Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Focus Verse: Matthew 25:6 "And at midnight a cry was heard, behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him".
When I was young, as children we would play a game called hide and seek. Before we would search for the one hiding we would say "ready or not here I come". Jesus will come back one day whether you are ready or not. Some people may think they are going to heaven, but never became a Christian. They may even be looking for the return of Christ, but not be prepared.
Jesus told the story of the ten virgins to illustrate this point. You can appear to be a Christian. You can even go to church and sit next to other Christians. You can carry a Bible like Christians. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you know Jesus. If you truly have a relationship with Jesus then it would dramatically impact the way you live. 1 John 3:3 says "Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure". Do you put your hope in Christ alone? Have you decided to follow Him?
If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, and believe that He is coming back soon, then you will desire to live a godly life to honor Him. One thing we know for sure, Jesus is coming back one day. He is coming whether you are ready or not. So if you are not sure, why not bow your head right now and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Showing posts with label African. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Friday, October 5, 2012
Preach The Word
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Focus Verse: 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
God reminded me on this last trip to Kenya that there is an urgency to sharing the gospel. Paul is telling Timothy that he is to be ready at any time to share his faith. Inside each of us is a heart that is ticking. One day that heart is going to stop ticking. It will be a complete surprise to most of us when it stops. For each of us God has our days on this earth numbered. Some of us may have 20 years left to live. Some of us may have 5 years left to live.
When Tausi Oguma from Gwassi heard the gospel preached he had just 3 days left to live. You see when Tousi accepted Christ as his Savior on Friday he had no idea that on Monday he would be drowned in Lake Victoria. Today he is in heaven because of the decision he made on that Friday.
Are you willing to share the good news of the Gospel with those around you? For some of those people their heart is about to stop. They need to hear the good news of Jesus before it is eternally too late. God willing, I will be coming back to Kenya to tell more people like Tausi the good news before their heart stops. Meanwhile, reach others with the Gospel. Preach the Word.
In the picture is Tausi Oguma (with a brown shirt and glasses) as he accepted Christ in the town of Nyandiwa in Gwassi. The Gospel reached him just in time.
"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2b
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
God reminded me on this last trip to Kenya that there is an urgency to sharing the gospel. Paul is telling Timothy that he is to be ready at any time to share his faith. Inside each of us is a heart that is ticking. One day that heart is going to stop ticking. It will be a complete surprise to most of us when it stops. For each of us God has our days on this earth numbered. Some of us may have 20 years left to live. Some of us may have 5 years left to live.
When Tausi Oguma from Gwassi heard the gospel preached he had just 3 days left to live. You see when Tousi accepted Christ as his Savior on Friday he had no idea that on Monday he would be drowned in Lake Victoria. Today he is in heaven because of the decision he made on that Friday. Are you willing to share the good news of the Gospel with those around you? For some of those people their heart is about to stop. They need to hear the good news of Jesus before it is eternally too late. God willing, I will be coming back to Kenya to tell more people like Tausi the good news before their heart stops. Meanwhile, reach others with the Gospel. Preach the Word.
In the picture is Tausi Oguma (with a brown shirt and glasses) as he accepted Christ in the town of Nyandiwa in Gwassi. The Gospel reached him just in time.
"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2b
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, September 28, 2012
Moved with Compassion
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-34
Focus Verse: Mark 6:34 "And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things."
The word Christian means follower or slave of Christ. Some have said that the word means "Little Christ". This must be because we, as Christians are to be like Christ. Today's reading gives us a hint at the compassion that Jesus had. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can have that same compassion.
If we see people like Jesus does, we see that there are many people without a someone to disciple them. Bobby & Page are working to disciple many people in Kenya through visits, literature, and this devotion. Maybe you are seeing that there is someone or a group of people that you can disciple where you live. All you have to do, is to teach them what you already know. You don't have to know all the answers. It is ok to say that you don't know some things. We are all still learning. If the task seems too large, you can ask others to help. God will provide.
If God is leading you to disciple someone or a group of people, then you should begin to obey that today. If you don't know or care about it, then maybe you need to pray that God will move you with compassion for others.
Teach them many things.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Mark 6:34 "And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things."
The word Christian means follower or slave of Christ. Some have said that the word means "Little Christ". This must be because we, as Christians are to be like Christ. Today's reading gives us a hint at the compassion that Jesus had. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can have that same compassion.
If we see people like Jesus does, we see that there are many people without a someone to disciple them. Bobby & Page are working to disciple many people in Kenya through visits, literature, and this devotion. Maybe you are seeing that there is someone or a group of people that you can disciple where you live. All you have to do, is to teach them what you already know. You don't have to know all the answers. It is ok to say that you don't know some things. We are all still learning. If the task seems too large, you can ask others to help. God will provide.
If God is leading you to disciple someone or a group of people, then you should begin to obey that today. If you don't know or care about it, then maybe you need to pray that God will move you with compassion for others.
Teach them many things.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, September 21, 2012
Constantly Giving
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-37
Focus verse: "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."
Acts 9:27
The original word for "encouragement" in the New Testament -- as when Barnabas is referred to as the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36) -- is from the same root as the word paraklete -- the Word used to describe the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). Both words come from a root that means to be called alongside -- as an encourager like Barnabas or as a divine Comforter like the Holy Spirit.
An encourager is a person who dispenses courage to those who are weak or fearful. And in Barnabas' case, his generosity with courage should come as no surprise since he was also generous in other ways. For instance, he sold a piece of personal property and donated the money to help care for the needy in the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36-37). And he generously introduced the new apostle, Paul, to the other apostles and leaders of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27).
People who are generous are constantly giving things away: courage, money, introductions -- whatever is needed. Look around today and see what you have in abundance that others might be lacking.
Seeking empties a life while giving fills it.
Unknown
Devotion written by Dr. David Jeremiah
Focus verse: "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."
Acts 9:27
The original word for "encouragement" in the New Testament -- as when Barnabas is referred to as the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36) -- is from the same root as the word paraklete -- the Word used to describe the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). Both words come from a root that means to be called alongside -- as an encourager like Barnabas or as a divine Comforter like the Holy Spirit.
An encourager is a person who dispenses courage to those who are weak or fearful. And in Barnabas' case, his generosity with courage should come as no surprise since he was also generous in other ways. For instance, he sold a piece of personal property and donated the money to help care for the needy in the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36-37). And he generously introduced the new apostle, Paul, to the other apostles and leaders of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27).
People who are generous are constantly giving things away: courage, money, introductions -- whatever is needed. Look around today and see what you have in abundance that others might be lacking.
Seeking empties a life while giving fills it.
Unknown
Devotion written by Dr. David Jeremiah
Friday, September 7, 2012
Studying the Bible Keeps Us Spiritually Strong
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:9 "How can young people keep their lives pure?
By obeying your commands."
God has given us an instruction manual for life. It is called the Bible. As Christians in this world we cannot overcome the enemy in our own strength. "How can a man cleanse his ways?" Not on his own. On our own, we would struggle and fail. We need help, and that help is available to us through the Bible. Our focus verse ask a question. How can we stay pure? Verse 11 gives us the answer, by hiding God's Word in our hearts. I wish I had memorized more scripture when I was young, because it is harder to do now that I am older. In verse 24 he calls God's "testimonies" his counselor. God will always show us and teach us as we read the Bible.
The study and application of God's Word will keep us from sin, even though we live in a sinful world. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Luke 4 we see Jesus quoting scripture with every temptation. If you are a Christian and you don't have peace and joy in your life, you might have unrepentant sin and/or there may be a lack of Bible study and scripture memorization in your life.
Some people view God's laws as a list of "DON'Ts", but these are really a shelter to protect us. God gives us plenty of things we should "DO". Take some time today to evaluate your spiritual strength. Make a plan to increase the strength through God's Holy Word.
"Either God's Word will keep us from sin, or sin will keep us from God's word." ~Unknown
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:9 "How can young people keep their lives pure?
By obeying your commands."
God has given us an instruction manual for life. It is called the Bible. As Christians in this world we cannot overcome the enemy in our own strength. "How can a man cleanse his ways?" Not on his own. On our own, we would struggle and fail. We need help, and that help is available to us through the Bible. Our focus verse ask a question. How can we stay pure? Verse 11 gives us the answer, by hiding God's Word in our hearts. I wish I had memorized more scripture when I was young, because it is harder to do now that I am older. In verse 24 he calls God's "testimonies" his counselor. God will always show us and teach us as we read the Bible.
The study and application of God's Word will keep us from sin, even though we live in a sinful world. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Luke 4 we see Jesus quoting scripture with every temptation. If you are a Christian and you don't have peace and joy in your life, you might have unrepentant sin and/or there may be a lack of Bible study and scripture memorization in your life.
Some people view God's laws as a list of "DON'Ts", but these are really a shelter to protect us. God gives us plenty of things we should "DO". Take some time today to evaluate your spiritual strength. Make a plan to increase the strength through God's Holy Word.
"Either God's Word will keep us from sin, or sin will keep us from God's word." ~Unknown
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, August 31, 2012
Prayerful Courage (Devotion by David Jeremiah)
Scripture Reading: Esther 4:13-17
Focus Verse:
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalms 27:14
The word "courage" has somewhat of an identity crisis today. Some think of courage as the absence of fear. Actually, courage is persevering in spite of fear. Some of the most courageous men and women have prevailed in spite of weakness, sickness, and persecution.
After two millennia, the beautiful Jewish woman Esther is still remembered for courageously stepping forward to preserve the Jewish nation. When alerted to Haman's evil plan to annihilate the Jews, Esther asked her cousin Mordecai to mobilize the prayer team as she endangered her life to approach the king without his summons. In Esther's moment of crisis, she wisely spent three days in prayer and fasting--before making her request to the king.
If you're experiencing a situation where you need courage to make a decision, don't rush ahead. The more crucial the decision or project, the more critical the groundwork. Make preparation through prayer, asking others to support you. It is then that God will reinforce your courage and give you strength to proceed.
"Cowardice asks the question: "Is it safe?" Consensus asks the question: "Is it popular?" Courage asks the question: "Is it right?" ~Rod Rogers
Devotion by David Jeremiah
Focus Verse:
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalms 27:14
The word "courage" has somewhat of an identity crisis today. Some think of courage as the absence of fear. Actually, courage is persevering in spite of fear. Some of the most courageous men and women have prevailed in spite of weakness, sickness, and persecution.
After two millennia, the beautiful Jewish woman Esther is still remembered for courageously stepping forward to preserve the Jewish nation. When alerted to Haman's evil plan to annihilate the Jews, Esther asked her cousin Mordecai to mobilize the prayer team as she endangered her life to approach the king without his summons. In Esther's moment of crisis, she wisely spent three days in prayer and fasting--before making her request to the king.
If you're experiencing a situation where you need courage to make a decision, don't rush ahead. The more crucial the decision or project, the more critical the groundwork. Make preparation through prayer, asking others to support you. It is then that God will reinforce your courage and give you strength to proceed.
"Cowardice asks the question: "Is it safe?" Consensus asks the question: "Is it popular?" Courage asks the question: "Is it right?" ~Rod Rogers
Devotion by David Jeremiah
Friday, August 24, 2012
Where Is Happiness Found?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:34-40
Focus Verses: Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
The world spends lots of money on advertising products every year. They try to convince us that we need many things in our lives. They say that these things will bring happiness into our lives. Some things are truly needed in our lives like, food, shelter, and clothing.
In our verses today Jesus gives us the two greatest commandments in all the Bible. Love God, and love others. That sounds simple, doesn't it? If you think about it, all of life comes down to those two things, loving God, and loving others. Everything else in this world will one day pass away. But God and people will last forever.
The things of this world do bring a kind of happiness. But it's not a lasting happiness. You have to keep looking for the next thing to keep your happiness. God designed us with a void or emptiness in our lives that only He can fill. He knew the value of our loving Him and loving others. He also knew how self serving we, as humans, can be, and that we would fill our lives with empty pursuits if He didn't command us to love Him and to love others. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 "there is coming a day when all our works will be tested by fire." Only what is done for Christ will last.
In true love and obedience to God is where we can find real happiness. We will experience real joy in giving of ourselves to God and others out of love. It is in this love that we find purpose in life, and it is from this purpose that we can gain true happiness.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
The world spends lots of money on advertising products every year. They try to convince us that we need many things in our lives. They say that these things will bring happiness into our lives. Some things are truly needed in our lives like, food, shelter, and clothing.
In our verses today Jesus gives us the two greatest commandments in all the Bible. Love God, and love others. That sounds simple, doesn't it? If you think about it, all of life comes down to those two things, loving God, and loving others. Everything else in this world will one day pass away. But God and people will last forever.
The things of this world do bring a kind of happiness. But it's not a lasting happiness. You have to keep looking for the next thing to keep your happiness. God designed us with a void or emptiness in our lives that only He can fill. He knew the value of our loving Him and loving others. He also knew how self serving we, as humans, can be, and that we would fill our lives with empty pursuits if He didn't command us to love Him and to love others. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 "there is coming a day when all our works will be tested by fire." Only what is done for Christ will last.
In true love and obedience to God is where we can find real happiness. We will experience real joy in giving of ourselves to God and others out of love. It is in this love that we find purpose in life, and it is from this purpose that we can gain true happiness.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, July 6, 2012
Human or Spirit Led
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13-26
Focus verse: "As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another." Galatians 5:13
Jesus called me. I began to follow Him and was set free from my sins. I find the fruits of the Spirit nature coming in my life. Sometimes, the human, selfish nature comes out in front and I fail.
In my freedom, I do not give excuses for following my own selfish desires. My human nature will lie to me and so will the enemy. My human nature will lead me astray and will not honor God. My human nature will lead me to anger, jealousy, selfish ambition, fighting, and separation from other believers. If I follow my human nature long enough, I can become blinded by it and fall deeper into sin. I will blame others and make excuses for my decisions and actions. I will not even see the pit that I am in, until suddenly, God makes it clear.
I need to decide every day to love, forgive and serve others. This is what the Spirit produces: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Is this what my life looks like? You can not follow selfish human desires and the Spirit at the same time.
Today is a good day to examine your life. Do you see the fruits of human nature or the fruits of Spirit nature? Commit to spend some time in prayer today about anything that you need to change in your life. Ask God to show you anything that needs to change. Allow Him to change your heart so that you can change your actions.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus verse: "As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another." Galatians 5:13
Jesus called me. I began to follow Him and was set free from my sins. I find the fruits of the Spirit nature coming in my life. Sometimes, the human, selfish nature comes out in front and I fail.
In my freedom, I do not give excuses for following my own selfish desires. My human nature will lie to me and so will the enemy. My human nature will lead me astray and will not honor God. My human nature will lead me to anger, jealousy, selfish ambition, fighting, and separation from other believers. If I follow my human nature long enough, I can become blinded by it and fall deeper into sin. I will blame others and make excuses for my decisions and actions. I will not even see the pit that I am in, until suddenly, God makes it clear.
I need to decide every day to love, forgive and serve others. This is what the Spirit produces: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Is this what my life looks like? You can not follow selfish human desires and the Spirit at the same time.
Today is a good day to examine your life. Do you see the fruits of human nature or the fruits of Spirit nature? Commit to spend some time in prayer today about anything that you need to change in your life. Ask God to show you anything that needs to change. Allow Him to change your heart so that you can change your actions.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, June 29, 2012
What is Evil?
Scripture reading: James 4:13-17
Focus verse: "that nation that turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would." Jeremiah 18:10
Mostly, when people think of evil, they think of things like murder, theft and lying. However, in Jeremiah 18:10 God is speaking to the people and says that a nation (or person) does evil by not obeying His voice. Simply put, disobedience is evil in God's sight. This means disobedience to His word, disobedience of parents, disobedience of authorities over us.
Then, James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that if we know the right thing to do, but don't do it, that is also sin. Some examples of knowing the right thing to do but not doing it could be taking care of someone in need, or studying God's Word every day, or praying about something we promised to pray about.
As you go through the day, see things that happen as opportunities to obey God's voice. In order to obey His voice, we have to know His word and what it says.
Spend time studying God's word and find ways to obey what He says. Then, when you know the right thing to do, do it! And in doing so, you will please God.
by Amy Warr
(friend of Mfangano and supporter of Interlocking Ministries)
Focus verse: "that nation that turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would." Jeremiah 18:10
Mostly, when people think of evil, they think of things like murder, theft and lying. However, in Jeremiah 18:10 God is speaking to the people and says that a nation (or person) does evil by not obeying His voice. Simply put, disobedience is evil in God's sight. This means disobedience to His word, disobedience of parents, disobedience of authorities over us.
Then, James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that if we know the right thing to do, but don't do it, that is also sin. Some examples of knowing the right thing to do but not doing it could be taking care of someone in need, or studying God's Word every day, or praying about something we promised to pray about.
As you go through the day, see things that happen as opportunities to obey God's voice. In order to obey His voice, we have to know His word and what it says.
Spend time studying God's word and find ways to obey what He says. Then, when you know the right thing to do, do it! And in doing so, you will please God.
by Amy Warr
(friend of Mfangano and supporter of Interlocking Ministries)
Friday, June 1, 2012
Children of Lies or Light
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32
Focus Verse: "The Lord detests lying lips but he delights in those who tell the truth." Proverbs 12:22
I once met a man who said that lying was bad only if you get caught. This is wrong. Lies do not come from God, but from the selfish nature of man or from Satan. If we are followers of Christ, we should not fall into being tempted to tell something that isn't true. We should not seek to mislead someone. We should not seek to deceive. If you don't say the lie, but say things that would make someone believe something that wasn't true, that is deceit. It is so easy to lie.
Do you think these things are a lie?
1. When you tell someone the wrong price for an item?
2. When you send an SMS or email from someone's phone pretending to be them.
3. When you lie, but you think you are helping the situation with the lie?
4. When you hear a lie, know it's a lie, but don't say anything so that others will believe it?
It is human and natural to lie since Satan lied in the garden of Eden. It is of Satan. We are to follow the Father of Light. With Jesus as our Savior, he can give us the courage to tell the truth. He can help us to be honest. If you have lied to your neighbor or brother, you should confess before God. You should then ask your neighbor for forgiveness.
You will choose today to be the children of lies or the children of LIGHT!
~Page Johnson of Interlocking Ministries
The Bible is full of scripture about lying:
Leviticus 19:11 You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
Psalms 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but your law do I love.
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 13:5 A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame.
Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Hosea 11:12
Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with
deceit: but Judah yet rules with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Zephaniah 3:13
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither
shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed
and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will
do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his
own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Acts 5:3
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the
Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the
hearers.
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds;
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Is Satan For Real?
Scripture Reading: Genesis 3
Focus Verse: John 10: 7-10 "7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
You better believe Satan is for real. It doesn't matter if you are Kenyan, American, European, or Russian, Satan has one goal and that is to kill and destroy you. Satan hates you. You have a target on your back. How will he attack you? Let's see what he did in Genesis.
I love the book of Genesis, because it gives us the account of how the world began. It also gives us the account of when mankind first sinned. Let's look at some key points on how Satan attacked Eve so that we will not fall for his lies. First, he questioned God's WORD. He wanted Eve to think she misunderstood what God said. Satan will still twist the truth today. He wants us to question God's commands. Second, he questioned God's LOVE. Satan wanted Eve to think God was holding back something good for her. When God tells us not to do something it is for our own good, because He loves us and doesn't want to see us get hurt. Third, Satan DENIED God's Word. First he questioned then he denied God's Word. He first said, "did God really say that?" to saying, "that's a lie." If Eve had not listened to Satan's questioning she never would have then believed the lie. 4. Then Satan gave her his own lie. Satan said that if she would eat of the tree, she would become like God, and she would not die.
The Bible says Satan is the father of lies. All sin begins in our minds. Satan will attempt to get you to second-guess what God has said in His Word. The best way to stand against Satan's attacks is to fill your mind with God's Word of truth. 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 says, "4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (physical) but mighty in God (spiritual) for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
If you are truly saved, Satan knows he can't touch your salvation. But if he can get you to fall into sin he can keep you from being an effective servant for God. He wants to destroy your testimony and reputation. Let us renew our minds everyday in God's Word so we can stand against our enemy that wants to destroy us. Who are your going to please today? God or Satan?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: John 10: 7-10 "7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
You better believe Satan is for real. It doesn't matter if you are Kenyan, American, European, or Russian, Satan has one goal and that is to kill and destroy you. Satan hates you. You have a target on your back. How will he attack you? Let's see what he did in Genesis.
I love the book of Genesis, because it gives us the account of how the world began. It also gives us the account of when mankind first sinned. Let's look at some key points on how Satan attacked Eve so that we will not fall for his lies. First, he questioned God's WORD. He wanted Eve to think she misunderstood what God said. Satan will still twist the truth today. He wants us to question God's commands. Second, he questioned God's LOVE. Satan wanted Eve to think God was holding back something good for her. When God tells us not to do something it is for our own good, because He loves us and doesn't want to see us get hurt. Third, Satan DENIED God's Word. First he questioned then he denied God's Word. He first said, "did God really say that?" to saying, "that's a lie." If Eve had not listened to Satan's questioning she never would have then believed the lie. 4. Then Satan gave her his own lie. Satan said that if she would eat of the tree, she would become like God, and she would not die.
The Bible says Satan is the father of lies. All sin begins in our minds. Satan will attempt to get you to second-guess what God has said in His Word. The best way to stand against Satan's attacks is to fill your mind with God's Word of truth. 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 says, "4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (physical) but mighty in God (spiritual) for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
If you are truly saved, Satan knows he can't touch your salvation. But if he can get you to fall into sin he can keep you from being an effective servant for God. He wants to destroy your testimony and reputation. Let us renew our minds everyday in God's Word so we can stand against our enemy that wants to destroy us. Who are your going to please today? God or Satan?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, May 11, 2012
God's Discipline
Scripture Reading: James 1
Focus Verse: James 1:12 "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
Why do you think God allows testing and temptation in our lives? Does God like to see us struggle in this life? No. God wants us to rely on Him even when we don't understand what He is doing in our lives. He wants us to mature spiritually. We should be patient and trust God when we don't understand things in our life. Those who love Him will receive the crown of life.
Some things in this life are difficult and a struggle. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6 "For who the Lord loves He chastens." The word chasten means to train or discipline. A good athlete will train and discipline his body until it hurts, because he knows that is how he will get stronger. Sometime God will train us and it is difficult and maybe painful. God knows this will make us stronger if we keep our faith in Him.
When we see test and trials come into our lives, this is an indication of God's love for us and that He is helping us to grow strong. It is not a punishment for wrongdoing. But, when we are tempted to do wrong and we commit sin as believers, God sends His Holy Spirit to convict us of that wrong. (If we can continue to sin and feel no sorrow, it might be because we are not truly a child of God.) Instead of seeing God's discipline as an inconvenience in your life, thank Him. Be thankful for the blessings that you have and that He is looking out for you.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 27, 2012
As for Me...
Scripture Reading: Joshua 24: 14-18 (<-- make sure you click the scripture to open the verses)
Focus Verse: "...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15
Moses was no longer leading the Israelites to promised land. Although he helped to start the journey, it was now time for Joshua to complete the mission. Joshua was leading the tribe and wanted them to know that they should follow God completely. They should put away their idols and serve God alone. It is a choice that each person should make on their own. He declared that for his family, that they would serve the Lord. The Israelites then committed to follow God, who had rescued them from their enemies and preserved them. They followed their leader's example and took a stand.
Many times we are tempted to follow the traditions of the past. The Israelites had lived with idols in Egypt and it was a part of normal life. Now they were challenged to never return to living that way. We are often challenged with following Christ and leaving behind some traditions. The more you learn of Christ and the Word of God, the more you realize that some of your traditions should change. This is true whether you live in America or Kenya.
Are you faced with the need of renewing your commitment to God. Maybe you have been falling back into some traditions that have been a part of your life before. Maybe you are looking at the path that you should take. Don't run from God. Renew your commitment to Him today. Take a stand. Proclaim your complete commitment to God: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Theodore Epp said, "Our strength is seen in the things we stand for; our weakness is seen in the things we fall for."
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: "...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15
Moses was no longer leading the Israelites to promised land. Although he helped to start the journey, it was now time for Joshua to complete the mission. Joshua was leading the tribe and wanted them to know that they should follow God completely. They should put away their idols and serve God alone. It is a choice that each person should make on their own. He declared that for his family, that they would serve the Lord. The Israelites then committed to follow God, who had rescued them from their enemies and preserved them. They followed their leader's example and took a stand.
Many times we are tempted to follow the traditions of the past. The Israelites had lived with idols in Egypt and it was a part of normal life. Now they were challenged to never return to living that way. We are often challenged with following Christ and leaving behind some traditions. The more you learn of Christ and the Word of God, the more you realize that some of your traditions should change. This is true whether you live in America or Kenya.
Are you faced with the need of renewing your commitment to God. Maybe you have been falling back into some traditions that have been a part of your life before. Maybe you are looking at the path that you should take. Don't run from God. Renew your commitment to Him today. Take a stand. Proclaim your complete commitment to God: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Theodore Epp said, "Our strength is seen in the things we stand for; our weakness is seen in the things we fall for."
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 13, 2012
Living To Please God
Scripture Reading: Romans 8
Focus Verses: Romans 8:5-8 "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. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God."
Living a life that pleases God can seem like a difficult thing. And for some people it is. They try to live according to a list of rules, trying to obtain God's favor through acts of kindness or compassion. No one has ever kept all of God's commandments, except for Christ. On our own we could never live a life that pleased God because we relied on our human - sinful nature. Romans chapter 8 teaches us that we can live a life that is pure and pleasing to God. The beginning verse explains that a relationship with Jesus Christ frees us from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. The only way to be free from sin is to be "bound" to Jesus. We become a slave to Christ. Not because we have to, but because we want to. We want to serve Him.
That old sinful nature will continue to try and take control of our lives at times through thoughts that lead to sinful actions. But if you are following the leading of the Holy Spirit you will serve God out of love and gratitude. Your service will not be motivated by a desire to earn God's approval, but will be motivated by a desire to be closer to Jesus and bring Him the honor He deserves. We know we already have God's approval by what Jesus did for us on the cross, if we have accepted His forgiveness of our sins.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Romans 8:5-8 "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. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God."
Living a life that pleases God can seem like a difficult thing. And for some people it is. They try to live according to a list of rules, trying to obtain God's favor through acts of kindness or compassion. No one has ever kept all of God's commandments, except for Christ. On our own we could never live a life that pleased God because we relied on our human - sinful nature. Romans chapter 8 teaches us that we can live a life that is pure and pleasing to God. The beginning verse explains that a relationship with Jesus Christ frees us from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. The only way to be free from sin is to be "bound" to Jesus. We become a slave to Christ. Not because we have to, but because we want to. We want to serve Him.
That old sinful nature will continue to try and take control of our lives at times through thoughts that lead to sinful actions. But if you are following the leading of the Holy Spirit you will serve God out of love and gratitude. Your service will not be motivated by a desire to earn God's approval, but will be motivated by a desire to be closer to Jesus and bring Him the honor He deserves. We know we already have God's approval by what Jesus did for us on the cross, if we have accepted His forgiveness of our sins.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 6, 2012
What is Truth
Bible Reading John 18 & 19
Focus verse:
“Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. John 18:37-38
Do you know the Truth? Pilate struggled to find the truth when he questioned Jesus. Jesus answered that “Everyone who is of the Truth hears my voice.”
In the presence of Pilate, Jesus declared who He is. He is a King, but not of this world. Jesus is a witness. He came to bear witness to the truth and be heard by those who are of the truth. He is the giver of earthly powers (Mark 19:11). Jesus is the Judge of sins.
All of us struggle to find the truth in life. When things are not going as we had hoped, we look for the truth in this life. It is a mistake to search for the truth in worldly things. You will not find truth in money. You will not find truth in power. You will not find truth in sex outside of monogamous marriage. You will not find truth in anything that you treasure above God. In the end, Pilate allowed his decision for crucifixion to be based on fear of the public opinion. Do not crucify your King Jesus to the lies of power, sex or money.
You will find truth in Christ alone. You can not hear him unless you belong to him. You can not hear him if you are in the pit of lies in your life. If you are struggling with truth today, seek God. Seek the risen Christ. Surrender to Him. Commit to following Him above all things in the world. He can lift you from the pit of lies in this world and hold you to Himself. The Truth.
How do we know if Jesus is speaking to us? If you know the Truth, you will hear his voice.
~Page Johnson
Friday, March 30, 2012
Courage To Stand
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4
Focus Verse: 1 Peter 4:14
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, Blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."
Throughout history many Christians have been persecuted for their faith. Today we still hear of Christians mistreated in places like Sudan and China. God gives a special grace and courage during these times. These people are unwilling to renounce Jesus, and unwilling to deny the One who has changed their lives. Some would say "what a tragedy that a person had to die for their faith." In reality we are all going to die one day. What an honor to die for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would much rather die that way, than to die living for myself. Those that have died for their faith not only knew how to live well, but knew how to die well. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Jesus' disciples understood this, because many of them were killed for their faith.
You may not be sure if you could face persecution like that. But if God allowed you to be put in that situation, then he would give you the strength to endure it. As Christians we know that this earth is not our home. Jesus is preparing us a home where we will live forever. Not just any home, but a perfect home in heaven. As children of God we have much to look forward to. I hope that you can say that you are living well, and also some day you will die well.
Bobby Johnson
Focus Verse: 1 Peter 4:14
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, Blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."
Throughout history many Christians have been persecuted for their faith. Today we still hear of Christians mistreated in places like Sudan and China. God gives a special grace and courage during these times. These people are unwilling to renounce Jesus, and unwilling to deny the One who has changed their lives. Some would say "what a tragedy that a person had to die for their faith." In reality we are all going to die one day. What an honor to die for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would much rather die that way, than to die living for myself. Those that have died for their faith not only knew how to live well, but knew how to die well. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Jesus' disciples understood this, because many of them were killed for their faith.
You may not be sure if you could face persecution like that. But if God allowed you to be put in that situation, then he would give you the strength to endure it. As Christians we know that this earth is not our home. Jesus is preparing us a home where we will live forever. Not just any home, but a perfect home in heaven. As children of God we have much to look forward to. I hope that you can say that you are living well, and also some day you will die well.
Bobby Johnson
Friday, March 23, 2012
My Determined Purpose
Scripture Reading: Romans 12
Focus Verses: Romans 12: 1-2 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
This past February we saw 78 people come to faith in Christ during a trip to Kenya. We praise the Lord for that. The world is a very dark place and seems to be going from bad to worse. I think Satan knows that his days are numbered, and he is doing everything he can to keep God's Kingdom from growing. I believe there is only one way to live the Christian life during these times, and that is to be 100% sold out for Jesus, no turning back. There are to many people living a half-way Christian life. I was that way for 11 years after I got saved. I took my faith for granted. Then God showed me what I had been doing. I committed my life to Him 100%.
If you are living the Christian life half-way, please don't tell anyone that you are a Christian. You heard me right, "please don't tell anyone you're a Christian". Because if you call yourself a Christian and live like the world, then unsaved people will look at you and wonder why they would need Salvation. There is no difference between you and the world.
The apostle Paul said that his determined purpose is to know Christ (see Philippians 3:10-14). What is your determined purpose in life? When you get up in the morning, what do you live for? I know you may have your job to provide for your family, you may go to school, or you may take care of your children all day. But you can do all those things with a Christlike attitude, and live in such a way that people will see Christ in you. The only Jesus that most people in this world will ever see is the Jesus that is lived out in our lives. Can you say with Paul, "My determined purpose in life is to know Him"? I hope so. Think of how God used Paul: many people were saved, many churches were started, he wrote a lot of the New Testament that we hold as the very inspired Word of God. Yet Paul realized he had so much more to learn. It's hard to believe that Paul had the same struggles and temptations that we face, but he did. Therefore, how much more should we be saying "I want to be more like Christ this year." Read Romans 12 again. Paul gives us some good advice on how to be more like Christ. As we seek to know Him, we will be transformed. (changed)
Let it be our goal to have someone look at our life and say "if that's a Christian, then I want to follow Christ too."
~Bobby Johnson
Focus Verses: Romans 12: 1-2 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
This past February we saw 78 people come to faith in Christ during a trip to Kenya. We praise the Lord for that. The world is a very dark place and seems to be going from bad to worse. I think Satan knows that his days are numbered, and he is doing everything he can to keep God's Kingdom from growing. I believe there is only one way to live the Christian life during these times, and that is to be 100% sold out for Jesus, no turning back. There are to many people living a half-way Christian life. I was that way for 11 years after I got saved. I took my faith for granted. Then God showed me what I had been doing. I committed my life to Him 100%.
If you are living the Christian life half-way, please don't tell anyone that you are a Christian. You heard me right, "please don't tell anyone you're a Christian". Because if you call yourself a Christian and live like the world, then unsaved people will look at you and wonder why they would need Salvation. There is no difference between you and the world.
The apostle Paul said that his determined purpose is to know Christ (see Philippians 3:10-14). What is your determined purpose in life? When you get up in the morning, what do you live for? I know you may have your job to provide for your family, you may go to school, or you may take care of your children all day. But you can do all those things with a Christlike attitude, and live in such a way that people will see Christ in you. The only Jesus that most people in this world will ever see is the Jesus that is lived out in our lives. Can you say with Paul, "My determined purpose in life is to know Him"? I hope so. Think of how God used Paul: many people were saved, many churches were started, he wrote a lot of the New Testament that we hold as the very inspired Word of God. Yet Paul realized he had so much more to learn. It's hard to believe that Paul had the same struggles and temptations that we face, but he did. Therefore, how much more should we be saying "I want to be more like Christ this year." Read Romans 12 again. Paul gives us some good advice on how to be more like Christ. As we seek to know Him, we will be transformed. (changed)
Let it be our goal to have someone look at our life and say "if that's a Christian, then I want to follow Christ too."
~Bobby Johnson
Friday, March 16, 2012
We Are Jesus Representative
Scripture Reading: John 15
Focus Verse: John 15:20 "Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
It's hard for some new believers in Jesus to understand why their friends and family turn against them when they accept Jesus. People they have been close to suddenly turn against them simple because they have decided to trust Jesus. In our focus verse Jesus said we will be persecuted for our faith. The world is against God, and against Jesus. Remember when Saul, later to become the apostle Paul was persecuting Christians? Then one day he met Jesus. Jesus said "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me? Acts 9:4. Saul thought his fight was with the Christians. But it wasn't it was with Christ Himself.
People will persecute you because you are God's representative. Sometimes I talk with people and when they find out I'm a Christian they begin to tell me all these things they have against God. That's because I'm God's representative, just as all Christians are. It's a great honor to be God's representative. But with that honor comes a great responsibility. We should be careful how we are living our lives. People are watching how we live. We want to represent Christ well. If you are attacked, persecuted, or criticized for being a Christian consider it a great honor. If we are not being persecuted for Christ sake, then we may not be making a difference for His Kingdom.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Keep Growing
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2
Focus Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
Every believer is going to face troubles in this life. These difficulties will not go away until we get to heaven. God uses these hard times in our lives to grow our faith. I have noticed in my own life that during times of difficulties I pray and read my Bible a lot more. The Christian life is about constant growth, learning, and transformation. When we got saved that was immediate, but becoming more like Jesus takes a lifetime. I don't have anything better in which to invest my life than that. Do you?
Some people say, "Oh, I tried the Christian life, and it didn't work for me." First, I wonder about their conversion. Did they truly repent? Then my question to them is, "Did they do their part?"
There are many things the Bible tells us we should do as a result of truly being saved. For example, did they begin to study and memorize Scripture? The Bible says that we should hide God's word in our hearts. (Psalm 119:11) Did they meet regularly with believers as a church? Did they turn from all known sin in their lives? Did they follow Jesus teachings for living a Godly life? The Bible says, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked" (1 John 2:6). New Christians or old, the way we face obstacles is to keep moving forward and to keep on growing. Even if you fall, you can get back up and move forward.
God will examine what kind of servant we have been for Him. We should build our lives on His Word and build His Word into our lives. The Bible alone tells us how to live for Him and to serve Him. Christians who ignore the Bible will be ashamed at the judgment. Constant study of God's Word is most important in our lives. Otherwise neglecting God and the Bible will cause us to loose our true purpose for living.
“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Focus Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
Every believer is going to face troubles in this life. These difficulties will not go away until we get to heaven. God uses these hard times in our lives to grow our faith. I have noticed in my own life that during times of difficulties I pray and read my Bible a lot more. The Christian life is about constant growth, learning, and transformation. When we got saved that was immediate, but becoming more like Jesus takes a lifetime. I don't have anything better in which to invest my life than that. Do you?
Some people say, "Oh, I tried the Christian life, and it didn't work for me." First, I wonder about their conversion. Did they truly repent? Then my question to them is, "Did they do their part?"
There are many things the Bible tells us we should do as a result of truly being saved. For example, did they begin to study and memorize Scripture? The Bible says that we should hide God's word in our hearts. (Psalm 119:11) Did they meet regularly with believers as a church? Did they turn from all known sin in their lives? Did they follow Jesus teachings for living a Godly life? The Bible says, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked" (1 John 2:6). New Christians or old, the way we face obstacles is to keep moving forward and to keep on growing. Even if you fall, you can get back up and move forward.
God will examine what kind of servant we have been for Him. We should build our lives on His Word and build His Word into our lives. The Bible alone tells us how to live for Him and to serve Him. Christians who ignore the Bible will be ashamed at the judgment. Constant study of God's Word is most important in our lives. Otherwise neglecting God and the Bible will cause us to loose our true purpose for living.
“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Friday, March 2, 2012
Rooting Out Evil
Bible Reading: (click to view in web browser)
Jeremiah 18: 1-10
Focus verse: "I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. " Psalm 119:11
God gives Jeremiah an example. He says that we are like the clay that the potter uses to make bowls and other things. The part of these verses I want you to focus on is the beginning of verse ten. God is giving another example. He is talking about a nation and what He would do to the people who are doing evil.
God says that evil in His sight is disobeying His voice.
When we hear the word evil, that is not what most people think. Evil is not just murder or adultery or major sins. Evil is disobeying God's voice.
So how do we hear God's voice? Through His Word - the Bible. The way to know God's voice is to read His Word. Daily. It is important to hear pastors speak from God's Word, but always read it for yourself too.
Psalm 119:11 speaks of hiding God's Word in our hearts, so as not to sin against Him. Hiding His Word, remembering it. Then we will know His voice and obey - and not do evil.
~written by Amy Warr
*Some of you remember Amy Warr. She came to Mfangano a few years ago. She provided this devotion for you. If we belong to Christ, we do not need to follow evil any more. It is the choice that we must make EACH day.
Jeremiah 18: 1-10
Focus verse: "I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. " Psalm 119:11
God gives Jeremiah an example. He says that we are like the clay that the potter uses to make bowls and other things. The part of these verses I want you to focus on is the beginning of verse ten. God is giving another example. He is talking about a nation and what He would do to the people who are doing evil.
God says that evil in His sight is disobeying His voice.
When we hear the word evil, that is not what most people think. Evil is not just murder or adultery or major sins. Evil is disobeying God's voice.
So how do we hear God's voice? Through His Word - the Bible. The way to know God's voice is to read His Word. Daily. It is important to hear pastors speak from God's Word, but always read it for yourself too.
Psalm 119:11 speaks of hiding God's Word in our hearts, so as not to sin against Him. Hiding His Word, remembering it. Then we will know His voice and obey - and not do evil.
~written by Amy Warr
*Some of you remember Amy Warr. She came to Mfangano a few years ago. She provided this devotion for you. If we belong to Christ, we do not need to follow evil any more. It is the choice that we must make EACH day.
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