Simeon Saw the Light

Simeon Saw the Light

Bible Reading: Luke 2

Focus verse: " Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
Luke 2:28-32 NLT

Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was waiting for the promised messiah.  He recognized the Christ child as soon as he held him!  The Holy Spirit revealed the truth to him and he praised God.  God reveals truth through the Holy Spirit. 

I would not have come to understand the Gospel if the Holy Spirit hadn't revealed it in my soul.  When I considered Jesus, I was aware of my great need for Him.  He is the light.  Just as Simeon declared, "Jesus is the Light to reveal God to the nations".  Praise God for providing His Son for us!

Pray for God to reveal more of Jesus to you every day as you read the Bible and pray with Him.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Jesus Came to Die

Jesus Came To Die

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Focus Verses: Luke 2:6-7   So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Certainly God sent Jesus to the earth for many reasons.  Jesus came to show us how we should live our lives.  He came to heal the sick of their physical problems.  But most importantly He came to heal us of our spiritual problem.  The only way He could heal us of our spiritual problem was to die.  At the birth of a new born baby we are not usually thinking about death.  We are thinking about the new life that has just come into the world. But God was thinking about death when He sent His Son to be born on earth.  You see there is no other way that our sin problem could be dealt with, except that a perfect person die to take the penalty that we deserve.  There was only one person that has lived a perfect life to pay that penalty, and His name is Jesus.  That was a very loving thing that God did for us.  We did not deserve such a gift that God has given us.  But He did this because He loved us so much.  God has offered you this great gift at this time of year we call Christmas.  But you cannot benefit from this gift unless you accept this gift from God.  If you haven't already, why not bow your head right now and accept God's gift by asking forgiveness of your sins and accept God's gift of salvation through Jesus.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Perseverance is Not a Sprint

Perseverance is Not a Sprint

Scripture Readings: Hebrews 12:1-3

Focus Verse: Luke 8:15  And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest good hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

There will be times in your life when you think, "I just can't go on." Maybe you are tired, have problems or poor health.  As you read the Bible you will see words like perseverance and endurance. The Bible compares this life to a race. The Christian life is like a long distance run, not a fast paced sprint. 

Perseverance will produce results.  Steady growth in God's word will give you understanding that you can apply to your life.  Life's struggles will make you stronger. Try not to view trials as obstacles, but as opportunities for spiritual growth. God will honor those who persevere. God will enable you to finish the race well.  Jesus will make our faith perfect.  Just don't quit. There is a reward waiting for you at the finish line.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Bobby's surgery update

Thanks for praying!  Dr. Postel, the surgeon, and Dr. Grewall said that the eye surgery went as expected.  There is a lot of damage to his retina and they were able to re-attach it to the eye wall.  He instilled oil to keep it in place and Bobby will need to keep his head in a downward position (looking at the floor direction) as much as possible for about a week. 

We are home and Bobby is resting.  Slight pain this evening and took some Tylenol.

Please pray for this recovery process to be smooth, for Bobby to have comfort and for God to knit his eye. 

Thanks so much for continuing to pray for us as we walk through this.
Bless you all,
Bobby & Page

PS. Enjoyed reading Romans 8 today.

Prayer request

Bobby’s surgery & a wreath witness: 

We gave a Frasier fir wreath to Bobby's eye doctor Grewall today.  We talked to him about evergreens and everlasting life possible through Jesus, the reason we celebrate Christmas. Being from India, all this is new to him. ;) 

Please pray for Bobby and the doctors as they operate Tuesday, Dec 2 between 7 and 9am.  Bobby's damaged retina has become totally detached and they are planning to reattach it in order to save his eye.  Please pray for God to heal his eye.  Pray for a successful surgery and for Bobby's comfort through and after the procedure.

We are so thankful that God's love and faithfulness never runs out (John 1:1-2) and for friends like you that pray intercession for us! 

Bobby & Page

Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
    for you have seen my troubles,
    and you care about the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not handed me over to my enemies
    but have set me in a safe place.
9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
    Tears blur my eyes.
    My body and soul are withering away.

Jesus is Enough

“My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior” 2 Samuel 22:3

Jesus said, "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned: he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

"If Jesus is God in human flesh, revealing to us exactly what God is like...
If Jesus holds the highest position in the universe, and everything and everyone is subject to His authority...
If Jesus is greater that anyone or anything in the visible and invisible world...
If Jesus has a purpose that He is actively completing in the universe as well as in your own life...
Then HE IS ENOUGH!"  ~Anne Graham Lotz

No matter what life holds, no matter our trials of health, people that betray or disappoint, personal failure, or difficult finances, if we have JESUS, He is enough. 

Thank God for Jesus.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries 

Faith in God's Love

Faith in God's Love

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39

Focus Verse: 1 John 4:9  "God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him."

The one true God who created everything is interested in you and me.  His love for us is something that is hard to understand at times.  When we are faced with problems it is easy for us to question God's love for us. We think God has forgotten us, or that He doesn't love us as much as He once did.  But that's where our faith comes in.  If God said He loves us in His word than it is true.

The apostle Paul said "nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God."  God has already proven His love for us through the death of His only Son.  If God did not love us, He surely would not have allowed His Son to die for us.

For those who are God's children, the problems we face are all allowed by God for a purpose.  He has a plan and a purpose for our lives, even though we may not understand what is happening at the time.  But God knows what He's doing.  God's love for us is not based on what we feel or what we are going through.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  We will leave this world one day with all it's problems and in heaven there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more problems, no more sorrow.  For us that know Christ as Savior and Lord, let look forward to that day when we will be with Him forever.

Quote: “The believing man does not claim to understand. He falls to his knees and whispers, "God." The man of earth kneels also, but not to worship. He kneels to examine, to search, to find the cause and the how of things.” ― A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

God's Word Can Not Be Chained

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Focus Verses: 2 Timothy 2:9-10  "And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal.  But the Word of God cannot be chained.  So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."

God has allowed me to endure a journey of trials and testing over the past two weeks.  A virus has attacked my right eye, and as a result I have lost the vision in that eye.  The doctors say it could happen to anybody, though it's rare.  Some friends have suggested that it's spiritual warfare.  I don't know if this is a result of my preaching the gospel, but I do know that Satan cannot be happy when he sees people coming to Christ in Kenya. 

Paul says "the Word of God cannot be chained.  Maybe the enemy thought that when I lost my right foot in an accident 35 years ago, that it would prevent the Word of God from going forward.  It didn't.  Maybe Satan thinks that now taking my right eye this will keep the Word of God from going forward.  It won't.  I will not back down.  I will not quit preaching God's Word. 

I am thankful that my family and friends have been encouraging me with scripture and prayer.  I am certainly praying that God will heal my eye, but if He doesn't, I know that God is still good.   I know that He has a plan, and a purpose for my life.  I will be faithful to Him no matter what.  Psalm 73:26 says, "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, He is mine forever." 

Testing is never easy, but there is a glory in heaven waiting for me one day because God's Word will not be chained.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Search, Know and Lead Me

Bible Reading: Psalm 139

Focus Verse: Psalm 139:23-24 " Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

If you were sick, you would go to the doctor to ask him or her to search you and see if there is any sickness in you.  Then you would want him to treat that illness to remove it from you.  In the same way, we need God to help us find any sin that we try to hide so He can help  us remove it.

God knows us inside and out.  He made every part of every cell in our bodies as well as the sin in our lives.  Are you brave enough to ask God to search out your wicked ways and then to lead you away from those sins?  Is it easier to remain in denial of your wicked ways or would it be better to know the truth?  Do you want to know what God finds?

Sin in our lives can come with excuses or reasons why you need to keep the sin.  This can only lead to more problems in your life.  If you allow God to seek and find the root of your sin, then follow Him as He leads you out of it, you will then be free of it.  It is better to know the truth, even if it is a difficult truth to admit and repent of.

Pray the focus verse for yourself.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Passion Under Control

Wisdom Hunters
Bible Reading: Related Readings: Job 27:10; Psalm 145:19; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 7:9; Galatians 5:24

Focus Verse: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."  Titus 2:11-13

Passion is something we look for in leaders, coaches, athletes and artists. We admire people who have a passion for their faith, family, work, hobby or life in general. These upbeat individuals bring energy to projects, problems and relationships. You can feel it when they walk into a room. An energized person engages with their eyes, body language, emotions and speech. A neutral response is not an option with someone motivated to do something or be someone. But not all passions are created equal. Energy around foolishness is hurtful--we need passion under control.

Passion is good as long as it is under the control of God’s grace. We can say yes to passion when it is channeled into Christ-centered outcomes. Thus, we pray for the passion of Christ to motivate us. We trust the Holy Spirit to stir our souls. Our confidence in God prepares us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, so we can say yes to godliness and eternal motivations. When our desires are fueled by faith we can’t wait to make a difference for Jesus. When He controls our emotions, He frees us to radically love with our whole being. Pure living is passionate.

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another” (Titus 3:3).

Are you enslaved by selfish passions and pleasures, or do you enjoy passionate living for the Lord? For example, the all consuming drive to make more money looks a lot different than a disciplined routine to take care of your spiritual and physical health while intentionally investing in your family and friends. If you are always emotionally spent from a frantic pace of life you have nothing left to give when you spend time with those you love most. Ask the Spirit to prune back good activities and questionable behaviors so you can enjoy His best. Choose humility.

Furthermore, seek to gain Christ and not be distracted by self indulgent pleasures. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to a higher standard of conduct so others can be inspired and instructed. Release your affections toward the tender touch of Jesus and He will keep you from unhealthy, even destructive desires. A heart full of Jesus is not co-dependent on another’s manipulative, but otherwise sincere heart. Ask the Lord to fire your faith with His desires. Submit your wishes to His wisdom. Place your heart in the hand of your heavenly Father. Be passionate with Him!

“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:4-5, NASB).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, align my passions with Your passions. Channel my energy into Your outcomes.

~Boyd Bailey
Wisdom Hunters
http://www.wisdomhunters.com/

Having the Attitude of Christ

Bible reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Focus verse:  "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:5

How can a human have the attitude of Christ?  We are selfish sinners by nature, but when you were born again, the Holy Spirit begins His work on you.  

The new nature is the one of Christ.  With His power in us, we don't have to look out for our own interests,  we don't demand privileges,  we don't think of ourselves as better than others, but we humble ourselves as Christ did.  We think of other brothers and sisters in Christ with love, compassion and work together as one body.  

We do this out of the encouragement, love and fellowship that we have with the Father through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  We also encourage one another as we fellowship together.

Sometimes we fail, gossip, have bitter envy, selfish desires and for that we must repent.  The Christ-like attitude is what God is working in us.  When you spend time in fellowship with God, He will hold you accountable for your attitude.  

Where your attitude is, your action will follow.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Can You See a Difference?

Can You See a Difference?
Bible Reading: Mark 8:22-25
Focus verse: Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners”

The passage in Mark talks about a blind person who was brought to Jesus by some people who then begged Jesus to touch him that he may be healed. Jesus accepted their request and took the man by the hand and led him outside the village. He then spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him and asked the man if he could see anything. The man looked up and responded that “I see people; they look like trees walking”. He is later fully healed by Jesus’ second touch on his eye.

Many people, both Christians and non Christian have suffered different kind of life challenges. We are at times worse hit with life experiences so that we are not able see our way out. Sometimes the challenges have been so overwhelming so that we have become a burden to other people, including their resources. We may try seeking guidance from other people but their advice may fail so that our situation grows worse. There is an answer; we all need Jesus just like the blind man needed him to be healed, so we are able to see our way. Without Jesus we are blind!

Most people who come to Jesus with their problems want Him to take the whole problem out immediately. Some run away from Him, thinking Jesus is taking too long solving their problems. Jesus had the authority to heal the man at once but decided to do it in stages. He is always able to take us away from that disturbing condition instantly, but sometimes he chooses to do it in stages. We may fail to acknowledge the small steps he has moved with us since we are so fixed into having the whole load off quickly.

The blind man acknowledged the simple difference. He told Jesus that things are never the same since He first touched his eye. I see people move like trees, something that had never happened to him. Though not fully healed by then, but he knew things were different from before Jesus’ touch. He had hope and kept trusting that Jesus was able to clear it all even as he appreciated the work already done. We all need to thank God for every simple step he takes with our lives. Did you ever call Him into your life or your troubles? Are you seeing any differences since He came? Yes, we need to tell him that we are seeing a difference. Don’t forget to appreciate God for any step he takes with your life. That’s his will. 

Eliazar Wambo
Bethesda Faith Ministries

Praying or sleeping!

Focus scripture Mark 14:32-41

Focus verse: Psalm 48:8 "But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."
 
Jesus knew the events that were to come. He knew he was to be arrested, beaten, mocked, subjected to public humiliation and be nailed on the cross. In all these, he decided he would remain humble in prayers for only God’s will to happen. He knew the importance of combined prayers, so he took three of his disciples to go with him that they would watch and pray with him. He instructed them to sit and watch in prayers with him as he drew himself a little distance. Luke 22:44, records that the Lord’s anguish overwhelmed him so that his sweat fell on the ground like blood.
One thing that catches attention in this passage is how the three disciples failed to pray with Jesus at that hard and painful moment of His life. It’s quite hard to imagine that in one night Jesus had to wake them three times but still not even one of them stayed awake. The Lord was in deep sorrow and needed prayers from people that he had loved and served. Though he felt deserted in this anguish but he wanted the company and prayers from friends.

Our personal challenges can make us feel like we are deserted by everyone. We can find ourselves in situations of sorrow. Our tears have always needed somebody to stand with us in encouragement. Our marriages have suffered wounds so that we see nothing pleasant in them and need prayers of healing. We have been badly affected by sicknesses so that we feel like we are losing hope. Yes, we have to admit that this is the life of a Christian, but there is hope in prayer!

We often tell friends to stand with us in prayers. Sometimes we remind them about the need to pray with us more and more. We admit to pray, but surely have you been praying? Some will find themselves so tired in the physical so that they forget to pray. Did you ever receive a prayer request from a trusted friend, or relative or anyone who needed our prayers? Did we ever accept that we would pray with them? What have we done since they reminded us to continue praying for them? How often do we pray for those who need our prayers?

Equally, those who are in problems must not stop praying because they have told friends to pray with them. Jesus did not stop even when he found the disciples sleeping instead of praying. Yes, we need to have trusted friends who can faithfully pray with us. Jesus had some, do you have one?

Eliazar Wambo
Bethesda Faith Ministries & Director of Repairer Christian School

God's Direction Won't Disgrace

Bible Reading: Psalm 25:2-6
  I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
³ No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

⁴ Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
⁵ Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.
⁶ Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
    which you have shown from long ages past.

Focus verse: Psalm 25:5  "Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you."

Do you ever struggle with the fear of failure?  Do you worry about the shame you may suffer for not finishing what you started?  Our failure and disgrace will come if we lose our focus.  If we focus on ourselves and what pleases "me", then we will be shamed and humbled.  If we are full of pride and deceive others we will be shamed and humbled.
Our focus should be on our Lord and our hope should be in Him.  We should seek Him to teach us His ways and to point out the road for us to follow.  If we trust in God and our focus is for Him only, then we will not be disgraced.  If God points you in a direction and you follow, you will succeed. 

Who do you follow?  Is it man, yourself or God?  Choose TODAY to get on the path that God chose for you.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Shield of Faith

Shield of Faith

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-16
Focus Verse: Ephesians 6:16 "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."

With praise and thanksgiving we continue to give God the glory.  His strength is always seen in our weaknesses and for his victory to be seen there must be a battle. I know some battles can at times push our strength to the wall but remember that with Jesus we cannot be shaken.

The devil fights by causing worries which torment our mind and makes our faith be weak so that we feel like we are losing. I am brave for I know that He who commissioned has given us a helper we can always rely on. Again, be still, for the battle is not ours but for the Lord. As long as we remain faithful in serving God we must be great enemies of Satan.  We have to be ready to move on in the battle. You never know how strong your opponents can always attack but your joy will expand when all these turns to be our victory in Christ. Western Kenya ministry through IM is beyond faithless threats of Satan! The ministry remains lifted higher in prayers always.

Eliazar Wambo
Bethesda Faith Ministries

Are You Making A Difference When Times Are Tough?

Are You A Faithful Servant When Times Are Tough?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:42-51

Focus Verse: Matthew 24:45  "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them."

As you look at the bad news from around the world today, you would think that the world is falling apart.  It's true that there is conflict and serious problems in many countries, but what are we to do during such difficult times?

Dwight Moody once said, "I look upon this world as a wrecked vessel.  It's ruin is getting nearer and nearer.  God said, Moody, here's a lifeboat.  Go out and rescue as many as you can before the ship sinks."

The answer is that we are to do the same thing now that we do during times of peace when everything is going well.  John 9:4 says, "We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.  The night is coming, and then no one can work."  There is a final day coming when our work must stop.  If we don't get busy now, we will not be able to finish the task Christ has given us to do.

If the end seemed near then in 1899 when Moody lived, how much closer to the end we must be now?  Much of the world is still open to the Gospel.  What are you doing about it?  We are not responsible for the generation that lived before us, and we are not responsible for the generation that will live after us.  We are responsible to reach this generation for Christ.

Every year we are seeing thousands of people come to Christ in Western Kenya, but also every year thousands of people die and slip into eternity without Christ.  We will not stop giving out the good news.  We will not retreat, we will not get tired.  We will work until that final day when Christ returns and takes us home.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

The Power to Say, "No".

The Power to Say, "No".

Scripture Reading: Esther 1:3-19

Focus Verse: Esther 1:12 "But when they conveyed the king's order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come.  This made the king furious, and he burned with anger."

Vashti was queen of Persia and the wife of King Xerxes.  He reigned the territory from India to Ethiopia.  The king gave a great party with many guests.  As everyone became drunk he ordered his wife, Vashti, to come and dance before the guests.  She sent word back to the king that she would not dance.  Even though it meant she could lose her life or lose every luxury that she enjoyed as queen.  She said, "no.  She would not expose her body and degrade herself. 

One hundred years ago a man converted to Christ.  He became a pastor and took missions to the poor and oppressed in the slums of London.  Many times he would preach on street corners.  He became an embarrassment to the well known pastors of the city.  When he was called before a conference of the religious leaders, they said.  "William Booth, will you go where we tell you to go?  If not, we will strip you of your pastorate."  His wife, Catherine stood and said, "William, say, 'No, never!'"  His courage to say no that day, changed the history of Great Britain and many other parts of the world.  William Booth was the founder of The Salvation Army that has helped millions of people around the world.

If you ever feel pressured to conform to others' prideful or sinful plans, it may seem too difficult to resist.  If it is not God's plan, you should resist them. You don't have to resist in your own strength, because with God's help you can have the power to say "No".

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

When Life Knocks You Down

When Life Knocks You Down

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-7
Focus verse: 1 Peter 1:6 "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while."

I have had an accident where my foot was amputated, I have had a virus attack my right eye and make me blind in it, I have had other illnesses and injuries in my life.  I don't know why trials come a certain times in our lives, but I know that we all must endure them.  Here are some things I have observed about trails: 

Trials help us to comfort others.  I now have a new sense of compassion for those in Kenya that suffer from mosquito born illnesses.  We are now helping with some projects to help give some relief of malaria.  2 Corinthians 1:4 "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When we are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."     

Jesus will walk with you through the trial.  He comforts and teaches us in life's storms.  We are never outside of God's watchful eye.  Nothing happens to us that He has not already filtered.  2 Corinthians 4:8 "We are pressed down on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.  We are perplexed, but not driven to despair." 

Finally God gives hope to our troubled hearts.  We can rest in the fact that God will heal our hurts, and God will work in our trials.  We may not see that healing here on earth, but we will see it one day.  So take heart, when life is knocking you down, there is only One who can pick you back up.  And His name is Jesus.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Forgiven to Forgive

Forgiven to Forgive
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-17
Focus verse: "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7

This devotion is only for those who are followers of Christ.

Colossians 3:13 says, "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

When we are born again, we begin a new life in Christ.  Colossians 3 teaches us so much about that new life.  We don't have to hate, hold a grudge or take revenge.  Jesus forgave us and we must also learn to forgive others.

Forgiving someone is a decision, not an emotion.  It is a decision based on our worship of our Heavenly Father and honoring His command for us. It is a decision to release that person from your right to punish or take revenge.  It is showing mercy.  

Sometimes you decide to forgive and then your emotions of anger return and challenge your decision.  You must then continue to make the decision again and again.  
  
If you are a new believer or if this is a big challenge to you, you should seek God.  Read the Bible, pray and ask stronger believers to pray with you about it.  God will give you success in time.

Remember, you sinned against God and deserve Hell.  God forgave you, your sin against Him.  Surely you can forgive others.  God's command is for our own good.  When you forgive, you will find freedom.  The burden is lifted and you realize that your unforgiveness was only hurting yourself.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

The Protective Fence

Bible Reading:  Genesis 43:1-9 

Focus Verse: " I personally guarantee his safety. You may hold me responsible if I don’t bring him back to you. Then let me bear the blame forever." Genesis 43:9

Judas was convincing his father that he would watch out for his little brother Benjamin.  His words were very strong.  How many of you helped look after a younger brother or sister?  The Bible says that when we are "born again" that we are babies in Christ and we drink the milk of the Word of God in order to grow.  Our older brothers and sisters in Christ help watch out for us.  There is evil in this world that would desire to damage and destroy these young believers.  There are false teachers who will tickle their itching ears with things that are easy to hear, but lead away from God's truth.  There are traps set.  What are the older believers to do?

If you want a young plant to thrive when you plant it, you must water it and put a fence around it.  This keeps the hungry goats and cows from doing damage and destroying the young plant.  This keeps people from stepping on it.  It helps you remember to water it when the rains don't come.

We need to think of this in our church.  We need to put a fence around the younger believers and protect them from the wolves that would destroy their lives with immorality and false teaching.  We need to train them up in the truth of God's Word.  If you are an older believer, you should watch over the younger ones.  Take care that you do not lead the young believers astray!  Study the scriptures well so that you are teaching the truth to them.  Do you know any younger believers who need someone to disciple them and protect them?  What is God leading you to do?

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Hope Won't Disappoint

Hope Won't Disappoint
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Focus verse: Psalm 119:116
  "Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
    Do not let my hope be crushed."

Have you been made right in God's sight by faith?  If so, you have the gift of hope.  You are strongest emotionally and spiritually when you have hope.  Hope is generally realized when there are trials and struggles in your life.  If you don't struggle, you can not understand hope.  If you did not have hope, you would despair.  To despair is to give up or "turn your back" on God.  

Are you tempted to despair when you face trials?  Even if others around you fall into despair, you can turn toward God and pray.  Place your hope in Him.  He longs for you to spend time with Him and when you do, you are strengthened.  Our trials bring us closer to God.  The hope in God will never disappoint.

Hope is the reason that we get out of our bed in the morning.  We believe that there is something good coming that day.  We have the hope of our salvation and the Holy Spirit that fills our hearts with love!  There is always hope.


Romans 12:12
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

 Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Trying to Hide

Trying to Hide

Bible Reading: Jonah 1

Focus verse: Jeremiah 16:17 "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes."

Jonah was a prophet.  It was his duty to bring the word of God to the people because they did not have the Bible to know God.  God told Jonah to tell the people of Nineveh about their wicked ways.  Jonah did not want to obey God.  He was full of pride and thought he could hide from God.  He got on a boat and sailed in the opposite direction.  If you read the rest of the book, you will learn that God found him in a dark place and rescued him for a second chance to obey.

Did you ever think that you could run from God?  Maybe you just wanted to hide a little sin that is private.  God is the one who sees.  If you are trying to hide, know that God sees your dark place and wants you to repent.  If you need help, cry out to Him and ask a Christian brother or sister to pray with you.

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there." Psalm 139:7-8

 God loves you and calls you to repentance.
"That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. May he fulfill by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith." 2 Thessalonians 1:11

LaPage Johnson
Interlocking Ministries 

A Loving Father

A Loving Father

Revelation 12:10  "Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens. It has come at last salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sister has been thrown down to earth the one who accuses them before our God day and night."

There is a story that is told about a son who found himself in a situation where he had to stand guilty before a judge in a court of law.  The son really didn't know what to do.  But he was comforted, because his father, who loved him very much, went to great lengths to stand by his side and defend him on that day.  The son realized that his father was faithful and would not leave his side no matter what.  The judge ruled that the penalty must be paid, so the father paid the penalty.

Do you know that Satan, our accuser, is before God day and night accusing us of things we have done wrong?   The Bible says in Isaiah 33:21 "The Lord will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross, and no enemy ship can sail on."  God has provided His Son to pay the penalty for our sin.  We need to take the step to follow Him. 

God is watching out for you.  Nothing happens to you that God does not first approve of.  That can be a very great comfort to us when we encounter such trials.  In this life we will have trials, but God always stands with you, helping you through.  God, our father, is faithful.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Forgiven Doesn't Mean Freedom to Sin

Scripture Reading: Jude 1
Focus verse Jude 1:4  "Some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."  and (Acts 20:30) “From among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away [followers] after themselves”.

Some people today think that because of God's grace and forgiveness they can go and sin all they want.  Some people during Jude's time also thought that was their freedom.  If you call yourself a Christian (which means Christ follower) but you live in opposition to His teaching, then you are following Satan.  If you continue to live in sin, knowing it's a sin, without remorse or repentance, you should consider that you may not have been born again of the Spirit and were never saved to be called a child of God.  Also see John 14:15-24 ,  1 John 5:3 and 1 John 3:10.

God takes sin very seriously.  After all, He allowed His only Son to be murdered on a cross because of sin.  In the Old Testament, God destroyed whole cities because of sin and the love of perversion.  Jude warns in verse 12 that there are people coming into the churches teaching that Christians can sin all they want, because they are forgiven.  Jude says they are like a reef waiting to shipwreck us.  Yes God has extended grace and forgiveness to us as Christians when we stumble on the trail of following Christ.  However, when you are engaged in habitual sin let's not forget what Jude said in verse 7.  "Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment."

Read the Bible to know what God says so that you won't be led astray.  Forgiveness gives us freedom to follow Christ and his burdens aren't heavy.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

God Always Answers Prayer

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:6-7   Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

People refuse to pray to God for many different reasons.  Some think God is very distant and far away and can't possibly hear their prayers.  Others think God is so busy running the universe that He doesn't have time to listen to them.  Still others think it's a waste of time speaking to someone they can't even see.  Can I tell you, all of these reasons are wrong.  God is right here with us and wants to hear from His children who follow Him.  You are the greatest part of His creation and when we take our sin, our troubles, our thanksgiving, and our requests to him, He is pleased.  It is true that we can't see God, but one day our faith will be sight. 

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.  1 Corinthians 13:12

This week our brother Pastor Tobias Oriri was taken to the hospital with such bad swelling in his legs that he could not walk.  We then saw the Body of Christ come together in prayers for his healing and wanting this to be God's will for him.  I am glad to report that he has been released from the hospital and able to walk.  God does not always answer "yes", but we are thankful to see this pastor restored so that he can serve God again.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Jesus Doesn't Compromise

Scripture Reading: Mark 8:34-35  "And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, Jesus said to them, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel's will save it."

When I share a witness for Christ and talk with them about receiving salvation, sometimes the other person will complain that the churches are full of hypocrites.  Well, they are right.  The church is for sinners saved by God's grace to follow Christ.   I think the main reason people don't come to Christ is that they don't want to pay the price of self denial.  God will not compromise or negotiate.  We come by repentance and faith in Christ, or we can't come at all.

Jesus also said, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?  Mark 8:36

So if you had all the wealth in the whole world, and lost you soul, would it be worth it?  Your possessions will not be with you after you die.  Your soul will live forever in one of two places.  The decisions that you make about Christ now, will determine where you will be one million years from now.  Eternity is too long to be wrong. 

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.  Proverbs 29:1
You have to be willing to tell God you are a sinner and that you are sorry for that sin.  You have to be willing to turn away from that sin.  This is called repentance.  Then by faith you have to commit your life to Christ and make Him Lord in your life.  If you have never done that, why not commit your life to Him today?

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Old to New

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-10

Focus Verse: Matthew 18:3  Then Jesus said, "I assure you, unless you are converted and turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven."

What does it mean to convert something?  In America electricity is 120 volts.  In Kenya electricity is 240 volts.  If I want to use an appliance in Kenya that comes from America, the electricity must be converted, or changed. 

Jesus said, "if you want to go to heaven, you must be converted, or changed.  You cannot stay the same, there must be a change in your life.  The word repent is used in the Bible over 85 times.  It means to change your direction, or to turn from your sin.  If you say you love God, if you say you love Jesus, then there will be a change in your life.  You will begin obeying with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Does that mean when you are saved you completely stop sinning? No, but it does mean that when you stumble and fall, as children do, you repent of your sin.  Christ followers will learn to love the things God loves, and you will begin to hate the things God hates.  My life is different than before I turned to Christ.  I am now running towards the things I used to run away from, and I'm running away from the things I used to run towards.  The old has passed away, and God wants to make all things new in your life.  Become followers of Christ as a small child follows a parent.

Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God." 

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Disciple the Children

Disciple the Children
Bible Reading: Titus 2:1-8

Focus Verse: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."  Ephesians 6:4

It is a clear role of the father to bring up his children in the discipline (the act of being discipled)  and instruction of the Lord.  Though mothers also play an important role, it is the father who represents the spiritual head of the home.  If there is no father in the home, then a child may find a godly spiritual father to instruct and disciple them.  I have seen men who have taken on that role for children who don't have fathers.

Spiritual lessons learned at church or a Christian school have great value, but it can never be as powerful as the faithful testimony of a godly father.

In the eyes of a child, watching a father live his life for God speaks more than words, but they still need to hear their father teach them about God.  If you are a father, (or even a mother), study the Word of God and teach it to your children.

No time is wasted when you teach a child how to follow Christ.

The Race You Can Finish

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Focus 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."

Maybe you have noticed when you watch a race, some runners start out very fast.  But if it is a long race, those runners may become too tired to finish the race well.  Because they have not paced themselves, they either quit the race early or finish with a poor time.  Smart runners don't carry backpacks or luggage when they run.  No, they have just the clothes they need to wear and a good pair of running shoes.

The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race.  He says "let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."  As I work in ministry in Kenya, I know that all of Africa will not be saved through my own efforts,  but I do know that God will help me disciple some to follow Him.  Some of those will, in turn, also make new disciples.  This can branch out like a tree of runners. 

So we pace ourselves in this Christian life to do what God enables us to do.  Paul has also told us to take off the backpack of sin so we can run this race strong.  Ineffective Christians are carrying the luggage of sin on their backs.  Paul says strip it off, get rid of the things that weight you down.  In Philippians 3:14 Paul writes, "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."  He encourages us to finish the race strong.

When we come to the end of our life, let us be able to say as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."  Are you a disciple ... running?

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Wasted Opportunities

Wasted Opportunities

Scripture Reading: Mark 14:10-11, 43-49

Focus Verse: Mark 14:10  "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them."

As we observe Easter this coming week I'd like for us to look at the missed opportunities of one of Jesus' disciples.  Here is Judas one of the twelve.  He sat under the teaching of Jesus for three years.  Jesus gave power to the disciples to heal and cast out demons. The disciples watched all that Jesus did.  What a great opportunity the disciples had to walk with the Son of God that created the whole universe in bodily form.  But Judas missed the opportunity for a decision to dramatically transform his life. 
You and I are given the same opportunity today.  Jesus is saying "come follow me" just as He said to those disciples 2000 years ago.  What will your answer be?  Will you allow God to do more in your life than you ever thought possible, Ephesians 3:20.  Or will you waste the greatest opportunity that has ever been offered to you?  Judas lived a wasted life because he chose greed and power.  Satan used this weakness to take him further on the sinful path than Judas ever expected.  He never realized the great plan that God had for him.  God has a great plan for your life too.  Are you going to put yourself in a position to receive that plan by guarding your heart and desires?  Commit your desires to Christ and desire the things that He desires for us.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Is Jesus Who He Says He Is?

Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-23

Focus Verse: Colossians 1:16-17  "By Him all things were created...  And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

When Jesus walked on this earth what kind of proof did He actually give us that He was God in flesh?  Well, He was perfect.  No one else before or since has lived a perfect life.  In John 8:46, Jesus said, "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?"  No one could.  Hebrews 4:15 says that, "He was tempted as we are, but is without sin." 

We also have the evidence of His unlimited power.  He raised the dead.  He quieted the storms.  He healed the sick.  He restored sight to the blind.  No one else has ever done these things. 

Jesus fulfilled all of the prophesies in the Old Testament.  In his book "The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict" in section 8, Josh McDowell says, "The Old Testament contains over three hundred references to the Messiah that were fulfilled in Jesus."  For example, hundreds of years before His birth we were given the precise place where he would be born in Micah 5:2.  There are also details of His death and burial and resurrection. 

Jesus is the only one who has the power to change a human heart.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation."  

Many religions of the world have leaders that have died, and where are their bodies? Still in the grave.  Where is Jesus?  He is alive today, and He is coming back to this earth one day.  Yes, Jesus IS who He said He is.  He is fully God, and He alone is worthy of your praise and worship.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Cheerful Heart Overflows

Bible Reading: Job 29:21-25
Focus verse: Proverbs 15:30  "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health."  and Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."

Cheerfulness is being full of good feelings.  It comes when your heart is full of the joy of the Lord which is from the Holy Spirit.  In the scripture reading, Job is describing a time in his life when he was a chief.  People would take their problems to him and ask for his council.  Job would smile and there would be a cheerful light in his facial expression.  It delighted those who were near.

Sometimes we have challenges in our lives.  Sometimes it is a small irritation of a problem.  Sometimes others around us are grumpy.  And we may even face severe trials where it is not easy to have a cheerful heart, but in time, God can return that cheerful heart to us as we trust in Him.  His Holy Spirit can give the fruit of Joy to our hearts which brings good cheer, even as our situation is not better, we have our hope in God and Him alone.

Good cheer in my heart may bring good cheer to others.  Lord, help me to trust in you to restore the joy that brings cheerfulness.

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Seeking God

Bible reading: Luke 11:1-13

Focus verse: "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:9

I was discussing spiritual issues with a woman a few years ago.  She had been a Christian for many years.  She began to ask some questions about God that had answers easily found in the scriptures.  I realized that although she was saved, she really hadn't studied the Word of God to seek Him.  

The disciples, in the scripture reading, had some questions for Jesus.  They called Him teacher.  Jesus was easy to talk to.  They asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  After Jesus answered them, he encouraged them to continue seeking.

Jesus wants you to seek him.  God has revealed so much in His Word, the Bible.  It is a shame to own a Bible and not read it.  If there are things that you don't understand, ask God to help you.  He will be pleased and will help you find the truth.

"But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

When Your Loved One Dies

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

Focus verse: “But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14

I am writing this devotion in honor of my friends in Kenya experiencing the loss of a father and other friends who lost a child.  Life is difficult when a loved one dies.

There is shock and disbelief.  There is loss and sorrow.  How do you move from that sorrow and mourning into a place of accepting life without the one who died?  When you face sorrow, seek the face of God because he sees your trouble and affliction.

God is your refuge.  God cares and will hold you in His hand and care for you.  It takes time, but God will heal the sorrow as we trust Him.  He will turn our hearts and we begin to see a glimpse of hope among moments of sadness.  He will nurture the hope in your heart and through faith, it will grow into joy, once again. 

Friends can comfort, but God heals the heart.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

In loving memory of Christopher Wambo, and four month old, Praise Nzenze, son of Pastor Tobias and Anna

When Saying "NO" Isn't enough

Scripture reading: Genesis 39

Focus verse: James 1:14-15 says  “ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Joseph walked with the Lord and the Lord caused him to have favor in the eyes of his master, Potiphar.  Although he was a slave, Joseph worked faithfully and desired to honor God with his life.  Potiphar's wife took notice of the handsome Joseph and asked him to go to bed and lie with her.  Joseph refused and explained his reason.  Day after day she wanted him and would not honor him.  He said "no" each time.  One day, she enticed him, took him by the coat and said for him to come lie with him.  Joseph ran.  Yes, he ran and left the coat in her hand.  He knew that he could not discuss it with her, because she would not listen.  Joseph honored God in his decision.  Sexual sin can also be very tempting.  That day, saying "no" was not enough. 

Sometimes you can explain the reasons why you choose to honor God with your decisions.  Sometimes, your gentleness will win someone over to Christ.  If a temptation continues to come at you from another person, especially someone who doesn't listen to reason, you must not have time with that person.  You might even have to RUN!

Is someone tempting you?  True love waits.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Jesus is Calling Your Name

Scripture Reading:  John 10:1-21   

Focus Verse: John 10:3  The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads then out.

Jesus likes calling you by name.  In Luke 19 we read the story of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name when he was up in a sycamore tree.  Jesus has been calling sinners to Himself ever since.  All through history God has been calling people personally.  John 10 talks about Jesus being the good shepherd, and He calls His sheep by name.  If we are truly His children, then we will know His voice when He calls us.  God knows all about you.  He even knows more about you than you know about yourself.  God is calling you to make an unconditional commitment to Him.  A commitment where you will leave everything behind, just as the early disciples did.

Even though there are billions of people in the world today, God is calling you by name, personally.  He is first calling you to have a soul saving relationship with His Son Jesus, and then He's calling you into a deeper relationship with Himself.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Two Roads

Two Roads

Scripture Reading: John 14:6, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15

Focus Verses: Matthew 7:13-14  "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Jesus talks about two roads that we have the choice to travel in this life.  The first road is wide and easy.  This is the road that most of the world is on.  It lacks faith and morals.  It is easy to travel because everyone is going the same direction, although its destination is destruction.  This is the road that Satan would like for everyone to be on. 

The second road is narrow and challenging.  The Bible says that there are not many people that find this road, but it is the road that is most rewarding to travel on because it leads to life. 

People in the world today think there are many ways to get to heaven, but that's not what the Bible teaches.  No one can get to the Father except through Jesus.  We each choose the path we take.  I hope you have chosen to travel on the narrow road.  It's not the easiest road to be on, but it is the most rewarding.  You will be glad you did; glad for all eternity.  Can you say with me, "as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord."

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Battling Temptation

Battling Temptation

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24

Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11  "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Temptation does not single out people.  Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not.  As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God.  Let us not forget that God is in control of everything.  1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it."  NLT

Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations.  If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar.  If your weakness is remaining pure sexually,  don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong.  Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you.  He will not hit you at your strong point.  Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Don't Argue With Mockers

Don't Argue With Mockers
Bible reading:  Nehemiah 2

Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you."  Proverbs 9:7-8

I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:

"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...

How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.

It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.

Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12

Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker.  Sometimes they are sent by God.  Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable.   You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone.  Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God?  ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries

The Cost of Following Jesus

The Cost of Following Jesus

Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38

Focus Verses: Mark 8:34-35  "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."

When Jesus was addressing the crowd about taking up their cross, they knew exactly what He was talking about.  They had seen the Romans execute many people that way.  Jesus said this to illustrate the submission required of His followers.  Jesus wants us to know that following Him is not always easy, in fact many times it is hard.  But we do not follow Him alone.  He is right there beside us every step of the way.

Our earthly lives can't even compare to what we will gain for a life spent following Jesus.  Jesus wants us to choose a joy filled life with Him, rather than a life of sin, self-satisfaction, and regret.  He doesn't want us to try to control our own life, but let Him direct our life's path.  God knows what will bring a life of satisfaction.  After all, He should know.  He created us.

Many people in this world seek a pleasureful life.  But whatever you work so hard for on this earth is only temporary.  You brought nothing into this world, and you will take nothing out of this world.  Only what is done for Christ will have an eternal impact.  So follow Jesus without compromise and you will live an abundant life here on earth, and in the life to come.


Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Angels to Help Us

Scripture Reading: Acts 5:17-27

Focus Verse: Acts 5:19  "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth."

Demonic activity is on the increase, because Satan knows that his time is short.  I have seen the influence of Satan on some lives in Kenya.  Sometimes I think Satan works extra hard on someone who has abandoned his old life and is working to spread the Gospel.  God knows all about these evil forces.  He has sent His angels to help us and to watch over us.  In our passage in Acts we see that the angel of the Lord came to the apostles at night and released them from jail.  God did this because He had a job for them to do, to take the message of life to the people at the temple.

As a believer in Christ, God has a job for you to do also.  He will not allow Satan to stand in the way.  So the next time Satan attempts to block your efforts, remember God's angels are all around you.  God will make a way for you to obey.


Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

The Truth of the Gospel Never Changes

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18

Focus Verse: 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus."

I have preached the Gospel in many different places to many different people in Kenya Africa.  The same Jesus is good for all.  I have used different illustrations to help different groups of people to understand the truths of the Bible, but the truths of the Bible will never change.  The fact of Jesus' virgin birth, Jesus' sinless life, and His sacrificial death and resurrection are truths that have never changed and they never will.

Jesus is not only the Christ, but He is God Almighty.  In our scripture reading John says "And the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  Jesus was the Word.  Then John continues, "and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."  The full deity of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith.  Many people say Jesus was a good teacher.  Yes He was, but He was so much more than that.  He was fully God and fully man.  That is the truth of the Bible, and that will never change.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Look Up

Bible reading: Psalm 5

Focus verse: "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." ~Psalm 5:3

"The phrase "look up" occurs four times in the Bible (NKJV), and it conveys four different truths. In Psalm 40:12, the writer was so discouraged by looking around him that he found it difficult to look up: "Innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up." But Mark 8:25 says Jesus helps us look up, even when we can't see straight. Referring to the blind man of Bethsaida, Jesus put His hands on the man's eyes "and made him look up." Our Lord offers the same encouragement to us, especially in these Last Days, for in Luke 21:28, Jesus said, "When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

So we can say with the psalmist: "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." Whatever is happening in your life today, look up. When we turn our eyes heavenward and celebrate what we see, our hearts will overflow with joy."

~David Jeremiah

Do you struggle when you look at your world around you?  Look up, look to the Lord.

Training for Service

Scripture Reading: Daniel 1

Focus Verse: Daniel 1:5  They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.

Training is important before entering service.  Even a blade of steel needs careful attention before it can slice through a piece of meat.  Just as the knife needs sharpening, our spiritual skills need to be sharpened before God can effectively use us.  Maybe you don't have the resources to attend Bible college or go to seminary, but you can gain a great deal of biblical knowledge through your church and personal Bible study.  It is wise to prepare, instead of rushing off unequipped to serve.

Daniel and his friends did not compromise their conviction in God.  Even as they trained under ungodly authority, they held to their Godly instruction from their youth.  God still worked His purposes in their lives.  Sometimes the training process is not always pleasant.  Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening, it is painful.  But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

Most importantly stay in the training process so you can be a better servant for God.  He will see you through.  He is training you for the task He has planned for your life.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Hope of Success

Scripture reading: Numbers 13

Focus verses: “The Lord said to Moses, "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites… Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." Numbers 13:1a, 30-31

The Lord told Moses to send some men to explore the promised land that He is giving to them.  (He didn't tell them to decide if they could take it, but that it was being given.)  After the appointed men explored, they saw that the land was very good, but most of them complained that it would be too difficult to take over the powerful people and fortified cities.  They began to spread lies about the land, saying that it was a bad land and the people were giants.  They lost their hope and treated God with contempt.

Caleb saw the good land and trusted in the God who said that He was giving them the land.  In Numbers 14 we see that Joshua joins Caleb in declaring the land to be good and trusting in God's protection and promise.

We may not always know what God is giving us, but we can trust God to deliver us if we are trusting in Him, even in the face of our own personal giants.  Do not give up hope in God.  Do not treat God with contempt and rebel against Him.  Walk in confidence as Caleb and Joshua did.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries