Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12
Focus Verse: 1 Peter 3:4 “You should clothe yourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
As we look forward to January 1, 2019 we think about the year ahead. I have found myself looking at the calendar for 2019 and seeing the things that I want to do this coming year. We make for ourselves dreams and goals for the year ahead. Maybe you want to get out of debt in 2019. Maybe you want to see your child graduate form four, or attend a university in 2019. Maybe you want to live a more healthy lifestyle. There are many different goals we could set for ourselves. But many times people set ambitious goals that they are not able to accomplish. When March gets here they can’t even remember what their goals were.
The Bible tells us to be ambitious and work hard with our hands, but at the same time it says to live a peaceful and quiet life. Many times we are working hard because we are discontent, and unhappy. We look for the next new thing, the next new job, the next marriage. We think this will satisfy us, only to leave us still searching. It is a cycle that never ends. This year you could make it your goal to live a content, and quiet life. Maybe you could take time this year to live a life of peace and contentment that often comes from living a simple quiet life with God. Living a simple life doesn’t mean that you don’t accomplish much for God. I’m reminded of the life of Evangelist Billy Graham. He lived a rather simple life, but he accomplished so much for God. I remember teaching my children that a house rule is to be happy with what you have. That is a simple way to think of contentment, but a good way to teach children when they are young and can help us learn contentment in whatever God chooses to provide. So this coming year let us be ambitious towards the things that matter most to God and content and grateful with how He provides for us.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, December 28, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
Three Important Dates
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-23
Focus Verse: Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
There are three important dates in the life of every believer that is going to heaven. The first important date is Christmas. We are not sure if the date Christ was born was on December 25th, but we are sure that there was a day when he left heaven to come to this earth, and was born of a virgin. If there were no reason for Christmas, we would not have the opportunity for heaven. The second important date is Easter. This is the date that Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. He paid for the penalty of sin that we could not pay for ourselves. If there were no Easter, we would not have the opportunity for heaven. This life and death of Christ is a sacrificial gift that God in is offering to every person on earth. The third important date is the day you were born again. This is the date that you received God’s free gift of Christ into your life. Without this third important date in your life, you will not be going to heaven. If you have never invited Christ into your life and accepted this free gift of salvation, what better time to do it than Christmas time. These three dates are of upmost importance in your life. If you leave out any one of the three, there is no salvation and no eternity in heaven.
*Extra Bible Reading: John 3:3, John 11:25-26, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:12
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
There are three important dates in the life of every believer that is going to heaven. The first important date is Christmas. We are not sure if the date Christ was born was on December 25th, but we are sure that there was a day when he left heaven to come to this earth, and was born of a virgin. If there were no reason for Christmas, we would not have the opportunity for heaven. The second important date is Easter. This is the date that Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. He paid for the penalty of sin that we could not pay for ourselves. If there were no Easter, we would not have the opportunity for heaven. This life and death of Christ is a sacrificial gift that God in is offering to every person on earth. The third important date is the day you were born again. This is the date that you received God’s free gift of Christ into your life. Without this third important date in your life, you will not be going to heaven. If you have never invited Christ into your life and accepted this free gift of salvation, what better time to do it than Christmas time. These three dates are of upmost importance in your life. If you leave out any one of the three, there is no salvation and no eternity in heaven.
*Extra Bible Reading: John 3:3, John 11:25-26, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:12
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, December 14, 2018
Peace on Earth
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20
Focus Verse: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
Because of God's great love for us, He has made it possible for us to have peace. We see in the scripture, the angels were proclaiming it over mankind. Peace on earth starts with peace in our hearts. When there is peace inwardly then there can be peace outwardly. Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” It is God’s grace that allows us to experience this peace, and it’s through Jesus that God offers this peace to us.
Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Jesus came to this earth that we might experience the peace of God. Do you have this peace in your heart this Christmas season? If you are a believer in Christ does this mean you will experience 100% peace in your life? No, because truth divides, and not everyone believes in truth. Jesus said, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” Luke 12:51-52. There will be division on this earth as long as there are those who don’t believe in Christ.
So let us stand for humility, grace, and truth this Christmas season, and trust God for others around us to stand for the same so that they may experience this same Peace On Earth.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
Because of God's great love for us, He has made it possible for us to have peace. We see in the scripture, the angels were proclaiming it over mankind. Peace on earth starts with peace in our hearts. When there is peace inwardly then there can be peace outwardly. Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” It is God’s grace that allows us to experience this peace, and it’s through Jesus that God offers this peace to us.
Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Jesus came to this earth that we might experience the peace of God. Do you have this peace in your heart this Christmas season? If you are a believer in Christ does this mean you will experience 100% peace in your life? No, because truth divides, and not everyone believes in truth. Jesus said, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” Luke 12:51-52. There will be division on this earth as long as there are those who don’t believe in Christ.
So let us stand for humility, grace, and truth this Christmas season, and trust God for others around us to stand for the same so that they may experience this same Peace On Earth.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, December 7, 2018
Desire God’s Best
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:13-26
Focus Verses: Proverbs 3:13-18 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding, for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
What do people chase after most in this world? Money, power, fame, comfort, success? Some people desire a home, a family, a good job to be able to meet their obligations. These are all human desires. Jesus did not die on the cross to give us possessions or popularity, or a comfortable life. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. The things of this world cannot give you an abundant life. The things of this world eventually will bring you disappointment. Your investment of money can fail to give you a return. Your friend that was once loyal to you can turn against you. The job that you enjoyed so much has not given you a promotion like you anticipated.
There is only one desire that will never fail you. That is to know God intimately through His Word and prayer. Your investment in time with God will always give you a return more than you thought. God will never turn against you. He will always be a trusted friend. God has a promotion for you one day when you reach heaven that will be unlike anything you have ever seen. So don’t desire the cheap imitation that the world offers. Instead desire what God offers. The rewards will last forever.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Proverbs 3:13-18 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding, for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
What do people chase after most in this world? Money, power, fame, comfort, success? Some people desire a home, a family, a good job to be able to meet their obligations. These are all human desires. Jesus did not die on the cross to give us possessions or popularity, or a comfortable life. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. The things of this world cannot give you an abundant life. The things of this world eventually will bring you disappointment. Your investment of money can fail to give you a return. Your friend that was once loyal to you can turn against you. The job that you enjoyed so much has not given you a promotion like you anticipated.
There is only one desire that will never fail you. That is to know God intimately through His Word and prayer. Your investment in time with God will always give you a return more than you thought. God will never turn against you. He will always be a trusted friend. God has a promotion for you one day when you reach heaven that will be unlike anything you have ever seen. So don’t desire the cheap imitation that the world offers. Instead desire what God offers. The rewards will last forever.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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