Michael D Johnson

The importance of recieving

People have made some amazing things. The automobile, the computer, donuts, chocolate bars: all of these are amazing and are a testament to the creativity of those who made them. More important though, than any of the fun, cool and amazing things that people have made, are the things that God has given us: GodContinue reading “The importance of recieving”

Your value/worth as a pastor

Dear pastor, I have a confession to make. There are many times that I get all topsy-turvy regarding my value and worth as a pastor. Don’t get me wrong here, God has helped me to know that my personal identity is in Him and Him alone, but sometimes I have thought that my only valueContinue reading “Your value/worth as a pastor”

To be a missionary

Being a missionary It’s not enough to pass people and think “They may be going through difficulties” “They need Jesus” “Jesus can save them” “Jesus can give them purpose and meaning” “If they would call on the name of the Lord they will be saved” “Jesus can set them free” Thinking these thoughts can EncourageContinue reading “To be a missionary”

Can I tell you a story?

Thanks for taking a moment to let me tell you an amazing story. The story of Jesus of Nazareth is the greatest story ever told. The story I want to tell you is not fiction nor is it merely a story. It is history. It actually happened. And what it accomplished and the aftermath ofContinue reading “Can I tell you a story?”

Thank you for being a missionary

Dear pastor, dear missionary, Thank you for being a missionary. Here are a few thoughts about the missional call we have from God above: Starting as a missionary, beginning missionary work in a new place Many times we wait too long to interact and engage. Our fear overcomes us. We somehow believe that simply beingContinue reading “Thank you for being a missionary”

A difficult task

Dear Pastor, Yours is a difficult task. It is difficult for many reasons not the least of which is that people don’t want to be reminded of their shortcomings. Ministry is about helping us to turn to the One who is able to deliver us from all things but we must admit our need forContinue reading “A difficult task”

I am a missionary

I am a missionary to this culture, to this town, village, city, county, community, region. I am a missionary to the lost. I have been sent by God to reach the down, the hurting, the forgotten and forsaken. I have been sent to the blind, the lame, the poor, the injured, the diseased. I amContinue reading “I am a missionary”

Making others rich

People need to have value added to their lives not taken away. In each and every encounter that humans have one with another we have the opportunity to build up and encourage and strengthen and add value. I would define “adding value” as making other’s lives, experiences, wisdom, assets, etc more valuable because of somethingContinue reading “Making others rich”

What pastors need

Pastors need encouragement and hope. They need comradery and support. They need prayers and affirmation. They need community. They need people to believe in them. They need to know the truth and grace of the gospel. They need to know all the promises of God. Many people have read about the tragedy that took placeContinue reading “What pastors need”

Revival is available to you!

Revival seems to be in Christian circles one of two things: A series of planned services, often with outside speakers and musicians, that occurs occasionally in the life of the church A mytical, ethereal, intangible move of God’s Holy Spirit that may come one day if we can convince Him to do it and if/whenContinue reading “Revival is available to you!”