Michael D Johnson

Lingering

Dear pastor, I want to ask you a unique and VERY important question… Are you very good at lingering these days? Let’s define the word: You may be thinking to yourself: “What a strange question!” But here is the point. Pastors seem to be soooo busy (at least in America, much like the culture aroundContinue reading “Lingering”

More than able

Dear pastor, Let us be reminded that God is more than able to handle whatever we face and whatever we give over to Him. As a matter of fact He is more than able to handle it, keep it, bless it, beautify it and use it. We just have to give it to Him. It’sContinue reading “More than able”

Peace that is beyond comprehension

There is a lot of noise and chaos in this world. And even when we do get alone and quiet, it seems like technology or our own thoughts like to interrupt. Fear is a loud and obnoxious voice that seems to invade our thoughts and any modicum of peace we might have had. But GodContinue reading “Peace that is beyond comprehension”

Lord, please, give us today…

Let me ask you a question: What do you need today? I think that many of us know right away exactly what it is that we need today. Whether it is more patience, more sleep, less stress, more energy, more money, or something else, I’m pretty sure you have a list of things that areContinue reading “Lord, please, give us today…”

I am not afraid

I fear the Lord. I am in awe of His power and holiness. I tremble when I realize that He speaks things into existence and at His Word things also will be judged. But I love the Lord (because He first loved me) and I have joy and peace in His presence, because He hasContinue reading “I am not afraid”

The mystery of God’s will

Have you ever wrestled with trying to discover God’s will for your life? Trying to discover what path to take, what to say, what to do… The choices seem endless and we don’t want to make the wrong decision and waste our lives. But let me assure you that it is not as difficult asContinue reading “The mystery of God’s will”

Pastoring through questions

Dear pastor, Depending on your source the answer may vary but it is said that Jesus asked somewhere between 200 and 300+ questions in the gospels. Jesus shepherded His flock by asking questions. The first great awakening was carried along by the preaching and teaching of the Word but also by accountability and growth questions.Continue reading “Pastoring through questions”

Questions for the journey

Dear fellow seeker, May I ask a few questions? You and I are both on our respective journeys. We are each seeking to discover the purpose of our lives, what God is calling us to, and how we can truly bless, serve and impact others with our feeble efforts. 1. Where are you looking forContinue reading “Questions for the journey”

Be prepared in season and out of season

This Scripture is found in 2 Timothy 4:2 and is often repeated to pastors at their ordination. It is sound wisdom and we will do well to follow it but we also should remember that this comes from God’s Word and therefore reveals God’s will for each of us as His ministers. But I wonderContinue reading “Be prepared in season and out of season”

So much going on, so much left undone

Dear friend, I imagine if you are anything like me, then you find that there are so many demands on your time and so many expectations that you are trying to meet that at the end of the day you wonder sometimes if you will ever have time to pursue some of your hopes andContinue reading “So much going on, so much left undone”