Joy Over One
Bible Reading: Luke 15:3-7
Focus verse: "In
the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who
repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are
righteous and haven’t strayed away!" Luke 15:7
What would cause a sheep to be led astray? There could be distractions of the world or just the natural wandering. Whatever the cause, the sheep is lost. The shepherd loves the sheep and will put all effort in seeking out the one that is lost. He will leave the 99 at home and search. When the lost sheep is found, he will lovingly carry the sheep on his shoulder and call his friends to rejoice.
Jesus taught this parable to help us understand how much God, our shepherd, loves us. God sent Jesus to seek and save those that are lost. (Luke 19:10) God loves us and does not abandon us when our world grows dark and dim.
Do you feel like you are one of the 99 or the lost one? If you are with God as the 99, then there was a day that you were the one that was lost and Jesus found you. If I am part of the 99, I am resting in His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I am listening to Him and obeying Him every day. I am turning left or right and doing His will.
If you are lost, you can be found. Hear the voice of the shepherd calling? Return to Him and answer Him in a prayer.
There is JOY over one who repents and returns to God!
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 17, 2015
Friday, April 10, 2015
Have Hope When Fearful
Scripture Reading: John 6:16-21
Focus Verse: John 6:20 "Jesus called out to them, don't be afraid. I am here."
The recent terror attacks on the Kenyan people are still fresh in our minds. Christians have been persecuted for the cause of Christ ever since the first century of the church. It is easy to be overcome with fear of the enemy, but we don't have to focus on our fear because we have a hope in Jesus.
Jesus' disciples found themselves in a severe storm. They were afraid that they would perish that night on the Sea of Galilee. Sometimes God will test our trust in Him. He allows us to struggle sometimes. If we never had any crisis we may tend to be proud and self sufficient. But God alone is in control of all that goes on in our lives. "He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea." Job 9:8
If you find yourself in the middle of a crisis, you can have hope. Jesus is walking toward you and wants to calm the storms in your life. In this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we can rejoice that Jesus has overcome the world. We can also have the hope of heaven when all our tears will be wiped away. All our problems will be gone. All our suffering will come to an end. He is preparing a place for us of unimaginable joy. There we will be with Jesus for ever and ever.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Focus Verse: John 6:20 "Jesus called out to them, don't be afraid. I am here."
The recent terror attacks on the Kenyan people are still fresh in our minds. Christians have been persecuted for the cause of Christ ever since the first century of the church. It is easy to be overcome with fear of the enemy, but we don't have to focus on our fear because we have a hope in Jesus.
Jesus' disciples found themselves in a severe storm. They were afraid that they would perish that night on the Sea of Galilee. Sometimes God will test our trust in Him. He allows us to struggle sometimes. If we never had any crisis we may tend to be proud and self sufficient. But God alone is in control of all that goes on in our lives. "He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea." Job 9:8
If you find yourself in the middle of a crisis, you can have hope. Jesus is walking toward you and wants to calm the storms in your life. In this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we can rejoice that Jesus has overcome the world. We can also have the hope of heaven when all our tears will be wiped away. All our problems will be gone. All our suffering will come to an end. He is preparing a place for us of unimaginable joy. There we will be with Jesus for ever and ever.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Jesus is Alive and Well
Scripture Reading: Mark 16:9-20
Focus Verse: Mark 16:14 "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating, He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
This is the time of year that we celebrate Easter. Crucifixion Friday was a day filled with disappointment, but Resurrection Sunday is the day that all our hope is realized when we see Jesus alive and well. The Bible says that many of Jesus' followers didn't believe He had risen until they saw Him.
Through the years, many have tried to disprove the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, but you can believe it's true, because the Bible says it's true. The Bible says that Jesus is alive and well today. I know this is true because He is alive and well - living in me. Have you had the same experience of Christ living in you? For everyone who puts their faith and trust in Him, He will forgive their sins and take up residence in their hearts. Easter is the time when we can be reminded that Christ is living.
We are mourning for the loss of many lives in Kenya due to people who hate Christians. They killed many people at Garissa University this week. In our mourning, we do not have despair. Christ is alive and well and you can rise above your circumstances, your hurt, and your fears. Let us live lives that are victorious, because we know that Jesus is alive and well.
"With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all" Acts 4:33.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Mark 16:14 "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating, He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
This is the time of year that we celebrate Easter. Crucifixion Friday was a day filled with disappointment, but Resurrection Sunday is the day that all our hope is realized when we see Jesus alive and well. The Bible says that many of Jesus' followers didn't believe He had risen until they saw Him.
Through the years, many have tried to disprove the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, but you can believe it's true, because the Bible says it's true. The Bible says that Jesus is alive and well today. I know this is true because He is alive and well - living in me. Have you had the same experience of Christ living in you? For everyone who puts their faith and trust in Him, He will forgive their sins and take up residence in their hearts. Easter is the time when we can be reminded that Christ is living.
We are mourning for the loss of many lives in Kenya due to people who hate Christians. They killed many people at Garissa University this week. In our mourning, we do not have despair. Christ is alive and well and you can rise above your circumstances, your hurt, and your fears. Let us live lives that are victorious, because we know that Jesus is alive and well.
"With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all" Acts 4:33.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 27, 2015
Leave a Godly Legacy
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
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 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
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