Author Archives: Michael D Johnson

I love people. I love seeing them experience a breakthrough. I love seeing them live victoriously. I love laughing with them and rejoicing with them in the blessings and milestones of life. But I also hurt for the pain they endure. And the pain they put themselves through. And the pain they cause other peopleContinue reading “The joy and pain of pastoring”

Is your life full of peace? Is everything calm and full of tranquility? My life seems to have moments of this but unfortunately it seems like those moments are often few and far between. The chaos and tumult and craziness that are ever present around me seem to always threaten to consume me and stealContinue reading “Where is this “peace on earth” we just sang about last month?”

Sometimes I think to myself: “well, I may not have succeeded in what I hoped to, but I will just hold on until I can retire and it will be what it will be” This resignation is not usually a good thing when it comes to ministers dealing with their disappointments and disillusionment in ministry.Continue reading “The paradox of disappointment in ministry”

Steps in the darkSteps into the unknownWhich direction? What dangers? What will happen? But I walk by faithKnowing You are my guide, my companion, my defender Uncertainty, but also possibilityThe unknown, but hand-in-hand with the One I know So I walk by faithBelieving you can see what is aheadTrusting you are leading me to aContinue reading “Walking by faith”

Comfort my people, says the Lord (Isaiah 40:1) He desires to comfort usHe longs and yearns and reaches out to comfort us His name is “Comforter” He knows we are hurtingHe knows we are wind and wave tossed His comfort is perfectHis comfort can sootheHis comfort can heal and make whole We want all painContinue reading “Comfort”

So many things to doBut not for glory and not for gain So many opportunitiesSo many demands But may I work for Your glory LordMay I serve for Your honor May what I do be an offering What do I have to offer? Certainly, You don’t need my ‘wisdom’I have no riches that you doContinue reading “An offering of work”

Far too often I worry about what I can do for God or what I need Him to do for me. Far too often I think about how hard life is or how unfair that Christian should have to endure so much. Far too often I try to demonstrate my worth thru work and ‘takeContinue reading “Striving”

“Choose you this day whom you will serve” Many Christians are familiar with this Scripture verse. But we may not spend as much time here as we need to. In choosing whom we will serve (The Lord or something/someone else) we are choosing how we are going to spend our time, money and energy. WeContinue reading “Everybody gets to choose”

God has given to us the gift of life. He created us and offers to us so many wonderful and beautiful gifts. Here is just a partial list of the truly countless gifts God has given: And on top of this, we were created in His likeness and image, which means we have been givenContinue reading “The gift of life”

Dear pastor, Will anything ever get better at your church? Will you ever see more attendees, more volunteers and sufficient income? Is the church always going to face declining numbers, passion and interest? I know, these questions seem blunt and perhaps a bit pessimistic, but reality is that many pastors have considered these questions (maybeContinue reading “Is my church stuck? Am I?”