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
Showing posts with label evil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label evil. Show all posts
Friday, January 31, 2014
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Perfect Authority
Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-5
Focus verse: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. " Genesis 1:1
What do you think when you hear the word "Authority"?
There are police, Chiefs, Managers, Presidents, teachers, parents, and if you work, you might have a boss. It is necessary that we have authority and follow it or else there would be chaos. We don't always agree with them, we may not have voted for them, but we accept it.
When you are under someone's authority, you may feel like you struggle with your attitude toward their them. You may even feel like rebelling. But, how does it feel if you are the one in authority? Suddenly, you want everyone to listen and follow you. Which do you prefer? We think that we have less freedom when we are under someone else's authority.
Really? That's what Eve thought in the Garden of Eden. She was interested in getting out from under authority, but she had the best authority... God. He was perfect, gave Adam and Eve everything they needed and allowed them to have such freedom in the Garden. They were only forbidden to eat of the fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Lots of freedom.
Did Adam and Eve find more freedom or less freedom by disobeying their authority? We all are under authority of someone, and the perfect authority is God. We must choose to give ourselves over to God's authority if we want to be FREE. Truly free.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus verse: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. " Genesis 1:1
What do you think when you hear the word "Authority"?
There are police, Chiefs, Managers, Presidents, teachers, parents, and if you work, you might have a boss. It is necessary that we have authority and follow it or else there would be chaos. We don't always agree with them, we may not have voted for them, but we accept it.
When you are under someone's authority, you may feel like you struggle with your attitude toward their them. You may even feel like rebelling. But, how does it feel if you are the one in authority? Suddenly, you want everyone to listen and follow you. Which do you prefer? We think that we have less freedom when we are under someone else's authority.
Really? That's what Eve thought in the Garden of Eden. She was interested in getting out from under authority, but she had the best authority... God. He was perfect, gave Adam and Eve everything they needed and allowed them to have such freedom in the Garden. They were only forbidden to eat of the fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Lots of freedom.
Did Adam and Eve find more freedom or less freedom by disobeying their authority? We all are under authority of someone, and the perfect authority is God. We must choose to give ourselves over to God's authority if we want to be FREE. Truly free.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 1, 2013
Jesus Cleans From The Inside
Scripture Reading: Mark 7:1-23
Focus Verse: Jeremiah 17:9-10 "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
Most of us never think about how bad our heart is until we've done something wrong. Jesus teaches us in Mark 7 that our defilement comes from within. The Pharisees always talked about how righteous they were. But Jesus could see right through them and knew how wicked their hearts were. God sees our hearts too. He knows the deepest secret motives of our hearts. You can be sure that the sins listed in our passage, anyone of us are capable of committing. Don't ever follow your heart. It will take you down the wrong path every time. You must lead your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."
We must ask God to show us any wicked thing in our hearts and to cleans us. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us from all unrighteousness." So today take a look at your heart. Make things right with God and then teach others how to have a clean heart as well.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Jeremiah 17:9-10 "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
Most of us never think about how bad our heart is until we've done something wrong. Jesus teaches us in Mark 7 that our defilement comes from within. The Pharisees always talked about how righteous they were. But Jesus could see right through them and knew how wicked their hearts were. God sees our hearts too. He knows the deepest secret motives of our hearts. You can be sure that the sins listed in our passage, anyone of us are capable of committing. Don't ever follow your heart. It will take you down the wrong path every time. You must lead your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."
We must ask God to show us any wicked thing in our hearts and to cleans us. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us from all unrighteousness." So today take a look at your heart. Make things right with God and then teach others how to have a clean heart as well.
Bobby 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 18, 2012
God's Graduating Class
Scripture Reading: Genesis 41
Focus Verses: Genesis 41: 37-41
37 So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”
This week my son, Caleb, graduated from high school. In America, this time of year, there are many graduation ceremonies for the completion of studies. When we see someone graduate it is the result of hard work that has been done.
In the book of Genesis we have the story of a man who graduated after a lot of hard work. Joseph had to pass many tests before he could graduate. Here are some of the tests that came to Joseph: He had to overcome the hatred of his brothers. He was exposed to sexual temptation, and then punished for doing the right thing. He was sent to prison for a long time, and forgotten by those he helped. As you read Joseph's story in Genesis 41, notice what he did in each test. His positive response was a step forward. He didn't spend time asking God why this was happening. Those who met Joseph along life's journey knew that God was with him.
What matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but how you respond to them. With God's help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil. So with the story of Joseph we see him go from slave, to graduating, to the second most powerful person in the world. God will hold a graduation ceremony for each one of us that has been faithful to Him. It's up to us if we want to be a part of God's graduating class. If you want to read the entire story of Joseph it is found in Genesis 37-50.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Genesis 41: 37-41
37 So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”
This week my son, Caleb, graduated from high school. In America, this time of year, there are many graduation ceremonies for the completion of studies. When we see someone graduate it is the result of hard work that has been done.
In the book of Genesis we have the story of a man who graduated after a lot of hard work. Joseph had to pass many tests before he could graduate. Here are some of the tests that came to Joseph: He had to overcome the hatred of his brothers. He was exposed to sexual temptation, and then punished for doing the right thing. He was sent to prison for a long time, and forgotten by those he helped. As you read Joseph's story in Genesis 41, notice what he did in each test. His positive response was a step forward. He didn't spend time asking God why this was happening. Those who met Joseph along life's journey knew that God was with him.
What matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but how you respond to them. With God's help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil. So with the story of Joseph we see him go from slave, to graduating, to the second most powerful person in the world. God will hold a graduation ceremony for each one of us that has been faithful to Him. It's up to us if we want to be a part of God's graduating class. If you want to read the entire story of Joseph it is found in Genesis 37-50.
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, 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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