Leave A Godly Legacy
Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:29-33
Focus Verse: Genesis 49:33 "When Jacob finished his charge to his sons, he drew his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and joined his ancestors in death."
Jacob didn't live a perfect life, but overall he lived a life of faithfulness to God. None of us are perfect, but we can leave a godly legacy. What kind of legacy will you leave when you die?
We should be concerned with the legacy we will leave our family when we die. So many people are concerned with what they will leave their children. They work hard all their lives to leave money, houses, or land. But all these things are temporary. We should be concerned with leaving a legacy of things that are eternal! Satan does not want you to leave these things that are eternal, because he knows that a godly legacy can be handed down to many generations to come.
We all are influencing someone and forming our legacy. It matters everyday how we are living our lives, because people are watching. Let us each live in such a way that at our funeral people will say "they left a godly legacy."
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
One Mediator: Jesus
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
Friday, March 13, 2015
Stay in the Fight
“Stay in the Fight”
Bible reading: Ephesians 6:10-20
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armor of God so that you will be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
The Christian life is much more than what we can see. We have an enemy who is always looking for ways to defeat us. It is easy to get distracted and forget that there is more at stake. But God reminds us in his Word that He has given us His power. He has given us all the tools we need to defeat the enemy instead of being defeated by Him.
He has given us the belt of truth. The truth of God’s word keeps us grounded and anchored so that we can stand against the devil’s lies.
He has given us the breastplate of righteousness. Obedience provides protection. What an amazing promise!
He has given us the gospel of peace. Peace keeps us from being anxious or worried. Peace provides confidence, not in ourselves, but in God.
He has given us the helmet of salvation to protect our minds and thoughts.
He has given us the shield of faith. When flaming arrows come to destroy us, the shield of faith will put them out.
He has given us the sword of the Spirit, His Word. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He always said “It is written…” and quoted Scripture. That was His defense and should be ours as well. Memorizing scripture is a great weapon against the enemy.
He has given us access to Him through prayer. We can speak freely to the God of the universe and He will listen and act! Wow!
So when you get discouraged by the attacks of the enemy, remember these things. Put on the armor. Sharpen your Sword. And stay in the fight! (We’ve already won!)
Guest writer: Amy Warr
Camp Victory Missionary
Alabama, NC
Bible reading: Ephesians 6:10-20
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armor of God so that you will be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
The Christian life is much more than what we can see. We have an enemy who is always looking for ways to defeat us. It is easy to get distracted and forget that there is more at stake. But God reminds us in his Word that He has given us His power. He has given us all the tools we need to defeat the enemy instead of being defeated by Him.
He has given us the belt of truth. The truth of God’s word keeps us grounded and anchored so that we can stand against the devil’s lies.
He has given us the breastplate of righteousness. Obedience provides protection. What an amazing promise!
He has given us the gospel of peace. Peace keeps us from being anxious or worried. Peace provides confidence, not in ourselves, but in God.
He has given us the helmet of salvation to protect our minds and thoughts.
He has given us the shield of faith. When flaming arrows come to destroy us, the shield of faith will put them out.
He has given us the sword of the Spirit, His Word. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He always said “It is written…” and quoted Scripture. That was His defense and should be ours as well. Memorizing scripture is a great weapon against the enemy.
He has given us access to Him through prayer. We can speak freely to the God of the universe and He will listen and act! Wow!
So when you get discouraged by the attacks of the enemy, remember these things. Put on the armor. Sharpen your Sword. And stay in the fight! (We’ve already won!)
Guest writer: Amy Warr
Camp Victory Missionary
Alabama, NC
Friday, March 6, 2015
Humble
Humble
Bible reading: James 4
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” ESV
As a child of Christ, pride and selfish ambition have followed me throughout my life.
The message of society has always been to look out for yourself and your family, work hard and find success. Success as measured by material goods, worldly possessions, positions of power and friends of influence. Building a life, family and career requires dedication, determination and hard work. A natural result of success is to have pride in the success and the life that is being built. Pride and confidence in worldly accomplishments can become detrimental to my walk with Christ. If I become too confident in my own ability to provide and succeed, measuring my success by the standards of the society in which I live then I become less dependent on God and more dependent on my own ability. This leads me to only seeking God and his blessing to supplement my plan and provide when my ability falls short.
His word tells me to humble myself before him in James. In Matthew the Lord tells those who would follow him to “Take up your cross and follow me...” Matt 16:24. The cross was an instrument of death and once someone took up their cross they were on their way to be executed. When we take up our cross we die to self and live for Christ. The only way we can become truly humble before God is through taking up of our cross and following him. When we fully humble ourselves before him we do not live according to the expectations of the world but according to the expectations of our heavenly father.
Seek today how you can humble yourself before God, asking him to show you through his Holy Spirit, how to become humble before him and how to “Walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8 ESV. For this is what the Lord demands of his children.
David Warr
Pastor, Gretna Baptist Church
Bible reading: James 4
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” ESV
As a child of Christ, pride and selfish ambition have followed me throughout my life.
The message of society has always been to look out for yourself and your family, work hard and find success. Success as measured by material goods, worldly possessions, positions of power and friends of influence. Building a life, family and career requires dedication, determination and hard work. A natural result of success is to have pride in the success and the life that is being built. Pride and confidence in worldly accomplishments can become detrimental to my walk with Christ. If I become too confident in my own ability to provide and succeed, measuring my success by the standards of the society in which I live then I become less dependent on God and more dependent on my own ability. This leads me to only seeking God and his blessing to supplement my plan and provide when my ability falls short.
His word tells me to humble myself before him in James. In Matthew the Lord tells those who would follow him to “Take up your cross and follow me...” Matt 16:24. The cross was an instrument of death and once someone took up their cross they were on their way to be executed. When we take up our cross we die to self and live for Christ. The only way we can become truly humble before God is through taking up of our cross and following him. When we fully humble ourselves before him we do not live according to the expectations of the world but according to the expectations of our heavenly father.
Seek today how you can humble yourself before God, asking him to show you through his Holy Spirit, how to become humble before him and how to “Walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8 ESV. For this is what the Lord demands of his children.
David Warr
Pastor, Gretna Baptist Church
Friday, February 27, 2015
Giving Thanks Honors God
Giving Thanks Honors God
Bible Reading: John 6
Focus Verse: John 6:11 "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted."
When someone gives you a gift, you generally thank them for it. That is a good thing to do because someone has shown you a kindness. In our story today, a young boy gave his lunch to Jesus for feeding the people. Jesus took the loaves and fish and gave thanks to God. Why do you think He did that?
We can get further insight with this verse:
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
The result of thanking God, was supply in the abundance! There was more food than the people could consume! This was a blessing indeed.
When someone gives you a gift, thank the giver, but don't forget to thank the God who is the ultimate giver. Without Him, the gift couldn't be given.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Bible Reading: John 6
Focus Verse: John 6:11 "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted."
When someone gives you a gift, you generally thank them for it. That is a good thing to do because someone has shown you a kindness. In our story today, a young boy gave his lunch to Jesus for feeding the people. Jesus took the loaves and fish and gave thanks to God. Why do you think He did that?
We can get further insight with this verse:
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
The result of thanking God, was supply in the abundance! There was more food than the people could consume! This was a blessing indeed.
When someone gives you a gift, thank the giver, but don't forget to thank the God who is the ultimate giver. Without Him, the gift couldn't be given.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 20, 2015
Future in Focus
Bible Reading: Psalm 23
With 2014 in the rear-view mirror and most of 2015 still before us, our thoughts tend to be future-oriented. What will this year's headlines reveal about the economy? The Middle East? ISIS? Wars and rumors of wars? Births and deaths? How will our own personal headlines read? As you navigate your way through 2015, is your outlook one of anticipation or apprehension? Confidence or consternation?
In Psalm 23, David expresses his optimism regarding the future: "Surely goodness and mercy (loving kindness, NASB) shall follow me all the days of my life" (v. 6). As he looks back on his life, David sees the faithful, loving, shepherding hand of God protecting, providing, leading, comforting, healing and delivering. His past experiences have forged an unwavering confidence in the present and an unshakable hope for the future. Not "possibly" or even "likely," but SURELY is the abiding reality of God's steadfast goodness and lovingkindness in his life. And just as surely is that wonderful promise given to all who possess the faith of David.
Knowing that a good God orders and oversees our days, however, doesn't mean that everything awaiting us in 2015 will be "good" (as we perceive it). David had to deal with ferocious lions, an intimidating giant, a paranoid, hot-tempered king, and a rebellious son, among other things. He knew what it was to feel isolated and lonely, abandoned and afraid, misunderstood and persecuted, weak and sinful and broken. But all along the way, a good and loving God was at work on his behalf to sustain, strengthen, forgive, restore and perfect. And as each day's happenings unfold for us in 2015, we, too, can rest in the knowledge that "in ALL THINGS God works for the GOOD of those who (like David) love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28, NIV).
As Haddon Robinson says in his book, Trusting the Shepherd: Insights from Psalm 23, "Surely goodness and mercy will pursue us. 'Surely,' because God has never failed us in the past. 'Surely,' because He does not begin a work He does not complete. 'Surely,' because the experience of His flock attests to what David knew: that God never forsakes us. If the Lord is your Shepherd and you are His sheep, He walks before you, and goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. That includes today."
Scott Brinson
With 2014 in the rear-view mirror and most of 2015 still before us, our thoughts tend to be future-oriented. What will this year's headlines reveal about the economy? The Middle East? ISIS? Wars and rumors of wars? Births and deaths? How will our own personal headlines read? As you navigate your way through 2015, is your outlook one of anticipation or apprehension? Confidence or consternation?
In Psalm 23, David expresses his optimism regarding the future: "Surely goodness and mercy (loving kindness, NASB) shall follow me all the days of my life" (v. 6). As he looks back on his life, David sees the faithful, loving, shepherding hand of God protecting, providing, leading, comforting, healing and delivering. His past experiences have forged an unwavering confidence in the present and an unshakable hope for the future. Not "possibly" or even "likely," but SURELY is the abiding reality of God's steadfast goodness and lovingkindness in his life. And just as surely is that wonderful promise given to all who possess the faith of David.
Knowing that a good God orders and oversees our days, however, doesn't mean that everything awaiting us in 2015 will be "good" (as we perceive it). David had to deal with ferocious lions, an intimidating giant, a paranoid, hot-tempered king, and a rebellious son, among other things. He knew what it was to feel isolated and lonely, abandoned and afraid, misunderstood and persecuted, weak and sinful and broken. But all along the way, a good and loving God was at work on his behalf to sustain, strengthen, forgive, restore and perfect. And as each day's happenings unfold for us in 2015, we, too, can rest in the knowledge that "in ALL THINGS God works for the GOOD of those who (like David) love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28, NIV).
As Haddon Robinson says in his book, Trusting the Shepherd: Insights from Psalm 23, "Surely goodness and mercy will pursue us. 'Surely,' because God has never failed us in the past. 'Surely,' because He does not begin a work He does not complete. 'Surely,' because the experience of His flock attests to what David knew: that God never forsakes us. If the Lord is your Shepherd and you are His sheep, He walks before you, and goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. That includes today."
Scott Brinson
Friday, February 13, 2015
Are You Compromising?
Are You Compromising?
Scripture Reading: Daniel 1
Focus Verse: Daniel 1:8 "But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods."
Every day we are faced with decisions to compromise or to not compromise our beliefs. We live in a land where many do not honor God. As Christians we must decide, will I compromise my purity? Will I compromise my integrity? Will I compromise my lifestyle? What kind of price do we pay for compromising these things in our life? Daniel decided in his heart that he would not eat the King's food and wine. It may be because the meat was not prepared by Jewish laws. However, his decision meant that he could have been put to death for not eating the food offered to him by the king. But he decided even if it meant death he would not compromise, and he would stay true to God.
Do you compromise your beliefs for gain? Are you willing to be dishonest in business to gain financially? Satan will tempt you into thinking that this is okay. Satan will say "after all you need to feed your family and provide for them. God can certainly provide for your family without you cheating and stealing to gain.
Don't compromise your Christian character and testimony by listening to Satan's lies. I hope we can all stand before God one day knowing that we have not compromised our beliefs to gain something that we can't keep anyway.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Daniel 1
Focus Verse: Daniel 1:8 "But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods."
Every day we are faced with decisions to compromise or to not compromise our beliefs. We live in a land where many do not honor God. As Christians we must decide, will I compromise my purity? Will I compromise my integrity? Will I compromise my lifestyle? What kind of price do we pay for compromising these things in our life? Daniel decided in his heart that he would not eat the King's food and wine. It may be because the meat was not prepared by Jewish laws. However, his decision meant that he could have been put to death for not eating the food offered to him by the king. But he decided even if it meant death he would not compromise, and he would stay true to God.
Do you compromise your beliefs for gain? Are you willing to be dishonest in business to gain financially? Satan will tempt you into thinking that this is okay. Satan will say "after all you need to feed your family and provide for them. God can certainly provide for your family without you cheating and stealing to gain.
Don't compromise your Christian character and testimony by listening to Satan's lies. I hope we can all stand before God one day knowing that we have not compromised our beliefs to gain something that we can't keep anyway.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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