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 sins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sins. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Confrontation and Restoration
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:15-35
Focus Verses: Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, Jesus replied, seventy times seven.
There is a story that is told about a father and son. The relationship was broken for quite some time. So the father posted a sign in the town that read: "Son------all is forgiven. Meet me here at sunset". At the appointed time seventy-five young men showed up. Perhaps we don't realize how many broken relationships there are all around us. Maybe you are thinking of a broken relationship in your life right now while reading this. Life is too short to hold a grudge against someone.
Jesus said we should forgive 70x7. That's 490 times. Does that mean we don't forgive the 491st time? No, I think the point Jesus is making that we should always forgive our brother or sister no matter how many times they have wronged us.
Is there a relationship in your life that needs repairing? Maybe it's someone you have not talked to in years. Obviously, you are trying to live the Christian life because you are reading this devotion. What do you think would happen if you made the first step in repairing that relationship? It just might change your life. Ask God to help you, He will.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, Jesus replied, seventy times seven.
There is a story that is told about a father and son. The relationship was broken for quite some time. So the father posted a sign in the town that read: "Son------all is forgiven. Meet me here at sunset". At the appointed time seventy-five young men showed up. Perhaps we don't realize how many broken relationships there are all around us. Maybe you are thinking of a broken relationship in your life right now while reading this. Life is too short to hold a grudge against someone.
Jesus said we should forgive 70x7. That's 490 times. Does that mean we don't forgive the 491st time? No, I think the point Jesus is making that we should always forgive our brother or sister no matter how many times they have wronged us.
Is there a relationship in your life that needs repairing? Maybe it's someone you have not talked to in years. Obviously, you are trying to live the Christian life because you are reading this devotion. What do you think would happen if you made the first step in repairing that relationship? It just might change your life. Ask God to help you, He will.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, January 11, 2013
Confession Builds Community
Confession builds Community
Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:1-5 and James 5: 13-20
Focus verse: James 5:16 (HCS) "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent [prayer] of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."
When someone confesses to a sin, you see them humbled before you and God. This brings the opportunity to build community when you pray for that person.
In the scripture reading, you see the Israelites of Nehemiah's time, and in James, the Christians, confessing their sins to each other. This was a practice that helped build community. When you read the Word of God and face your humanity, it humbles and brings confession. All of us have sinned and fall short of God's best. Community is built stronger when we realize that there is none righteous, but Jesus. We recognize Jesus as the head of our community.
I remember at a campfire service, there were testimonies of the work of Christ in the lives of the people. One young man stood and confessed to a hidden sin. This humble act of confession sent shockwaves as two more young men stood to confess the same. Many gathered around to pray for these men.
We don't need to confess every sin to everyone. If you have sinned against someone, then a confession is necessary. If you feel trapped in your sin, you need to confess to a strong believer for prayers and encouragement. Prayerfully consider if there is sin that would be better brought into the light of confession.
by Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:1-5 and James 5: 13-20
Focus verse: James 5:16 (HCS) "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent [prayer] of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."
When someone confesses to a sin, you see them humbled before you and God. This brings the opportunity to build community when you pray for that person.
In the scripture reading, you see the Israelites of Nehemiah's time, and in James, the Christians, confessing their sins to each other. This was a practice that helped build community. When you read the Word of God and face your humanity, it humbles and brings confession. All of us have sinned and fall short of God's best. Community is built stronger when we realize that there is none righteous, but Jesus. We recognize Jesus as the head of our community.
I remember at a campfire service, there were testimonies of the work of Christ in the lives of the people. One young man stood and confessed to a hidden sin. This humble act of confession sent shockwaves as two more young men stood to confess the same. Many gathered around to pray for these men.
We don't need to confess every sin to everyone. If you have sinned against someone, then a confession is necessary. If you feel trapped in your sin, you need to confess to a strong believer for prayers and encouragement. Prayerfully consider if there is sin that would be better brought into the light of confession.
by Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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