Friday, March 28, 2014
Seeking God
Bible reading: Luke 11:1-13
Focus verse: "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:9
I was discussing spiritual issues with a woman a few years ago. She had been a Christian for many years. She began to ask some questions about God that had answers easily found in the scriptures. I realized that although she was saved, she really hadn't studied the Word of God to seek Him.
The disciples, in the scripture reading, had some questions for Jesus. They called Him teacher. Jesus was easy to talk to. They asked Jesus to teach them to pray. After Jesus answered them, he encouraged them to continue seeking.
Jesus wants you to seek him. God has revealed so much in His Word, the Bible. It is a shame to own a Bible and not read it. If there are things that you don't understand, ask God to help you. He will be pleased and will help you find the truth.
"But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, March 21, 2014
When Your Loved One Dies
Bible Reading: Psalm 91
Focus verse: “But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14
I am writing this devotion in honor of my friends in Kenya experiencing the loss of a father and other friends who lost a child. Life is difficult when a loved one dies.
There is shock and disbelief. There is loss and sorrow. How do you move from that sorrow and mourning into a place of accepting life without the one who died? When you face sorrow, seek the face of God because he sees your trouble and affliction.
God is your refuge. God cares and will hold you in His hand and care for you. It takes time, but God will heal the sorrow as we trust Him. He will turn our hearts and we begin to see a glimpse of hope among moments of sadness. He will nurture the hope in your heart and through faith, it will grow into joy, once again.
Friends can comfort, but God heals the heart.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
In loving memory of Christopher Wambo, and four month old, Praise Nzenze, son of Pastor Tobias and Anna
Focus verse: “But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14
I am writing this devotion in honor of my friends in Kenya experiencing the loss of a father and other friends who lost a child. Life is difficult when a loved one dies.
There is shock and disbelief. There is loss and sorrow. How do you move from that sorrow and mourning into a place of accepting life without the one who died? When you face sorrow, seek the face of God because he sees your trouble and affliction.
God is your refuge. God cares and will hold you in His hand and care for you. It takes time, but God will heal the sorrow as we trust Him. He will turn our hearts and we begin to see a glimpse of hope among moments of sadness. He will nurture the hope in your heart and through faith, it will grow into joy, once again.
Friends can comfort, but God heals the heart.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
In loving memory of Christopher Wambo, and four month old, Praise Nzenze, son of Pastor Tobias and Anna
Friday, March 14, 2014
When Saying "NO" Isn't enough
Scripture reading: Genesis 39
Focus verse: James 1:14-15 says “ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Joseph walked with the Lord and the Lord caused him to have favor in the eyes of his master, Potiphar. Although he was a slave, Joseph worked faithfully and desired to honor God with his life. Potiphar's wife took notice of the handsome Joseph and asked him to go to bed and lie with her. Joseph refused and explained his reason. Day after day she wanted him and would not honor him. He said "no" each time. One day, she enticed him, took him by the coat and said for him to come lie with him. Joseph ran. Yes, he ran and left the coat in her hand. He knew that he could not discuss it with her, because she would not listen. Joseph honored God in his decision. Sexual sin can also be very tempting. That day, saying "no" was not enough.
Sometimes you can explain the reasons why you choose to honor God with your decisions. Sometimes, your gentleness will win someone over to Christ. If a temptation continues to come at you from another person, especially someone who doesn't listen to reason, you must not have time with that person. You might even have to RUN!
Is someone tempting you? True love waits.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Monday, March 10, 2014
Jesus is Calling Your Name
Scripture Reading: John 10:1-21
Focus Verse: John 10:3 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads then out.
Jesus likes calling you by name. In Luke 19 we read the story of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name when he was up in a sycamore tree. Jesus has been calling sinners to Himself ever since. All through history God has been calling people personally. John 10 talks about Jesus being the good shepherd, and He calls His sheep by name. If we are truly His children, then we will know His voice when He calls us. God knows all about you. He even knows more about you than you know about yourself. God is calling you to make an unconditional commitment to Him. A commitment where you will leave everything behind, just as the early disciples did.
Even though there are billions of people in the world today, God is calling you by name, personally. He is first calling you to have a soul saving relationship with His Son Jesus, and then He's calling you into a deeper relationship with Himself.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Focus Verse: John 10:3 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads then out.
Jesus likes calling you by name. In Luke 19 we read the story of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name when he was up in a sycamore tree. Jesus has been calling sinners to Himself ever since. All through history God has been calling people personally. John 10 talks about Jesus being the good shepherd, and He calls His sheep by name. If we are truly His children, then we will know His voice when He calls us. God knows all about you. He even knows more about you than you know about yourself. God is calling you to make an unconditional commitment to Him. A commitment where you will leave everything behind, just as the early disciples did.
Even though there are billions of people in the world today, God is calling you by name, personally. He is first calling you to have a soul saving relationship with His Son Jesus, and then He's calling you into a deeper relationship with Himself.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 28, 2014
Two Roads
Two Roads
Scripture Reading: John 14:6, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15
Focus Verses: Matthew 7:13-14 "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Jesus talks about two roads that we have the choice to travel in this life. The first road is wide and easy. This is the road that most of the world is on. It lacks faith and morals. It is easy to travel because everyone is going the same direction, although its destination is destruction. This is the road that Satan would like for everyone to be on.
The second road is narrow and challenging. The Bible says that there are not many people that find this road, but it is the road that is most rewarding to travel on because it leads to life.
People in the world today think there are many ways to get to heaven, but that's not what the Bible teaches. No one can get to the Father except through Jesus. We each choose the path we take. I hope you have chosen to travel on the narrow road. It's not the easiest road to be on, but it is the most rewarding. You will be glad you did; glad for all eternity. Can you say with me, "as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord."
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: John 14:6, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15
Focus Verses: Matthew 7:13-14 "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Jesus talks about two roads that we have the choice to travel in this life. The first road is wide and easy. This is the road that most of the world is on. It lacks faith and morals. It is easy to travel because everyone is going the same direction, although its destination is destruction. This is the road that Satan would like for everyone to be on.
The second road is narrow and challenging. The Bible says that there are not many people that find this road, but it is the road that is most rewarding to travel on because it leads to life.
People in the world today think there are many ways to get to heaven, but that's not what the Bible teaches. No one can get to the Father except through Jesus. We each choose the path we take. I hope you have chosen to travel on the narrow road. It's not the easiest road to be on, but it is the most rewarding. You will be glad you did; glad for all eternity. Can you say with me, "as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord."
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 21, 2014
Battling Temptation
Battling Temptation
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Temptation does not single out people. Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not. As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God. Let us not forget that God is in control of everything. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it." NLT
Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations. If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar. If your weakness is remaining pure sexually, don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong. Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you. He will not hit you at your strong point. Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-24
Focus Verse: Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Temptation does not single out people. Temptation comes to everyone, Christian or not. As a Christian we can have victory over temptation, and we do that by memorizing the word of God. Let us not forget that God is in control of everything. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it." NLT
Let us be sure that we are not putting ourselves into tempting situations. If you have a weakness with alcohol, don't stand in the doorway to the bar. If your weakness is remaining pure sexually, don't go to places where you would see things that would tempt you to do something wrong. Whatever your weakness is (and you know what it is) you can be sure that is where Satan will attack you. He will not hit you at your strong point. Remember Jesus has given us the example of how to overcome temptation, and that is through His word.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
Friday, February 14, 2014
Don't Argue With Mockers
Don't Argue With Mockers
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2
Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you." Proverbs 9:7-8
I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:
"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...
How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.
It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.
Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12
Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker. Sometimes they are sent by God. Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable. You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone. Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God? ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries
Bible reading: Nehemiah 2
Focus verse: "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you." Proverbs 9:7-8
I want to share a portion of a devotion from Boyd Bailey of Wisdom Hunters:
"Sometimes servants of God are mocked and ridiculed for their sincere service... The cynic does... attack people’s motives and attempt to label their enemies as rebels. Hate demonizes good people and tries to discredit anyone who disagrees with them...
How should we handle intimidation from jealous schoolmates, co-workers or neighbors? One approach is to see critics as heavenly sandpaper meant to refine our intent into integrity. Like a master wood craftsman meticulously smooths away any rough edges with their tool of the trade, so God’s Spirit uses coarse words to purify our motives. If only 1% of a skeptic’s scorn is accurate, it can scrub our soul, so it shines for our Savior Jesus. Ridicule is proof God’s work is at hand.
It is futile to attempt to reason with a mocker. Their mind is made up, unable to change unless Christ does a mental miracle... Pray for them and avoid harboring anger against them. Forgive and stay focused on Christ’s calling.
Furthermore, remain faithful where the Lord has you. Persevere in prayer at your work... Rebuild where God is working. He will bring you success. Ignore the noise of loud mockers and persuasive ridiculers. Listen only to the Lord’s quiet voice and obey by faith. " ~Boyd Bailey
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:12
Everyone who opposes you is not a mocker. Sometimes they are sent by God. Pray that God will give you courage to ignore those who mean harm and the discernment to listen to those whose intentions are honorable. You can also examine your own motives when you oppose someone. Have you been mocking and insulting a servant of God? ~Page Johnson; Interlocking Ministries
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