Bible Reading: Exodus 8:25-30
Focus verse: "So humble and submit yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Moses confronted Pharaoh and did as the Lord commanded. All the doors shut in his face. Did you ever step out in obedience to the Lord and find that doors shut to you? This is a time to keep your eyes and your faith on God. Continue to do as the Lord commands, refuse the compromise and wait for God's timing to open doors. Pharaoh offered for them to go into the wilderness, but not to leave the land. Satan does not want us to go too far from our old lifestyle. Later, Pharaoh asks them to go, but to leave their flocks and in Exodus 10:26 But Moses replied "not a hoof will be left behind." Moses was confronted repeatedly with the opportunity for compromise, but he refused to move from what God had told him. Satan doesn't want you to go too far in following Christ and will be relentless in his attempts to get you to compromise. HOLD FIRM. Tell the devil that he gets nothing and God gets everything!
Before salvation, we were under the control of Satan even though we
thought we were under our own control. We didn't realize this because Satan is a liar. After salvation, we
can see the truth more clearly, but Satan hates our salvation so much that he will seek to tempt and manipulate, battle your godly decisions, and
destroy our lives with his strategies. One of his strategies is
compromise.
God tells us to make a break with our past ruler, Satan, and not to be partners with
those
who live in the dark. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) If we compromise, we remain in captivity.
A life lived in obedience will speak more to
the unbelievers than a life of compromise. And your children will respond
to the life you lead more than the life you speak.
You can't negotiate with the Devil. A hunter finds a bear and wants a fur coat but the bear wants to discuss the matter. If the hunter does not shoot the bear, then the bear will eat the hunter and the hunter gets his fur coat, though he is dead inside of it. That is how it is to compromise with the devil. Compromise will not bring us to the place that God wants us, but leaves behind a destroyed life and regrets.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Extra reading: 2 Corinthians 6: 14-17 (The Message version) "Don’t
become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a
partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war.
Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the
Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up
pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each
of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a Father to you you’ll be sons and daughters to me.” The Word of the Master, God."
Friday, January 19, 2018
Friday, January 12, 2018
Thinking Right Thoughts
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55
Focus Verses: Isaiah 55: 8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Sometimes the ways of God do not make sense to us. That because we use our human understanding. If we are left to our own understanding we would be miserable. God wants us to tap into His divine understanding. When we learn to think how God thinks it can save us from going down the wrong paths. God’s pathway may not look like the correct way now, but later it will. We must trust His way by faith.
To think like God takes discipline. The world does not understand thoughts of eternal things. The unsaved think the things of the cross are foolishness. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says “You can think like God because you have the mind of Christ.” When you think like Christ you let Him be in control. You trust Him to be in control of circumstances. In this new year lets seek God's thoughts and not our own. Let's pursue God more than other things. God wants to teach you more than you could imagine. Just as rain helps the garden to grow, God's word will bring forth fruit and accomplish everything that He intends. Isaiah 55:10-11
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: Isaiah 55: 8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Sometimes the ways of God do not make sense to us. That because we use our human understanding. If we are left to our own understanding we would be miserable. God wants us to tap into His divine understanding. When we learn to think how God thinks it can save us from going down the wrong paths. God’s pathway may not look like the correct way now, but later it will. We must trust His way by faith.
To think like God takes discipline. The world does not understand thoughts of eternal things. The unsaved think the things of the cross are foolishness. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says “You can think like God because you have the mind of Christ.” When you think like Christ you let Him be in control. You trust Him to be in control of circumstances. In this new year lets seek God's thoughts and not our own. Let's pursue God more than other things. God wants to teach you more than you could imagine. Just as rain helps the garden to grow, God's word will bring forth fruit and accomplish everything that He intends. Isaiah 55:10-11
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, January 5, 2018
Maintain A Clear Conscience
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 4:1-2 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
I think we all know someone that has walked away from God's standards, and left the faith. We say to ourselves, “why does somebody do that?” How could this happen? Perhaps at one time they seemed as one of the most godly people you know. Now they have abandoned the faith. There are many reasons why someone would leave the faith, but it usually happens one small step at a time. If you put a foot in the wrong direction, listen to the gentle correction of the conscious. 1 Timothy 1:19 says “Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have violated their consciences, as a result their faith has been shipwrecked.” God has given us a conscience to help keep us on the right path, guide and protect us. When we are tempted, our conscience tells us not to violate God's standards. Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are searing your conscience and hardening your heart. Over a period of time, your ability to tell right from wrong will diminish. How can you keep your conscience clear? Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right.
Today, as you walk with God, he will speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong. Be sure to act on those inner voices so that you do what is right, then your conscience will remain clear. One obedient act at a time strengthens our relationship with Christ and he will measure out our faith. Hebrews 6:11 says “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.”
Read also: Galatians 4:19, Acts 24:16, Romans 12:2, and Ephesians 4:23,
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 4:1-2 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
I think we all know someone that has walked away from God's standards, and left the faith. We say to ourselves, “why does somebody do that?” How could this happen? Perhaps at one time they seemed as one of the most godly people you know. Now they have abandoned the faith. There are many reasons why someone would leave the faith, but it usually happens one small step at a time. If you put a foot in the wrong direction, listen to the gentle correction of the conscious. 1 Timothy 1:19 says “Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have violated their consciences, as a result their faith has been shipwrecked.” God has given us a conscience to help keep us on the right path, guide and protect us. When we are tempted, our conscience tells us not to violate God's standards. Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are searing your conscience and hardening your heart. Over a period of time, your ability to tell right from wrong will diminish. How can you keep your conscience clear? Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right.
Today, as you walk with God, he will speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong. Be sure to act on those inner voices so that you do what is right, then your conscience will remain clear. One obedient act at a time strengthens our relationship with Christ and he will measure out our faith. Hebrews 6:11 says “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.”
Read also: Galatians 4:19, Acts 24:16, Romans 12:2, and Ephesians 4:23,
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Thursday, December 28, 2017
All Together
All Together
Focus Verse: Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Sometimes when I preach in Kenya and I see many people accept Christ I wonder if they all knew what they were doing, and if they understand. What kind of life do believers have after receiving Christ? What should it look like to begin a Christian community.
As we continue our devotional study on "Christian community" let's observe a few things about the early church in Acts. In this passage we see that about 3000 people were saved when Peter preached. We see that right away these new believers were united with the other believers. Verse 42 says they had fellowship with them, continued in the doctrine (teachings), they shared in the Lord's supper together, and they prayed together.
We see that these early believers shared what they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts. Sometimes governments of some countries take taxes from those that earn money and then give to those that are in need. Its a nice plan, but God says that it is the church's responsibility to help those in need, not just the government's. When the outside world sees the church helping each other they will know something is different. But so many times the outside world sees the church divided and not able to get along with each other. This is damaging to our testimony.
A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. The early church's passion for worship and love for each other was contagious. A church that is healthy and loving will grow in numbers. What can you do today within your church that will attract others to Christ? Who is in need that you can help?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, December 22, 2017
Peace on Earth
Peace On Earth by Boyd Bailey
Bible Readings: Jeremiah 33:9; Zechariah 9:10; Colossians 1:20; Revelation 1:5
Focus Verse: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 NKJV
Peace on earth begins with peace in the hearts of people. Outward peace is the product of inward peace. Once a soul has experienced peace with God there is a serenity that seeps into human relationships and calms the rough waters of conflict. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2).
It is a grace based belief system that allows citizens and countries to get together and accept one another’s differences. Without conversations of grace, there is no context for peace. Indeed, nations that believe “might is right”, with whom forgiveness is a foreign language, will remain restless with no peace in sight. However men, women, children and governments who embrace reconciliation will experience an incomprehensible peace.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Jesus came to earth first and foremost as a peace envoy on behalf of Almighty God. Do you have peace in your heart this Christmas season? Or is there restlessness in your soul that needs the comfort of Christ’s peace? The peace of God is your best prescription for insomnia. Peace brings deep abiding sleep.
Does this mean that we can experience 100% peace on earth? No, because the truth is divisive and not everyone believes the truth. So while Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”, listen to His challenging words, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three” (Luke 12:51-52).
So what is the role of Christians in promoting peace on earth and good will toward men? Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Followers of the Lord know grace best governs relationships, families, cities and countries. It is God’s grace that allows you to influence the process of peace.
So, stand for the truth in a spirit of grace and humility this Christmas season, and trust God for His peace to reign in your heart and in the hearts of those around you. Take the high road of heaven and proclaim in celebration of Christ’s birth, “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men.” Christmas is God’s gift of peace in the person of His son Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for the peace on earth You offer through Your son and our Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray, amen.
Application: Am I submitted to God, and am I allowing His peace to reign in my heart and mind? How can I, in humility and love, bring peace to a hard family issue this holiday season?
Bible Readings: Jeremiah 33:9; Zechariah 9:10; Colossians 1:20; Revelation 1:5
Focus Verse: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 NKJV
Peace on earth begins with peace in the hearts of people. Outward peace is the product of inward peace. Once a soul has experienced peace with God there is a serenity that seeps into human relationships and calms the rough waters of conflict. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2).
It is a grace based belief system that allows citizens and countries to get together and accept one another’s differences. Without conversations of grace, there is no context for peace. Indeed, nations that believe “might is right”, with whom forgiveness is a foreign language, will remain restless with no peace in sight. However men, women, children and governments who embrace reconciliation will experience an incomprehensible peace.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Jesus came to earth first and foremost as a peace envoy on behalf of Almighty God. Do you have peace in your heart this Christmas season? Or is there restlessness in your soul that needs the comfort of Christ’s peace? The peace of God is your best prescription for insomnia. Peace brings deep abiding sleep.
Does this mean that we can experience 100% peace on earth? No, because the truth is divisive and not everyone believes the truth. So while Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”, listen to His challenging words, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three” (Luke 12:51-52).
So what is the role of Christians in promoting peace on earth and good will toward men? Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Followers of the Lord know grace best governs relationships, families, cities and countries. It is God’s grace that allows you to influence the process of peace.
So, stand for the truth in a spirit of grace and humility this Christmas season, and trust God for His peace to reign in your heart and in the hearts of those around you. Take the high road of heaven and proclaim in celebration of Christ’s birth, “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men.” Christmas is God’s gift of peace in the person of His son Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for the peace on earth You offer through Your son and our Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray, amen.
Application: Am I submitted to God, and am I allowing His peace to reign in my heart and mind? How can I, in humility and love, bring peace to a hard family issue this holiday season?
Friday, December 8, 2017
Real Faith
Real Faith
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-16
Focus Verse: Hebrews 11: 3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
Do you have real faith? Can you believe what you haven't seen? Scientists have written hundreds of books on the origin of the universe. But we, as Christians, have the faith that God spoke it into existence. In fact everything was spoken into existence by God. We can only understand this if we have faith. None of us has seen God. None of us were there when God created everything. We take these things by faith. Hebrews 11:3 is a good definition of real faith. “We know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” Anybody can take something and mold or fashion it into something else. Example, a business can make an automobile or vehicle. But only God can create from nothing. Everything that we see around us teaches us to trust in a God that we cannot see. That is Real Faith.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-16
Focus Verse: Hebrews 11: 3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
Do you have real faith? Can you believe what you haven't seen? Scientists have written hundreds of books on the origin of the universe. But we, as Christians, have the faith that God spoke it into existence. In fact everything was spoken into existence by God. We can only understand this if we have faith. None of us has seen God. None of us were there when God created everything. We take these things by faith. Hebrews 11:3 is a good definition of real faith. “We know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” Anybody can take something and mold or fashion it into something else. Example, a business can make an automobile or vehicle. But only God can create from nothing. Everything that we see around us teaches us to trust in a God that we cannot see. That is Real Faith.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, November 24, 2017
Grateful to God
Grateful to God by Boyd Bailey
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Gratitude to God is a guarantee for an attitude of humility and happiness. It is hard to be grateful and not be full of joy and contentment. When we reflect on His salvation and grace in Jesus Christ, we are left awestruck that almighty God would freely give us the gift of His only Son. Indeed, grateful Christians never get over the forgiveness and freedom they have in Christ Jesus. Gratitude gives us the right attitude!
How can we renew our thinking each day to be appreciative when so many negative thoughts assault our minds? What is a wise process to keep us praising God for His provision? One way is to recount His blessings by writing them in a journal. Take the time to pen what the Lord has done for you, and your sorrow will turn into a smile of satisfaction. Your glow comes back when you remember Christ’s incredible love and acceptance. When was the last time you spent your entire prayer time just praising and thanking God?
“Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness” (Psalm 150:2).
Perhaps you praise Him in the morning for life and love. Praise Him midmorning for fulfilling work. Praise Him at the noon hour for health and happiness. Praise Him midday for forgiveness and faith. Praise Him at dinner for family and friends. Praise Him before bed for His Word and the wonder of His grace. Praise God, and gratitude will follow.
Your gratitude goes a long way in leading others to be grateful. A grateful life is like a sea of thanksgiving that buoys all boats with hope. Appreciation attracts great people. Your thanksgiving to God for His favor and blessings and for the incredible people in your life sets you up for success. Gratitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy for peace, joy, and love.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name, for the Lord is good. Psalm 100:4
O, give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His mercy endureth forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Giving Thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
In everything Give thanks, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Gratitude to God is a guarantee for an attitude of humility and happiness. It is hard to be grateful and not be full of joy and contentment. When we reflect on His salvation and grace in Jesus Christ, we are left awestruck that almighty God would freely give us the gift of His only Son. Indeed, grateful Christians never get over the forgiveness and freedom they have in Christ Jesus. Gratitude gives us the right attitude!
How can we renew our thinking each day to be appreciative when so many negative thoughts assault our minds? What is a wise process to keep us praising God for His provision? One way is to recount His blessings by writing them in a journal. Take the time to pen what the Lord has done for you, and your sorrow will turn into a smile of satisfaction. Your glow comes back when you remember Christ’s incredible love and acceptance. When was the last time you spent your entire prayer time just praising and thanking God?
“Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness” (Psalm 150:2).
Perhaps you praise Him in the morning for life and love. Praise Him midmorning for fulfilling work. Praise Him at the noon hour for health and happiness. Praise Him midday for forgiveness and faith. Praise Him at dinner for family and friends. Praise Him before bed for His Word and the wonder of His grace. Praise God, and gratitude will follow.
Your gratitude goes a long way in leading others to be grateful. A grateful life is like a sea of thanksgiving that buoys all boats with hope. Appreciation attracts great people. Your thanksgiving to God for His favor and blessings and for the incredible people in your life sets you up for success. Gratitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy for peace, joy, and love.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name, for the Lord is good. Psalm 100:4
O, give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His mercy endureth forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Giving Thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
In everything Give thanks, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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