What brings you the greatest ‘Joy’? Notice that I didn’t say ‘happiness’–happiness can be very circumstantial and very temporary. ‘Joy‘, on the other hand, is more deep-seated and long-term. So, what brings you this deeper ‘Joy‘? For some of us, it might be something significant. Something life-changing. The birth of a child, for example. TheContinue reading “GREAT Joy!”
Author Archives: Pastor Dave Johnson
Good News!
Good News–we love to share it! “She said Yes!” “It’s a Boy!” “I got the job!” “We got the house!” “We won!” Funny thing about Good News: We usually don’t have to be told to share it. If anything, we may need to be told to stop sharing it at some point. Good NewsContinue reading “Good News!”
Keep Pointing!
As I look around at our culture and the challenges that I see, I have to admit that it becomes increasingly difficult to know what to do…how to make a positive impact. Political turmoil, corruption, and blatant hypocrisy–from all sides; moral degradation to the point that all social mores are crumbling around us; selfishness andContinue reading “Keep Pointing!”
Saying “Yes” to the Good Stuff
What is the impression ‘Christianity‘ has in your mind? For many, it’s about ‘Saying ‘No’ to things…lots of things’. From the outside, it may appear that the Christian faith means ‘Not having any fun’, or ‘Always being serious’. I can understand that impression–after all, many of us who claim to be Christians do seem toContinue reading “Saying “Yes” to the Good Stuff”
Learning to Blush Again
Have you ever known someone who blushes easily? Maybe they don’t like to be the center of attention, or they get embarrassed when given a compliment. In many ways, this can seem ‘sweet’ and is charming. Some people blush when something private is brought up in public, or when lines of decency are crossed. TheseContinue reading “Learning to Blush Again”
Have YOU Ever Been ‘Trey’d’?
Trey Flowers, the defensive end for the Detroit Lions, was called last night for 2 identical penalties that he’s never been called for before. Never been called, because he doesn’t do that. He uses a legal technique, and always has. (For the record, last night he didn’t do anything illegal, either…calls were egregious errors.) TheseContinue reading “Have YOU Ever Been ‘Trey’d’?”
Becoming Stronger Than Others’ Opinions
One thing we hear a lot about these days–with justification–is bullying. Especially as school starts up again, I’m sure we’ll see this in the news and on social media. Certainly, bullying and harassing others is wrong, and should be strongly condemned. This behavior is never acceptable, and must not be minimized. As adults, we needContinue reading “Becoming Stronger Than Others’ Opinions”
Rise Above!
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist (or an NFL Football Coach–nod to Matt Patricia of the #DetroitLions) to see that there is a LOT of negativity, drama, and genuine conflict in our culture right now. Unfortunately, this had led to even more mud-slinging, name-calling, and impugning the character of those we disagree with. As always,Continue reading “Rise Above!”
You DO Have What It Takes…If…
Most of us know that our world is a mess. Politics…violence…poverty…disease…racism… There are no shortage of ‘issues’ to weigh us down and overwhelm us. It can leave us thinking that there’s nothing we can do, individually. On the one hand, that’s correct. After all, one single person choosing to live differently is a ‘drop inContinue reading “You DO Have What It Takes…If…”
“Do Something!”
This weekend was a tragic one in the US. Two mass shootings–in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, have left 29 killed, scores injured, and all of us traumatized on some level. During a speech in Dayton yesterday by a local politician, she was shouted down by people in the crowd chanting “DO Something”! ItContinue reading ““Do Something!””
