Expect Kindness [and give kindness]
~by David Jeremiah from Hope for Today
Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32
Focus verse: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32
Counselors sometimes suggest that a sure way to avoid disappointment is to avoid expectations. Married couples are sometimes told if they expect nothing from a spouse, they will not be disappointed if they receive nothing. That is a sad way to approach life.
Often, we confuse expectations with rights, especially in marriage. Some claim "It is my right to be loved and understood by my spouse." Demanding rights can be problematic. But are expectations in marriage wrong? When we follow Paul's lead, comparing marriage to Christ and His Church, it would seem not (Ephesians 5: 22-33) Do we as the Bride of Christ have expectations of Christ? Yes, and He is always faithful. Does Christ have expectations of us, His Bride - expectations of love, loyalty, obedience, service, and more? Yes, and whyle we sometimes disappoint Him, expectations remain.
As the Bride of Christ, we should be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another as Christ is toward us (Ephesians 4:32). Don't disappoint Him. Be kind to each other - He expects it.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Colossians 3:12
More on marriage:
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that
He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or
wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without
blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[a] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[b] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Friday, March 9, 2018
Awake and Sober
Awake and Sober
Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 5
Focus Verse: "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Jesus is coming back. It's what believers long for and what makes those without Christ to tremble. Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of the great Evangelist Billy Graham, recently made a pledge at her father's funeral. She explained that on the date of her father's death, the Jews' scripture for that day was about how Moses led the people of Israel out of bondage. Her father led millions out of the bondage of sin to the very edge of Heaven. She said, "Could it be that God is going to bring Joshua to lead us into the Promised Land, lead us to Heaven and – you know what the New Testament name for Joshua is? It's Jesus. And I believe this is a shot across the bow from Heaven. And I believe God is saying: 'Wake up church! Wake up world! Jesus is coming!" she declared. "I pledge to you, Daddy, that in view of His appearing, and in front of all these witnesses, I will preach the Word! I will do the work of an evangelist and I will share the Gospel and I will run my race and live my life so that five minutes before I see Jesus I have no regrets. I will live my life to glorify and exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ," she concluded.
What do we do as we wait for this glorious day, of which we have no knowlege of the day? See verses 12-27 of 1 Thessalonians 5 for the long list that includes things like:
Acknowledge those who work hard among you and those who care for you.
Live in peace with each other.
Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Rejoice, pray and give thanks.
Test the spirits and hold onto good, while rejecting every kind of evil.
Let God sanctify (purify and cleanse) you.
We are also to go into all the land and preach the Gospel, starting with the neighbors. There is no time to be idle, disruptive, drunk or playing with the edge of evil. We must be awake and sober to be doing our Heavenly Father's business.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 5
Focus Verse: "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Jesus is coming back. It's what believers long for and what makes those without Christ to tremble. Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of the great Evangelist Billy Graham, recently made a pledge at her father's funeral. She explained that on the date of her father's death, the Jews' scripture for that day was about how Moses led the people of Israel out of bondage. Her father led millions out of the bondage of sin to the very edge of Heaven. She said, "Could it be that God is going to bring Joshua to lead us into the Promised Land, lead us to Heaven and – you know what the New Testament name for Joshua is? It's Jesus. And I believe this is a shot across the bow from Heaven. And I believe God is saying: 'Wake up church! Wake up world! Jesus is coming!" she declared. "I pledge to you, Daddy, that in view of His appearing, and in front of all these witnesses, I will preach the Word! I will do the work of an evangelist and I will share the Gospel and I will run my race and live my life so that five minutes before I see Jesus I have no regrets. I will live my life to glorify and exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ," she concluded.
What do we do as we wait for this glorious day, of which we have no knowlege of the day? See verses 12-27 of 1 Thessalonians 5 for the long list that includes things like:
Acknowledge those who work hard among you and those who care for you.
Live in peace with each other.
Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Rejoice, pray and give thanks.
Test the spirits and hold onto good, while rejecting every kind of evil.
Let God sanctify (purify and cleanse) you.
We are also to go into all the land and preach the Gospel, starting with the neighbors. There is no time to be idle, disruptive, drunk or playing with the edge of evil. We must be awake and sober to be doing our Heavenly Father's business.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 2, 2018
My Body, My Slave
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9: 19-27
Focus Verse: "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside." Job 23: 10-11
Paul knew what it was like to make adjustments in his life. After he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was totally different. He was writing here about some of those things that he was doing in order to encourage people to be saved. He takes into consideration who he is with in order to be in step with the culture that he is with. He is willing to discipline himself in such a way that will be beneficial to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He concludes by saying that it wasn’t an easy thing to be disciplined, but that he beat his body or disciplined his body so that he was in control of all of his actions.
I remember when I was 15 years old, I had knee surgery. The doctor came to visit me at the bed of the hospital after the surgery. He asked me to lift my leg up. I tried to lift my leg and nothing happened. I couldn’t understand. The doctor repeated the command. I said, “I can’t. It won’t go.” No matter how much I tried, my leg just wouldn’t go up. It seemed strange to not be in control of my body. The doctor was noticeably disturbed and after a moment he took hold of my heel and lifted my leg for me. He asked me to try to hold it in that “up” position. It worked and I was able to keep it there. Then, I could put my foot down and lift it again. I couldn’t understand why my leg began working, when it refused to before. The doctor said that my leg “forgot” how to respond but when he moved it, it remembered. I was relieved. The more I exercised it, however, the more control I recovered.
Did you ever hear that, “The Devil made me do it.” or “I just couldn’t help myself” or maybe “Well, that’s just the way I am.” These are just some of the excuses that we use when we are not disciplined. Do you feel trapped or helpless? If you failed and forgot how to respond to God, just ask for him to help you. Then keep exercising and you will get stronger. We exercise our discipline with daily devotions. We need to consider others and how they will perceive our actions and words. Even though I have the right to do something, doesn’t mean I should do it. 1 Corinthians 8:9 "But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak." If it could cause someone to reject the message of Christ, then... is it worth it?
Where is God leading you to be more disciplined?
What steps will you take to exercise and discipline your body for Christ?
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside." Job 23: 10-11
Paul knew what it was like to make adjustments in his life. After he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was totally different. He was writing here about some of those things that he was doing in order to encourage people to be saved. He takes into consideration who he is with in order to be in step with the culture that he is with. He is willing to discipline himself in such a way that will be beneficial to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He concludes by saying that it wasn’t an easy thing to be disciplined, but that he beat his body or disciplined his body so that he was in control of all of his actions.
I remember when I was 15 years old, I had knee surgery. The doctor came to visit me at the bed of the hospital after the surgery. He asked me to lift my leg up. I tried to lift my leg and nothing happened. I couldn’t understand. The doctor repeated the command. I said, “I can’t. It won’t go.” No matter how much I tried, my leg just wouldn’t go up. It seemed strange to not be in control of my body. The doctor was noticeably disturbed and after a moment he took hold of my heel and lifted my leg for me. He asked me to try to hold it in that “up” position. It worked and I was able to keep it there. Then, I could put my foot down and lift it again. I couldn’t understand why my leg began working, when it refused to before. The doctor said that my leg “forgot” how to respond but when he moved it, it remembered. I was relieved. The more I exercised it, however, the more control I recovered.
Did you ever hear that, “The Devil made me do it.” or “I just couldn’t help myself” or maybe “Well, that’s just the way I am.” These are just some of the excuses that we use when we are not disciplined. Do you feel trapped or helpless? If you failed and forgot how to respond to God, just ask for him to help you. Then keep exercising and you will get stronger. We exercise our discipline with daily devotions. We need to consider others and how they will perceive our actions and words. Even though I have the right to do something, doesn’t mean I should do it. 1 Corinthians 8:9 "But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak." If it could cause someone to reject the message of Christ, then... is it worth it?
Where is God leading you to be more disciplined?
What steps will you take to exercise and discipline your body for Christ?
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 23, 2018
Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-30
Focus Verse: Matthew 25:21 “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
On February 21, 2018 one of the worlds greatest evangelist was promoted to heaven. The Reverend Billy Graham went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Billy Graham was quoted as saying, “Some day you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” What a great positive way to think of death. As a believer in Christ, we have the hope of being alive in heaven. It has been said that Billy Graham was the greatest communicator of the Gospel since the apostle Paul. More than two billion people in this world have heard his message of salvation through crusades, radio and television. He conducted 417 crusades in 185 countries and territories on six continents. Countless millions of people have surrendered their lives to Christ through his ministry of 80 years. I am told that Billy Graham preached in Kenya on two occasions, Kisumu in 1960 and Nairobi in 1976.
Billy Graham’s main message did not change over those 80 years, because the Gospel message is the same yesterday, today and forever, and because God’s Word never changes. “I have one message: that Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as Lord and Savior, and if we do, we have forgiveness of all of our sins,” said Graham at his final Crusade in June 2005 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York.
Billy Graham’s life is an example of a life that was completely surrendered to Christ. God can use you and me in amazing ways, if we will fully surrender our lives to God. Ephesians 3:20 “God wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we might ask or think.” Since Billy Graham’s death people have been asking “who will be the next Billy Graham?” Any one of us can be the next Billy Graham. Anyone of us can go into this world and share the Gospel. I am sure that when Billy Graham reached heavens gate yesterday that Jesus welcomed him in by saying “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.” Billy Graham promoted to heaven at the age of 99. November 7, 1918 - February 21, 2018. Let Billy Graham’s life and death be an example to all of us of a life surrendered to God and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me … has passed from death into life” (John 5:24 NKJV).
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Read more on this website: https://memorial.billygraham.org/official-obituary/
Focus Verse: Matthew 25:21 “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
On February 21, 2018 one of the worlds greatest evangelist was promoted to heaven. The Reverend Billy Graham went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Billy Graham was quoted as saying, “Some day you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” What a great positive way to think of death. As a believer in Christ, we have the hope of being alive in heaven. It has been said that Billy Graham was the greatest communicator of the Gospel since the apostle Paul. More than two billion people in this world have heard his message of salvation through crusades, radio and television. He conducted 417 crusades in 185 countries and territories on six continents. Countless millions of people have surrendered their lives to Christ through his ministry of 80 years. I am told that Billy Graham preached in Kenya on two occasions, Kisumu in 1960 and Nairobi in 1976.
Billy Graham’s main message did not change over those 80 years, because the Gospel message is the same yesterday, today and forever, and because God’s Word never changes. “I have one message: that Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as Lord and Savior, and if we do, we have forgiveness of all of our sins,” said Graham at his final Crusade in June 2005 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York.
Billy Graham’s life is an example of a life that was completely surrendered to Christ. God can use you and me in amazing ways, if we will fully surrender our lives to God. Ephesians 3:20 “God wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we might ask or think.” Since Billy Graham’s death people have been asking “who will be the next Billy Graham?” Any one of us can be the next Billy Graham. Anyone of us can go into this world and share the Gospel. I am sure that when Billy Graham reached heavens gate yesterday that Jesus welcomed him in by saying “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.” Billy Graham promoted to heaven at the age of 99. November 7, 1918 - February 21, 2018. Let Billy Graham’s life and death be an example to all of us of a life surrendered to God and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me … has passed from death into life” (John 5:24 NKJV).
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Read more on this website: https://memorial.billygraham.org/official-obituary/
Friday, February 16, 2018
Running The Race
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12: 1-13Focus Verse: Hebrews 12: 1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
The winter Olympic games are being held in South Korea this month. We are watching on TV as the athletes from many different countries are competing against each other. We are watching them as they race on the ice and snow. These athletes train for many years so their bodies will be ready to compete in these races.
The Bible also has a lot to say about races. It describes the life that we live as a race, and that we all should desire to win this race. Our focus verse says we should strip off every weight that can slow us down. I did not see any Olympic athletes that were wearing backpacks while they were racing. In fact the athletes even wear special suits so even the air does not slow them down. The writer of Hebrews says we should get rid of anything that can slow us down, especially sin. So many of us as we get ready for the race of life, the first thing we do is strap on a backpack full of sin. There is no way we can win the race with all that unnecessary weight. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” Everyone of us has the opportunity to win at this race called life. But you need to be willing to do the training, and also be willing to strip off all the extra weight that could keep you from winning. Jesus can help you do this. Each of us right now are probably thinking of a weight or burden that is on our back that we need to get rid of. Just as those Olympic athletes are working so hard to win that gold metal, we should be striving for the reward that Jesus has reserved for us when we reach heaven. So run your race with endurance. Jesus will help you.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
The winter Olympic games are being held in South Korea this month. We are watching on TV as the athletes from many different countries are competing against each other. We are watching them as they race on the ice and snow. These athletes train for many years so their bodies will be ready to compete in these races.
The Bible also has a lot to say about races. It describes the life that we live as a race, and that we all should desire to win this race. Our focus verse says we should strip off every weight that can slow us down. I did not see any Olympic athletes that were wearing backpacks while they were racing. In fact the athletes even wear special suits so even the air does not slow them down. The writer of Hebrews says we should get rid of anything that can slow us down, especially sin. So many of us as we get ready for the race of life, the first thing we do is strap on a backpack full of sin. There is no way we can win the race with all that unnecessary weight. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” Everyone of us has the opportunity to win at this race called life. But you need to be willing to do the training, and also be willing to strip off all the extra weight that could keep you from winning. Jesus can help you do this. Each of us right now are probably thinking of a weight or burden that is on our back that we need to get rid of. Just as those Olympic athletes are working so hard to win that gold metal, we should be striving for the reward that Jesus has reserved for us when we reach heaven. So run your race with endurance. Jesus will help you.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 9, 2018
Unexpected Journey
Bible Reading: Ruth 1
Focus Verse: "A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Ruth, a Moabite woman, was married for 10 years to an Israelite man and was settled in her life. Suddenly, he died along with his brother. Now her husband's father had also died. This left Naomi, the mother-in-law and the two women alone. They heard that the crops were good in Judah and began their journey there. One of the women turned back, but Ruth made a commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. This commitment resulted in a great blessing to both Ruth and Naomi.
Many times we make a plan for our life, but tragedy strikes or something happens that keeps our plans from coming true. If we are following God, we will have the wisdom to find the path to take. God has a plan for our life. No matter the pain, suffering, confusion or disappointment in losing our original plan, we can rest in the knowledge that God is directing our next step.
More reading: Psalm 16:7, Jeremiah 10:23, Psalm 37:23 Trust Him.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 2, 2018
Government Can't Save You
Government Can't Save You
Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13
Focus Verse: Matthew 28: 19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What is the role of the believer in the politics of our world? What is the role of the pastor?
Jesus, the Messiah, came at a time when the area was under Roman Rule and the people thought that He came to save them by overthrowing the government. Those obsessed with that idea got frustrated and left Jesus because Jesus didn't speak to incite the people against Rome. Those who understood heavenly eternity stayed by Jesus' side. The reason He acted this way has to do with the nature of His kingdom - it was not of this world system. Jesus said that he was to be about his Father's business. There were more important battles and those were to heal our wicked hearts.
Jesus did not come offering judgement on the rulers of the world, but mercy. When the Roman soldier came to Jesus, there was no debate on the government, fair treatment, corruption, brutal slavery, but there was heavenly mercy. In that mercy, the Roman had faith. Can pursuing discipleship topple a corrupt government? Some historians cite that the spread of Christianity contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
We should never look to the Government to save us, but maybe we can lead someone in government to the Savior.
What is the role of the believer in the politics of our world? To be a good citizen, vote if you can vote, obey the laws of the land, and submit to the earthly authority obeying the laws of the land. Romans 13 1 Peter 2:13-17 We are to be about our command: Matthew 28: 19-20 and focus on making disciples. We can effect change in our communities through reaching the hearts. It is not good to turn your mission field into your enemy.
What is the role of the pastor? To be the shepherd of the believers, know Jesus, to whom you belong, follow Him and proclaim Him and the truth of the Word of God. Boldness in love bring forth the light for the world that is lost in darkness. Strengthen the church and the community will strengthen. If all pastors do this, then the country will strengthen. May God be glorified.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Seeking more about discipleship: https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/disciple-making-bible-verses.html?relatedposts_start=2
Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13
Focus Verse: Matthew 28: 19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What is the role of the believer in the politics of our world? What is the role of the pastor?
Jesus, the Messiah, came at a time when the area was under Roman Rule and the people thought that He came to save them by overthrowing the government. Those obsessed with that idea got frustrated and left Jesus because Jesus didn't speak to incite the people against Rome. Those who understood heavenly eternity stayed by Jesus' side. The reason He acted this way has to do with the nature of His kingdom - it was not of this world system. Jesus said that he was to be about his Father's business. There were more important battles and those were to heal our wicked hearts.
Jesus did not come offering judgement on the rulers of the world, but mercy. When the Roman soldier came to Jesus, there was no debate on the government, fair treatment, corruption, brutal slavery, but there was heavenly mercy. In that mercy, the Roman had faith. Can pursuing discipleship topple a corrupt government? Some historians cite that the spread of Christianity contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
We should never look to the Government to save us, but maybe we can lead someone in government to the Savior.
What is the role of the believer in the politics of our world? To be a good citizen, vote if you can vote, obey the laws of the land, and submit to the earthly authority obeying the laws of the land. Romans 13 1 Peter 2:13-17 We are to be about our command: Matthew 28: 19-20 and focus on making disciples. We can effect change in our communities through reaching the hearts. It is not good to turn your mission field into your enemy.
What is the role of the pastor? To be the shepherd of the believers, know Jesus, to whom you belong, follow Him and proclaim Him and the truth of the Word of God. Boldness in love bring forth the light for the world that is lost in darkness. Strengthen the church and the community will strengthen. If all pastors do this, then the country will strengthen. May God be glorified.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Seeking more about discipleship: https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/disciple-making-bible-verses.html?relatedposts_start=2
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