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Reaping What We Sow (Galatians 6:7-8) Mike Johnson Near the end of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, in a section of practical applications, Paul warned, “(7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the […]
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 […]
Filthy Language Mike Johnson Profanity is pervasive today, perhaps at an all-time high. It is common in schools, homes, and workplaces (blue-collar and white-collar jobs). In the past, it seemed to be used more as an exclamation if somebody was upset. Today, people use profanity as a standard part of a sentence, frequently to emphasize […]
Don’t Be a Thief! (Ephesians 4:28) Mike Johnson Ephesians 4:17-32 is one of many passages in the New Testament which speaks of a change that is supposed to occur when a person becomes a Christian. The Bible tells Christians to put off the old man, i.e., our former sinful conduct and put on the new […]
Putting off the Old Man (Ephesians 4:25-32) Mike Johnson Change can be very difficult, even painful. We typically are very comfortable with our old habits. It is said, “Most people won’t change until the pain of not changing is worse than the pain of changing.” The Bible stresses in many places that when we become […]
“I Just Wear the Clothes” Mike Johnson Many years ago, I was in a part of Tennessee with a rather sizable Amish population, which had resulted in a lot of tourism in the area. While there, I went into a store and noticed all the workers were wearing traditional Amish clothing. At some point, I […]
Put Away Anger (Ephesians 4:26-27) Mike Johnson In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul speaks of the need for Christians to put off the “old man” (one’s former conduct) and put on the new man in Christ. Listed among the various sins that followers of God are to put away is anger. Verses 26-27 says, “Be angry, and […]
A Good Name (Ecclesiastes. 7:1) Mike Johnson Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment . . . .” Parents may choose what they consider a good name for their newborn baby. In this text, he is not speaking of a good name in that sense but a good reputation, which the […]
Gather Around Me Children (Psalm 34:11-14) Mike Johnson According to its title, David wrote Psalm 34 during the time he was fleeing from Saul. He sought refuge in Gath and, to protect himself, faked insanity. Eventually, he left there and went to the cave of Adullam, where his family and 400 loyalists joined him (1 […]
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 […]
Spiritual Growth Mike Johnson Although numerical growth is significant, spiritual growth is also essential for churches today. Someone once asked a fellow Christian if the congregation where he attended had grown any. He responded by saying, “yes.” However, he then added, “We have not grown numerically, but we have grown spiritually.” He was saying they […]
Be Very Careful Mike Johnson Ephesians 5:8-14 emphasizes the importance of walking in the light, as opposed to darkness (9), which manifests itself in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Paul tells them they were to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (11). Verses 15-16 then admonishes, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not […]
Abide in Christ’s Doctrine (II John 9-11) Consider a warning found in II John 9-11. These verses say, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not […]
LET US THEREFORE FEAR (Hebrews 4:1) Mike Johnson Hebrews 4:1 says, “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.” The verse starts with the word “therefore,” which connects it to what has previously been said. In chapter 3, the writer […]
“Do Not Judge Me” Mike Johnson Matthew 7:1 says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Many people know this passage but often misunderstand it. They have the mistaken idea that if we do not agree with them on specific Bible questions or their manner of life, we should not say anything about it. According […]
SHOW ME, TEACH ME, LEAD ME (Psalm 25:4-5) Mike Johnson Palm 25 is a Psalm of repentance. The psalmist humbly expresses a desire for God’s forgiveness and wants direction from Him. In verses 4-5, he appeals to God by saying, “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth […]
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 […]
Applying God’s Word Mike Johnson People often hear the Word of God but are not willing to obey it. Some may intend to obey, but they never seem to get around to it. It is not enough to be a hearer only or to know God’s Word: we must be willing to obey it. Notice […]
The Importance of Words and Thoughts Mike Johnson (Psalm 19:14) Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” This verse is at the end of a magnificent Psalm. In verses 1-6, the writer spoke about the […]
Presumptuous Sins Mike Johnson Psalm 19:13 says, “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” What is a presumptuous sin? A presumptuous sin is a sin that is committed with arrogance and grows out of […]
Are You Frozen? Mike Johnson Consider a story that I have had for many years in my files. I do not know the author’s name, but the message is evident. The story is called “Waiting Too Long.” Once, a man standing by Niagara saw an eagle sitting on a lamb frozen in a piece of […]
My Sin Is Always Before Me (Psalm 51:3) Mike Johnson The writer of Psalm 51 expresses great sorrow for his sins. Most agree that David is the author, and he wrote it after his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 11-12, we learn that David committed adultery, and then he committed murder trying to conceal […]
“Everything I Have Is for Sale . . .” Mike Johnson Many years ago, a friend of mine had a classic automobile. He took care of that car. Every so often, he would have it painted and would keep it polished to a showroom shine. He took good care of it mechanically; any work needed, […]
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 […]
Priorities Mike Johnson “We need to put first things first.” “You need to get your priorities straightened out.” These are common expressions in our society. We should keep priorities in mind as some matters are more important than others. The Bible has a lot to say concerning priorities. God does expect people to put “first things first.” […]
A LESSON FROM A SQUIRREL Mike Johnson A few years ago, while walking, I saw a squirrel fall from a tree, which is something I never expected to see. I have often watched squirrels perform all kinds of incredible acrobatic feats. I have seen them walk across a telephone wire; I have seen them jump […]
The Enslaving Power of Sin Mike Johnson People today often picture sin as a pleasant delight. Sin, according to many, is not something to be “avoided” but is something to be “pursued.” People view the moral teaching of God’s Word as “old-fashioned,” and those who try to adhere to the high standard of the Bible and […]
ARE WE COMPLACENT ABOUT SIN? Mike Johnson Many years ago, my wife and I moved into a house close to a well-traveled train track, which trains traveled on throughout the night. At first, the whistles from the trains woke us up. Before long, however, the passing trains rarely disturbed our sleep as we grew accustomed […]
PEER PRESSURE Mike Johnson A woman who had reached the age of 102 was discussing her longevity. She said, “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about peer pressure.” Someone 102 probably does not have any peers left. However, peer pressure influences most people, to one degree or another, and it is a powerful […]
Patience Mike Johnson The term “patience” frequently occurs in the Bible. Patience is a painful lesson to learn in the age in which we live, but Christians must have this trait. Christ praised the church at Ephesus for their patience (Rev. 2:2-3). Hebrews 12:1 says that Christians are to “run with patience” the race that set before […]
OUR REGARD FOR OTHERS Philippians 2:3 Mike Johnson The book of Philippians emphasizes the importance of unity. Paul, in Philippians 1:27, encouraged the Christians at Philippi to “. . . stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel . . . .” In Philippians 2:2, he said […]
LOYALTY Mike Johnson Several years ago, I saw a bumper sticker on an automobile, which said: “110% Bama— I’ll Never Change.” The sticker expressed the extreme loyalty the owner of the car had for his favorite football team, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. I take it that his resolve would not be affected by […]
Lasciviousness Mike Johnson The sin of lasciviousness is mentioned several times in God’s Word. It is essential to discuss this sin, especially in the times we live. It seems various definitions exist for lasciviousness. The Greek word in the original is a fairly broad word that can include many things. Thayer defines the word (766 […]
JESTING Mike Johnson Ephesians 5:3-5 has a list of sins that Christians are to avoid. Such sins as fornication and covetousness are listed. Verse four mentions the sin of jesting (KJV). It says, “neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” The NASB translates the expression “not […]
Hate Father and Mother Mike Johnson Luke 14:26 says, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Why does Christ say that we must hate our fathers and mothers and other family members? […]
HOW WELL DO YOU LISTEN? Mike Johnson How well do you listen? We would not remember some of the most famous statements ever made if someone had not listened carefully to what was said. Listening correctly is very important to learning. One person put it like this: “Talk, and you say what you already know, […]
Love For God Mike Johnson The Bible teaches we are to love God. Matthew 22 reveals a case where some Pharisees were questioning Jesus. A Scribe asked Him what the greatest commandment was. In verse 37, Jesus replied, “. . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and […]
Hate Sin! Mike Johnson The Bible has a great deal to say about the subject of hate. People typically think that Christians are not supposed to hate, and generally, this is true. However, the Bible teaches that Christians are to hate sin! Many passages speak about hating evil or sin. Romans 12:9 says that we are to […]
FLATTERY Mike Johnson At a reception in Washington, a widow asked a young man to guess her age. “You must have some idea,” she said, as he hesitated. “I have several ideas,” he admitted with a smile. “The trouble is that I hesitate whether to make it ten years younger on account of your looks […]
Evil Surmising Mike Johnson I Timothy 6:4 speaks of the sin of “evil surmising.” The passage says, (KJV) “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.” What is evil surmising? We need to know what it is to see if we are guilty […]
AN IMPORTANT CHOICE Mike Johnson Life is full of choices, and we must make decisions every day. Some decisions we must make are not as important as others are. However, the most important choice we face is in the spiritual realm. Jesus spoke of options that every person faces in Matthew 7:13, 14. Here he said, […]
WARN THE UNRULY Mike Johnson In I Thessalonians 5:14, Paul gave some critical teaching for all Christians. He stated that Christians are to “be patient toward all men,” they are to “uphold the weak,” and they are to “comfort the fainthearted.” However, the first responsibility he urges is to “warn those who are unruly.” This responsibility, in addition […]
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 […]
A FAITHFUL MAN WHO FEARED GOD ABOVE MANY Mike Johnson The book of Nehemiah tells about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. This work was done by the Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity. After completing the walls, Nehemiah appointed Hanani, his brother, and Hananiah as rulers of Jerusalem. It is interesting to note the […]
Watch Out for That Lion! Mike Johnson Proverbs 22:13 says, “The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” If a lion were outside of a person’s house, he would be wise to stay inside. However, in that it is a slothful (or lazy) man speaking, it is clear that […]
INSTABILITY Mike Johnson “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away.” (Hosea 6:4) Hosea uses two figures in this verse to describe the spiritual condition of Ephraim (Israel) and Judah. Their […]
SLOW PACED FAVORS Mike Johnson Proverbs 3:27-28 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” The verses make […]
CONVICTION Mike Johnson Are you a person who has strong conviction? Once you learn what the Bible teaches, are you willing to believe and practice it no matter what? In the Bible, we can read of many people who were like this. At all costs, they were determined to follow God. For example, Paul, Stephen, […]
WHAT IS REPENTANCE? Mike Johnson What is Repentance?This is a crucial question. It is essential to understand the meaning of repentance because repentance is necessary for salvation. In Acts 2:38, Peter told the people they needed to repent (in addition to being baptized) for the remission of sins. Thus, repentance is undoubtedly essential. There are […]
BLAMING OTHERS FOR OUR SINS Mike Johnson It is widespread for people to blame their mistakes on others; we tend to want to shift responsibility. People also blame SIN on other people. Many did this in biblical times; regrettably, the blaming of sin on others also often takes place today. Commonly blamed for people’s sins today […]
Cheetahs and Christians Mike Johnson The fastest land animal is a large cat called a cheetah. It can run like a car driving down the interstate—almost 70 miles per hour. The cheetah is built for running. It has long legs, a strong, flexible spine that works as a spring, bending up and down, allowing it […]
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 […]
Thinking About the Hereafter Mike Johnson A man once asked, “Do you ever think about the hereafter?” He thought a few seconds and said, “I go in a room to get something, but once I get there, I can’t remember what I went to get. So I think, ‘what am I here after?’” The man […]
A USELESS RELIGION Mike Johnson James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” Do you know that our religion can become vain? First, Jesus pointed out that our worship is futile if we teach the doctrine and […]
CONCERN FOR OTHERS Philippians 2:4 Mike Johnson An often overlooked yet significant passage, Philippians 2:4, says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” The NASB says, “your own personal interests.” This concept is contrary to the popular notion espoused by humanists and others […]
SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH Mike Johnson In James 1:19, James addresses his “beloved brethren” and gives a vital warning. The verse says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.“ Contextually, this appeal seems to refer mainly to our disposition […]
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 […]
Carried by Angels Mike Johnson An interesting line occurs near the end of Hamlet, as Shakespeare has Horatio saying these words as Hamlet dies: “…Good night, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (5.2.361-2). Shakespeare’s idea of angels being near when an individual dies does not conflict with what we […]
Bad Company Mike Johnson There is a story about two parrots who lived near each other. One often sang hymns while the other was addicted to swearing. The owner of the latter obtained permission for it to associate with the former in the hope that its bad habit would be corrected. Instead, the opposite happened […]