Scripture Reading: Romans 4:13-25
Focus Verses: Romans 4:24-25 “God will credit righteousness for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
How are we saved? How do we become a Christian? It is not a complicated process. First we recognize that we can not save ourselves. There is nothing we can do that is good enough. Verse 15 says that we still get punishment if we rely on the law. You may have done a lot of good things in your life, but I can assure you, you have also done a lot of bad things also. I sure have. The good news is in verse 24 that says, " for
our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous
if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." We need to tell God we are sorry for our sins. We are sorry for the things we have done wrong. You must believe that Jesus died on a cross to pay for your sins, and that three days later the power of God raised Jesus from the dead. He came out of the grave just as He said. We were not there to see these things happen with our own eyes, so we must demonstrate faith and believe that this happened. The Bible is trustworthy and true, so what the Bible says you can believe. We turn and walk a new life with God.
I attended the funeral of a five year old girl today. We mourned with her family, but we also celebrated
her life today, because we have the hope that we will see her again one
day. We heard testimony that she had a childlike faith, but also she
perhaps had not reached the age of accountability. Where does this faith start? The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith.
Preaching without the cross and the power of the resurrection leaves out the most important thing: If Christ did not raise from the dead, then we have no hope after the grave. It’s all because Jesus was raised from the grave that we have hope! Have you settled in your heart the reality of Jesus’ resurrection? If not, accept it today. Don’t be swayed by the beliefs of this world. There will always be those out there who try to justify their conduct. They will say Christ is not who he claimed to be. But we know better, because He has changed our lives. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, May 18, 2018
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Being Humble in God’s Eyes
Bible Reading Isaiah 66:1-6
Focus Verse: "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2b
Have you ever heard the expression “It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.”? I remember the first time I heard it. I was slightly shocked because it didn’t seem like it was moral. I came to realize that it could be tempting if your parents or your boss was very forgiving. You could really get into a habit of taking advantage of that forgiveness. You could do things your way with your ideas and it will be much easier. The attitude behind that thought process is not humility, but pride. You are putting your own selfish desires above your authority. You are using a position of pride and selfishness to do what you want.
A pastor, John Piper, once said that he needed prayers of the church people that God would help him to be humble. This is what he prays for himself, "[God,]Before I give way to any kind of proud misuse of this influence for my ego, kill me. Take me before I ruin this church, this ministry, and these books. If I have to end on a note that would cast a pall over an entire life of effort, please take me before that happens." Wow, that is commitment to God's calling. He is also realizing that we all have the capacity to have sinful pride that can lead to ruin of ourselves and our ministry. It sounds like Piper trembles before God's authority.
The scripture reading today reminded me of this, because the Lord our God is the ultimate boss. He is big and mighty. He lives in heaven and puts his feet on earth. If we know what is wrong and we do it anyway, we are living in pride. Even if we come asking for forgiveness, it is does not honor God. It reminds me of 1 Samuel 15:22 that says,
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
God says that He looks on us with favor when we are humble and recognize the authority of God. When we hear His Word and tremble at His Word we are blessed. Do you know what God expects from you? Will you take advantage of his grace by pridefully sinning more or will you submit yourself to Him and humbly do His will?
It is better to ask for permission than forgiveness.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2b
Have you ever heard the expression “It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.”? I remember the first time I heard it. I was slightly shocked because it didn’t seem like it was moral. I came to realize that it could be tempting if your parents or your boss was very forgiving. You could really get into a habit of taking advantage of that forgiveness. You could do things your way with your ideas and it will be much easier. The attitude behind that thought process is not humility, but pride. You are putting your own selfish desires above your authority. You are using a position of pride and selfishness to do what you want.
A pastor, John Piper, once said that he needed prayers of the church people that God would help him to be humble. This is what he prays for himself, "[God,]Before I give way to any kind of proud misuse of this influence for my ego, kill me. Take me before I ruin this church, this ministry, and these books. If I have to end on a note that would cast a pall over an entire life of effort, please take me before that happens." Wow, that is commitment to God's calling. He is also realizing that we all have the capacity to have sinful pride that can lead to ruin of ourselves and our ministry. It sounds like Piper trembles before God's authority.
The scripture reading today reminded me of this, because the Lord our God is the ultimate boss. He is big and mighty. He lives in heaven and puts his feet on earth. If we know what is wrong and we do it anyway, we are living in pride. Even if we come asking for forgiveness, it is does not honor God. It reminds me of 1 Samuel 15:22 that says,
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
God says that He looks on us with favor when we are humble and recognize the authority of God. When we hear His Word and tremble at His Word we are blessed. Do you know what God expects from you? Will you take advantage of his grace by pridefully sinning more or will you submit yourself to Him and humbly do His will?
It is better to ask for permission than forgiveness.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, May 4, 2018
Accomplish Infinitely More
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
Focus Verse: Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Our focus verse is a very powerful promise in God’s Word, but to have this power at work within us Paul says that as Christians "we need to be filled with all the fullness of God.” How do we do that? I think there are a number of things we should do to be filled with the fullness of God. We can start by kneeling humbly before God with a heart of faith. Then become rooted in and obey His Word. We seek to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
We can also answer “the call” he has placed on our lives. I believe that no matter what your profession is, God has called you to make disciples for His Kingdom. This is one area where God will "accomplish infinitely” more than we might ask or think. When a soul is won for Christ, that person will live forever in heaven. No end! Eternity is difficult to imagine.
God really does want to use us to spread the Gospel... that Jesus died for our sins, and invites us to repent and live in heaven with Him for all eternity. We could have no greater task in this world. Proverbs 11:30 says, “He who wins souls is wise.” I want to be doing something that will have lasting results for eternity, not for my glory, but for His Glory. How about you?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Our focus verse is a very powerful promise in God’s Word, but to have this power at work within us Paul says that as Christians "we need to be filled with all the fullness of God.” How do we do that? I think there are a number of things we should do to be filled with the fullness of God. We can start by kneeling humbly before God with a heart of faith. Then become rooted in and obey His Word. We seek to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
We can also answer “the call” he has placed on our lives. I believe that no matter what your profession is, God has called you to make disciples for His Kingdom. This is one area where God will "accomplish infinitely” more than we might ask or think. When a soul is won for Christ, that person will live forever in heaven. No end! Eternity is difficult to imagine.
God really does want to use us to spread the Gospel... that Jesus died for our sins, and invites us to repent and live in heaven with Him for all eternity. We could have no greater task in this world. Proverbs 11:30 says, “He who wins souls is wise.” I want to be doing something that will have lasting results for eternity, not for my glory, but for His Glory. How about you?
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 27, 2018
Jesus Knows About Your Suffering
Scripture Reading: John 11: 1-16
Focus Verses John 11: 3-4 “Lord, the one you love is sick. When He heard this, Jesus said, this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
For most of us we don’t need to look very far to see someone that is ill. Maybe it’s your parent, child, or even a close friend, or maybe yourself. Sickness is something that happens in our lives because we are human. Often it is the source of our fears and anxiety.
As a believer in Christ we are invited to take our pain, sickness, and suffering to Jesus. Many people have taken this path before you did. And many have endured more sever suffering than you. In fact no one knows about your suffering more than Jesus. He suffered too, but we must remember that His suffering led to an empty tomb. The suffering you are going through today is not the end. As believers in Jesus we have so much more to look forward to. Do you believe this? John 11:35 says “Jesus wept.” He was with his friends, Mary and Martha, who were weeping and it's possible that His weeping was compassion for their suffering. (A demonstration of Romans 12:15) He knows our suffering.
As we look at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God is saying “do you trust Me?” We are never forgotten or left alone in our suffering. We can trust that in our suffering God is able to bring about our healing if He chooses. You may feel abandoned or forgotten. Maybe you think there is no end in sight. God knows what you are going through. He suffered too, even to the point of death. It is a mystery of our faith how Jesus died, and then was raised to life, but we also know He is coming again, and we will be raised with Him. Let us rejoice in Him, no matter what suffering we are going through right now.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verses John 11: 3-4 “Lord, the one you love is sick. When He heard this, Jesus said, this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
For most of us we don’t need to look very far to see someone that is ill. Maybe it’s your parent, child, or even a close friend, or maybe yourself. Sickness is something that happens in our lives because we are human. Often it is the source of our fears and anxiety.
As a believer in Christ we are invited to take our pain, sickness, and suffering to Jesus. Many people have taken this path before you did. And many have endured more sever suffering than you. In fact no one knows about your suffering more than Jesus. He suffered too, but we must remember that His suffering led to an empty tomb. The suffering you are going through today is not the end. As believers in Jesus we have so much more to look forward to. Do you believe this? John 11:35 says “Jesus wept.” He was with his friends, Mary and Martha, who were weeping and it's possible that His weeping was compassion for their suffering. (A demonstration of Romans 12:15) He knows our suffering.
As we look at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God is saying “do you trust Me?” We are never forgotten or left alone in our suffering. We can trust that in our suffering God is able to bring about our healing if He chooses. You may feel abandoned or forgotten. Maybe you think there is no end in sight. God knows what you are going through. He suffered too, even to the point of death. It is a mystery of our faith how Jesus died, and then was raised to life, but we also know He is coming again, and we will be raised with Him. Let us rejoice in Him, no matter what suffering we are going through right now.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 20, 2018
The Intimacy of Waiting
Bible Reading Genesis 40
Focus Verse: "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18
"Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." Genesis 40:23 This feels like a very disappointing verse in the Bible. Does it seem like God is failing to save Joseph? I'm glad this isn't the end of Joseph's story. Did you ever wait for God? Are you waiting now? If we are seeking God, why does He make us wait when we pray to him? Waiting is biblical and a few examples are these:
Noah waited for the waters to go down before coming out of the ark. He was on the ark 370 days.
David waited 15 years to be king.
Job waited for God to heal him.
Abraham waited 25 years for his son.
Moses waited 40 years in the wilderness.
and there are more.
Biblical waiting is seeking intimacy with God. Humble yourself to Him and acknowledge your need of Him. Persistently seek His will in all that you do, being careful not to rely on yourself and lead God like Abraham did when he made for himself a son with a handmaiden, but to wait on God. (Gen. 16:1) Acknowledge God's sovereignty and power and that He has the power and the right to give and take away for reasons that we may not understand. Paul waited and prayed about his thorn in the flesh and was given grace. This was not what he expected, but God knows what is best for our lives.
Why must we sometimes wait? Every delay and trial on this side of the waiting is being used to shape you. God does not waste this time, so make sure you get up early and spend some time with Him. There can be many ways God wants to shape us. First, waiting reveals our true motives. (James 4:3) It gives us time to examine if what we have been praying for fits into God's will for our lives. We need to give God time to teach us His priorities. Secondly, the delay can build patience, perseverance and hope. (Romans 5:4-5 "And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.") Third, waiting builds intimacy with God. Our needs and desires will drive us toward God as we seek Him. We will focus on what God has asked of us today and respond with obedience as Joseph did. If we don't see results, we accept the hope and grace that God gives and press on. God is always faithful even in the waiting. We hold on to him as our anchor. Our relationship with God is more important than anything that we are waiting for.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18
"Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." Genesis 40:23 This feels like a very disappointing verse in the Bible. Does it seem like God is failing to save Joseph? I'm glad this isn't the end of Joseph's story. Did you ever wait for God? Are you waiting now? If we are seeking God, why does He make us wait when we pray to him? Waiting is biblical and a few examples are these:
Noah waited for the waters to go down before coming out of the ark. He was on the ark 370 days.
David waited 15 years to be king.
Job waited for God to heal him.
Abraham waited 25 years for his son.
Moses waited 40 years in the wilderness.
and there are more.
Biblical waiting is seeking intimacy with God. Humble yourself to Him and acknowledge your need of Him. Persistently seek His will in all that you do, being careful not to rely on yourself and lead God like Abraham did when he made for himself a son with a handmaiden, but to wait on God. (Gen. 16:1) Acknowledge God's sovereignty and power and that He has the power and the right to give and take away for reasons that we may not understand. Paul waited and prayed about his thorn in the flesh and was given grace. This was not what he expected, but God knows what is best for our lives.
Why must we sometimes wait? Every delay and trial on this side of the waiting is being used to shape you. God does not waste this time, so make sure you get up early and spend some time with Him. There can be many ways God wants to shape us. First, waiting reveals our true motives. (James 4:3) It gives us time to examine if what we have been praying for fits into God's will for our lives. We need to give God time to teach us His priorities. Secondly, the delay can build patience, perseverance and hope. (Romans 5:4-5 "And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.") Third, waiting builds intimacy with God. Our needs and desires will drive us toward God as we seek Him. We will focus on what God has asked of us today and respond with obedience as Joseph did. If we don't see results, we accept the hope and grace that God gives and press on. God is always faithful even in the waiting. We hold on to him as our anchor. Our relationship with God is more important than anything that we are waiting for.
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, April 13, 2018
God of Impossible Things
Bible Reading: Psalm 147:3-11
Focus Verse: "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26 ESV
This is a good day to reflect on God and the things he has done for you. So often, we rush into our day with our things to do. We need to stop and realize what we have in our God. See what the scriptures say: God is GREAT and MIGHTY in power. His understanding has no limit. He covered the sky with clouds, made and named all the stars, supplies the earth with rain and causes the grass to grow. He feeds the cattle and young ravens. He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounded heart. The Lord delights in those who fear him and who put their hope in His unfailing love.
There are so many man-made distractions to the greatness of God. I know that I take the blessings of God for granted many times. I have even looked with desire at material things when I should be satisfied with what God has already given me. We need to recognize the greatness of God in our lives.
How do we respond to this greatness of God? Verse seven says that we should sing to the Lord with thanksgiving and make music on the harp. Well, I don’t have a harp, but I can play songs of thanks and praise God along with the music. Spend some time reading the verses again and thanking God for his greatness in your life. Maybe you’d like to read some scripture to your family as you gather around the table. When you realize that God does the impossible things, you can be more encouraged in your life because God is for us.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
More verses:
Jeremiah 32:17
Jeremiah 32:27
Job 42:2
Mark 10:27
Luke 1:37
Focus Verse: "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26 ESV
This is a good day to reflect on God and the things he has done for you. So often, we rush into our day with our things to do. We need to stop and realize what we have in our God. See what the scriptures say: God is GREAT and MIGHTY in power. His understanding has no limit. He covered the sky with clouds, made and named all the stars, supplies the earth with rain and causes the grass to grow. He feeds the cattle and young ravens. He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounded heart. The Lord delights in those who fear him and who put their hope in His unfailing love.
There are so many man-made distractions to the greatness of God. I know that I take the blessings of God for granted many times. I have even looked with desire at material things when I should be satisfied with what God has already given me. We need to recognize the greatness of God in our lives.
How do we respond to this greatness of God? Verse seven says that we should sing to the Lord with thanksgiving and make music on the harp. Well, I don’t have a harp, but I can play songs of thanks and praise God along with the music. Spend some time reading the verses again and thanking God for his greatness in your life. Maybe you’d like to read some scripture to your family as you gather around the table. When you realize that God does the impossible things, you can be more encouraged in your life because God is for us.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
More verses:
Jeremiah 32:17
Jeremiah 32:27
Job 42:2
Mark 10:27
Luke 1:37
Friday, April 6, 2018
Don't Stop
Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13also found in Mark 14:3-9 and John 12:1-8
Focus verse: "But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me." Matthew 26:10
Not everyone will support your ministry to the Lord but don't stop what God has led you to do. Every time we want to do something we tend to wait for the approval of men before we do it. We tend to listen so much to what to what other people will think about us or say about our actions at the expense of our service to God. The result of this is either we quit doing it or do it within the approval/standard of the people we value in our lives. But really, are our actions guided by our love for God? Are we doing because we want to please God or man?
In this Scripture, Mary of Bethany realizes her great love for Jesus as her guiding principle towards toward serving the Lord. She takes an expensive oil from the alabaster and anoints the feet of Jesus with it and wipes Jesus feet with her own hair. One of the disciples, Judas, complains about her service but she is never distracted by this. In fact she uses very expensive oil that would have been sold for enough money to help the poor. According to Mary, the price of that alabaster oil could not compare the great love of Jesus for her life and in turn uses it as an expression of her great love for Him.
We too need to show the great love for God without limits. We need to support the work of God with our best resources without fear of contradiction. We must not listen to the other voices but keep a focus onto what God’s word is telling us. Our actions should reflect our love for Him. Not all people will support your ministry or your giving to the Lord so don’t wait for their approval.
"Stay excited about your faith as you serve the Lord." Romans 12:11
"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." Romans 12:2
Written by Pastor Eliazar Wambo
Bethesda Faith Ministries
Focus verse: "But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me." Matthew 26:10
Not everyone will support your ministry to the Lord but don't stop what God has led you to do. Every time we want to do something we tend to wait for the approval of men before we do it. We tend to listen so much to what to what other people will think about us or say about our actions at the expense of our service to God. The result of this is either we quit doing it or do it within the approval/standard of the people we value in our lives. But really, are our actions guided by our love for God? Are we doing because we want to please God or man?
In this Scripture, Mary of Bethany realizes her great love for Jesus as her guiding principle towards toward serving the Lord. She takes an expensive oil from the alabaster and anoints the feet of Jesus with it and wipes Jesus feet with her own hair. One of the disciples, Judas, complains about her service but she is never distracted by this. In fact she uses very expensive oil that would have been sold for enough money to help the poor. According to Mary, the price of that alabaster oil could not compare the great love of Jesus for her life and in turn uses it as an expression of her great love for Him.
We too need to show the great love for God without limits. We need to support the work of God with our best resources without fear of contradiction. We must not listen to the other voices but keep a focus onto what God’s word is telling us. Our actions should reflect our love for Him. Not all people will support your ministry or your giving to the Lord so don’t wait for their approval.
"Stay excited about your faith as you serve the Lord." Romans 12:11
"Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." Romans 12:2
Written by Pastor Eliazar Wambo
Bethesda Faith Ministries
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