Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13 and to go deeper 1 John 4:7-21
Focus Verse: "We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 and "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
We love. Why are Christians to be known by our love? (John 13:35) The root of the answer is because God is love. (1John 4:8) Notice that I said that God IS love and that is better than God loves because love is not just something that God does, but it is the essence of who He is.
Because God is unfailing love, He would not leave us in our sin, but sent his only son Jesus, to take the sin punishment in our place. (John 3:16) No greater love is there than this. The failure in humanity (sin) was a reason to love all the more, because it is needed and not because it is deserved.
Because we have been redeemed and have experienced the greatest love known to mankind, we can, in turn love others as God has commanded us to do. Love, even if love isn't returned. (2 Cor. 12:15)
Because our flesh often gets in the way due to our selfishness, pride, self-righteousness, and unforgiveness, loving others can be a challenge and we often do a poor job of representing our role as a Christian. Paul so loved the Corinthians that though they didn't love him in return, he continued to love them. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
Because we are not left alone in our struggle to love one another, we can allow the Holy Spirit to show us our sin and convict us of the lack of love in our lives. We can approach God in confession and ask Him to work in our hearts to love others as the Holy Spirit equips us to do so.
Love should be who we are. Loving others is not our achievement to be proud of, but the work of God in our lives that we can praise Him for. Love should be flowing through so that others may understand our Heavenly Father and praise Him. We love imperfectly, but God loves perfectly.
I recently went to a funeral of a lady named Pearl. She was not considered accomplished by the world's standards, but her legacy was that of love. She cared for the children in the church as their parents could go to worship without being disturbed. She loved each child completely and they each thought they were favored. I know this well, because she also cared for my children and they knew that she loved them well. She loved the parents and the pastors. She loved in a way that was not just flat, but deeply, even telling truth in love sometimes. A failure in another person was a reason to love all the more because it is needed, not because it's deserved. She loved. We love.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, November 17, 2017
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Settled in Heaven
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:89-136
Focus Verses: Psalm 119:89-90, 129-130 “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in Heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations, You established the earth, and it abides. Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your works give light, it gives understanding to the simple.”
It is said “the only permanent thing in this world is change.” But there is something that is absolutely permanent. God’s Word is here in in scriptures and will last for all eternity. The Bible says “the word of the Lord is settled in heaven. The Hebrew word for settled means, absolutely, irrevocably, and fixed. Most of the millions of words we speak here on earth will one day be forgotten. But God’s words will still be truthful trillions of years from now. People have tried to destroy God’s word, say it has contradictions, say it is irrelevant for today. Don’t believe any of that. The Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is our guide for life. So let God’s Word that is settled in heaven, also be settled in our hearts.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Psalm 119:89-90, 129-130 “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in Heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations, You established the earth, and it abides. Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your works give light, it gives understanding to the simple.”
It is said “the only permanent thing in this world is change.” But there is something that is absolutely permanent. God’s Word is here in in scriptures and will last for all eternity. The Bible says “the word of the Lord is settled in heaven. The Hebrew word for settled means, absolutely, irrevocably, and fixed. Most of the millions of words we speak here on earth will one day be forgotten. But God’s words will still be truthful trillions of years from now. People have tried to destroy God’s word, say it has contradictions, say it is irrelevant for today. Don’t believe any of that. The Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is our guide for life. So let God’s Word that is settled in heaven, also be settled in our hearts.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Walking Step by Step
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 7-18
Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
As we walk through this Christian life we understand that we will go through difficult times. Most times we would like to see what is ahead for us, especially when difficult times are coming. Sometimes we even face storms in life when are doing our best to be in a right relationship with the Lord. You may have read the verse in Psalm 34:19 that says “many are the afflictions of the righteous”. But sometimes we fail to read the rest of the verse that says “But the Lord delivers us from them all.”
Today's scripture reading tells us to make a comparison between the temporary with the eternal. The light afflictions we have here on earth compared to the glory of heaven, and the seen to the unseen. If we have the right perspective on life with God’s help we can endure any trial by taking it one step at a time. The unseen of heaven one day we will see. Then the trials of this world will just be a faded memory. So take this journey with the Lord step by step and remember to look for the unseen eternal.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
As we walk through this Christian life we understand that we will go through difficult times. Most times we would like to see what is ahead for us, especially when difficult times are coming. Sometimes we even face storms in life when are doing our best to be in a right relationship with the Lord. You may have read the verse in Psalm 34:19 that says “many are the afflictions of the righteous”. But sometimes we fail to read the rest of the verse that says “But the Lord delivers us from them all.”
Today's scripture reading tells us to make a comparison between the temporary with the eternal. The light afflictions we have here on earth compared to the glory of heaven, and the seen to the unseen. If we have the right perspective on life with God’s help we can endure any trial by taking it one step at a time. The unseen of heaven one day we will see. Then the trials of this world will just be a faded memory. So take this journey with the Lord step by step and remember to look for the unseen eternal.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Christian Celebrities
Christian Celebrities by BoydBailey
Bible Readings: Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 3:20-23, 4:6; Romans 8:31-34
Focus Verse: "For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Christian celebrities sometimes create quarreling factions, but followers of Christ are not on theological teams competing to win. There is no competition in the Kingdom of God, yet human nature yearns for a hero. People want someone they can see who stands for excellence in eternal matters. This admiration for those who are extremely gifted in teaching, speaking, writing, and leadership is not bad in and of itself.
Factions occur when people proudly perceive their leader to be superior to all other servants of the Lord. They get caught up in the man or woman, and look down on others who are not as “successful.” It is immaturity that promotes a person instead of the Lord. When Jesus is lifted up and the focus of everyone’s attention, all are united around Him! Therefore, Jesus brings unity, Celebrities bring division.
“And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]” (John 12:32, AMP).
There is an ugly co-dependence that is created by celebrity worship. The line between leader and Lord becomes blurred when followers begin to deify a gifted man or woman. It becomes cult worship when Christian celebrities are not challenged or questioned. This is a warning for megachurches: Make sure the man does not become the center of attention over Christ.
The pastor is called to equip the saints and exalt the Savior, while awe is reserved for Almighty God. You help your pastor by keeping him off a pedestal. Pedestals produce pride and give a pastor a downward-looking perspective. Honor him, yes; worship him, no. Leaders who compete with Christ are in danger of losing God’s blessing. The accolades of man are cheap substitutes for God’s eternal rewards.
However, there is an effective approach to diffusing this determination to create Christian celebrities. Gifted pastor/leaders can reject “rock star” status by addressing in their teachings, the dangers of admiring a man more while loving the Lord less. Parishioners who worship and fear God are to first walk away from Sunday sermons in awe of God, not enamored of or entertained by man. If the purpose of worship becomes engagement with a person’s personality to the exclusion of eternal accountability, a destructive and dysfunctional environment is brewing.
Teaching and leadership are meant to be catalysts for Christ-centered living. A wise leader makes sure that worship services become launching pads for truth, as he points people to Jesus. Therefore, do not crave the role of Christian celebrity. It doesn’t show maturity. Maturity means you decrease and He increases (John 3:30). Deflect any attention that is reserved for the Almighty. Authentic leaders, teachers, and pastors pour themselves out for Christ’s sake. They use subtle acts of service—such as feeding the poor—to keep themselves humble.
Your Master is the main attraction, so celebrate Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study, and service. He is your Christian celebrity.
“So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me” (John 8:28).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift up Jesus alone in praise, worship and adoration. Keep my affections and admiration fixed on Him and on no man, in His name I pray.
Application: Am I following and trusting a celebrity instead of placing my faith in Christ?
Bible Readings: Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 3:20-23, 4:6; Romans 8:31-34
Focus Verse: "For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Christian celebrities sometimes create quarreling factions, but followers of Christ are not on theological teams competing to win. There is no competition in the Kingdom of God, yet human nature yearns for a hero. People want someone they can see who stands for excellence in eternal matters. This admiration for those who are extremely gifted in teaching, speaking, writing, and leadership is not bad in and of itself.
Factions occur when people proudly perceive their leader to be superior to all other servants of the Lord. They get caught up in the man or woman, and look down on others who are not as “successful.” It is immaturity that promotes a person instead of the Lord. When Jesus is lifted up and the focus of everyone’s attention, all are united around Him! Therefore, Jesus brings unity, Celebrities bring division.
“And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]” (John 12:32, AMP).
There is an ugly co-dependence that is created by celebrity worship. The line between leader and Lord becomes blurred when followers begin to deify a gifted man or woman. It becomes cult worship when Christian celebrities are not challenged or questioned. This is a warning for megachurches: Make sure the man does not become the center of attention over Christ.
The pastor is called to equip the saints and exalt the Savior, while awe is reserved for Almighty God. You help your pastor by keeping him off a pedestal. Pedestals produce pride and give a pastor a downward-looking perspective. Honor him, yes; worship him, no. Leaders who compete with Christ are in danger of losing God’s blessing. The accolades of man are cheap substitutes for God’s eternal rewards.
However, there is an effective approach to diffusing this determination to create Christian celebrities. Gifted pastor/leaders can reject “rock star” status by addressing in their teachings, the dangers of admiring a man more while loving the Lord less. Parishioners who worship and fear God are to first walk away from Sunday sermons in awe of God, not enamored of or entertained by man. If the purpose of worship becomes engagement with a person’s personality to the exclusion of eternal accountability, a destructive and dysfunctional environment is brewing.
Teaching and leadership are meant to be catalysts for Christ-centered living. A wise leader makes sure that worship services become launching pads for truth, as he points people to Jesus. Therefore, do not crave the role of Christian celebrity. It doesn’t show maturity. Maturity means you decrease and He increases (John 3:30). Deflect any attention that is reserved for the Almighty. Authentic leaders, teachers, and pastors pour themselves out for Christ’s sake. They use subtle acts of service—such as feeding the poor—to keep themselves humble.
Your Master is the main attraction, so celebrate Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study, and service. He is your Christian celebrity.
“So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me” (John 8:28).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift up Jesus alone in praise, worship and adoration. Keep my affections and admiration fixed on Him and on no man, in His name I pray.
Application: Am I following and trusting a celebrity instead of placing my faith in Christ?
Saturday, October 21, 2017
God’s Leaders Have a Higher Standard
God’s Leaders Have a Higher Standard by Boyd Bailey
Bible Reading: Titus 1:6-9
Priests… must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the offerings made to the LORD by fire, the food of their God, they are to be holy. Leviticus 21:6
Ministers of the Gospel submit to a higher standard and answer to a holy authority. There is something special and fearful about being a vocational servant of Jesus Christ. This is not a role to be undertaken lightly or to be chosen casually, as some secular career paths. God places eternal expectations on priests, pastors, and ministry leaders. Leaders in the church have the Lord as their baseline for behavior. Deviant behavior is unacceptable for those who lead on behalf of the Lord.
The leader’s character is his greatest asset or his greatest downfall. Someone cannot determine acceptable behavior based on what he wants when the Bible and church history have already defined the standard. How hypocritical and foolish to think leaders can flaunt immoral behavior when church members are disciplined for the same sin. Double standards may be for the uninformed and the unaccountable, but not for faithful and educated followers of Christ. How surreal to need to declare that character in the church matters! A church or ministry leader cannot practice immoral living and still lead the Bride of Christ. They cannot practice homosexuality, adultery, stealing, or lying. They cannot practice unfaithfulness in any of its destructive forms.
“An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly o the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:6-9).
There is a holy obligation for leaders to model and teach holy living as defined in God’s Word. Holiness is not a creation of culture but defined by God. Leaders of God’s church and ministry are to be holy as He is holy. Therefore, you can’t say you are a leader on behalf of Jesus Christ if you embrace and endorse the very sin for which He died on the cross. It would be the epitome of hypocrisy to do so.
If someone is bent on breaking 2,000 years of church tradition and 4,000 years of Biblical teaching, then he should do it in the name of another religion, not on behalf of Christianity. Do not use the Bible to defend your lame living in the name of the Lord, or the church as a crutch for crude behavior. Wake up to the fact that you have a heavenly Father to whom you will one day answer. Yes, He loves. Yes, He forgives. But above all else, He is holy. If anyone is hell-bent on hellish living, the church cannot condone it.
Where does the church draw the line for unholy living? The closer the line moves toward compromise, the deeper the church is absorbed into the culture. We lose our saltiness and dim our light. We become good for nothing and are trampled under the feet of fools. It must be laughable to the Lord that deviant behavior in church members, much less church leaders, is even up for debate.
Holy leaders do make people thirsty for God. They shine their light of holy living on the Lord. Embrace His higher standard, and expect the same of your church and ministry leaders. Elect men and women of the cloth who behave biblically, whose character aligns with Christ’s, and who model faithfulness, not perfection. They are not conformed to this world but transformed by God’s truth.
The Bible is clear: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I will follow You, so I can become a leader worth following, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application: What area of my life does the Lord want me to grow my leadership?
Related Readings: 1 Kings 9:4; Proverbs 10:9; Nehemiah 7:2; Mark 12:14; 2 Corinthians 1:12
Bible Reading: Titus 1:6-9
Priests… must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the offerings made to the LORD by fire, the food of their God, they are to be holy. Leviticus 21:6
Ministers of the Gospel submit to a higher standard and answer to a holy authority. There is something special and fearful about being a vocational servant of Jesus Christ. This is not a role to be undertaken lightly or to be chosen casually, as some secular career paths. God places eternal expectations on priests, pastors, and ministry leaders. Leaders in the church have the Lord as their baseline for behavior. Deviant behavior is unacceptable for those who lead on behalf of the Lord.
The leader’s character is his greatest asset or his greatest downfall. Someone cannot determine acceptable behavior based on what he wants when the Bible and church history have already defined the standard. How hypocritical and foolish to think leaders can flaunt immoral behavior when church members are disciplined for the same sin. Double standards may be for the uninformed and the unaccountable, but not for faithful and educated followers of Christ. How surreal to need to declare that character in the church matters! A church or ministry leader cannot practice immoral living and still lead the Bride of Christ. They cannot practice homosexuality, adultery, stealing, or lying. They cannot practice unfaithfulness in any of its destructive forms.
“An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly o the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:6-9).
There is a holy obligation for leaders to model and teach holy living as defined in God’s Word. Holiness is not a creation of culture but defined by God. Leaders of God’s church and ministry are to be holy as He is holy. Therefore, you can’t say you are a leader on behalf of Jesus Christ if you embrace and endorse the very sin for which He died on the cross. It would be the epitome of hypocrisy to do so.
If someone is bent on breaking 2,000 years of church tradition and 4,000 years of Biblical teaching, then he should do it in the name of another religion, not on behalf of Christianity. Do not use the Bible to defend your lame living in the name of the Lord, or the church as a crutch for crude behavior. Wake up to the fact that you have a heavenly Father to whom you will one day answer. Yes, He loves. Yes, He forgives. But above all else, He is holy. If anyone is hell-bent on hellish living, the church cannot condone it.
Where does the church draw the line for unholy living? The closer the line moves toward compromise, the deeper the church is absorbed into the culture. We lose our saltiness and dim our light. We become good for nothing and are trampled under the feet of fools. It must be laughable to the Lord that deviant behavior in church members, much less church leaders, is even up for debate.
Holy leaders do make people thirsty for God. They shine their light of holy living on the Lord. Embrace His higher standard, and expect the same of your church and ministry leaders. Elect men and women of the cloth who behave biblically, whose character aligns with Christ’s, and who model faithfulness, not perfection. They are not conformed to this world but transformed by God’s truth.
The Bible is clear: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I will follow You, so I can become a leader worth following, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application: What area of my life does the Lord want me to grow my leadership?
Related Readings: 1 Kings 9:4; Proverbs 10:9; Nehemiah 7:2; Mark 12:14; 2 Corinthians 1:12
Friday, October 13, 2017
"What is Truth?" Pilate Said
Bible Reading: John 18
Focus Verse: "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Pontius Pilate asked centuries ago, “What is truth?” as he was trying to make a judgement. We look at our world today and try to make sense out of humanity that seems to be upside down from what we should be. We try to find what the truth is in the news. We want to know "What in the World is going on". The truth is that there is a sin problem in humanity and man is full of pride. In reality, Pilate was asking "What is truth?" when he was looking at the TRUTH himself, Jesus!
Not long before being arrested and brought to the governor, Jesus had said “I am the truth”, which was a rather incredible statement. How could a mere man be the truth? He couldn’t be, unless He was more than a man, which is actually what He claimed to be. The fact is, Jesus’ claim was validated when He rose from the dead (Romans 1:4).
Pilate and the Jewish leaders were making a judgement about the One who would be their Judge one day. When we look for a worldly answer, we will fail to understand what God is doing, but if we look for a spiritual answer, we can see what God wants to show us. Remember that Peter said,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 He was looking for a spiritual truth.
When the world seems like it's gone crazy, look to the One who holds the world.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Pontius Pilate asked centuries ago, “What is truth?” as he was trying to make a judgement. We look at our world today and try to make sense out of humanity that seems to be upside down from what we should be. We try to find what the truth is in the news. We want to know "What in the World is going on". The truth is that there is a sin problem in humanity and man is full of pride. In reality, Pilate was asking "What is truth?" when he was looking at the TRUTH himself, Jesus!
Not long before being arrested and brought to the governor, Jesus had said “I am the truth”, which was a rather incredible statement. How could a mere man be the truth? He couldn’t be, unless He was more than a man, which is actually what He claimed to be. The fact is, Jesus’ claim was validated when He rose from the dead (Romans 1:4).
Pilate and the Jewish leaders were making a judgement about the One who would be their Judge one day. When we look for a worldly answer, we will fail to understand what God is doing, but if we look for a spiritual answer, we can see what God wants to show us. Remember that Peter said,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 He was looking for a spiritual truth.
When the world seems like it's gone crazy, look to the One who holds the world.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, October 6, 2017
Gird Me, Lord
Gird Me, Lord
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 45: 1-13
Focus Verses: Isaiah 45: 5-6 “I and the Lord, there is no other God. I have girded you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”
We all put on different cloths for different events. If you are playing football you put on something different from what you wear to church. Back in Isaiah’s day they wore long robes. So if they were going to do an activity where the robe got in the way they would tuck the robe into their belt. This was called girding. God promised king Cyrus that He would “gird” him with everything he needed to help God’s people. Girding is something we do to prepare ourselves for the work God has for us. And God has promised to help us through the process. If God had promised to help a pagan king, how much more will God help us as His children. So when you are faced with difficult circumstances know that God is there to cloth you with everything you need. God will not send you out unprepared. God is there to see that you succeed. So tuck in your robe and get busy for God.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 45: 1-13
Focus Verses: Isaiah 45: 5-6 “I and the Lord, there is no other God. I have girded you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”
We all put on different cloths for different events. If you are playing football you put on something different from what you wear to church. Back in Isaiah’s day they wore long robes. So if they were going to do an activity where the robe got in the way they would tuck the robe into their belt. This was called girding. God promised king Cyrus that He would “gird” him with everything he needed to help God’s people. Girding is something we do to prepare ourselves for the work God has for us. And God has promised to help us through the process. If God had promised to help a pagan king, how much more will God help us as His children. So when you are faced with difficult circumstances know that God is there to cloth you with everything you need. God will not send you out unprepared. God is there to see that you succeed. So tuck in your robe and get busy for God.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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