revealing our faith and that it only serves to further advance the Gospel.  Jesus is with us in these days.  

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  Romans 8:31With all the doom and gloom in this world, it can be hard sometimes as Christians to see what good there is.  We can long for eternity and even "check out" of the things going on here on Earth, hoping for Christ's soon return.  However, we are called to live in the tension of the present alongside the hope of Heaven.  With Romans 8:31-39 as a backdrop, this episode looks at the hope we have in Christ despite the uncertainty of the world around us.  We see that Jesus intercedes for us and loves us deeply.  We also understand that we are more than conquerors because of the life we have in Christ.  For those who do not know this hope, today's episode offers a simple salvation prayer and presentation of the Gospel.  

He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.' And so it happens.  And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,' and it happens.  You hypocrites!  You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”  Luke 12:54-56Do we recognize times and seasons?  Are we prepared as events around us take place that have the potential to shake this world?  And do we see the rapid nature in which things are changing...an acceleration that seems to only be growing by the day?  In Christ we are called to preach the Gospel.  It never changes no matter what this world brings.  Additionally, we must seek the Lord to ask what He would want to do in and through us and that we would be ready, even in seasons of great change.  From now until the end of 2024 and even beyond, I feel much is going to happen.  Are we ready and are we willing to be used by the Lord "for such a time as this?"

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.  Revelation 2:20In this last installment of the "Stuff That's Been On My Mind" series, we take a look at the Jezebel spirit.  This is somewhat of a buzzword concept in much of Christian/church circles these days and the topic comes at us from many angles.  It has certainly been a hot button topic in recent news headlines relating to various pastors and churches.  This episode seeks to identify and define Biblically what this spirit is by tying it back to passages in 1 & 2 Kings (relating to Queen Jezebel) and to passages like Revelation 2 in which Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira.  Is Jezebel alive and well today?  Yes.  Do we have authority in Jesus' name to overcome this spirit?  Yes.  Take a listen today and put on your spiritual armor for the fight.  Related podcast referenced in this episode:  ELIJAH (Profiles In Courage) Listen on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elijah-profiles-in-courage/id1551824939?i=1000553132253Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ih9FHMT3x7iwM56kFIgkw?si=A_M7G0bxRiuIGRKwl0KSng

What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.  Ecclesiastes 1:9A year spent in Artificial Intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.  Alan Jay Perlis. On this next installment of "Stuff That's Been On My Mind," we look at A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) and finding a Christian approach to this technology.  We can see already that A.I. is here and influencing much of what we do on a daily basis.  Additionally, we know that potential nefarious deeds can or could come as a result of using A.I.  As Christians it's my belief (Derek) that we do not run from this conversation or from this technology but we figure out how to use it to benefit the Kingdom while at the same dispelling the darkness it may bring elsewhere.   

DC Talk's song "What If I Stumble?" from their 1995 Jesus Freak album, feature the opening lyrics Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord? Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?   What has always been a temptation with the platform and with the stage is to make the person(s) bigger than the message.  Today a quick websearch of "Christian Celebrity Culture" will bring up several articles and viewpoints about where we are at as a church culture with our own "celebrities" and big names.  Overall, is this a bad thing?  Is seeking fame wrong?  And if we have influence, is it being used to point people to Christ or simply to ourselves?  Today's episode is the first in this "Stuff That's Been On My Mind" series; a series looking at some hot-button issues that need to be looked at within the lens of the Gospel.  

Thus says the LORD to you “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's”.  2 Chronicles 20:15 When the people of Judah face a fierce opponent in 2 Chronicles 20, there is a right response made by King Jehoshaphat.  Even as he is afraid of the enemies of Moab and Ammon, the king calls for a fast over the land.  His prayer in verse 12 is one of the most honest prayers in all of Scripture:  "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”  The Lord does end up answering the prayers of the people and the king.  The enemy is routed.  Judah experiences peace and fear of their nation grips even other nations beyond them.  This week's podcast realizes that even though we face daily battles, those fights belong to the Lord.  We must stand in obedience and wait patiently as we give the fight over to Him.  Furthermore, we must worship as we go into the battle.  As praise goes up, His presence leads us.  Finally, as we fight we know the enemy has to run when God shows up.  May we take courage and may go into each situation knowing that we can operate from a place of victory.  Christ has already won the fight!  

In the Book of Judges, a sad thing happens to the people of Israel; God's chosen people for His promise:  they fall into sin and disobedience.  After the years of being delivered, crossing the Red Sea, and even settling into the Promised Land, the people have done the very thing God warned them not to do.  They fell for the gods and idols of the people who surrounded them.  Into this, they ultimately forgot what God had done for them and forgot the legacy that was theirs to claim.  If we are not sharing the faith with our kids and making it a daily aspect of our lives, the steps that lead us (and them) from the Lord are not far.  In one generation, faith can either be solidified and built up OR it can be torn down and dismantled.  It's up to us to talk about the things of God as Moses declared in  Deuteronomy 6:6-9.  From there, if the generations that follow us have heard, it is their choice to listen and obey.  Today's podcast takes us down this trail of thought and uses the Israelites' experience as one we can learn from.  

As we follow Christ, there is a tendency that can always creep in to lull our hearts away from Him.  This temptation can take various forms.  Sometimes we can ask "If I am doing all of this for the Lord, where is the payoff for me personally?"  This can be very subtle and an idea that grows over time.  We see that in other aspects of life, hard work = reward.  But often the rewards we seek in the faith are not in this life but in the one to come.  As we follow that temptation and our hearts are drawn from the Lord, we can easily fall into the trap of "the gospel of me."  Today's podcast unpacks this thought a bit further as we look at the origins and characteristics of a me-focused gospel.  May we rejection this notion at every turn and may we find our rest and hope in the Lord!

And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days.”  Joshua 6:2,3The battle of Jericho was a unique battle in the timeline of Israel's history as a nation.  Having taken fresh steps into the Promised Land, Joshua leads the people to conquer Jericho.  The battle plan was unconventional but yet it needed to be followed in detail.  In carrying out the plan, Israel would open the door to further victories.  Those victories would establish them in the new land.  From this battle we can draw many parallels to our own day.  May we continue to march around the Jerichos in our lives knowing God has the power to topple the walls and giants we face.  

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”  After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.  John 18:37,38The question posed by Pilate to Jesus "What is truth?" has always been  a question that stopped me dead in my tracks when reading about Jesus' trial and crucifixion.  It's a big question.  It's definitely a question a seeker of truth would ask.  If Pilate could have known Who he was asking this question to, the answer would have opened his eyes.  Still, we can know Jesus as the embodiment of truth and that His very words are truth.  From there, we can know the truth because we choose to follow Jesus and live in the freedom He brings.  May that message stir your heart once again, not only at Easter but throughout the whole year.  

On March 11, 2014 my (Derek's) debut album Carry On was released.  It is amazing to think it has now been 10 years since that release date.  A lot of life has happened in that space of time.  This podcast episode is a slight detour from our normal content, but it's purpose is to celebrate and give God glory through what He has done.  Carry On was, in many ways, a first step into ministry and music for me.  It has opened many doors and in God's providence, the story of many songs and thoughts treasured up were able to be shared.  Join me for this retrospective podcast in which we dive in deeper and look at this album now turning 10!  Listen to Carry On on these streaming platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5T10h7kXZh91qrBAVoKiio?si=w7sH3tNYQDqbB6EwPJEBvwApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/carry-on/836420634Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/xBg2W5vHnHbAmazon Music:  https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00IX6BIQI?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Q280kvfLyQJPNiNag2kh0YV0DCDs available for purchase here:  https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/product/284877YouTube acoustic versions:King Of Glory https://youtu.be/0bWJ15Zt3yk Prodigal https://youtu.be/OwH-lNUvIQUCarry On https://youtu.be/kcKO5wpMkMkCity On The Hill Music Festival:  https://cityonthehillmusicfest.com/Tommee Profitt wikipedia page:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommee_Profitt

The second in this 2 part series on The Hiding Place, this episode finishes out the story and pulls some more themes together.  Through the extraordinary faith of Corrie and her sister Betsie, they are able to see the love and grace of God despite the dark circumstances they encounter.  Both go through months of imprisonment because they were part of the Dutch Resistance.  But they have the opportunity to lead Bible studies and encourage other prisoners; even to serve as witnesses to guards and officers.  Finally, a theme of forgiveness is readily present as Corrie must grapple with how to forgive those who did much harm to her and her family.  Through Christ, we see an example we should follow.  Links for items mentioned:The Hiding Place (original movie — free on YouTube):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNDe30_eKwThe Hiding Place (2023 movie):  https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CQ6VK4T1/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rHiding Place museum:  https://www.corrietenboom.com/en/homeThe Hiding Place Book (35th Anniversary Edition):  https://a.co/d/d4hImFm

In this first part of a 2-part series, Derek takes a look at favorite book:  The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom.  The Hiding Place is a story of extraordinary faith and trust in God's plan during one of the darkest periods in history:  World War II.  The story of Corrie and the ten Boom family is remarkable.  Through their efforts, it is estimated some 800 Jews were saved.  In this podcast, the effort is made to not just make this a "book review."  Really it's an examination of faith and an opportunity to ask the question:  would we be able to do the same as Christians if we were placed in a similar scenario?  Would we be willing to take the risk to save lives even if it might cost our own?  This first episode in the series examines a life that surrendered to God and was willing to take the risks of faith, no matter the cost.  Links for items mentioned:The Hiding Place (original movie — free on YouTube):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNDe30_eKwThe Hiding Place (2023 movie):  https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CQ6VK4T1/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rHiding Place museum:  https://www.corrietenboom.com/en/homeThe Hiding Place Book (35th Anniversary Edition):  https://a.co/d/d4hImFm

This week's episode takes a look at the concept of a hardened heart.  We see this throughout Scripture and really it's a posture we can knowingly or unknowingly fall into if we aren't in right relationship with the Lord.  Certainly we see the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in resisting God's call to free His people.  We also see Israel itself hardening its heart when it came to carrying out God's plan to enter the Promised Land.  And in the New Testament, there is an audience that was warned against making those mistakes -- even many had tasted of Christ but had not fully committed to following Him.  For these audiences the warning is clear.  For us it is as well:  do not harden your heart to the Lord.  

Coming to the end of Jonah, we look for a tidy wrap-up and conclusion to a short book that has many twists and turns.  But perhaps the question we want answered most, "What happens to Jonah?" is left unresolved.  We see through this chapter that Jonah still has a deep sense of pride and contempt in regards to the Ninevites.  We see that God provides something for Jonah (a plant), only to take it away.  At this, he is angry and upset with God.  Overall, we see that God has a heart for the lost and pokes at Jonah's "rights" to be upset with how He [God] acts.  Do we have any blindspots within our faith that keeps us from reaching out, just like Jonah?  This episode concludes our series but there is still much we can ponder and pray through as we ask the Lord to help us not run from, but fulfill our call in Christ.  

By Jonah 3, we see the prophet hearing the call of God, reinstated, and ready to go to Nineveh.  We know Jonah went into the city and preached repentance.  We know also that everyone in the city, from the king down to the citizenry, repented and fasted.  By the end of the chapter, we see that God relents from His decision to destroy Nineveh.  From this chapter alone, we learn much about how God feels towards the lost.  As believers in Christ do we have this same care and compassion over those who do not know Him?  Join me once again as we dive in and look at this amazing story!

In this second installment of Jonah, we see Jonah praying a prayer in an unlikely place:  within the belly of a fish.  We know from the first chapter, Jonah's disobedience landed him here.  But even as this place has brought him to his knees, Jonah's plea is not rejected before God.  Through the 10 verses of Jonah 2, there is a Psalm-like longing and hope within Jonah.  By the end, we see he has a heart of repentance and a desire to once again be reinstated for God's call.  It's a call we experience too as we fully submit and surrender to God's will.  

This is the first episode of a 4-part series on Jonah.  This series looks at the life and ministry of Jonah in regards to his reluctant obedience as a prophet of God.  In this first episode (corresponding with Jonah Chapter 1), we see Jonah's flee from God's call.  We see his disobedience causing consequences for Jonah and even the men on the ship (innocent bystanders to what Jonah has done).  We also see God's care and compassion for the lost.  This first episode is the springboard for where the rest of the book will take us.  Encourage you to listen in and please share with someone who you think will be impacted by this message.  

For this year, spending some time in meditation in December led me to a word I don't often think about or even use on a regular basis.  But it's a word that has profound meaning.  It is the word attune.  I believe God is calling me/calling us to be attuned to Him in 2024.  I had to do some digging to figure out what attune/attuned means.  Even though I've used it before and had thought I knew the word's meaning, I wasn't sure.  Here's what I found:attuned/attune — aware of and attentive or responsive to somethingSensitive to somethingAble to understand or recognize something Able to understand or recognize a particular soundRelated words = empathy, identify, relate, sensitive, understanding, communicate Join Derek for this kick-off episode for the new year as we learn how to be attuned to the Lord.  

As we wrap up 2023, we take a moment to pause and reflect upon this year and the meaning of Christmas.  We consider it all afresh again and what it means personally for our lives.  We also take that posture into the new year; knowing that 2024 will bring its own challenges and difficulties.  How will we pull away and continue staying in a place where we quiet our souls in rest with our Maker?  Lots of questions to ponder as we end 2023 with this episode.  Have a journal or notebook handy!  Jot down some thoughts and use this episode to prepare your hearts for this busy holiday season as well as the year that stretches out before you.  Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.  Ecclesiastes 7:8