Taking Care of the Flocks

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-16

Focus Verse: Ezekiel 34:8   My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd...

Pastors have a big responsibility to look after the flock, that is the local Body of Christ the church.   God has called shepherd's (pastors) to watch out for their flock (other believers).  He gives a warning to the pastors who only watch out for their own needs and protection.  Aren't we to follow Christ example?  He came to serve others. 

There are a lot of hurting people on this earth.  So what are we going to do about it.  You say, "well I can't help everyone in the whole world."  But you can help the ones close to you.  Maybe you know a family that is over burdened with taking in so many orphans.  You might be in a position to take in one of those children.  Or maybe you know of a widow that doesn't have enough to eat, and you have some you can share.  Just imagine what could happen if we reached out to some of these people.  Ask your neighbors to help you care for others.

Pastors lead by example in caring for the flock.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Confrontation and Restoration

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 18:15-35

Focus Verses:  Matthew 18:21-22  Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?  No, Jesus replied, seventy times seven.

There is a story that is told about a father and son.  The relationship was broken for quite some time.  So the father posted a sign in the town that read:  "Son------all is forgiven.  Meet me here at sunset".   At the appointed time seventy-five young men showed up.  Perhaps we don't realize how many broken relationships there are all around us.  Maybe you are thinking of a broken relationship in your life right now while reading this.  Life is too short to hold a grudge against someone.

Jesus said we should forgive 70x7.  That's 490 times.  Does that mean we don't forgive the 491st time?  No, I think the point Jesus is making that we should always forgive our brother or sister no matter how many times they have wronged us.

Is there a relationship in your life that needs repairing?  Maybe it's someone you have not talked to in years.  Obviously, you are trying to live the Christian life because you are reading this devotion.  What do you think would happen if you made the first step in repairing that relationship?  It just might change your life. Ask God to help you, He will.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Confession Builds Community

Confession builds Community

Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:1-5 and James 5: 13-20

Focus verse: James 5:16 (HCS)  "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent [prayer] of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."

When someone confesses to a sin, you see them humbled before you and God.  This brings the opportunity to build community when you pray for that person.

In the scripture reading, you see the Israelites of Nehemiah's time, and in James, the Christians, confessing their sins to each other.  This was a practice that helped build community.  When you read the Word of God and face your humanity, it humbles and brings confession.  All of us have sinned and fall short of God's best.  Community is built stronger when we realize that there is none righteous, but Jesus.  We recognize Jesus as the head of our community.

I remember at a campfire service, there were testimonies of the work of Christ in the lives of the people.  One young man stood and confessed to a hidden sin.  This humble act of confession sent shockwaves as two more young men stood to confess the same.  Many gathered around to pray for these men.

We don't need to confess every sin to everyone.  If you have sinned against someone, then a confession is necessary.  If you feel trapped in your sin, you need to confess to a strong believer for prayers and encouragement.  Prayerfully consider if there is sin that would be better brought into the light of confession.

by Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

How Will They Know We Are Christians?

How Will They Know We Are Christians?

Scripture Reading: John 13

Focus Verse: John 13:34   "So now I am giving you a new commandment.  Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

(I am back to teaching the Christian Community devotions and we are on lesson 8)

We must ask ourselves how will the world know that we are Christians?  We could tell them with our mouth.  But if we say that we are Christians, our actions better be ready to backup what we say.

There are many Christians in the world today that are not obeying what Jesus said in John 13:34.  Jesus lived out what He preached.  In our scripture reading we see how Jesus served His disciples even though he was their teacher and leader.  This was a great example of how we should not strive to be served, but to seek out how we can serve one another in the body of Christ.  The community will see how the people of the church can love one another, take care of one another and serve one another.  Then they will know we are Christians.

Who is your fellow Christian that needs to be served today? What will you do to show love to them?

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org