The Power to Say, "No".

The Power to Say, "No".

Scripture Reading: Esther 1:3-19

Focus Verse: Esther 1:12 "But when they conveyed the king's order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come.  This made the king furious, and he burned with anger."

Vashti was queen of Persia and the wife of King Xerxes.  He reigned the territory from India to Ethiopia.  The king gave a great party with many guests.  As everyone became drunk he ordered his wife, Vashti, to come and dance before the guests.  She sent word back to the king that she would not dance.  Even though it meant she could lose her life or lose every luxury that she enjoyed as queen.  She said, "no.  She would not expose her body and degrade herself. 

One hundred years ago a man converted to Christ.  He became a pastor and took missions to the poor and oppressed in the slums of London.  Many times he would preach on street corners.  He became an embarrassment to the well known pastors of the city.  When he was called before a conference of the religious leaders, they said.  "William Booth, will you go where we tell you to go?  If not, we will strip you of your pastorate."  His wife, Catherine stood and said, "William, say, 'No, never!'"  His courage to say no that day, changed the history of Great Britain and many other parts of the world.  William Booth was the founder of The Salvation Army that has helped millions of people around the world.

If you ever feel pressured to conform to others' prideful or sinful plans, it may seem too difficult to resist.  If it is not God's plan, you should resist them. You don't have to resist in your own strength, because with God's help you can have the power to say "No".

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

When Life Knocks You Down

When Life Knocks You Down

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-7
Focus verse: 1 Peter 1:6 "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while."

I have had an accident where my foot was amputated, I have had a virus attack my right eye and make me blind in it, I have had other illnesses and injuries in my life.  I don't know why trials come a certain times in our lives, but I know that we all must endure them.  Here are some things I have observed about trails: 

Trials help us to comfort others.  I now have a new sense of compassion for those in Kenya that suffer from mosquito born illnesses.  We are now helping with some projects to help give some relief of malaria.  2 Corinthians 1:4 "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When we are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."     

Jesus will walk with you through the trial.  He comforts and teaches us in life's storms.  We are never outside of God's watchful eye.  Nothing happens to us that He has not already filtered.  2 Corinthians 4:8 "We are pressed down on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.  We are perplexed, but not driven to despair." 

Finally God gives hope to our troubled hearts.  We can rest in the fact that God will heal our hurts, and God will work in our trials.  We may not see that healing here on earth, but we will see it one day.  So take heart, when life is knocking you down, there is only One who can pick you back up.  And His name is Jesus.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Forgiven to Forgive

Forgiven to Forgive
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-17
Focus verse: "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7

This devotion is only for those who are followers of Christ.

Colossians 3:13 says, "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

When we are born again, we begin a new life in Christ.  Colossians 3 teaches us so much about that new life.  We don't have to hate, hold a grudge or take revenge.  Jesus forgave us and we must also learn to forgive others.

Forgiving someone is a decision, not an emotion.  It is a decision based on our worship of our Heavenly Father and honoring His command for us. It is a decision to release that person from your right to punish or take revenge.  It is showing mercy.  

Sometimes you decide to forgive and then your emotions of anger return and challenge your decision.  You must then continue to make the decision again and again.  
  
If you are a new believer or if this is a big challenge to you, you should seek God.  Read the Bible, pray and ask stronger believers to pray with you about it.  God will give you success in time.

Remember, you sinned against God and deserve Hell.  God forgave you, your sin against Him.  Surely you can forgive others.  God's command is for our own good.  When you forgive, you will find freedom.  The burden is lifted and you realize that your unforgiveness was only hurting yourself.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries