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The Benefits of Being in Prison (Philippians 1:12-14) Mike Johnson (12) But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (13) so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains […]
Do Not Get Discouraged (Galatians 6:9) Mike Johnson Galatians 6:1-10 encourages us in Christian living. It points out that in a spirit of humility and gentleness, those who are spiritual are to try to restore those involved in sin. It also teaches that we are to bear the burdens of others and assist financially those […]
Did David’s Parents Forsake Him? (Psalm 27:10) Mike Johnson Many think Psalm 27 was written by David when he was fleeing from Saul. In verses 1-3, he expresses his complete confidence in God. In verses 4-6, he speaks of his love and communion with God, and then in verses 7-12, we see where David turns […]
Having Strong Confidence (Pb. 14:26) Mike Johnson Christians are to fear (have reverence and respect for) God. Those who genuinely fear God see the importance of obeying His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us we are to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Also, if we fear God, we will hate […]
Precious in the Sight of the Lord Mike Johnson Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” We think of death in many different ways. The death of a loved one is one of the greatest agonies a person can face in his/her life. Typically, we think of […]
LIFT UP YOUR SOUL TO GOD (Psalm 25:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 25:1 says, “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” The author of this Psalm, regarded as David, starts his prayer respectfully, humbly appealing to God’s mercy and desiring His pardon. This verse teaches a lot about the nature of prayer. First, we […]
FACING THE “SPIN CYCLES” OF LIFE (Psalm 37) Mike Johnson Consider the following story about a boy who wanted to wash his cat. The little boy went to the store and bought some Tide detergent. The cashier said to the boy, “It’s nice of you to run errands for your parents. Do you do the […]
SO YOU THINK YOU HAVE PROBLEMS? Mike Johnson Christians have hardships from time to time. Some face social ostracism. Some have difficulties with their families because of their religious beliefs. Other Christians may have to suffer economically because of their stands for righteousness. There are times when a person might suffer physical abuse or even […]
JOB SINNED NOT! Mike Johnson Job 1 tells us of Satan’s quest to get Job, who was a righteous, to sin against God. Satan had told God that the only reason Job was upright was that God had, as Satan put it, “made a hedge about him.” Satan agreed with God that Job was righteous […]
GOD IS OUR REFUGE (Psalm 46) Mike Johnson In the 1500s, Martin Luther wrote a hymn called, “A Mighty Fortress.” The opening lines are: “A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He, Amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.” It is said Luther based this song on Psalm 46. This […]
God Is Our Dwelling Place Mike Johnson According to the beginning note, Moses wrote Psalm 90. A standard view is that Moses wrote the Psalm during the later part of the time the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness. In this Psalm, Moses concluded by appealing to God for compassion and mercy, asking very […]
Uphold the Weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Mike Johnson Paul closes the book of 1 Thessalonians with some very important and practical exhortations. In chapter 5:14, he “exhorts” (NASB — “urge”) the brethren to, among other things, “uphold the weak.” Christians have a responsibility to “uphold the weak.” The weak are those who are spiritually weak. Most […]
GOOD FROM BAD (Philippians 1:12-14) Mike Johnson Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison. His trial had probably already taken place, and he seemed to be waiting for the verdict. It appears he expected to be released but was uncertain about it. Paul, no doubt, did not enjoy being imprisoned. Nevertheless, it is […]
IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS (I Thessalonians 5:18) Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks. . . .” This teaching occurs during a series of short admonitions near the end of the book of I Thessalonians. Earlier, Paul told them they needed to “rejoice always,” and they were to “pray without ceasing.” We might […]
Rejoice Always Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:16 says we are to “Rejoice always.” In the Greek, this passage is the shortest verse in the Bible. In contrast, the shortest verse in the English deals with the opposite emotion, which is sorrow. This verse is John 11:35, which says, “Jesus wept.” It is incredible how many times the concept […]
The Silent Killer Mike Johnson Doctors sometimes refer to high blood pressure as “the silent killer” because people often do not know they have it until the damage happens. This article is not about our physical health but rather about another silent killer condemned in the Scriptures, “bitterness.” Like high blood pressure, it often goes […]