Pledge Allegiance to God

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 1:2-20

Focus Verse: Isaiah 1:4  “Oh what a sinful nation they are, loaded down with a burden of guilt.  They are evil people, corrupt children who have rejected the Lord.  They have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.

What does it mean to pledge allegiance?  If you pledge allegiance to a country, like Kenya or America, it means you are a citizen of that country and that you will love and be loyal to that country.  If you pledge your allegiance to God, it means you are a citizen of heaven and you will be loyal to and love God.  It means you allow God to have control over your life.  But sometimes we may become tempted to be loyal to other things: our money, our jobs, our educations, our friends, our material possessions.  Satan would like for us to be loyal to all these different things.  He would rather you be loyal to anything but God.

As we read in the Bible Israel had turned their back on God.  They were no longer loyal to God.  Sometimes I feel that America is taking the same path of turning their backs on God.  Maybe you feel the same way about Kenya.  If everything is going great, then we turn our backs on God and act as if we don’t need Him. It seems like we only turn to God if we are having trouble.  The apostle Paul says it best in Philippians 3:19-20  “They are headed for destruction.  Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.  And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.”  Today I hope you will think about to whom or what you are pledging your allegiance.  God does not want to share you with anyone or anything.  God wants all of your allegiance.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

No Need to be Fearful

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 41:8-16

Focus Verse: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

As Christians what a great encouragement this verse is to us.  God has promised to be with us, strengthen us, help us, and hold us up.  Are there reasons today that you walk in fear or are loosing confidence?  This should give us great confidence because we have no reason to walk in fear.  You may have circumstances in your life that you see no way out, but take heart because God sees all of it.  He already knows the outcome of your troubles.  He has promised to strengthen you and to uphold you through it all.  Just because you can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not there.  If you are a believer in Christ, He is always with you.  So don’t let fear or discouragement take control of your life.  God always has you in His hand, and will never let you go.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries