Plan Your Escape

 Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13  “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

I had a dog named Mia. Sometimes when I was with her, she would see a wild animal in the bush.  Then she wanted to chase it, so I kept her on the rope.  But even though she knew I wouldn't let her chase it, she continued to look at the wild animal and that only made her want to chase it more.  If I used the rope to take her in the opposite direction, she would be back to normal.  That reminds me of how temptation is in our lives.  We see the sin.  Satan tempts us to want it.  If we continue to look at it, the temptation becomes even more difficult to resist. 

When you are tempted to do what is wrong, remove yourself from the temptation.  God has promised you a way out.  So get your eyes off the temptation, and start looking for the escape route God has promised for you.  Joseph in the Bible was being seduced by a woman.  We read in Genesis that he didn’t look twice, instead he pointed his feet in the opposite direction and ran.  Some things to remember when being tempted:

• The Word of God is our first defense. 
• Sometimes fleeing is the only way to resist.  
• Remember we are in a fight, a spiritual battle.  
• Fellowship with the right kind of people, not people that will drag you down.  
• Follow Jesus example, when He said “Get behind Me, Satan.”   
• Remember, the way you live does matter, so plan your escape.

Remember verse 12 as a warning, "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall."

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

God's Spirit Over Darkness

Scripture: Genesis 1
Focus verse: Genesis 1:2-3 "The earth was without form, and void; and the darkness was on the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light” and there was light."

     There is a great darkness hanging all over the globe today. The fear of death is taking control in many hearts and nobody is certain about what will happen the next day. People are glued to the media and there is a common fear of uncertainty all over the world. Doctors are overwhelmed and health facilities are overstretched. The economy is collapsing and people are losing jobs. It’s no longer business as usual. It’s a dark time that nobody would wish to have again. Our leaders are losing focus and so is the direction that nations are taking. Things appear formless and what we see is absolute panic.
     However, God’s word in Genesis reminds us of total darkness that covered the surface of the universe. The word of God tells that there was total darkness. I believe if that kind of darkness was to happen today there would be more danger than the present calamity. Can we imagine a darkness with not a single light in the entire world?  Not even the lights from the stars and any other heavenly bodies. I bet that’s something we can’t contain. God allowed that same darkness to cover the surface of the earth for three hours as Jesus hanged on the cross, Matthew 27:45. The Bible in Genesis tells us that in that total darkness, the spirit of God was hovering and taking control of all things, having authority and not being hindered by anything.
     We could be going through a time of darkness but the spirit of God is moving and God is still in control. He finally declared that there was light and the whole world had light. We know that God’s power to move and work is not hindered by any form of darkness. No matter what life brings today, God can still declare light where there is darkness, life where there is death, healing where there is sickness and strength where there is weakness. The Lord is in control no matter how close days of darkness hangs from us.

     As Paul states in Romans 8:1 – 18, For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Our God is so faithful.

Pastor Eliazar Wambo
Bethesda Faith Ministries
partnered with Interlocking Ministries

Simple and Powerful

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:1  Paul speaking, “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.”

Paul writes in our Bible passage that he wants to forget anything, to forget any of his own strength, forget to speak in a clever way, but to just focus on speaking about Jesus, God's plan! He knew that it was important to trust in God's power and not human wisdom.

 

I have preached many messages in Kenya over the last 23 years.  The comment that I hear most often about my preaching is how my message is simple, easy to understand, and powerful. The Gospel is not complicated, and we should not make it sound complicated to the listener. The Gospel message consists of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  It takes faith to believe this.  Sometimes it’s easier for a child to accept this message than for an adult because of the faith that is needed.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, " For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

Although the Gospel message is simple it is also very powerful because of the Holy Spirit.  In Romans 1:16 Paul writes, “I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”  When I think of power I think of large storms, or earthquakes.  There is great power when God is at work.  Remember there is great power in the simple message of the Gospel.  There is power in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Don’t be ashamed of this message, but proclaim it boldly and keep it simple and true.

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries