The Trumpet Will Sound

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24: 30-39

Focus Verse: Matthew 24: 31 “He will send His angles with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Many times in the Bible it is difficult to determine the difference between the rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ.  We believe that the rapture of the church will happen before the tribulation and the second coming of Christ will happen after the great tribulation.  Last week we talked about how the labor pains show us that we are living in the end times.  Events will soon be happening on the earth like we have never seen before.  Yet many people go about living their lives as though nothing is approaching.  It’s like a fishing boat out on the lake.  There is a severe storm approaching and the fishermen do nothing to prepare for the storm and they are lost.  We see people living today much like those who lived during the time of Noah.  No preparation was made and they were all swept away in the flood and are lost.  The trumpet will sound one day and only those who have put their trust in Jesus and made their preparation for eternity will be taken to heaven.  Those who will be left behind have a future of disaster waiting for them.  I hope you are prepared for the future and eternity by placing your hope and trust in the only One who can save you, Jesus.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Birth Pains

Scripture Reading: Luke 21: 8-36

Focus Verses: Luke 21: 25-27  “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars.  And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.  People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.”

Most of us are familiar with what takes place during a pregnancy leading up to the birth of a child.  As the time of the birth draws closer, the mother begins to experience some pains.  Those pains get closer together as time progresses.  The Bible compares the second coming of Christ to the labor pains of a mother.  We are seeing many signs today that Jesus said would be present in the end times.  Jesus says in Matthew 24:7 “there will be earthquakes in many parts of the world.”  We are seeing this today as there are many earthquakes taking place around the world.  Natural disasters are happening more often than ever before.  Jesus also said there will be great persecution in the end times.  We are seeing this taking place particularly in the middle east where Christians are dying for their faith.  All of these signs are telling us that the end in drawing near.  This is not something we need to worry about because as Christians we know that Jesus will take us safely to heaven.  So as you see these birth pains let us be busy about the work of the Lord, as His return draws near.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Temptation Weapons

Bible Reading James 1:13-15

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.”

In this passage, God reminds us of one thing we should pay very close attention to so we don’t get sucked into sin: desire. (Desire is why we do what’s wrong. Satan just comes along and seduces us when our desire is ripe.) As I read this passage, I thought about the progression that occurs when we get sucked into sin because of intense desire. And, I made a list of this progression.

When we give into temptation here’s what can happen: 

1) We are overtaken by strong emotion that comes from desire.

2) We are confused.

3) We downplay the consequence of our sin.

4) We justify our behavior.

5) We may blame others for our choice.

6) We may even say that our sin is God's will and that it's not sin at all. (For example, We are happier, and doesn't God want us to be happy?)

Then, if we become fully rebellious, we may even turn against God. 

But there is good news! God gives us a way out. 

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Having some good friends or a community to hold you accountable also helps.

If you start thinking about a time when you fell into sin and the enemy starts beating you up, telling you that you are worthless, tell him to get lost because there isn’t any condemnation for you in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Then, bring out your weapons in 1 John 1:9:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can resist temptation. Help me not to be deceived by ungodly desires. Amen.

Application: Reflect on situations in your own life or in the lives of others and how today’s devotional applies as an exercise to help you resist temptation. 

By Shana Schuttle

A Happy Reunion

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Focus Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

What a great reunion day that will be, when we will always be together with the Lord.  We have all lost a loved one that has died a physical death, but if they have put their faith and trust in Christ, and we have done the same, we will see them one day.  The Thessalonian believers were wondering about family members and friends that have died.  Paul was assuring them that they would see them again one day.  When Jesus returns one day in the clouds, those that have placed their faith and hope in Him will return with Him.  We will then receive new bodies.  A body that will never get sick.  A body that will never get old.  A body that will live forever with Jesus.  This is great news. I am looking forward to that day.  All the troubles of this world will just be a faded memory on that happy reunion day.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Lion on the Loose

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-11

Focus Verses: 1 Peter 5:8-9  “Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”

On this past trip to Kenya, I heard this story that happened in Nairobi last year.  Nairobi National Park is next to the city of Nairobi.  There has been much construction of new buildings and new roads near the game park.  As the construction workers were leaving for the day, they did not secure the fence of the game park.  The next morning a man was walking to work on the road, and much to his surprise he was greeted by lions.  He got attacked and nearly lost his life.  Isn’t that how our lives often are?  We are walking down the road of life, and unexpectedly Satan jumps out and attacks us.  He never announces his intentions.  He just stalks us just as the lions do before they pounce on their prey.  The devil walks about like a roaring lion, therefore we need to be attentive to his tactics.  He is looking for a Christian that is separated from the flock.  So be careful not to waver in your faith.  He’s looking to destroy you and your testimony.  But you are not alone; Jesus will help you.  Stay with the flock and be vigilant and sober because Satan is a lion on the loose.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries