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 obey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obey. Show all posts
Friday, January 31, 2014
Friday, June 21, 2013
Fear God With a Fear that Keeps You Close
Bible Reading: Psalm 76
Memory verse: Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding..."
Fear God. Some people struggle with that, but knowing His power, I fear. Fear is what brings us to understand that we need a Savior.
Romans 3:23 tells us that we have fallen short of God's standard with our sin.
Romans 6:23 says that God's price for our sin is death.
Jesus paid that price (Romans 5:8) with His death on the cross and resurrection.
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us enough to send His Son Jesus so that if you CHOOSE to believe and follow Him then your soul will not perish, but have eternal life after the earthly death. What will you choose?
Those who never choose to follow Him, should fear for their eternal judgement. But knowing His love, I have joined Him, love Him, accepted Jesus as my Savior and will follow Him. Fear... respect... adore... worship... reverence... honor... glory... fear. Yes, fear. Not a fear that keeps me away, but a fear that keeps me CLOSE to Him in obedience and trust. I have begun to appreciate the kindness of God, but the also the fact that He is Just and He will rebuke and discipline when we sin. There comes an earthly consequence to sin even as there is still eternal life for the believer. We will strive to please Him, and when we fail, we should quickly return to Him in repentance. Do not give up or lose heart.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
More verses to meditate on today:
Prov 8:13 (NIV) "To fear the Lord is to hate evil."
Prov 19:23 (NEB) "The fear of the Lord is life; he who is full of it will rest untouched by evil."
Prov 16:6 (NEB) ...the fear of the Lord makes men turn from evil.
Job 28:28 (NEB) ..."The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding."
Memory verse: Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding..."
Fear God. Some people struggle with that, but knowing His power, I fear. Fear is what brings us to understand that we need a Savior.
Romans 3:23 tells us that we have fallen short of God's standard with our sin.
Romans 6:23 says that God's price for our sin is death.
Jesus paid that price (Romans 5:8) with His death on the cross and resurrection.
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us enough to send His Son Jesus so that if you CHOOSE to believe and follow Him then your soul will not perish, but have eternal life after the earthly death. What will you choose?
Those who never choose to follow Him, should fear for their eternal judgement. But knowing His love, I have joined Him, love Him, accepted Jesus as my Savior and will follow Him. Fear... respect... adore... worship... reverence... honor... glory... fear. Yes, fear. Not a fear that keeps me away, but a fear that keeps me CLOSE to Him in obedience and trust. I have begun to appreciate the kindness of God, but the also the fact that He is Just and He will rebuke and discipline when we sin. There comes an earthly consequence to sin even as there is still eternal life for the believer. We will strive to please Him, and when we fail, we should quickly return to Him in repentance. Do not give up or lose heart.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
More verses to meditate on today:
Prov 8:13 (NIV) "To fear the Lord is to hate evil."
Prov 19:23 (NEB) "The fear of the Lord is life; he who is full of it will rest untouched by evil."
Prov 16:6 (NEB) ...the fear of the Lord makes men turn from evil.
Job 28:28 (NEB) ..."The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding."
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Authority Disobeyed to Obey God
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:13-22
Focus Verse: Acts 4:18 "So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus."
The Bible commands us to obey the authority that is placed over us. Is there ever a time that God would want us to disobey that authority? I believe that whenever that authority gives a command that keeps us from obeying God then we must follow the Bible and not the authority.
In our scripture reading Peter and John are told by the Jewish Sanhedrin council not to speak in Jesus name. Their response was, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Clearly Peter and John had to talk about the things of Jesus they had witnessed. Jesus commanded them to do this. In fact they believed so much in what they were talking about, they were willing to die for it.
Are you willing to speak about Jesus no matter what kind of opposition you get? The Bible has given us as believers to take this Gospel to the whole world. So if you have opposition to speaking in Jesus name, be encouraged, it's been happening for centuries. There are many in the world that will continue to reject the message of Jesus. But there are some that will believe and receive.
Focus Verse: Acts 4:18 "So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus."
The Bible commands us to obey the authority that is placed over us. Is there ever a time that God would want us to disobey that authority? I believe that whenever that authority gives a command that keeps us from obeying God then we must follow the Bible and not the authority.
In our scripture reading Peter and John are told by the Jewish Sanhedrin council not to speak in Jesus name. Their response was, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Clearly Peter and John had to talk about the things of Jesus they had witnessed. Jesus commanded them to do this. In fact they believed so much in what they were talking about, they were willing to die for it.
Are you willing to speak about Jesus no matter what kind of opposition you get? The Bible has given us as believers to take this Gospel to the whole world. So if you have opposition to speaking in Jesus name, be encouraged, it's been happening for centuries. There are many in the world that will continue to reject the message of Jesus. But there are some that will believe and receive.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Respecting Poor Authority
Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 24
Focus verse: 1 Samuel 24:5-6 " Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”"
also: Ephesians 6:5 "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;"
David had been anointed by Samuel the priest to be the next king (1 Samuel 16). He would rule after king Saul died. David knew how to wait and patiently honored his king, his authority. This was not always easy for him. King Saul was often depressed and had a troubling spirit ever since he disobeyed God (1 Samuel 15). Once, he threw a spear at David as he played music for the king. (1 Samuel 18:10-11) He even spent time hunting David down. This is what was going on when we come to read 1 Samuel 24.
David could have easily killed Saul and become king, but he chose to cut off a piece of his robe. Even this action caused David regret. David knew the Lord would want him to have total respect for authority, even though the King was doing a poor job and even though the King was hunting him to kill him.
David's life is a good example of how we can obey and respect authority that we don't agree with or think is wrong. I am not responsible for how our authority behaves, but I am responsible for how I react and respect that authority. Pray that God will give you the grace and mercy to respect and obey the authority that has been placed over you.
Author's note: Realize that this is not talking about following a leader that prevents you from obeying God's commands or leads you into sin. This does not include false prophets either. That is a different subject. You might also like reading Romans 13 that relates to authority.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus verse: 1 Samuel 24:5-6 " Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”"
also: Ephesians 6:5 "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;"
David had been anointed by Samuel the priest to be the next king (1 Samuel 16). He would rule after king Saul died. David knew how to wait and patiently honored his king, his authority. This was not always easy for him. King Saul was often depressed and had a troubling spirit ever since he disobeyed God (1 Samuel 15). Once, he threw a spear at David as he played music for the king. (1 Samuel 18:10-11) He even spent time hunting David down. This is what was going on when we come to read 1 Samuel 24.
David could have easily killed Saul and become king, but he chose to cut off a piece of his robe. Even this action caused David regret. David knew the Lord would want him to have total respect for authority, even though the King was doing a poor job and even though the King was hunting him to kill him.
David's life is a good example of how we can obey and respect authority that we don't agree with or think is wrong. I am not responsible for how our authority behaves, but I am responsible for how I react and respect that authority. Pray that God will give you the grace and mercy to respect and obey the authority that has been placed over you.
Author's note: Realize that this is not talking about following a leader that prevents you from obeying God's commands or leads you into sin. This does not include false prophets either. That is a different subject. You might also like reading Romans 13 that relates to authority.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 15, 2013
The First Earthly Authority
Scripture reading: Exodus 20:1-17
Focus verses: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3
We read in Exodus that God has given the ten commandments because the people needed to know what God requires. It is impossible to live a perfect life, but it is good for Christians to strive to walk in righteousness.
God sets up the lines of authority. God is to be our only god. We are to have no other things that come before him. He is our first authority. He also tells us that our parents are the earthly authority for their children. We are to obey our parents and honor them. Parents have had more years of experience and wisdom. This is increased greatly if the parents follow Christ and Godly wisdom.
Notice that the command to honor your parents doesn't end after you become an adult. Notice also that the command doesn't say to honor them only if they believe in Christ. Celebrate that this is for our own good, that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. If you are a parent, you should not abuse your authority. God warns, " And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." in Ephesians 6:4
What can you do today to show honor to your parents if they are still living?
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus verses: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3
We read in Exodus that God has given the ten commandments because the people needed to know what God requires. It is impossible to live a perfect life, but it is good for Christians to strive to walk in righteousness.
God sets up the lines of authority. God is to be our only god. We are to have no other things that come before him. He is our first authority. He also tells us that our parents are the earthly authority for their children. We are to obey our parents and honor them. Parents have had more years of experience and wisdom. This is increased greatly if the parents follow Christ and Godly wisdom.
Notice that the command to honor your parents doesn't end after you become an adult. Notice also that the command doesn't say to honor them only if they believe in Christ. Celebrate that this is for our own good, that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. If you are a parent, you should not abuse your authority. God warns, " And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." in Ephesians 6:4
What can you do today to show honor to your parents if they are still living?
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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, 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)
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