Scripture Reading: John 10:1-21
Focus Verse: John 10:3 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads then out.
Jesus likes calling you by name. In Luke 19 we read the story of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name when he was up in a sycamore tree. Jesus has been calling sinners to Himself ever since. All through history God has been calling people personally. John 10 talks about Jesus being the good shepherd, and He calls His sheep by name. If we are truly His children, then we will know His voice when He calls us. God knows all about you. He even knows more about you than you know about yourself. God is calling you to make an unconditional commitment to Him. A commitment where you will leave everything behind, just as the early disciples did.
Even though there are billions of people in the world today, God is calling you by name, personally. He is first calling you to have a soul saving relationship with His Son Jesus, and then He's calling you into a deeper relationship with Himself.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Monday, March 10, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
Two Roads
Two Roads
Scripture Reading: John 14:6, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15
Focus Verses: Matthew 7:13-14 "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Jesus talks about two roads that we have the choice to travel in this life. The first road is wide and easy. This is the road that most of the world is on. It lacks faith and morals. It is easy to travel because everyone is going the same direction, although its destination is destruction. This is the road that Satan would like for everyone to be on.
The second road is narrow and challenging. The Bible says that there are not many people that find this road, but it is the road that is most rewarding to travel on because it leads to life.
People in the world today think there are many ways to get to heaven, but that's not what the Bible teaches. No one can get to the Father except through Jesus. We each choose the path we take. I hope you have chosen to travel on the narrow road. It's not the easiest road to be on, but it is the most rewarding. You will be glad you did; glad for all eternity. Can you say with me, "as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord."
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: John 14:6, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15
Focus Verses: Matthew 7:13-14 "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Jesus talks about two roads that we have the choice to travel in this life. The first road is wide and easy. This is the road that most of the world is on. It lacks faith and morals. It is easy to travel because everyone is going the same direction, although its destination is destruction. This is the road that Satan would like for everyone to be on.
The second road is narrow and challenging. The Bible says that there are not many people that find this road, but it is the road that is most rewarding to travel on because it leads to life.
People in the world today think there are many ways to get to heaven, but that's not what the Bible teaches. No one can get to the Father except through Jesus. We each choose the path we take. I hope you have chosen to travel on the narrow road. It's not the easiest road to be on, but it is the most rewarding. You will be glad you did; glad for all eternity. Can you say with me, "as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord."
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 21, 2014
Battling Temptation
Battling Temptation
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Temptation does not single out people. Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not. As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God. Let us not forget that God is in control of everything. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it." NLT
Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations. If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar. If your weakness is remaining pure sexually, don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong. Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you. He will not hit you at your strong point. Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Temptation does not single out people. Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not. As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God. Let us not forget that God is in control of everything. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it." NLT
Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations. If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar. If your weakness is remaining pure sexually, don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong. Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you. He will not hit you at your strong point. Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 14, 2014
Don't Argue With Mockers
Don't Argue With Mockers
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2
Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you." Proverbs 9:7-8
I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:
"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...
How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.
It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.
Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12
Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker. Sometimes they are sent by God. Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable. You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone. Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God? ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2
Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you." Proverbs 9:7-8
I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:
"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...
How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.
It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.
Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12
Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker. Sometimes they are sent by God. Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable. You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone. Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God? ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 7, 2014
The Cost of Following Jesus
The Cost of Following Jesus
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38
Focus Verses: Mark 8:34-35 "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me, For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
When Jesus was addressing the crowd about taking up their cross, they knew exactly what He was talking about. They had seen the Romans execute many people that way. Jesus said this to illustrate the submission required of His followers. Jesus wants us to know that following Him is not always easy, in fact many times it is hard. But we do not follow Him alone. He is right there beside us every step of the way.
Our earthly lives can't even compare to what we will gain for a life spent following Jesus. Jesus wants us to choose a joy filled life with Him, rather than a life of sin, self-satisfaction, and regret. He doesn't want us to try to control our own life, but let Him direct our life's path. God knows what will bring a life of satisfaction. After all, He should know. He created us.
Many people in this world seek a pleasureful life. But whatever you work so hard for on this earth is only temporary. You brought nothing into this world, and you will take nothing out of this world. Only what is done for Christ will have an eternal impact. So follow Jesus without compromise and you will live an abundant life here on earth, and in the life to come.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38
Focus Verses: Mark 8:34-35 "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me, For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
When Jesus was addressing the crowd about taking up their cross, they knew exactly what He was talking about. They had seen the Romans execute many people that way. Jesus said this to illustrate the submission required of His followers. Jesus wants us to know that following Him is not always easy, in fact many times it is hard. But we do not follow Him alone. He is right there beside us every step of the way.
Our earthly lives can't even compare to what we will gain for a life spent following Jesus. Jesus wants us to choose a joy filled life with Him, rather than a life of sin, self-satisfaction, and regret. He doesn't want us to try to control our own life, but let Him direct our life's path. God knows what will bring a life of satisfaction. After all, He should know. He created us.
Many people in this world seek a pleasureful life. But whatever you work so hard for on this earth is only temporary. You brought nothing into this world, and you will take nothing out of this world. Only what is done for Christ will have an eternal impact. So follow Jesus without compromise and you will live an abundant life here on earth, and in the life to come.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, January 31, 2014
Angels to Help Us
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
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
Friday, January 24, 2014
The Truth of the Gospel Never Changes
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18
Focus Verse: 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus."
I have preached the Gospel in many different places to many different people in Kenya Africa. The same Jesus is good for all. I have used different illustrations to help different groups of people to understand the truths of the Bible, but the truths of the Bible will never change. The fact of Jesus' virgin birth, Jesus' sinless life, and His sacrificial death and resurrection are truths that have never changed and they never will.
Jesus is not only the Christ, but He is God Almighty. In our scripture reading John says "And the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus was the Word. Then John continues, "and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The full deity of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Many people say Jesus was a good teacher. Yes He was, but He was so much more than that. He was fully God and fully man. That is the truth of the Bible, and that will never change.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus."
I have preached the Gospel in many different places to many different people in Kenya Africa. The same Jesus is good for all. I have used different illustrations to help different groups of people to understand the truths of the Bible, but the truths of the Bible will never change. The fact of Jesus' virgin birth, Jesus' sinless life, and His sacrificial death and resurrection are truths that have never changed and they never will.
Jesus is not only the Christ, but He is God Almighty. In our scripture reading John says "And the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus was the Word. Then John continues, "and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The full deity of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Many people say Jesus was a good teacher. Yes He was, but He was so much more than that. He was fully God and fully man. That is the truth of the Bible, and that will never change.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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