Pursuing Happiness

 Pursuing Happiness 

Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38

Focus Verse: Mark 8:35  “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”

Have you ever seen someone take a picture of themselves with their phone?  That’s called a “selfie”.  Some people have put themselves in very dangerous positions to get the photo that they want, and many have died taking selfies.  For example:  Someone decided they want a photo of themselves with a lion in the background and the lion attacks them.  Today people are so obsessed with themselves they are willing to risk their lives to make themselves look great among their friends.

The Bible has predicted this selfish period of time we are living in.  This is one of the signs that we are living in the last days.  2 Timothy 3:1-2 says, “In the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money.  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.  They will consider nothing sacred.”  I am seeing a lot of what these two verses are talking about.

People who are only thinking of themselves are generally unhappy.  The harder you chase happiness, the less satisfied you become. I have found in my own life that when I’m thinking of myself too much, that’s when I need to do something for someone else.  Focusing on God and others can help to bring my life back into balance.  Jesus said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”  Mark 8:35

I think Jesus is telling us that if you get your priorities in order and find God's purpose for your life, then you will find fulfillment in your life.  It’s okay to want to be happy, but when that is your focus it will escape you.  You will only find true happiness when you put God first and follow Him.

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries

We Live To Please God

We Live To Please God

Scripture Reading:  Romans 8:5-8

Focus Verse:  Romans 8:5   “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”

Many people struggle to obey what’s written in the Bible. Some people may think they can earn God’s favor through acts of kindness and church attendance but they still can't seem to stop sinning.  Sinful thoughts usually result in sinful actions if you don't push them away when they come.  If you want to live a life pleasing to God, Paul the author of Romans says the first step is to control what you think about. Romans 8 lets us know that we can live a pure life and please God.  When you come into a relationship with Jesus, God gives you the power over sin. The desires of the world can be very strong, and only God can give you the power to resist this pull.

Paul many times referred to himself as a slave of his master who is Christ.  We know that Christ loves us so much, and that’s what makes us want to obey Him.  If we don’t completely surrender our lives to Him, then it is impossible to live a pure life and our sinful nature will continue to take control of us.  But God wants us to serve Him not out of fear but out of love and gratitude.  The closeness through our relationship with God will give us the motivation and power to live a life that is pleasing to God. The Spirit of God can help us resist the thoughts by focusing on Him.

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries

Jesus Never Changes

 Jesus Never Changes

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 13:7-17

Focus Verse: Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

During this time of year in America, March and April , the seasons are changing. The temperature changes from cool to warm. As spring approaches and the daylight hours are lengthened the leaves on the trees begin to sprout freshly green and flowers will start sprouting up.   I have also seen the seasons in Kenya are rainy sometimes and very dry and dusty in other months.  Sometimes the rains don't come when you expect them and sometimes they come too fast and flood.  Our weather and seasons are always changing and sometimes unpredictable.

I am glad we can have a friend in Jesus that never changes.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Sometimes we change in our relationship towards Jesus, but Jesus still never changes.  He is someone that you can always count on to be there for you.  All your other friends may leave you, but Jesus never will.  We have seen a lot of changes in this world over the past few years causing so many problems, but God is still in control. He has not changed. He will never change.  This can bring great peace into our lives during times of so much unrest. 

 

As a follower of Christ, what Jesus thinks about you will never change.  He’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

 

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries