Two Roads
Scripture Reading: John 14:6, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15
Focus Verses: Matthew 7:13-14 "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Jesus talks about two roads that we have the choice to travel in this life. The first road is wide and easy. This is the road that most of the world is on. It lacks faith and morals. It is easy to travel because everyone is going the same direction, although its destination is destruction. This is the road that Satan would like for everyone to be on.
The second road is narrow and challenging. The Bible says that there are not many people that find this road, but it is the road that is most rewarding to travel on because it leads to life.
People in the world today think there are many ways to get to heaven, but that's not what the Bible teaches. No one can get to the Father except through Jesus. We each choose the path we take. I hope you have chosen to travel on the narrow road. It's not the easiest road to be on, but it is the most rewarding. You will be glad you did; glad for all eternity. Can you say with me, "as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord."
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
Battling Temptation
Battling Temptation
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Temptation does not single out people. Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not. As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God. Let us not forget that God is in control of everything. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it." NLT
Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations. If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar. If your weakness is remaining pure sexually, don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong. Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you. He will not hit you at your strong point. Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Temptation does not single out people. Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not. As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God. Let us not forget that God is in control of everything. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it." NLT
Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations. If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar. If your weakness is remaining pure sexually, don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong. Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you. He will not hit you at your strong point. Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 14, 2014
Don't Argue With Mockers
Don't Argue With Mockers
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2
Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you." Proverbs 9:7-8
I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:
"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...
How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.
It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.
Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12
Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker. Sometimes they are sent by God. Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable. You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone. Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God? ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2
Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you." Proverbs 9:7-8
I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:
"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...
How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.
It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.
Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12
Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker. Sometimes they are sent by God. Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable. You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone. Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God? ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 7, 2014
The Cost of Following Jesus
The Cost of Following Jesus
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38
Focus Verses: Mark 8:34-35 "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me, For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
When Jesus was addressing the crowd about taking up their cross, they knew exactly what He was talking about. They had seen the Romans execute many people that way. Jesus said this to illustrate the submission required of His followers. Jesus wants us to know that following Him is not always easy, in fact many times it is hard. But we do not follow Him alone. He is right there beside us every step of the way.
Our earthly lives can't even compare to what we will gain for a life spent following Jesus. Jesus wants us to choose a joy filled life with Him, rather than a life of sin, self-satisfaction, and regret. He doesn't want us to try to control our own life, but let Him direct our life's path. God knows what will bring a life of satisfaction. After all, He should know. He created us.
Many people in this world seek a pleasureful life. But whatever you work so hard for on this earth is only temporary. You brought nothing into this world, and you will take nothing out of this world. Only what is done for Christ will have an eternal impact. So follow Jesus without compromise and you will live an abundant life here on earth, and in the life to come.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38
Focus Verses: Mark 8:34-35 "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me, For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
When Jesus was addressing the crowd about taking up their cross, they knew exactly what He was talking about. They had seen the Romans execute many people that way. Jesus said this to illustrate the submission required of His followers. Jesus wants us to know that following Him is not always easy, in fact many times it is hard. But we do not follow Him alone. He is right there beside us every step of the way.
Our earthly lives can't even compare to what we will gain for a life spent following Jesus. Jesus wants us to choose a joy filled life with Him, rather than a life of sin, self-satisfaction, and regret. He doesn't want us to try to control our own life, but let Him direct our life's path. God knows what will bring a life of satisfaction. After all, He should know. He created us.
Many people in this world seek a pleasureful life. But whatever you work so hard for on this earth is only temporary. You brought nothing into this world, and you will take nothing out of this world. Only what is done for Christ will have an eternal impact. So follow Jesus without compromise and you will live an abundant life here on earth, and in the life to come.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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