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
Friday, January 18, 2013
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
Friday, January 4, 2013
How Will They Know We Are Christians?
How Will They Know We Are Christians?
Scripture Reading: John 13
Focus Verse: John 13:34 "So now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
(I am back to teaching the Christian Community devotions and we are on lesson 8)
We must ask ourselves how will the world know that we are Christians? We could tell them with our mouth. But if we say that we are Christians, our actions better be ready to backup what we say.
There are many Christians in the world today that are not obeying what Jesus said in John 13:34. Jesus lived out what He preached. In our scripture reading we see how Jesus served His disciples even though he was their teacher and leader. This was a great example of how we should not strive to be served, but to seek out how we can serve one another in the body of Christ. The community will see how the people of the church can love one another, take care of one another and serve one another. Then they will know we are Christians.
Who is your fellow Christian that needs to be served today? What will you do to show love to them?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Scripture Reading: John 13
Focus Verse: John 13:34 "So now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
(I am back to teaching the Christian Community devotions and we are on lesson 8)
We must ask ourselves how will the world know that we are Christians? We could tell them with our mouth. But if we say that we are Christians, our actions better be ready to backup what we say.
There are many Christians in the world today that are not obeying what Jesus said in John 13:34. Jesus lived out what He preached. In our scripture reading we see how Jesus served His disciples even though he was their teacher and leader. This was a great example of how we should not strive to be served, but to seek out how we can serve one another in the body of Christ. The community will see how the people of the church can love one another, take care of one another and serve one another. Then they will know we are Christians.
Who is your fellow Christian that needs to be served today? What will you do to show love to them?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Friday, December 28, 2012
Successful December Camp Mission
Bible reading: Psalm 103
Focus verse: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."
Matthew 5:6
I returned safely last Thursday night (Dec. 20) from a trip to Kenya. I struggle to find words to describe God's work that I witnessed. Even though this was my 18th trip to Kenya since 2001, participating in the camp program was a different experience. It was absolutely amazing to see how God worked in the 3 camps. The Kenyan staff worked so well together, even though many of them had never done anything like this before. What a privilege for me to be able to go and to watch God work out His great master plan with the Kenyan body of Christ.
Your prayers have made all the difference. I saw so many situations where I could tell that your prayers were the key to unlock the power of God there. We even saw family members of staff come to know Christ! We are excited that 225 trusted Christ on this trip and 163 made commitments for True Love Waits sexual purity in their lives!
Sometimes we see many needs around us. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
We hope you have had a Blessed Christmas!
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, December 21, 2012
Pride Humbled
With the success of the recent Interlocking Ministries in the camps of Kenya, we want to offer this devotion taken from Wisdom Hunters, Boyd Bailey. http://www.wisdomhunters.com/ We believe that every Christian leader needs this wisdom. It is a long devotion, but necessary. ~Bobby & Page
"Authority without accountability creates pride."
Bible readings: Exodus 10:3; 2 Kings 22:19; Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:1–11
Focus Verse: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).
Pride will eventually give way to humility. It may not happen overnight. It may have to follow a painful process, because pride can be very, very stubborn. Like an embedded splinter deep in the flesh of your foot, it is hard to remove. You cannot remove it alone, and there is constant throbbing and pain until it is extracted.
Pride provides a false sense of security. Spiritually minded people know it is only a matter of time until a fall, as pride will catch up with you. Humility was once a staple in your spiritual diet, but success has squelched your humility and subtly replaced it with pride. Authority without accountability generates pride.
The more authority you possess, the more you are required to submit to accountability. Otherwise, you cannot handle this great power. Your behavior defaults to pride without the checkmate of humility. This is true in relationships, business, ministry, and churches. Beware of obsessing over control.
Paranoia is an application of pride. You are fearful of losing control. It is better to hand over control than to lose control. Humility gives control, while pride grasps for it. So be open and humble about your insecurities. We are all insecure to some degree. Humility builds security, and pride tears it down. The humble have nothing to hide. So root out pride, replacing it with humility.
The process of pride’s removal begins with submission to Christ. It is acknowledging His lordship and ownership over your life. He is in control. He is large and in charge. Nothing in your life has sneaked up on God. He can be trusted. He holds your life, family, health, and career in His hand. You start by humbly bowing to God with your head and heart. He is to be feared and loved.
You have the awesome opportunity to worship and adore Him. When you walk with God, you walk in humility. Pride cannot coexist in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pride is extinguished in the presence of Jesus. Pride is like a roach lurking in the dark recesses of your heart. The Holy Spirit’s light reveals pride and convicts you during times of prayer and Scripture meditation.
The second offense to pride is praying people. Ask people to pray for humility to infiltrate and occupy your life. You want the occupation of humility on the soil of your heart and mind. Be transparent with others about your sins and shortcomings. Talk about them with the motive for change.
Humble yourself, and trust God to humble others. It is easy to recognize pride in others while it is still looming in your spirit. Run from spiritual pride. It is the worst kind. It is insidious. It is self-righteousness in nature, and it chokes the Holy Spirit. Humility grows in an environment of honesty, openness, prayer, and change. Be a change agent on behalf of the humble. Humble pride!
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5–6).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me walk in humility of heart and mind and submit to accountability.
"Authority without accountability creates pride."
Bible readings: Exodus 10:3; 2 Kings 22:19; Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:1–11
Focus Verse: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).
Pride will eventually give way to humility. It may not happen overnight. It may have to follow a painful process, because pride can be very, very stubborn. Like an embedded splinter deep in the flesh of your foot, it is hard to remove. You cannot remove it alone, and there is constant throbbing and pain until it is extracted.
Pride provides a false sense of security. Spiritually minded people know it is only a matter of time until a fall, as pride will catch up with you. Humility was once a staple in your spiritual diet, but success has squelched your humility and subtly replaced it with pride. Authority without accountability generates pride.
The more authority you possess, the more you are required to submit to accountability. Otherwise, you cannot handle this great power. Your behavior defaults to pride without the checkmate of humility. This is true in relationships, business, ministry, and churches. Beware of obsessing over control.
Paranoia is an application of pride. You are fearful of losing control. It is better to hand over control than to lose control. Humility gives control, while pride grasps for it. So be open and humble about your insecurities. We are all insecure to some degree. Humility builds security, and pride tears it down. The humble have nothing to hide. So root out pride, replacing it with humility.
The process of pride’s removal begins with submission to Christ. It is acknowledging His lordship and ownership over your life. He is in control. He is large and in charge. Nothing in your life has sneaked up on God. He can be trusted. He holds your life, family, health, and career in His hand. You start by humbly bowing to God with your head and heart. He is to be feared and loved.
You have the awesome opportunity to worship and adore Him. When you walk with God, you walk in humility. Pride cannot coexist in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pride is extinguished in the presence of Jesus. Pride is like a roach lurking in the dark recesses of your heart. The Holy Spirit’s light reveals pride and convicts you during times of prayer and Scripture meditation.
The second offense to pride is praying people. Ask people to pray for humility to infiltrate and occupy your life. You want the occupation of humility on the soil of your heart and mind. Be transparent with others about your sins and shortcomings. Talk about them with the motive for change.
Humble yourself, and trust God to humble others. It is easy to recognize pride in others while it is still looming in your spirit. Run from spiritual pride. It is the worst kind. It is insidious. It is self-righteousness in nature, and it chokes the Holy Spirit. Humility grows in an environment of honesty, openness, prayer, and change. Be a change agent on behalf of the humble. Humble pride!
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5–6).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me walk in humility of heart and mind and submit to accountability.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Community of Care
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
Focus Verse: "“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25: 37-40
Jesus was clear in his teaching to care for others who are struggling with sickness and physical needs. We may find that the needs are great around us and feel like we can't do much. Jesus didn't say that we should solve all of their problems, but that there is something, even something small, that we can do. Anyone can give a drink to someone or visit someone who is sick. How difficult is it to give a shirt or dress to someone whose clothes are torn and tattered. If you don't have something, maybe you can ask some friends to help you to get some clothes for someone in need.
When you help someone, the Holy Spirit confirms in your heart that you are doing something good. You know that is a good feeling. When you join together as a community to help others, then it strengthens the community.
My prayer is that God will show me where to help someone today. May God be glorified in any effort of care that I show to someone today.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Focus Verse: "“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25: 37-40
Jesus was clear in his teaching to care for others who are struggling with sickness and physical needs. We may find that the needs are great around us and feel like we can't do much. Jesus didn't say that we should solve all of their problems, but that there is something, even something small, that we can do. Anyone can give a drink to someone or visit someone who is sick. How difficult is it to give a shirt or dress to someone whose clothes are torn and tattered. If you don't have something, maybe you can ask some friends to help you to get some clothes for someone in need.
When you help someone, the Holy Spirit confirms in your heart that you are doing something good. You know that is a good feeling. When you join together as a community to help others, then it strengthens the community.
My prayer is that God will show me where to help someone today. May God be glorified in any effort of care that I show to someone today.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Nature of Evangelism
Scripture reading: Luke 10: 1-24
Focus verse: Luke 10:1-3 "After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves."
There's a moment when you know that the harvest is ready and it's time to collect the harvest. You need to get the food out of the field. If you have a large field, you find people who can work in the fields and gather it together. You have a limited time before the harvest spoils and so you work very hard together.
This is the scene that Jesus used to describe evangelism. In our scripture reading, Jesus sent them out two by two. We also might remember that Paul traveled with partners or small groups. Evangelism is best accomplished together. It is great that we get to see this example in scripture of Jesus sending his disciples out in pairs. We need each other as an encouragement and protection as we go out.
The hired worker wouldn't bring back the crop and say that he, himself, made the fruit or vegetable. In the same way, those who share the good news can't say that we made the conversions. We understand that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts the soul and makes a life new. In the same way, we neither take the blame when someone rejects the Gospel if it is presented clearly.
Evangelism is a community event. In pairs or groups, we go into the fields for harvest when the crops are ripe.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus verse: Luke 10:1-3 "After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves."
There's a moment when you know that the harvest is ready and it's time to collect the harvest. You need to get the food out of the field. If you have a large field, you find people who can work in the fields and gather it together. You have a limited time before the harvest spoils and so you work very hard together.
This is the scene that Jesus used to describe evangelism. In our scripture reading, Jesus sent them out two by two. We also might remember that Paul traveled with partners or small groups. Evangelism is best accomplished together. It is great that we get to see this example in scripture of Jesus sending his disciples out in pairs. We need each other as an encouragement and protection as we go out.
The hired worker wouldn't bring back the crop and say that he, himself, made the fruit or vegetable. In the same way, those who share the good news can't say that we made the conversions. We understand that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts the soul and makes a life new. In the same way, we neither take the blame when someone rejects the Gospel if it is presented clearly.
Evangelism is a community event. In pairs or groups, we go into the fields for harvest when the crops are ripe.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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