Scripture Reading: Luke 21: 8-36
Focus Verses: Luke 21: 25-27 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.”
Most of us are familiar with what takes place during a pregnancy leading up to the birth of a child. As the time of the birth draws closer, the mother begins to experience some pains. Those pains get closer together as time progresses. The Bible compares the second coming of Christ to the labor pains of a mother. We are seeing many signs today that Jesus said would be present in the end times. Jesus says in Matthew 24:7 “there will be earthquakes in many parts of the world.” We are seeing this today as there are many earthquakes taking place around the world. Natural disasters are happening more often than ever before. Jesus also said there will be great persecution in the end times. We are seeing this taking place particularly in the middle east where Christians are dying for their faith. All of these signs are telling us that the end in drawing near. This is not something we need to worry about because as Christians we know that Jesus will take us safely to heaven. So as you see these birth pains let us be busy about the work of the Lord, as His return draws near.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Friday, April 14, 2017
Temptation Weapons
Bible Reading James 1:13-15
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.”
In this passage, God reminds us of one thing we should pay very close attention to so we don’t get sucked into sin: desire. (Desire is why we do what’s wrong. Satan just comes along and seduces us when our desire is ripe.) As I read this passage, I thought about the progression that occurs when we get sucked into sin because of intense desire. And, I made a list of this progression.
When we give into temptation here’s what can happen:
1) We are overtaken by strong emotion that comes from desire.
2) We are confused.
3) We downplay the consequence of our sin.
4) We justify our behavior.
5) We may blame others for our choice.
6) We may even say that our sin is God's will and that it's not sin at all. (For example, We are happier, and doesn't God want us to be happy?)
Then, if we become fully rebellious, we may even turn against God.
But there is good news! God gives us a way out.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Having some good friends or a community to hold you accountable also helps.
If you start thinking about a time when you fell into sin and the enemy starts beating you up, telling you that you are worthless, tell him to get lost because there isn’t any condemnation for you in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Then, bring out your weapons in 1 John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can resist temptation. Help me not to be deceived by ungodly desires. Amen.
Application: Reflect on situations in your own life or in the lives of others and how today’s devotional applies as an exercise to help you resist temptation.
By Shana Schuttle
Friday, April 7, 2017
A Happy Reunion
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Focus Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
What a great reunion day that will be, when we will always be together with the Lord. We have all lost a loved one that has died a physical death, but if they have put their faith and trust in Christ, and we have done the same, we will see them one day. The Thessalonian believers were wondering about family members and friends that have died. Paul was assuring them that they would see them again one day. When Jesus returns one day in the clouds, those that have placed their faith and hope in Him will return with Him. We will then receive new bodies. A body that will never get sick. A body that will never get old. A body that will live forever with Jesus. This is great news. I am looking forward to that day. All the troubles of this world will just be a faded memory on that happy reunion day.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
What a great reunion day that will be, when we will always be together with the Lord. We have all lost a loved one that has died a physical death, but if they have put their faith and trust in Christ, and we have done the same, we will see them one day. The Thessalonian believers were wondering about family members and friends that have died. Paul was assuring them that they would see them again one day. When Jesus returns one day in the clouds, those that have placed their faith and hope in Him will return with Him. We will then receive new bodies. A body that will never get sick. A body that will never get old. A body that will live forever with Jesus. This is great news. I am looking forward to that day. All the troubles of this world will just be a faded memory on that happy reunion day.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Lion on the Loose
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-11
Focus Verses: 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
On this past trip to Kenya, I heard this story that happened in Nairobi last year. Nairobi National Park is next to the city of Nairobi. There has been much construction of new buildings and new roads near the game park. As the construction workers were leaving for the day, they did not secure the fence of the game park. The next morning a man was walking to work on the road, and much to his surprise he was greeted by lions. He got attacked and nearly lost his life. Isn’t that how our lives often are? We are walking down the road of life, and unexpectedly Satan jumps out and attacks us. He never announces his intentions. He just stalks us just as the lions do before they pounce on their prey. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, therefore we need to be attentive to his tactics. He is looking for a Christian that is separated from the flock. So be careful not to waver in your faith. He’s looking to destroy you and your testimony. But you are not alone; Jesus will help you. Stay with the flock and be vigilant and sober because Satan is a lion on the loose.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
On this past trip to Kenya, I heard this story that happened in Nairobi last year. Nairobi National Park is next to the city of Nairobi. There has been much construction of new buildings and new roads near the game park. As the construction workers were leaving for the day, they did not secure the fence of the game park. The next morning a man was walking to work on the road, and much to his surprise he was greeted by lions. He got attacked and nearly lost his life. Isn’t that how our lives often are? We are walking down the road of life, and unexpectedly Satan jumps out and attacks us. He never announces his intentions. He just stalks us just as the lions do before they pounce on their prey. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, therefore we need to be attentive to his tactics. He is looking for a Christian that is separated from the flock. So be careful not to waver in your faith. He’s looking to destroy you and your testimony. But you are not alone; Jesus will help you. Stay with the flock and be vigilant and sober because Satan is a lion on the loose.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 17, 2017
God’s Cell Phone
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:5-18Focus Verse: John 17:20-21(Jesus prayed) "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I
pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in
me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world
will believe you sent me."
Do you ever talk to God? Do you really know what prayer is? Do you know there are some things that you must know in order for God to answer His cell phone?
God really doesn’t have a cell phone, but the Bible tells us a lot about prayer.
First of all, prayer has two parts. One is that we talk to God either by word of mouth or by our thoughts. The second is that God talks to us through reading the Bible.
Who can pray? The answer is that everyone can pray. However there are limitations for some people. If some praying people are not children of God, Luke 18:13 says that the only prayer that God hears from them is “God be merciful to me a sinner”. If you are a child of God as described in John 1:12 which says, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” you have the right to come to God at any time and ask for anything.
God answers our prayers in three ways. The first is Yes. The second is No. The third is wait a while. God knows what is best for us.
Recently, I came across a very special verse in John 17:9 which says that Jesus prays for us. If Jesus thinks prayer is important, shouldn’t we?
~Rev. Bob Johnson, Jr
Do you ever talk to God? Do you really know what prayer is? Do you know there are some things that you must know in order for God to answer His cell phone?
God really doesn’t have a cell phone, but the Bible tells us a lot about prayer.
First of all, prayer has two parts. One is that we talk to God either by word of mouth or by our thoughts. The second is that God talks to us through reading the Bible.
Who can pray? The answer is that everyone can pray. However there are limitations for some people. If some praying people are not children of God, Luke 18:13 says that the only prayer that God hears from them is “God be merciful to me a sinner”. If you are a child of God as described in John 1:12 which says, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” you have the right to come to God at any time and ask for anything.
God answers our prayers in three ways. The first is Yes. The second is No. The third is wait a while. God knows what is best for us.
Recently, I came across a very special verse in John 17:9 which says that Jesus prays for us. If Jesus thinks prayer is important, shouldn’t we?
~Rev. Bob Johnson, Jr
Friday, March 10, 2017
The Early Church
The Early Church
Bible Reading: Acts 11
Focus Verse: Acts 11: 26 “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
What is your favorite book in the Bible? Your favorite probably changes as you do your Bible study. Right now, my favorite is the book of Acts. What an exciting book. There are some thrilling accounts and also some very sad happenings. Dr. Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples, wrote the book of Luke and the book of Acts. Of course he knew Jesus well. It is said that the book of Luke is the story of Jesus as lived by Him. The book of Acts is the story of Jesus as lived by others. Acts picks up where his Gospel left off. Before Jesus left the earth and went to heaven, He told His followers in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Bible Reading: Acts 11
Focus Verse: Acts 11: 26 “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
What is your favorite book in the Bible? Your favorite probably changes as you do your Bible study. Right now, my favorite is the book of Acts. What an exciting book. There are some thrilling accounts and also some very sad happenings. Dr. Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples, wrote the book of Luke and the book of Acts. Of course he knew Jesus well. It is said that the book of Luke is the story of Jesus as lived by Him. The book of Acts is the story of Jesus as lived by others. Acts picks up where his Gospel left off. Before Jesus left the earth and went to heaven, He told His followers in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Once the power of the Holy Spirit was with Jesus’ followers, there was the account of Peter’s powerful sermon which brought 3,000 conversions and launched the church (Acts:2). As Peter traveled to different areas telling the good news of Jesus, the new followers of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26. The witness of Peter to mainly Jews and later Paul who witnessed to Gentiles resulted in harsh persecution. Did it mean that they quit? No!
How much does the plan of salvation mean to you? Acts 16:31 is Paul’s message that you can share. Are you a missionary to those around you? Acts is the only unfinished book in the Bible. Notice how abruptly it closes in chapter 28. In Acts 17:6, Luke describes the heroes of Acts as “these who have turned the world upside down.” If the world ever needed to be turned upside down, it’s now. Does it seem like we are living in the 29th chapter of Acts?
~Debbie Johnson
Saturday, March 4, 2017
To the Glory of God... In the End
Bible Reading: Isaiah 18
Focus Verse: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28
God’s Glory remains evident after enduring a difficult period of your life. It reminds me of the rainbow after the severe storm, or the first flowers of spring after a long, cold winter. We read in the passage today about the prophesy of a land that was troubling God’s people. There would be suffering, but in the end, God’s Glory would be seen.
It could be that you are going through a very difficult time in your life. When you are in the midst of that trouble, it is difficult to imagine that there is the Glory of God waiting to shine at the end of the tunnel. In the scriptures today, it says that the enemy was feared and aggressive. Maybe that is how you feel about the troubles bothering you today. I remember feeling so low that I was sure that the next day would never come. We can’t always trust the way that we feel. We need to trust in God.
Jesus said that in this life, you will have troubles, but to be encouraged because He has overcome the world. This is a sure thing. Jesus will walk with you through your troubles. He wants you to turn to Him with your troubles. Pray for the things that are troubling you today. Trust in God’s promises. God will take care of His people and be a shelter to them. In the end, there will be great Glory!
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28
God’s Glory remains evident after enduring a difficult period of your life. It reminds me of the rainbow after the severe storm, or the first flowers of spring after a long, cold winter. We read in the passage today about the prophesy of a land that was troubling God’s people. There would be suffering, but in the end, God’s Glory would be seen.
It could be that you are going through a very difficult time in your life. When you are in the midst of that trouble, it is difficult to imagine that there is the Glory of God waiting to shine at the end of the tunnel. In the scriptures today, it says that the enemy was feared and aggressive. Maybe that is how you feel about the troubles bothering you today. I remember feeling so low that I was sure that the next day would never come. We can’t always trust the way that we feel. We need to trust in God.
Jesus said that in this life, you will have troubles, but to be encouraged because He has overcome the world. This is a sure thing. Jesus will walk with you through your troubles. He wants you to turn to Him with your troubles. Pray for the things that are troubling you today. Trust in God’s promises. God will take care of His people and be a shelter to them. In the end, there will be great Glory!
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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