Successful December Camp Mission

Bible reading: Psalm 103

Focus verse: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."
Matthew 5:6

I returned safely last Thursday night (Dec. 20) from a trip to Kenya.  I struggle to find words to describe God's work that I witnessed.  Even though this was my 18th trip to Kenya since 2001, participating in the camp program was a different experience.  It was absolutely amazing to see how God worked in the 3 camps.  The Kenyan staff worked so well together, even though many of them had never done anything like this before.  What a privilege for me to be able to go and to watch God work out His great master plan with the Kenyan body of Christ.

Your prayers have made all the difference.  I saw so many situations where I could tell that your prayers were the key to unlock the power of God there.  We even saw family members of staff come to know Christ!  We are excited that 225 trusted Christ on this trip and 163 made commitments for True Love Waits sexual purity in their lives!

Sometimes we see many needs around us.  Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. 


We hope you have had a Blessed Christmas!
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Pride Humbled

With the success of the recent Interlocking Ministries in the camps of Kenya, we want to offer this devotion taken from Wisdom Hunters, Boyd Bailey.  http://www.wisdomhunters.com/  We believe that every Christian leader needs this wisdom.  It is a long devotion, but necessary.  ~Bobby & Page

"Authority without accountability creates pride."

Bible readings: Exodus 10:3; 2 Kings 22:19; Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:1–11

Focus Verse:  “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).

Pride will eventually give way to humility. It may not happen overnight. It may have to follow a painful process, because pride can be very, very stubborn. Like an embedded splinter deep in the flesh of your foot, it is hard to remove. You cannot remove it alone, and there is constant throbbing and pain until it is extracted.

Pride provides a false sense of security. Spiritually minded people know it is only a matter of time until a fall, as pride will catch up with you. Humility was once a staple in your spiritual diet, but success has squelched your humility and subtly replaced it with pride. Authority without accountability generates pride.

The more authority you possess, the more you are required to submit to accountability. Otherwise, you cannot handle this great power. Your behavior defaults to pride without the checkmate of humility. This is true in relationships, business, ministry, and churches. Beware of obsessing over control.

Paranoia is an application of pride. You are fearful of losing control. It is better to hand over control than to lose control. Humility gives control, while pride grasps for it. So be open and humble about your insecurities. We are all insecure to some degree. Humility builds security, and pride tears it down. The humble have nothing to hide. So root out pride, replacing it with humility.

The process of pride’s removal begins with submission to Christ. It is acknowledging His lordship and ownership over your life. He is in control. He is large and in charge. Nothing in your life has sneaked up on God. He can be trusted. He holds your life, family, health, and career in His hand. You start by humbly bowing to God with your head and heart. He is to be feared and loved.

You have the awesome opportunity to worship and adore Him. When you walk with God, you walk in humility. Pride cannot coexist in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pride is extinguished in the presence of Jesus. Pride is like a roach lurking in the dark recesses of your heart. The Holy Spirit’s light reveals pride and convicts you during times of prayer and Scripture meditation.

The second offense to pride is praying people. Ask people to pray for humility to infiltrate and occupy your life. You want the occupation of humility on the soil of your heart and mind. Be transparent with others about your sins and shortcomings. Talk about them with the motive for change.

Humble yourself, and trust God to humble others. It is easy to recognize pride in others while it is still looming in your spirit. Run from spiritual pride. It is the worst kind. It is insidious. It is self-righteousness in nature, and it chokes the Holy Spirit. Humility grows in an environment of honesty, openness, prayer, and change. Be a change agent on behalf of the humble. Humble pride!

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5–6).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me walk in humility of heart and mind and submit to accountability.

Community of Care

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

Focus Verse: "“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25: 37-40

Jesus was clear in his teaching to care for others who are struggling with sickness and physical needs.  We may find that the needs are great around us and feel like we can't do much.  Jesus didn't say that we should solve all of their problems, but that there is something, even something small, that we can do.  Anyone can give a drink to someone or visit someone who is sick.  How difficult is it to give a shirt or dress to someone whose clothes are torn and tattered.  If you don't have something, maybe you can ask some friends to help you to get some clothes for someone in need.  

When you help someone, the Holy Spirit confirms in your heart that you are doing something good.  You know that is a good feeling.  When you join together as a community to help others, then it strengthens the community. 

My prayer is that God will show me where to help someone today.  May God be glorified in any effort of care that I show to someone today.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org

The Nature of Evangelism

Scripture reading: Luke 10: 1-24

Focus verse: Luke 10:1-3 "After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.  Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.  Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves."

There's a moment when you know that the harvest is ready and it's time to collect the harvest.   You need to get the food out of the field.  If you have a large field, you find people who can work in the fields and gather it together.  You have a limited time before the harvest spoils and so you work very hard together.

This is the scene that Jesus used to describe evangelism.  In our scripture reading, Jesus sent them out two by two.  We also might remember that Paul traveled with partners or small groups.  Evangelism is best accomplished together.  It is great that we get to see this example in scripture of Jesus sending his disciples out in pairs.  We need each other as an encouragement and protection as we go out.

The hired worker wouldn't bring back the crop and say that he, himself, made the fruit or vegetable.  In the same way, those who share the good news can't say that we made the conversions.  We understand that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts the soul and makes a life new.  In the same way, we neither take the blame when someone rejects the Gospel if it is presented clearly.

Evangelism is a community event.  In pairs or groups, we go into the fields for harvest when the crops are ripe.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Worship Together

Scripture Reading: Psalm122

Focus Verse: Psalm 122: 1  "I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the Lord.""

We gather together as a community of believers to worship God.  There is great peace, comfort and unity in the Body of Christ when we can worship our Creator together.  It is important to meet together.  It doesn't matter as much if you meet in a church, a home or under the shade of a tree.  The main thing is that you worship together.  We should praise the name of the LORD.

We can see that by verse 8, the worshiper has found that as a result of worshiping God with his fellow believers, that he is wishing them peace and goodness.  He has spent time in the presence of the LORD and the LORD has given him a heart of love for others.  The love is shown through peace and goodness.  This can create a strong Christian community for the glory of God!

Are you glad when you go to meet others to worship?  Does your worship create a heart of love that shows?

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Everyone's Involved

Everyone's Involved

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:12  "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body.  So it is with the body of Christ.

You have a place to function in your local fellowship or church.  Every person has an important role to play in the body of Christ.  God has a specific purpose for you.  He has given you certain gifts to help you carry out that purpose.  Sometimes you may feel that you have nothing to offer God.  But God knows just what His plan and purpose is for your life.  We don't function alone but need each other.  We realize that it can be difficult to work with some people.  But there is one who unifies us and His name is Jesus.  See Ephesians 3:10-11 where it says, "to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,  according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord ".  When the church functions as God intended it is a powerful witness to the world!

No gift of the Holy Spirit is more important than another.  We each have a special place in the body of Christ.  Someone may have the gift of hospitality and be able to cook very well.  Another person may be able to work well with their hands and fix things.  Another might teach.  There are many different gifts.  When we each use our gift as God intended, it is like a well oiled machine running smoothly.  We need each other.  Just as when you have coals that you are cooking over.  If one coal gets separated from the others it soon grow cold.  But when all the coals are together the heat last for a long time.  Let us not think that we can be a service to Christ all by ourselves.  We need each other.  Everyone in the body of Christ should be involved together.

Donkey in the well

Do you ever feel like you are in a pit?  This is a good life lesson.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The people intended it for burial, but God used it for GOOD.  We can get out of the deepest wells just by trusting God to show us the way out.  Shake it off and take a step up.

Biblical example of intended harm that brought life instead: Joseph's brothers put him in a well and then sold him into slavery.  Genesis 50 (click to read) Genesis 50:20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Everyone Is Invited

Scripture Reading:  Philemon

Focus Verses: Philemon 10-12 "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,  who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.  I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,"

As we continue to learn about a Christian Community, is there anyone that should be excluded from becoming a part of God's family.  No.  When Christ died on the cross, His death covered the sins of everyone on the whole earth.  No one is beyond the reach of Christ love.  Sometimes we try to qualify people and say, "Oh, they would never become a Christian."

What is the purpose of Paul's writing of Philemon?  It was to get Philemon to accept Onesimus.  Onesimus name means "useful".  In verse 11 Paul talks of his usefulness to himself and Philemon.  I have heard my pastor say, "If God is calling you to join in this fellowship, then this church is incomplete without you."

Sometimes we may feel that we have an exclusive attitude with those in our Christian community.  If we have that attitude, then we are missing a piece of the body of Christ.  Think of some people in your community that need to feel the love of a fellowship or church.  How can you reach out to them this week?

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

All Together

Scripture Reading:  Acts 2:40-47

Focus Verse: Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Sometimes when I preach in Kenya and I see many people accept Christ I wonder if they all knew what they were doing, and if they understand.  What kind of life do believers have after receiving Christ?  What should it look like to begin a Christian community.

As we continue our devotional study on "Christian community" let's observe a few things about the early church in Acts.  In this passage we see that about 3000 people were saved when Peter preached.  We see that right away these new believers were united with the other believers.  Verse 42 says they had fellowship with them, continued in the doctrine (teachings), they shared in the Lord's supper together, and they prayed together.

We see that these early believers shared what they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts.  Sometimes governments of some countries take taxes from those that earn money and then give to those that are in need.  Its a nice plan, but God says that it is the church's responsibility to help those in need, not just the government's.  When the outside world sees the church helping each other they will know something is different.  But so many times the outside world sees the church divided and not able to get along with each other.  This is damaging to our testimony.

A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ.  The early church's passion for worship and love for each other was contagious.  A church that is healthy and loving will grow in numbers.  What can you do today within your church that will attract others to Christ?  Who is in need that you can help?


Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Built to Last

During the next 12 weeks we will study how to have a Strong Christian Community

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

Focus Verse: Ephesians 2:21  The whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

This Christian community of friends around us is built to last, because we will be with these people for all eternity.  Keep in mind we will have perfect bodies once we get to heaven.  Let's look at what Paul has to say about building a strong Christian community that will last.

There were some problems between the Gentiles and Jews described in verses 11-13.  But Paul wants wants to bring these groups together in a peaceful way.  Paul says in verse 14 that Christ has broken down the wall of separation between man and God.  This also breaks the wall of separation between all believers.  This is very important to understand because when Christians are divided it is a bad testimony to the outside community.

Christ himself is our peace through the cross.  As members of Christ body we stick together like bricks of a building.  We are strong when we are interlocked together.  When we are separated we make ourselves weak and vulnerable to attack from the enemy.

I like to think of it like a building.  A good caretaker will maintain a building.  He will see problems when they are small and make repairs before they get big.  This is how we can maintain a strong Christian community that is built to last.  Let us be strong together for Christ.  Let Christ Jesus be the mortar that brings us together to build the strong body of Christ.  You can't control the actions of others, but as far as yourself, you can control your reactions.  God bless you as you grow strong together.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

The Power of Prayer

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 6: 5-15

Focus Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

In Matthew, Jesus taught the disciples about prayer.  Today I was reminded of the power of prayer.  Yesterday my mom became sick suddenly.  She was taken to the hospital.  She could not talk to us or open her eyes but only moaning senselessly.  The doctors had no idea what was wrong.  We told everyone to begin praying for her.  We prayed and trusted that God's will would be done.  This morning, 18 hours later, she is back to normal.  We are praising God for her healing.  We know that it is the power of God through prayer from God's people.  The doctors will try to explain how she got better.  But let's just call it "A Miracle".

So many times we underestimate the power of prayer in our lives.  If we could speak to the president of Kenya or the president of the United States we would consider it a great honor.  Every minute of every day we have the opportunity to speak to the God that created the universe.  Paul says we are to pray without ceasing.  This doesn't mean we should be on our knees all day long, but we should always be in an attitude of prayer.  As a believer in Jesus Christ, God is our best friend and we are to stay connected to Him.  God wants to help us with things going on in our lives, but He wants us to come to Him with these request.

Notice the picture of a young man named Emmanuel, from Repairer Christian School on Mfangano Island, Kenya.  I heard him pray boldly to God in September.  Let us take advantage of the greatest power available to us as Christians.  The power of prayer to the only true God.  God Almighty.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Leadership

Scripture Reading:  Romans 12: 8-12

Focus Verse:  Romans 12:8  If it is to encourage, then give encouragement, if it is giving, then give generously, if it is to lead, do it diligently, if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Good leadership is utmost important if a group of people are to move forward for God.  There are many different types of leaders today.  You may be the leader of a church, a family, a board, a ministry, or a mission.  We all have been given the ability by God to lead in one way or another.

Good leaders first of all are followers of God.  A gifted leader is able to influence others to follow God as well.  People that you are leading need to know that you love them.  They will be much more willing to follow you if you have shown your love for them.  Godly leaders are an example of how to live the Christian life.  When others see your life lived for Christ they will want to follow that example. 

Being a leader can be a big responsibility.  Because we don't want to lead others astray.  God will give you wisdom as you lead in what ever capacity you have to lead others.  Psalms says "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart, with skillful hands he led them."  Psalm 78:72  Being a leader is not always easy.  When things don't go well the leader gets blamed.  But if the leaders eyes are on Christ our perfect leader He will give us wisdom to lead through every situation.

Let our prayer be "Father, lead me, so that in humility I can lead others in Your ways.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Teaching Children

Scripture Reading: Psalm 78

Focus verse:  Psalm 78:4 "We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done."

 We read in Psalm 78 the instruction for the adults to teach the children the works of the Lord.  They were to tell the children the stories of the faithful and obedient followers of the Lord.  This would give them an encouragement to soften their own hearts and follow God in the same way as the faithful.  Children love to mimic and follow others.  They will copy the behavior and words of those that they are around.  We should teach them the ways that they should go as they follow God.

Also included in Psalm 78 are stories of people who were stubborn and rebellious.  Some followed God for the most part, but then had some failure in faith.  These stories must also be taught to the children.  If you have a failure in your life, you will suffer the natural consequences of that failure.  He will  punish those who never repent, but God can be faithful to forgive those who return to Him in repentance. We will all fail at something, but we learn to return to God in obedience if we have a soft heart for Him.

Learn these stories of the Bible and teach them to your children and the children in the community.  We can all be encouraged by them.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries.

Preach The Word

Scripture Reading:  2 Timothy 4:1-5

Focus Verse:  2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.

God reminded me on this last trip to Kenya that there is an urgency to sharing the gospel.  Paul is telling Timothy that he is to be ready at any time to share his faith.  Inside each of us is a heart that is ticking.  One day that heart is going to stop ticking.  It will be a complete surprise to most of us when it stops.  For each of us God has our days on this earth numbered.  Some of us may have 20 years left to live.  Some of us may have 5 years left to live.

When Tausi Oguma  from Gwassi heard the gospel preached he had just 3 days left to live.  You see when Tousi accepted Christ as his Savior on Friday he had no idea that on Monday he would be drowned in Lake Victoria.  Today he is in heaven because of the decision he made on that Friday. 

Are you willing to share the good news of the Gospel with those around you?  For some of those people their heart is about to stop.  They need to hear the good news of Jesus before it is eternally too late.  God willing, I will be coming back to Kenya to tell more people like Tausi the good news before their heart stops.  Meanwhile, reach others with the Gospel.  Preach the Word.

In the picture is Tausi Oguma (with a brown shirt and glasses) as he accepted Christ in the town of Nyandiwa in Gwassi.  The Gospel reached him just in time.

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2b

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Moved with Compassion

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-34
Focus Verse: Mark 6:34 "And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things."

The word Christian means follower or slave of Christ.  Some have said that the word means "Little Christ".  This must be because we, as Christians are to be like Christ.  Today's reading gives us a hint at the compassion that Jesus had.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can have that same compassion.

If we see people like Jesus does, we see that there are many people without a someone to disciple them.  Bobby & Page are working to disciple many people in Kenya through visits, literature, and this devotion.  Maybe you are seeing that there is someone or a group of people that you can disciple where you live.  All you have to do, is to teach them what you already know.  You don't have to know all the answers.  It is ok to say that you don't know some things.  We are all still learning. If the task seems too large, you can ask others to help.  God will provide.

If God is leading you to disciple someone or a group of people, then you should begin to obey that today.  If you don't know or care about it, then maybe you need to pray that God will move you with compassion for others.

Teach them many things.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Constantly Giving

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-37

Focus verse: "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."
Acts 9:27

The original word for "encouragement" in the New Testament -- as when Barnabas is referred to as the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36) -- is from the same root as the word paraklete -- the Word used to describe the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). Both words come from a root that means to be called alongside -- as an encourager like Barnabas or as a divine Comforter like the Holy Spirit.

An encourager is a person who dispenses courage to those who are weak or fearful. And in Barnabas' case, his generosity with courage should come as no surprise since he was also generous in other ways. For instance, he sold a piece of personal property and donated the money to help care for the needy in the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36-37). And he generously introduced the new apostle, Paul, to the other apostles and leaders of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27).

People who are generous are constantly giving things away: courage, money, introductions -- whatever is needed. Look around today and see what you have in abundance that others might be lacking.

Seeking empties a life while giving fills it.
Unknown

Devotion written by Dr. David Jeremiah

Human Leadership or Servant Leader?

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3

Focus Verse:  1 Corinthians 3: 10 "Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build."

Are you seeking to be a leader? Are you seeking to be a servant of Christ?  The apostle Paul is one of the most well known leaders of the New Testament.  He did not use his leadership for gain.  He did not use it as a source of pride.  He used it to serve.  It was through serving that his leadership was established.  He knew that it all belonged to God.

Paul became confronted by some who would wish to follow Apollos.  These people were arguing and living by the world's standards.  What did Paul do?  He did NOT respond with jealousy.  He condemned them for their arguing.  (He said that jealousy and quarreling showed their worldly behavior.) He knew that this was not a ministry that belonged to him or to anyone else.  Paul was a servant of Christ, by whom many learned to believe. He said that each one will do the work that God has for him.  It does not make any difference who builds which part of the ministry.  Each person will do his part that the Lord gives him to do.  Paul was a servant first and a leader second.

If you have a position of leadership, you are told (in verse 18) to not be wise by the world's standard.  You must depend on the Lord to teach you each day.  "Let each man be careful how he builds." (verse 10)  Verse 18 tells us that it is possible for us to fool ourselves.  This should make us very cautious.  Because we are able to fool ourselves, we should trust the Lord more each day as we seek His council.

Very few of us will be leaders, but we are ALL called to be servants of Christ.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Studying the Bible Keeps Us Spiritually Strong

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24

Focus Verse: Psalm 119:9 "How can young people keep their lives pure?
    By obeying your commands."

God has given us an instruction manual for life.  It is called the Bible.  As Christians in this world we cannot overcome the enemy in our own strength.  "How can a man cleanse his ways?"  Not on his own.  On our own, we would struggle and fail.  We need help, and that help is available to us through the Bible.  Our focus verse ask a question.  How can we stay pure?  Verse 11 gives us the answer, by hiding God's Word in our hearts.  I wish I had memorized more scripture when I was young, because it is harder to do now that I am older.  In verse 24 he calls God's "testimonies" his counselor.  God will always show us and teach us as we read the Bible.

The study and application of God's Word will keep us from sin, even though we live in a sinful world.  When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Luke 4 we see Jesus quoting scripture with every temptation.  If you are a Christian and you don't have peace and joy in your life, you might have unrepentant sin and/or there may be a lack of Bible study and scripture memorization in your life. 

Some people view God's laws as a list of "DON'Ts", but these are really a shelter to protect us.  God gives us plenty of things we should "DO".   Take some time today to evaluate your spiritual strength.  Make a plan to increase the strength through God's Holy Word.


"Either God's Word will keep us from sin, or sin will keep us from God's word." ~Unknown

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Prayerful Courage (Devotion by David Jeremiah)

Scripture Reading:  Esther 4:13-17

Focus Verse: 
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"   Psalms 27:14

The word "courage" has somewhat of an identity crisis today. Some think of courage as the absence of fear. Actually, courage is persevering in spite of fear. Some of the most courageous men and women have prevailed in spite of weakness, sickness, and persecution.

After two millennia, the beautiful Jewish woman Esther is still remembered for courageously stepping forward to preserve the Jewish nation. When alerted to Haman's evil plan to annihilate the Jews, Esther asked her cousin Mordecai to mobilize the prayer team as she endangered her life to approach the king without his summons. In Esther's moment of crisis, she wisely spent three days in prayer and fasting--before making her request to the king.

If you're experiencing a situation where you need courage to make a decision, don't rush ahead. The more crucial the decision or project, the more critical the groundwork. Make preparation through prayer, asking others to support you. It is then that God will reinforce your courage and give you strength to proceed.

"Cowardice asks the question: "Is it safe?" Consensus asks the question: "Is it popular?" Courage asks the question: "Is it right?" ~Rod Rogers

Devotion by David Jeremiah

Where Is Happiness Found?

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 22:34-40

Focus Verses:  Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

The world spends lots of money on advertising products every year.  They try to convince us that we need many things in our lives.  They say that these things will bring happiness into our lives.  Some things are truly needed in our lives like, food, shelter, and clothing.

In our verses today Jesus gives us the two greatest commandments in all the Bible.  Love God, and love others.  That sounds simple, doesn't it?  If you think about it, all of life comes down to those two things, loving God, and loving others.  Everything else in this world will one day pass away.  But God and people will last forever.

The things of this world do bring a kind of happiness.  But it's not a lasting happiness.  You have to keep looking for the next thing to keep your happiness.  God designed us with a void or emptiness in our lives that only He can fill.  He knew the value of our loving Him and loving others.  He also knew how self serving we, as humans, can be, and that we would fill our lives with empty pursuits if He didn't command us to love Him and to love others.  Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 "there is coming a day when all our works will be tested by fire."  Only what is done for Christ will last.

In true love and obedience to God is where we can find real happiness.  We will experience real joy in giving of ourselves to God and others out of love.  It is in this love that we find purpose in life, and it is from this purpose that we can gain true happiness.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Wonderful Counselor

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 139

Focus Verse:  "For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Jesus, the Son of God, has been given many different names in the Bible.  Wonderful Counselor is a name that should give us great comfort as we go through this challenging life.  Wonderful means "outside the realm of human explanation."  Psalm 139:6 says, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is high, I cannot attain it."  It describes something miraculous.  Our sense of wonder should go beyond all human explanation.  The prophet Isaiah declared that the coming Christ would be a wonder.

Long before the Son of God was given, Isaiah foretold that God was planning to send a Counselor for the brokenhearted people of the world.  The Bible is full of counsel that has been given to us to be able to live this life.  Even at 12 years old, Jesus astounded Jewish rabbis with His wisdom (Luke 2:46-47).  In His public life people were amazed at His wise counsel.  In Colossians 2:3 Paul says, "In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Are we as astonished at the wonder of the Counselor as Isaiah was?  Are you amazed by His wise counsel?  Where else can we get the assurance of acceptance and forgiveness of sins and comfort of God?  Wonderful Counselor is our Creator and Savior.  How thankful we should be that our Wonderful Counselor is also rightly named our Mighty God.  Allow Him to counsel you each day.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Why Do Believers Suffer?

Scripture Reading: Job 1

Focus Verses: "Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. ² And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

³ Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."   John 9:1-3

When God created the first man and woman, and put them in the Garden of Eden, it was a perfect environment without troubles or sin.  Some day in the future, Jesus is going to take every believer to heaven where there will be no more sorrow or pain.  Heaven will be a perfect environment just like in the beginning.  But where are we now?  We are in this middle period of time when our human nature of sin and Satan, with his demons, are trying to take control of this earth.  This period of sin, trials, suffering, and tribulation is actually brought on by our own disobedience of God.

The Bible has a lot to say about suffering.  We read that God can work His will for our lives through our suffering.  When I think of suffering in the Bible the first name that comes to my mind is Job.  We see that even though everything was taken from Job he did not turn his back on God.  Job 1:22 "In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong."  James even says we should be joyful when we have trials.  James 1:2-4  "My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. "  We know that when hard times come God is just getting us ready for eternity.  Suffering will either make us bitter or better.

Sometimes suffering is because of our own mistakes or choices.  Sometimes it is because of someone else's choice.  But other times, it is just because of the natural ways of this world.  The Bible tells us that we will have trouble. Jesus said,  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In our focus verses today Jesus said that suffering is allowed so that the power of God can be seen in our lives.  All of us will go through suffering at some point in our lives.  Some of us will go through more than others.  I don't have a good answer for why a child dies.  Or why do wars happen.  Or why does someone go through great financial loss.  But I do know that God loves His children and not a one of them are lost.  You have so much to look forward to if you are a child of God.  Pray that your suffering will make you better.  

Romans 8:18  "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later."

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries

Why Should a Christian be a Missionary?

Scripture Reading: John 4: 7-26, 39

Focus Verse: Mark 16:15  Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature".

We have learned over the past few devotions that the task of a missionary is to tell the Gospel.  We also learned that the person to whom a missionary tells the Gospel can be anyone.  Today we will look at the reason why a missionary should take the Gospel to everyone.  As we see in our focus verse, it is because Jesus told us to.  But I think another reason should be, if we love people then we will want to share the good news with them.

Jesus is probably the best example of that.  In John 4 Jesus had a meeting with a woman at a well.  Jesus knew of this woman's history and all the sin that she had committed, but He loved her any way.   Jesus knew the heart of this woman, that she was repentant.  Jesus not only loved her but forgave her sin.  There is no better feeling here on earth than to know that your sins are forgiven.   I am sure glad Jesus loves me in spite of my sin. Every Christian is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, because we are doing what He commands.  He has commanded us to preach the Gospel.  People will never know the forgiveness of sin unless we tell them.  That is why I continue to go back to Kenya, because there are so many more people that need to hear this good news of salvation.

Maybe you have never put your faith and trust in Jesus.  Maybe you have never had your sins forgiven.  You can do that right now by praying to God and asking Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of your sins.  He will do it immediately.  After you pray, tell a Christian friend what you have done.  They will be able to encourage you in your new life in Christ.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Where Should a Missionary Go?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:1-14

Focus Verse: Matthew 24:14
"And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."

We continue on our four week devotional series about missionaries.  Today we will answer the question where should a missionary go to share the Gospel message?  Our focus verse says "all the nations."  2 Peter 3:9 says "the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  If God is not willing that any should perish, then everybody needs to hear the Gospel.  Everybody needs Jesus. 

Over ten years ago God opened my eyes to the fact that many Americans have been given numerous opportunities to accept the Gospel.  In 2001 on a trip to Kenya, Africa I came to realize that many people in other parts of the world have not been given the same opportunity.  It is now my goal to share this life changing message of the Gospel with as many of these people as I can.

Our focus verse says that there is an end coming.  One day this world will come to an end.  Then it will be too late to tell anyone else about Jesus.  Jesus said that His Gospel will be preached in every nation.  You must understand that you don't need to travel a long distance to share Jesus with someone.  God may lead you to speak to the lost people in your community.  The Gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.  Many people die everyday having never heard.  It is up to us to tell them.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

When Does a Missionary Share the Gospel?

Scripture Reading:  Acts 8:26-38,  Jonah 1:1-17

Focus Verse: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be  ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; " 1 Peter 3:15

Last week we looked at who is a missionary and what does a missionary do.  This week we want to look at when does a missionary share the Gospel?  The short answer is: anytime.  The Bible says we are to always be ready to share God's love.  1 Peter 3:15 says "If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.  There is no bad time to tell someone about Jesus.

Sometimes God tells us specifically when to share.  There are two examples in the Bible that come to mind:  An angel of the Lord came to Phillip and told him to travel to the desert.  There he was to preach Jesus to a man from Ethiopia.  Phillip obeyed immediately.  The other example is Jonah.  God asked him to go to the wicked city of Nineveh.  Jonah disobeyed and went in the opposite direction.  But he did later obey, and many trusted in God from that city.

Let us be like Phillip and obey as soon as God gives us a mission to share His Gospel.  We should be attentive to God's leading for us to speak with others that have never heard the good news. 

~Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Who Is A Missionary and What Do They Do?

Scripture Reading:  Romans 10:5-17

Focus Verse:  Romans 10:14 
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Over the next several weeks I would like us to take a look at the: who, what, when, where, and why of a missionary.  Today we want to discover who is a missionary and what does a missionary do?  This may surprise you, but if you are a believer in Jesus Christ you are supposed to be a missionary. Jesus has commissioned every Christian to spread the Good News.  This is a command to take the Gospel into all the world. Matthew 28:19.  Some people think that a missionary is someone that quits their job and travels to a far away place to tell others of Christ.  Yes that is one type of missionary.  But a missionary is also a lady who walks down to the lake where her friend is washing dishes, and shares Christ love with her. 

Now what does a missionary do?  First of all they are prepared with the message they are to deliver.  Peter says we are to be prepared to give an answer to everyone about the hope that is in us.  So a missionary takes the Gospel somewhere to share it.  You do not need to cross an ocean to share the Gospel.  You can share this good news with the person that lives next to you, or the friend you go to school with. When we understand the eternal importance of the message we have it will be easier for us to share it.  Be a missionary today.

~Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Human or Spirit Led

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13-26

Focus verse: "As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another." Galatians 5:13

Jesus called me.  I began to follow Him and was set free from my sins.  I find the fruits of the Spirit nature coming in my life.  Sometimes, the human, selfish nature comes out in front and I fail.

In my freedom, I do not give excuses for following my own selfish desires.  My human nature will lie to me and so will the enemy.  My human nature will lead me astray and will not honor God.  My human nature will lead me to anger, jealousy, selfish ambition, fighting, and separation from other believers.  If I follow my human nature long enough, I can become blinded by it and fall deeper into sin.  I will blame others and make excuses for my decisions and actions.  I will not even see the pit that I am in, until suddenly, God makes it clear.

I need to decide every day to love, forgive and serve others.  This is what the Spirit produces:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Is this what my life looks like?  You can not follow selfish human desires and the Spirit at the same time.

Today is a good day to examine your life.  Do you see the fruits of human nature or the fruits of Spirit nature?  Commit to spend some time in prayer today about anything that you need to change in your life.  Ask God to show you anything that needs to change.  Allow Him to change your heart so that you can change your actions.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

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What is Evil?

Scripture reading: James 4:13-17

Focus verse: "that nation that turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would." Jeremiah 18:10

Mostly, when people think of evil, they think of things like murder, theft and lying. However, in Jeremiah 18:10 God is speaking to the people and says that a nation (or person) does evil by not obeying His voice. Simply put, disobedience is evil in God's sight. This means disobedience to His word, disobedience of parents, disobedience of authorities over us.

Then, James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that if we know the right thing to do, but don't do it, that is also sin. Some examples of knowing the right thing to do but not doing it could be taking care of someone in need, or studying God's Word every day, or praying about something we promised to pray about.

As you go through the day, see things that happen as opportunities to obey God's voice. In order to obey His voice, we have to know His word and what it says.

Spend time studying God's word and find ways to obey what He says. Then, when you know the right thing to do, do it! And in doing so, you will please God.

by Amy Warr
(friend of Mfangano and supporter of Interlocking Ministries)

Laughing all the way to Heaven

Bible reading: Psalm 139

Focus verse: Proverbs 29:25..."The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."

            For many years of my life I was worried about what people thought of me.  I covered my insecurity many times with humor.  I thought if I could make people laugh at what I said they really would never know the real me.

Believe it or not, it worked.  The problem was it didn't last and I was worn out trying to be someone I really was not.  Laughter is great but it must come from a sincere heart not a means of control.

Then, I met Jesus, and I slowly began to find out who I really was "in Him"  My insecurities began to dissolve as I put my trust in The only one who truly knows me, and guess what, I still make people laugh but now it is from my heart and all the glory goes to Lord...not to me.

Stay focused on the one who will keep you safe and you will never have to wear a mask for other people again.  He will make you the "life of His party" !!!

by Nancy Creagh (friend and supporter of Interlocking Ministries)

Encourage the Children

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Focus Verse: Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
Colossians 3:21

Samantha Garvey is a precocious 18-year-old high school student who was a semifinalist in a national talent search competition for her research in marine biology. She was invited to attend the president's 2012 State of the Union address, and the next morning she appeared on NBC's Today TV show. While Samantha's accomplishments would be noteworthy under any circumstances, her family's situation is unique: they are homeless. In December 2011, Samantha and her brother, sister, and parents lost their home. They are living in a homeless shelter while waiting for rent-subsidized housing to become available. In spite of their situation, Samantha's father said he and his wife have always encouraged their children to study hard and pursue their goals. Their encouragement obviously paid off.

Encouragement may be the most important emotional ingredient in raising children who have the courage to overcome obstacles in life. Paul warned about the dangers of provoking children to anger and frustration (Ephesians 6:4). The opposite strategy is the one that works: Encourage them to become all God created them to be.

More people fail for lack of encouragement than for any other reason

~David Jeremiah
Turning Point

Make Your Choice

Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 18:19-40

Focus Verse:  1 Kings 18:21  And Elijah came to all the people and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow Him."

Have you ever had a day when you had trouble making decisions?  I could drink tea or soda.  I might wear a suit or a T-shirt.  Some decisions don't seem as important as others.  But when people are indecisive with God, that is a serious problem.  For eighty-five years the nation of Israel had gone back and forth between false gods and the one true God.  They would reap the painful results of following false gods.  Then come back to the one true God.  Then when their problems went away, they would go right back to the false gods again.  Then Elijah said that they should not do that anymore.  They should make a choice.  Will they follow the Lord?

Moses gave Israel the same question in Exodus 32:26.  He said, "Whoever is on the Lord's side come to me."  Joshua also challenged Israel.  "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve."  Joshua 24:15.  And in Matthew 12:30  Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me.

Following Jesus is not just something you say.  It requires a change in leadership.  You can not remain the leader and also follow Jesus.  You allow Jesus to be the leader.  In the book of Luke Jesus declares, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."  Luke 9:23-24.

It's a decision we must make every day of our lives.  Choose this day whom you will serve.  Will you follow Him?

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Children of Lies or Light

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32

Focus Verse:  "The Lord detests lying lips but he delights in those who tell the truth."  Proverbs 12:22

I once met a man who said that lying was bad only if you get caught.  This is wrong.  Lies do not come from God, but from the selfish nature of man or from Satan.  If we are followers of Christ, we should not fall into being tempted to tell something that isn't true.  We should not seek to mislead someone.  We should not seek to deceive.  If you don't say the lie, but say things that would make someone believe something that wasn't true, that is deceit.  It is so easy to lie.

Do you think these things are a lie?

1. When you tell someone the wrong price for an item?

2. When you send an SMS or email from someone's phone pretending to be them.

3. When you lie, but you think you are helping the situation with the lie? 

4. When you hear a lie, know it's a lie, but don't say anything so that others will believe it?

It is human and natural to lie since Satan lied in the garden of Eden.  It is of Satan.  We are to follow the Father of Light.  With Jesus as our Savior, he can give us the courage to tell the truth.  He can help us to be honest.  If you have lied to your neighbor or brother, you should confess before God.  You should then ask your neighbor for forgiveness. 

You will choose today to be the children of lies or the children of LIGHT!

~Page Johnson of Interlocking Ministries

The Bible is full of scripture about lying:

Leviticus 19:11 You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
Psalms 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but your law do I love.
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 13:5 A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame.
Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Hosea 11:12 Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet rules with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Zephaniah 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds;
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Is Satan For Real?

Scripture Reading:  Genesis 3

Focus Verse:  John 10: 7-10  "7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

You better believe Satan is for real.  It doesn't matter if you are Kenyan, American, European, or Russian, Satan has one goal and that is to kill and destroy you.  Satan hates you.  You have a target on your back.  How will he attack you?  Let's see what he did in Genesis.

I love the book of Genesis, because it gives us the account of how the world began.  It also gives us the account of when mankind first sinned.  Let's look at some key points on how Satan attacked Eve so that we will not fall for his lies.  First, he questioned God's WORD.  He wanted Eve to think she misunderstood what God said.  Satan will still twist the truth today.  He wants us to question God's commands.  Second, he questioned God's LOVE.  Satan wanted Eve to think God was holding back something good for her.  When God tells us not to do something it is for our own good, because He loves us and doesn't want to see us get hurt.  Third, Satan DENIED God's Word.  First he questioned then he denied God's Word.  He first said, "did God really say that?" to saying, "that's a lie."  If Eve had not listened to Satan's questioning she never would have then believed the lie.  4. Then Satan gave her his own lie.  Satan said that if she would eat of the tree, she would become like God, and she would not die.

The Bible says Satan is the father of lies. All sin begins in our minds. Satan will attempt to get you to second-guess what God has said in His Word. The best way to stand against Satan's attacks is to fill your mind with God's Word of truth.  2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 says,  "4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (physical) but mighty in God (spiritual) for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

If you are truly saved, Satan knows he can't touch your salvation.  But if he can get you to fall into sin he can keep you from being an effective servant for God.  He wants to destroy your testimony and reputation.  Let us renew our minds everyday in God's Word so we can stand against our enemy that wants to destroy us.  Who are your going to please today? God or Satan?

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Verse of the Day, ""Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV

God's Graduating Class

Scripture Reading: Genesis 41

Focus Verses: Genesis 41: 37-41
37 So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”


This week my son, Caleb, graduated from high school.  In America, this time of year, there are many graduation ceremonies for the completion of studies.  When we see someone graduate it is the result of hard work that has been done.

In the book of Genesis we have the story of a man who graduated after a lot of hard work.  Joseph had to pass many tests before he could graduate.  Here are some of the tests that came to Joseph:  He had to overcome the hatred of his brothers.  He was exposed to sexual temptation, and then punished for doing the right thing.  He was sent to prison for a long time, and forgotten by those he helped.  As you read Joseph's story in Genesis 41, notice what he did in each test.  His positive response was a step forward.  He didn't spend time asking God why this was happening.  Those who met Joseph along life's journey knew that God was with him.

What matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but how you respond to them.  With God's help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil.  So with the story of Joseph we see him go from slave, to graduating, to the second most powerful person in the world.  God will hold a graduation ceremony for each one of us that has been faithful to Him.  It's up to us if we want to be a part of God's graduating class.  If you want to read the entire story of Joseph it is found in Genesis 37-50.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

God's Discipline

Scripture Reading: James 1

Focus Verse: James 1:12  "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

Why do you think God allows testing and temptation in our lives?  Does God like to see us struggle in this life?  No.  God wants us to rely on Him even when we don't understand what He is doing in our lives.  He wants us to mature spiritually.  We should be patient and trust God when we don't understand things in our life.  Those who love Him will receive the crown of life.

Some things in this life are difficult and a struggle.  The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6 "For who the Lord loves He chastens."  The word chasten means to train or discipline.  A good athlete will train and discipline his body until it hurts, because he knows that is how he will get stronger.  Sometime God will train us and it is difficult and maybe painful.  God knows this will make us stronger if we keep our faith in Him.

When we see test and trials come into our lives, this is an indication of God's love for us and that He is helping us to grow strong.  It is not a punishment for wrongdoing.  But, when we are tempted to do wrong and we commit sin as believers, God sends His Holy Spirit to convict us of that wrong.  (If we can continue to sin and feel no sorrow, it might be because we are not truly a child of God.)  Instead of seeing God's discipline as an inconvenience in your life, thank Him.  Be thankful for the blessings that you have and that He is looking out for you.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Multiplying Christians

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4

Focus Verses: Ephesians 4:11-16 

^"11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹² Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ¹³ This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
¹⁴ Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. ¹⁵ Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ¹⁶ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."

Some day in the future this earth will pass away.  There are two things that will not pass away.  People and God's Word.  Both will last forever.  We know that the human soul will exist forever in heaven or hell.  God's Word will remain in heaven forever.

Why don't we spend our time on the things that are eternal?   If I tell someone about Jesus and disciple them, and that person tells someone else about Jesus, then I have multiplied myself.  This is how the world will be won for Christ.  There is no way that I can talk with everyone in Kenya about Jesus, but many of you can.  We can learn by Paul's example in the Bible to disciple others.

2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."  Some other examples of discipleship are:  Paul discipling Timothy who had an important part in leading the early church.  Moses discipled Joshua for many years before passing Israel's leadership to him.  But the best example was Jesus who spent many hours teaching His disciples.  Then the disciples went out and changed the world.  That's multiplication of Christians.

I would encourage you to spend time in God's Word and learn the things God wants us to know to be more Christ like.  Then go and speak these truths in love to others.  The Bible says that God's Word will never return void.  Isaiah 55:11 "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Find someone today that you can speak some truth from God's Word into their life.  This is how discipleship grows a church, a community, a fishing beach, and an entire world, one life at a time.

Bobby Johnson
Executive Director, Interlocking Ministries

As for Me...

Scripture Reading: Joshua 24: 14-18  (<-- make sure you click the scripture to open the verses)

Focus Verse: "...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15

Moses was no longer leading the Israelites to promised land.  Although he helped to start the journey, it was now time for Joshua to complete the mission.  Joshua was leading the tribe and wanted them to know that they should follow God completely.  They should put away their idols and serve God alone.  It is a choice that each person should make on their own.  He declared that for his family, that they would serve the Lord.   The Israelites then committed to follow God, who had rescued them from their enemies and preserved them.  They followed their leader's example and took a stand.

Many times we are tempted to follow the traditions of the past.  The Israelites had lived with idols in Egypt and it was a part of normal life.  Now they were challenged to never return to living that way.  We are often challenged with following Christ and leaving behind some traditions.  The more you learn of Christ and the Word of God, the more you realize that some of your traditions should change.  This is true whether you live in America or Kenya.

Are you faced with the need of renewing your commitment to God.  Maybe you have been falling back into some traditions that have been a part of your life before.  Maybe you are looking at the path that you should take.  Don't run from God.  Renew your commitment to Him today.  Take a stand. Proclaim your complete commitment to God: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Theodore Epp said, "Our strength is seen in the things we stand for; our weakness is seen in the things we fall for."

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Recognizing Our True Condition

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5 (<--- remember to click on the reference to see the entire scripture.)

Focus Verses:
Matthew 5: 3-5  “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    For they shall inherit the earth.

Do you know the way to true blessedness?  Jesus teaches us three things about good spiritual health. 

1.  To see ourselves as we really are.  When we realize that we need God as the focus of our lives we see ourselves as we really are: a sinner, in need of God's forgiveness.  To realize your need of God is to see that you are spiritually bankrupt.  We have nothing without Him.

2.  Take action and turn.  When we see ourselves as we really are, we are sorry for our condition. Then this leads us to take action and make changes in our lives.  2 Corinthians 7:10 says  "For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation.  We will never regret that kind of sorrow.  But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death."  Our true sorrow will lead to joy and salvation in Jesus Christ as well as a changed life.

3.  Pursue meekness.  We will no longer have pride in our lives.  This contradicts the way the world thinks; standing up for our rights, putting ourselves above others, always wanting to win arguments.  The meekness that Jesus describes here is not weakness, but rather power under constraint.  Much like a big horse controlled by a small  bit in his mouth.

When we recognize our true condition, we humble ourselves and confront our weaknesses.  We will see a change in our lives as we rely on God's power in our meekness. We will be happier with ourselves and others.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Living To Please God

Scripture Reading:  Romans 8

Focus Verses:  Romans 8:5-8   "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.  So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.  For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.  That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God."

Living a life that pleases God can seem like a difficult thing.  And for some people it is.  They try to live according to a list of rules, trying to obtain God's favor through acts of kindness or compassion.  No one has ever kept all of God's commandments, except for Christ.  On our own we could never live a life that pleased God because we relied on our human - sinful nature.  Romans chapter 8 teaches us that we can live a life that is pure and pleasing to God.  The beginning verse explains that a relationship with Jesus Christ frees us from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The only way to be free from sin is to be "bound" to Jesus.  We become a slave to Christ.  Not because we have to, but because we want to.  We want to serve Him.

That old sinful nature will continue to try and take control of our lives at times through thoughts that lead to sinful actions.  But if you are following the leading of the Holy Spirit you will serve God out of love and gratitude.  Your service will not be motivated by a desire to earn God's approval, but will be motivated by a desire to be closer to Jesus and bring Him the honor He deserves.  We know we already have God's approval by what Jesus did for us on the cross, if we have accepted His forgiveness of our sins.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

What is Truth

Bible Reading John 18 & 19

Focus verse: 

“Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.  John 18:37-38

Do you know the Truth?  Pilate struggled to find the truth when he questioned Jesus.  Jesus answered that “Everyone who is of the Truth hears my voice.”  

In the presence of Pilate, Jesus declared who He is.  He is  a King, but not of this world.  Jesus is a witness.  He came to bear witness to the truth and be heard by those who are of the truth. He is the giver of earthly powers (Mark 19:11).  Jesus is the Judge of sins.  

All of us struggle to find the truth in life.  When things are not going as we had hoped, we look for the truth in this life.  It is a mistake to search for the truth in worldly things.  You will not find truth in money.  You will not find truth in power.  You will not find truth in sex outside of monogamous marriage.  You will not find truth in anything that you treasure above God.  In the end, Pilate allowed his decision for crucifixion to be based on fear of the public opinion.  Do not crucify your King Jesus to the lies of power, sex or money.

You will find truth in Christ alone.  You can not hear him unless you belong to him.  You can not hear him if you are in the pit of lies in your life.  If you are struggling with truth today, seek God.  Seek the risen Christ.  Surrender to Him.  Commit to following Him above all things in the world.  He can lift you from the pit of lies in this world and hold you to Himself.  The Truth.

How do we know if Jesus is speaking to us?  If you know the Truth, you will hear his voice.

~Page Johnson