Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-13
Focus Verses: 2 Timothy 2:9-10 "And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the Word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."
God has allowed me to endure a journey of trials and testing over the past two weeks. A virus has attacked my right eye, and as a result I have lost the vision in that eye. The doctors say it could happen to anybody, though it's rare. Some friends have suggested that it's spiritual warfare. I don't know if this is a result of my preaching the gospel, but I do know that Satan cannot be happy when he sees people coming to Christ in Kenya.
Paul says "the Word of God cannot be chained. Maybe the enemy thought that when I lost my right foot in an accident 35 years ago, that it would prevent the Word of God from going forward. It didn't. Maybe Satan thinks that now taking my right eye this will keep the Word of God from going forward. It won't. I will not back down. I will not quit preaching God's Word.
I am thankful that my family and friends have been encouraging me with scripture and prayer. I am certainly praying that God will heal my eye, but if He doesn't, I know that God is still good. I know that He has a plan, and a purpose for my life. I will be faithful to Him no matter what. Psalm 73:26 says, "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, He is mine forever."
Testing is never easy, but there is a glory in heaven waiting for me one day because God's Word will not be chained.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, October 31, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Search, Know and Lead Me
Bible Reading: Psalm 139
Focus Verse: Psalm 139:23-24 " Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
If you were sick, you would go to the doctor to ask him or her to search you and see if there is any sickness in you. Then you would want him to treat that illness to remove it from you. In the same way, we need God to help us find any sin that we try to hide so He can help us remove it.
God knows us inside and out. He made every part of every cell in our bodies as well as the sin in our lives. Are you brave enough to ask God to search out your wicked ways and then to lead you away from those sins? Is it easier to remain in denial of your wicked ways or would it be better to know the truth? Do you want to know what God finds?
Sin in our lives can come with excuses or reasons why you need to keep the sin. This can only lead to more problems in your life. If you allow God to seek and find the root of your sin, then follow Him as He leads you out of it, you will then be free of it. It is better to know the truth, even if it is a difficult truth to admit and repent of.
Pray the focus verse for yourself.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Psalm 139:23-24 " Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
If you were sick, you would go to the doctor to ask him or her to search you and see if there is any sickness in you. Then you would want him to treat that illness to remove it from you. In the same way, we need God to help us find any sin that we try to hide so He can help us remove it.
God knows us inside and out. He made every part of every cell in our bodies as well as the sin in our lives. Are you brave enough to ask God to search out your wicked ways and then to lead you away from those sins? Is it easier to remain in denial of your wicked ways or would it be better to know the truth? Do you want to know what God finds?
Sin in our lives can come with excuses or reasons why you need to keep the sin. This can only lead to more problems in your life. If you allow God to seek and find the root of your sin, then follow Him as He leads you out of it, you will then be free of it. It is better to know the truth, even if it is a difficult truth to admit and repent of.
Pray the focus verse for yourself.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Monday, October 13, 2014
Passion Under Control
Wisdom Hunters
Bible Reading: Related Readings: Job 27:10; Psalm 145:19; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 7:9; Galatians 5:24
Focus Verse: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Titus 2:11-13
Passion is something we look for in leaders, coaches, athletes and artists. We admire people who have a passion for their faith, family, work, hobby or life in general. These upbeat individuals bring energy to projects, problems and relationships. You can feel it when they walk into a room. An energized person engages with their eyes, body language, emotions and speech. A neutral response is not an option with someone motivated to do something or be someone. But not all passions are created equal. Energy around foolishness is hurtful--we need passion under control.
Passion is good as long as it is under the control of God’s grace. We can say yes to passion when it is channeled into Christ-centered outcomes. Thus, we pray for the passion of Christ to motivate us. We trust the Holy Spirit to stir our souls. Our confidence in God prepares us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, so we can say yes to godliness and eternal motivations. When our desires are fueled by faith we can’t wait to make a difference for Jesus. When He controls our emotions, He frees us to radically love with our whole being. Pure living is passionate.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another” (Titus 3:3).
Are you enslaved by selfish passions and pleasures, or do you enjoy passionate living for the Lord? For example, the all consuming drive to make more money looks a lot different than a disciplined routine to take care of your spiritual and physical health while intentionally investing in your family and friends. If you are always emotionally spent from a frantic pace of life you have nothing left to give when you spend time with those you love most. Ask the Spirit to prune back good activities and questionable behaviors so you can enjoy His best. Choose humility.
Furthermore, seek to gain Christ and not be distracted by self indulgent pleasures. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to a higher standard of conduct so others can be inspired and instructed. Release your affections toward the tender touch of Jesus and He will keep you from unhealthy, even destructive desires. A heart full of Jesus is not co-dependent on another’s manipulative, but otherwise sincere heart. Ask the Lord to fire your faith with His desires. Submit your wishes to His wisdom. Place your heart in the hand of your heavenly Father. Be passionate with Him!
“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:4-5, NASB).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, align my passions with Your passions. Channel my energy into Your outcomes.
~Boyd Bailey
Wisdom Hunters
http://www.wisdomhunters.com/
Bible Reading: Related Readings: Job 27:10; Psalm 145:19; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 7:9; Galatians 5:24
Focus Verse: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Titus 2:11-13
Passion is something we look for in leaders, coaches, athletes and artists. We admire people who have a passion for their faith, family, work, hobby or life in general. These upbeat individuals bring energy to projects, problems and relationships. You can feel it when they walk into a room. An energized person engages with their eyes, body language, emotions and speech. A neutral response is not an option with someone motivated to do something or be someone. But not all passions are created equal. Energy around foolishness is hurtful--we need passion under control.
Passion is good as long as it is under the control of God’s grace. We can say yes to passion when it is channeled into Christ-centered outcomes. Thus, we pray for the passion of Christ to motivate us. We trust the Holy Spirit to stir our souls. Our confidence in God prepares us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, so we can say yes to godliness and eternal motivations. When our desires are fueled by faith we can’t wait to make a difference for Jesus. When He controls our emotions, He frees us to radically love with our whole being. Pure living is passionate.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another” (Titus 3:3).
Are you enslaved by selfish passions and pleasures, or do you enjoy passionate living for the Lord? For example, the all consuming drive to make more money looks a lot different than a disciplined routine to take care of your spiritual and physical health while intentionally investing in your family and friends. If you are always emotionally spent from a frantic pace of life you have nothing left to give when you spend time with those you love most. Ask the Spirit to prune back good activities and questionable behaviors so you can enjoy His best. Choose humility.
Furthermore, seek to gain Christ and not be distracted by self indulgent pleasures. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to a higher standard of conduct so others can be inspired and instructed. Release your affections toward the tender touch of Jesus and He will keep you from unhealthy, even destructive desires. A heart full of Jesus is not co-dependent on another’s manipulative, but otherwise sincere heart. Ask the Lord to fire your faith with His desires. Submit your wishes to His wisdom. Place your heart in the hand of your heavenly Father. Be passionate with Him!
“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:4-5, NASB).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, align my passions with Your passions. Channel my energy into Your outcomes.
~Boyd Bailey
Wisdom Hunters
http://www.wisdomhunters.com/
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