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“To recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” George Washington

What are the origins of the holiday we celebrate known as Thanksgiving? The day was set aside by a proclamation by President George Washington in 1789. This proclamation has much to benefit our understanding of this day and what it means to our nation. Namely, this day is a day of thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God. This podcast episode walks through this proclamation and the implications therein...things that still apply to us now some 200+ years later.

Read the proclamation here: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091

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When examine the familiar story of David and Goliath, we see in David a man who is motivated in faith by the fear of his God. David could not have taken the steps of obedience that he took had he not lived in a fearful surrender. The armies of Israel were bound in fear; David stepped forward when no one else did. He also knows God has delivered him from big foes before (lions and bears) and the giant Goliath would be no different. Lastly, he gives all credit to the Lord. The victory is for His glory and His alone. Join Derek for this podcast episode which takes a fresh look at this famous battle. In this, let your own faith be moved forward to trust that God still is the God who takes down giants!

For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26

Watch the David and Goliath clip mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCm-8qf1fU&t=44s

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Today's podcast is a single episode (i.e. "one-off") which is based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11. In this passage, we read Paul's words to Timothy. His words are full of encouragement. His words are directive (as a mentor to a mentee). His words bring warning against falsehoods and false gospels. These short eleven verses point the believer to find accountability, to be discerning, and to preach the Gospel with our lives on display each day. May this episode be an encouragement for you to live out your faith...boldly!

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Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Joshua 1:2

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This episode is a call to action. We know the world is in chaos around us. But that should not keep us from entering into the promise God has called us to. What dreams has He laid before you? What things are unachievable unless He steps in? With the backdrop of Joshua 3, this episode looks at the Jordan River crossing by Ancient Israel. In that event, the generation that had been with Moses (the ones who crossed the Red Sea) had all died out. This new generation had to step into the water to see it part. They were also called to memorialize and remember what took place. This story is a reminder to us: God is still calling us to cross Jordan Rivers. What water is He calling you to step into today?

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If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Today's podcast episode is a bit of a departure from other episodes in that its focus is primarily on prayer. There are 4 major areas of focus:

1. Prayer of repentance over this land

2. Prayer for God to bring the right persons into power (president, governors, senators, reps, state and local level officials)

3. Prayer for Christians to be involved in this process and to be bold

4. Prayer for the future of this country and to turn its eyes back to God (revival)

Join Derek as we walk through each of these areas and spend some concentrated time in prayer. We are crying out for the Lord to heal this land. We are crying out for His hand upon this election and leaders as we move forward. We are asking for boldness with the Body of Christ. And we want to see revival in our lifetime! Amen.

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In looking at various passages of Scripture, especially in the New Testament, there are encounters in which a similar sentiment or expression is raised: how do I find salvation? In these encounters, a similar response is given and in-roads are made to the hearer; an unbeliever who is not a follower of Christ but a seeker of truth. A few of these conversations are looked at today: we revisit Paul and the jailer in Acts 16. We look at Nicodemus and his late night visit to discuss matters with Jesus in John 3. And we contemplate Peter once again and the hearers of his sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 (an event in which 3000 find salvation). Do we understand that many are so close and are looking for the answer to "What must I do to be saved?" If and when we do, we find out that we are the tools God uses to bring about these salvations, through the Holy Spirit.

God Questions - How Can I Be Saved Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/how-can-I-be-saved.html

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Finishing up this batch of Profiles In Courage episodes, we are looking at Paul. In Acts 16:16-40, Paul and Silas have an encounter in Philippi that leads to them being beaten and thrown into prison. As we observe the reasoning behind their imprisonment, we can easily see why this was unfair and unjust. Yet Paul praised God while he was in jail. During that time at midnight, God sends an earthquake and the prison doors fly open. Long story short, Paul's obedience to the Lord leads to the conversion of the jailer and his entire family. Through this passage, we learn that sometimes tough things come even we are obedient to the Lord. But through those circumstances we must and should still praise. As we do, we see God is faithful and walks with us through the trials we face.

I hope you will be blessed with this episode and encouraged to go back and listen to this entire series from these past few weeks. Feel free to reach out: info@derekcharlesjohnson.com

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Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

As we move into the New Testament and look at Peter this week and Paul next week, we see boldness in both men in the pages of Acts. After Christ's ascension, there is something that takes place within Peter. It is apparent through the first few chapters as he preaches and addresses various crowds: from those gathered at Pentecost, to those after the healing of the lame beggar, to the ruling council of Sadducees. In each instance, Peter's boldness leads him to share the Gospel and to connect this same Jesus with prophecy as a fulfillment of the Scripture. Peter's boldness can and should become our boldness. In a world which needs to hear, are we taking the truth with us into the settings we're in each day?

Listen to: Jesus & Peter - Prior To/Following The Crucifixion (ENCOUNTERS) https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1663204/episodes/8520597-jesus-peter-prior-to-following-the-crucifixion-encounters