Seeking God

Bible reading: Luke 11:1-13

Focus verse: "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:9

I was discussing spiritual issues with a woman a few years ago.  She had been a Christian for many years.  She began to ask some questions about God that had answers easily found in the scriptures.  I realized that although she was saved, she really hadn't studied the Word of God to seek Him.  

The disciples, in the scripture reading, had some questions for Jesus.  They called Him teacher.  Jesus was easy to talk to.  They asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  After Jesus answered them, he encouraged them to continue seeking.

Jesus wants you to seek him.  God has revealed so much in His Word, the Bible.  It is a shame to own a Bible and not read it.  If there are things that you don't understand, ask God to help you.  He will be pleased and will help you find the truth.

"But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

When Your Loved One Dies

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

Focus verse: “But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14

I am writing this devotion in honor of my friends in Kenya experiencing the loss of a father and other friends who lost a child.  Life is difficult when a loved one dies.

There is shock and disbelief.  There is loss and sorrow.  How do you move from that sorrow and mourning into a place of accepting life without the one who died?  When you face sorrow, seek the face of God because he sees your trouble and affliction.

God is your refuge.  God cares and will hold you in His hand and care for you.  It takes time, but God will heal the sorrow as we trust Him.  He will turn our hearts and we begin to see a glimpse of hope among moments of sadness.  He will nurture the hope in your heart and through faith, it will grow into joy, once again. 

Friends can comfort, but God heals the heart.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

In loving memory of Christopher Wambo, and four month old, Praise Nzenze, son of Pastor Tobias and Anna

When Saying "NO" Isn't enough

Scripture reading: Genesis 39

Focus verse: James 1:14-15 says  “ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Joseph walked with the Lord and the Lord caused him to have favor in the eyes of his master, Potiphar.  Although he was a slave, Joseph worked faithfully and desired to honor God with his life.  Potiphar's wife took notice of the handsome Joseph and asked him to go to bed and lie with her.  Joseph refused and explained his reason.  Day after day she wanted him and would not honor him.  He said "no" each time.  One day, she enticed him, took him by the coat and said for him to come lie with him.  Joseph ran.  Yes, he ran and left the coat in her hand.  He knew that he could not discuss it with her, because she would not listen.  Joseph honored God in his decision.  Sexual sin can also be very tempting.  That day, saying "no" was not enough. 

Sometimes you can explain the reasons why you choose to honor God with your decisions.  Sometimes, your gentleness will win someone over to Christ.  If a temptation continues to come at you from another person, especially someone who doesn't listen to reason, you must not have time with that person.  You might even have to RUN!

Is someone tempting you?  True love waits.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Jesus is Calling Your Name

Scripture Reading:  John 10:1-21   

Focus Verse: John 10:3  The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads then out.

Jesus likes calling you by name.  In Luke 19 we read the story of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name when he was up in a sycamore tree.  Jesus has been calling sinners to Himself ever since.  All through history God has been calling people personally.  John 10 talks about Jesus being the good shepherd, and He calls His sheep by name.  If we are truly His children, then we will know His voice when He calls us.  God knows all about you.  He even knows more about you than you know about yourself.  God is calling you to make an unconditional commitment to Him.  A commitment where you will leave everything behind, just as the early disciples did.

Even though there are billions of people in the world today, God is calling you by name, personally.  He is first calling you to have a soul saving relationship with His Son Jesus, and then He's calling you into a deeper relationship with Himself.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries