King James Daily Bible Study: A New Heaven & Earth
Date: Friday December 31, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 21-22
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-31
Details of Today's Chapters: A new heaven, and new earth, the new Jerusalem where God dwells, God's people, in the presence of God and the Lamb, the throne of God and the Lamb, A description of the heavenly state, the invitation, and wrath upon this who change God's Word.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians, when we are facing trials it can be a little trying on our faith, especially when we are doing everything right and it seems we never get anywhere. We can get frustrated, discouraged, depressed, sometimes get a little angry with God and question Him as to why He is allowing it to happen. However, no matter what we are going through God is with us, He uses every situation to strengthen us, grow us, bring us closer to Him, and to show us that with His Son leading the way, nothing is impossible. The Bible says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” - I John 5:4,5.
You are a child of God, you have the victory already, you are one of His very own because you believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. He allowed His only sinless Son to take the fault of your sins, He suffered and shed His precious blood to give you life. He defeated death and arose three days later to prove that even death can not defeat the power of God. While we often suffer for things without sin, in the end we always see victory through the power of God. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” - I Peter 1:3-5. Praise God!
Best of all, we receive a part of God's inheritance in the Kingdom of God. Jesus reveals to John the victory that we can look forward to after Judgment Day, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:1-4.
While God does pour His wrath upon Satan and all who followed him, those who put their faith in Jesus Christ get to look forward to true paradise, a new heaven and earth, one with no more sorrow, suffering, or pain, not even a remembrance of anything or anyone that hurt us over the years. “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:6-8.
The second death would be the death of the soul, when the spirit, the life of the flesh, leaves the body this is the first death, what is left is the soul, if the soul is not saved, it will be cast into the lake of fire, hence, the second death. If the soul is saved it will go to heaven and upon Judgment Day it will be united with it's body, a new body, in fact, to live on the new earth, corrupt free. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” - Philippians 3:20,21.
Now, Jesus gives John a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” - Revelation 22:1-5.
What a sight! Streets of gold, crystal rivers, walls made from precious stones, trees yielding endless fruit, above all freed from the sin curse that we were all subject to just days after God created the earth. It's not too late, Jesus is inviting all to come and join Him to the wedding feast. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” - Revelation 22:17-20.
Remember, the bride is the Church, the faithful members who make up the body of Christ. All who believe in and ask Jesus to save them will get to be a part of the new heaven and earth. Praise God! There is a stern warning here to all those whom have taken out or added words to His Word. Every word down to the very last thee and thou is in God's Word for a particular reason, otherwise it would not have been in there. Yes, we can do studies such as these, but these are studies on the book, not rewriting the book it self. God rejoices at the fact that we are discussing and learning about His Word together, He does not rejoice at those who rewrite His Word to suit their own needs. Of course, we can not read the Bible for a year and know everything about God, He did not design it that way. He designed it so we read it year after year and learn something new each time. We are truly blessed to know God's Word, to know His mysteries and to see everything come to pass as prophesied. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” - I Corinthians 2:9,10. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Happy New Year!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Bible Study: Judgment Day 12.30.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Judgment Day
For: Thursday December 30, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 19-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-30
Details of Today's Chapters: The church in heaven and on earth triumph, and give praise to the Lord for his righteous judgments, A vision of Christ going forth to destroy the beast and his armies, Satan is bound for a thousand years, released then cast into lake of fire. The first, last and general resurrection, and Judgment Day.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Judgment Day is defined as the last day, the end of time, this is incorrect, it might be the end of earth, but it is by far the end of time. The truth is, whether you know Christ or not the soul will spend eternity somewhere, if you know Christ that would be in the Kingdom of God, if you do not know Christ that would be in the lake of fire. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:24,28,29. There is only one way to escape eternal damnation and that is by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Jesus reveals what will take place after the battle of Armageddon, first heaven and earth rejoices over His righteous judgment. “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever...And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” - Revelation 19:1-3,6.
The word Alleluia is an Hebrew word, meaning "Praise ye the Lord". During this, time, known as the millennium, Jews will be converted, all believing Jews and Gentiles will become one church state, and will worship and praise the Lord together. Saying "Alleluia" is an acknowledgment that we are really thanking Him, praising Him, and are satisfied with His arrangements, for the word is a call upon the saints to join together in solemn praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His righteous judgments on His and His church's enemies. “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” - II Corinthians 4:14,15.
Jesus reveals to John what will happen during the millennium, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God...And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” - Revelation 19:11-13,15.
Christ, the glorious Head of the church, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, is arrayed in a type of clothing dipped in His own blood. His name is "The Word of God" a name none fully knows, but Himself, only this we know, that this Word was God in the flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. He will not draw a sword, He will simply speak the Word of God and it will pierce through every false prophet and worker of Satan, “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” - Revelation 19:19,20.
Satan too will be judged and cast into the lake of fire, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season...And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:1-3,9,10.
Then it will be our turn, every man will recollect all his past actions, though he had long forgotten many of them. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.
By their works men shall be justified or condemned, He will try their principles by their practices. Those justified and acquitted by the Gospel, shall be justified and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life, having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men, those who are not justified, will face the second death and eternity in the lake of fire. There is only one way to be justified and that is by our faith in Jesus Christ. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Message Title: Judgment Day
For: Thursday December 30, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 19-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-30
Details of Today's Chapters: The church in heaven and on earth triumph, and give praise to the Lord for his righteous judgments, A vision of Christ going forth to destroy the beast and his armies, Satan is bound for a thousand years, released then cast into lake of fire. The first, last and general resurrection, and Judgment Day.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Judgment Day is defined as the last day, the end of time, this is incorrect, it might be the end of earth, but it is by far the end of time. The truth is, whether you know Christ or not the soul will spend eternity somewhere, if you know Christ that would be in the Kingdom of God, if you do not know Christ that would be in the lake of fire. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:24,28,29. There is only one way to escape eternal damnation and that is by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Jesus reveals what will take place after the battle of Armageddon, first heaven and earth rejoices over His righteous judgment. “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever...And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” - Revelation 19:1-3,6.
The word Alleluia is an Hebrew word, meaning "Praise ye the Lord". During this, time, known as the millennium, Jews will be converted, all believing Jews and Gentiles will become one church state, and will worship and praise the Lord together. Saying "Alleluia" is an acknowledgment that we are really thanking Him, praising Him, and are satisfied with His arrangements, for the word is a call upon the saints to join together in solemn praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His righteous judgments on His and His church's enemies. “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” - II Corinthians 4:14,15.
Jesus reveals to John what will happen during the millennium, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God...And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” - Revelation 19:11-13,15.
Christ, the glorious Head of the church, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, is arrayed in a type of clothing dipped in His own blood. His name is "The Word of God" a name none fully knows, but Himself, only this we know, that this Word was God in the flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. He will not draw a sword, He will simply speak the Word of God and it will pierce through every false prophet and worker of Satan, “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” - Revelation 19:19,20.
Satan too will be judged and cast into the lake of fire, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season...And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:1-3,9,10.
Then it will be our turn, every man will recollect all his past actions, though he had long forgotten many of them. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.
By their works men shall be justified or condemned, He will try their principles by their practices. Those justified and acquitted by the Gospel, shall be justified and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life, having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men, those who are not justified, will face the second death and eternity in the lake of fire. There is only one way to be justified and that is by our faith in Jesus Christ. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Bible Study: The Antichrist 12.29.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Antichrist
For: Wednesday December 29, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 17-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-29
Details of Today's Chapters: Babylon, the mother of all abominations, the prediction of the doom of Babylon, the fall of Babylon, the King of kings, the Church called upon to rejoice in her utter ruin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The antichrist is a false Christ like figure who will come to reign over the world before Christ returns. Believe it or not, we do have antichrists walking around right now, preachers, churches, religions are all over the world pretending that they know Christ, but deceiving many with worldly temptations, talks of peace, and an end to suffering. The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” - I John 2:15-18.
While many want to ignore the truth, we are closer than ever to Christ returning, we can not associate ourselves with people, churches, and religions that allow the world to come in, Of course, we want people to come to know Christ and everyone is invited to know the truth, but we must stand firm in the foundation of the truth and never let anyone compromise that truth to fit in with the world. Jesus said, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” - Matthew 24:23,24. The antichrist is going to deceive many, true Christians as well, therefore, it is important that we never loose sight of the truth nor be afraid to tell it to others.
Rome is one of the most religious countries, proclaiming that Roman Catholics represent Christianity. The Roman Catholic church is the most deceitful religion there is, full of idolatry and the worship of the virgin Mary, among other things. They know just enough of the Bible to proclaim they know the truth, but Jesus reveals otherwise, the Roman Catholic church will face judgment as well as every other false church, known as Babylon. “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” - Revelation 17:1-5.
We first heard of Babylon in the Old Testament, it was the most magnificent capital city of the ancient world, and its king, Nebuchadnezzar, controlled the world. During his conquests, he destroyed the kingdom of Judah, as well as the Temple of God and the city of Jerusalem. BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates the God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system which will be ruled by the Antichrist. The scarlet colored beast represents the close alliance that exists between the world government and Babylon, who pretends to be the true Church. Eventually, this false super church will fiercely oppose the true Christ, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” - II Corinthians 11:13,14.
Once the Antichrist has made a mess of things, the true Christ will return, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful...For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” - Revelation 17:12-14. Christ will reign and put all enemies under his feet. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He has supreme dominion and power over all things, all the powers of earth and hell are subject to His control. His followers are called to this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it.
When Christ returns in His glory, vengeance is His and on every person who caused His people to be deceived by them. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” - Revelation 18:1-6.
God's people shall be called out of Babylon while those that partake with wicked men in their sins, must receive of their plagues. As we consider these events which will surely come to pass, we need to set our hearts and minds on things above, knowing that the Lord is able to sustain all who put their trust in Him. It's pretty scary to read these chapters and realize just how much this book is becoming a reality. However, we can be at peace knowing that in the midst of it all Jesus is with us and All who accept Him into their lives will be saved from all this destruction. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.
So many of these prophecies are coming to pass as we speak, there are mega churches popping up all over the world, so called non-denominational churches bringing every religious background together as one. While many will tell you that Christ will save you they do not they do not tell you how He saves you. I attended a mega church for two years, hundreds of people would go up to the altar to get saved, but some of those same people were going up there the next week. There is only one way to eternal life and that is by asking Christ personally to save you. He died once, therefore you only have to ask Him once. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: The Antichrist
For: Wednesday December 29, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 17-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-29
Details of Today's Chapters: Babylon, the mother of all abominations, the prediction of the doom of Babylon, the fall of Babylon, the King of kings, the Church called upon to rejoice in her utter ruin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The antichrist is a false Christ like figure who will come to reign over the world before Christ returns. Believe it or not, we do have antichrists walking around right now, preachers, churches, religions are all over the world pretending that they know Christ, but deceiving many with worldly temptations, talks of peace, and an end to suffering. The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” - I John 2:15-18.
While many want to ignore the truth, we are closer than ever to Christ returning, we can not associate ourselves with people, churches, and religions that allow the world to come in, Of course, we want people to come to know Christ and everyone is invited to know the truth, but we must stand firm in the foundation of the truth and never let anyone compromise that truth to fit in with the world. Jesus said, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” - Matthew 24:23,24. The antichrist is going to deceive many, true Christians as well, therefore, it is important that we never loose sight of the truth nor be afraid to tell it to others.
Rome is one of the most religious countries, proclaiming that Roman Catholics represent Christianity. The Roman Catholic church is the most deceitful religion there is, full of idolatry and the worship of the virgin Mary, among other things. They know just enough of the Bible to proclaim they know the truth, but Jesus reveals otherwise, the Roman Catholic church will face judgment as well as every other false church, known as Babylon. “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” - Revelation 17:1-5.
We first heard of Babylon in the Old Testament, it was the most magnificent capital city of the ancient world, and its king, Nebuchadnezzar, controlled the world. During his conquests, he destroyed the kingdom of Judah, as well as the Temple of God and the city of Jerusalem. BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates the God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system which will be ruled by the Antichrist. The scarlet colored beast represents the close alliance that exists between the world government and Babylon, who pretends to be the true Church. Eventually, this false super church will fiercely oppose the true Christ, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” - II Corinthians 11:13,14.
Once the Antichrist has made a mess of things, the true Christ will return, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful...For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” - Revelation 17:12-14. Christ will reign and put all enemies under his feet. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He has supreme dominion and power over all things, all the powers of earth and hell are subject to His control. His followers are called to this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it.
When Christ returns in His glory, vengeance is His and on every person who caused His people to be deceived by them. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” - Revelation 18:1-6.
God's people shall be called out of Babylon while those that partake with wicked men in their sins, must receive of their plagues. As we consider these events which will surely come to pass, we need to set our hearts and minds on things above, knowing that the Lord is able to sustain all who put their trust in Him. It's pretty scary to read these chapters and realize just how much this book is becoming a reality. However, we can be at peace knowing that in the midst of it all Jesus is with us and All who accept Him into their lives will be saved from all this destruction. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.
So many of these prophecies are coming to pass as we speak, there are mega churches popping up all over the world, so called non-denominational churches bringing every religious background together as one. While many will tell you that Christ will save you they do not they do not tell you how He saves you. I attended a mega church for two years, hundreds of people would go up to the altar to get saved, but some of those same people were going up there the next week. There is only one way to eternal life and that is by asking Christ personally to save you. He died once, therefore you only have to ask Him once. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Bible Study: Break Free 12.28.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Break Free
For: Tuesday December 28, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 14-16
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-28
Details of Today's Chapters: Those faithful to Christ celebrate the praises of God, three angels, one proclaiming the everlasting gospel, another, the downfall of Babylon, and a third, the dreadful wrath of God on who worship the beast. A song of praise sung by the Church, and the seven angels pouring the seven plagues upon the earth.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
An amazing thing happens the second a person calls on Jesus Christ to save them, regardless of who they are or what they have done, they receive eternal life and are apart of the kingdom of God. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13. Just because someone gets saved that does not mean that he will change his life and allow Christ to live in it. The majority of people who receive Christ will never acknowledge Him past the day they get saved until the day they die or something tragic happens. While it does not seem fair that they too get to be a part of the Kingdom of God, can I tell you that they had to face far more trials than those who chose to allow Him in their lives do. Why? The further a saved person runs from God the more trials they face until they acknowledge Him, the more they run, the harder the trials. “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” - Proverbs 11,12.
Everything that God does and allows in our lives are used to strengthen, grow, and prepare us in this life for His glory. One way or another He is going to get us to see that He is always in control, no matter how many people try to ignore or deny Him. If you have not received Christ the time to do it is now, because you never know when your last minute on the earth will be. Jesus reveals to John what is about to happen when He returns, first, He brings along 144,000 men to search out the last remnant of those who escaped the tribulation and have not yet accepted Him as their Savior. “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” - Revelation 14:1-3.
The 144,000 having God's name written on their foreheads, who were the Jews to be sealed during the Great Tribulation. These were undefiled virgins of the flesh as well as the spirit. They were chosen by God to be apart of His ministry in the midst of all the chaos. While most of us here on earth can not vogue for being undefiled virgins, God knows those who are His and He knows just exactly where you stand with Him. While He may have never marked you for ministry, if you have come to Jesus and asked Him to save you then you will join the multitudes written in the Book of life. “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; ” - Revelation 7:9.
Jesus is going to have one tough job to do when He returns, He is going to have to find the very few people left on the earth that escaped the tribulation and have not turned to Satan, remember in chapter 13 we read about the mark of the beast. All who have the mark will be destroyed, but the remnant will be saved. “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” - Revelation 14:14-16.
Jesus needs our help too before He returns, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” - John 4:34-36. It is important that we talk to family, friends, and anyone else who needs to be saved before it is too late. God blesses both the saved and the one who led the saved. Praise God! When Jesus has gathered up all His people that is when God will pour His wrath upon all those who have the mark of the beast. “And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” - Revelation 15:6-8.
Being saved does not exempt us from facing judgment, if any persist in being subject to the beast, and in promoting his cause, they must expect to be for ever miserable in body and soul, even if they do not realize what they are doing. No none has to suffer needlessly, no one has to go through life miserable looking for one escape after another. If you are struggling, it's time to man up, get right with God, and stop wallowing in your sorrows. God wants to help you, but you must acknowledge Him and allow Him to work in your life. I have been there, I spent several years away from Him and faced many trials, but it was only when I sought Him that He was able to break me from being captive to Satan. He will do the same for you too. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - II Timothy 2:24-26.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Break Free
For: Tuesday December 28, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 14-16
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-28
Details of Today's Chapters: Those faithful to Christ celebrate the praises of God, three angels, one proclaiming the everlasting gospel, another, the downfall of Babylon, and a third, the dreadful wrath of God on who worship the beast. A song of praise sung by the Church, and the seven angels pouring the seven plagues upon the earth.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
An amazing thing happens the second a person calls on Jesus Christ to save them, regardless of who they are or what they have done, they receive eternal life and are apart of the kingdom of God. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13. Just because someone gets saved that does not mean that he will change his life and allow Christ to live in it. The majority of people who receive Christ will never acknowledge Him past the day they get saved until the day they die or something tragic happens. While it does not seem fair that they too get to be a part of the Kingdom of God, can I tell you that they had to face far more trials than those who chose to allow Him in their lives do. Why? The further a saved person runs from God the more trials they face until they acknowledge Him, the more they run, the harder the trials. “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” - Proverbs 11,12.
Everything that God does and allows in our lives are used to strengthen, grow, and prepare us in this life for His glory. One way or another He is going to get us to see that He is always in control, no matter how many people try to ignore or deny Him. If you have not received Christ the time to do it is now, because you never know when your last minute on the earth will be. Jesus reveals to John what is about to happen when He returns, first, He brings along 144,000 men to search out the last remnant of those who escaped the tribulation and have not yet accepted Him as their Savior. “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” - Revelation 14:1-3.
The 144,000 having God's name written on their foreheads, who were the Jews to be sealed during the Great Tribulation. These were undefiled virgins of the flesh as well as the spirit. They were chosen by God to be apart of His ministry in the midst of all the chaos. While most of us here on earth can not vogue for being undefiled virgins, God knows those who are His and He knows just exactly where you stand with Him. While He may have never marked you for ministry, if you have come to Jesus and asked Him to save you then you will join the multitudes written in the Book of life. “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; ” - Revelation 7:9.
Jesus is going to have one tough job to do when He returns, He is going to have to find the very few people left on the earth that escaped the tribulation and have not turned to Satan, remember in chapter 13 we read about the mark of the beast. All who have the mark will be destroyed, but the remnant will be saved. “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” - Revelation 14:14-16.
Jesus needs our help too before He returns, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” - John 4:34-36. It is important that we talk to family, friends, and anyone else who needs to be saved before it is too late. God blesses both the saved and the one who led the saved. Praise God! When Jesus has gathered up all His people that is when God will pour His wrath upon all those who have the mark of the beast. “And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” - Revelation 15:6-8.
Being saved does not exempt us from facing judgment, if any persist in being subject to the beast, and in promoting his cause, they must expect to be for ever miserable in body and soul, even if they do not realize what they are doing. No none has to suffer needlessly, no one has to go through life miserable looking for one escape after another. If you are struggling, it's time to man up, get right with God, and stop wallowing in your sorrows. God wants to help you, but you must acknowledge Him and allow Him to work in your life. I have been there, I spent several years away from Him and faced many trials, but it was only when I sought Him that He was able to break me from being captive to Satan. He will do the same for you too. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - II Timothy 2:24-26.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Monday, December 27, 2010
Bible Study: Reunited With Christ 12.27.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Reunited With Christ
For: Monday December 27, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 12-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-27
Details of Today's Chapters: A great wonder in heaven, a war in heaven, Michael defeats the dragon who is known as Satan, the weapons used to defeat Satan, and the mark of the beast.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Perhaps the most powerful effect Satan has is upon the Church, Christ's Church, also known as the New Testament church. Think about it, Christ is the head of the Church, as Christians we are to all live by one authority, God, through the New Testament of the Bible, that is, we are to follow the doctrine of the Gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is God's only begotten Son, born of a virgin and is God and His Word made flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. Unfortunately, not everyone lives by this authority, therefore several denominations are a result. Who is the authority of all these separate denominations? Satan. If he is going to start a war, he is going to begin with the Church and he is succeeding at this moment.
Jesus shows John how the church got separated from Him, “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” - Revelation 12:1-5.
The woman represents the Church, she is the bride of Christ, we are guided by the light, who is Christ. The child represents the birth and ascension of Christ, the wilderness represents the desert like moral condition of the world that is ruled by Satan and how he separates the bride from the groom. Satan has been given four designations, the dragon which portrays his monstrous character, the serpent which points out his deceptiveness, the devil who reminds us that he is a slanderer and liar, and Satan which means adversary. This separation caused a war in heaven and Satan to be cast down to earth. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” - Revelation 12:9-11.
Satan is determined to try and destroy everything that Christ stands for, but in the end the King of kings, Lord of lords is the one who will prevail. Christ prevailed when He died on the cross and arose three days later, those who ask Jesus to save them are a part of the church of Christ. Praise God!
Satan knows his fate and because he knows his fate he is going to try everything to prolong his life and take as many people with him as possible. He is going to deceive many by passing himself off as Jesus. “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” - Revelation 13:11-15.
Went we get saved, we are reunited with our Savior Jesus Christ and become apart of His Church. Since Satan is out to deceive us, even those who walk with Christ already are not exempt, it is more important than ever to hold on tight to Christ, get in His Word, learn of Him so you can know the truth, get into a church that follows the authority of the New Testament, there is only one thing that can protect us and that is the whole armor of God. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:13-17.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Reunited With Christ
For: Monday December 27, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 12-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-27
Details of Today's Chapters: A great wonder in heaven, a war in heaven, Michael defeats the dragon who is known as Satan, the weapons used to defeat Satan, and the mark of the beast.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Perhaps the most powerful effect Satan has is upon the Church, Christ's Church, also known as the New Testament church. Think about it, Christ is the head of the Church, as Christians we are to all live by one authority, God, through the New Testament of the Bible, that is, we are to follow the doctrine of the Gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is God's only begotten Son, born of a virgin and is God and His Word made flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. Unfortunately, not everyone lives by this authority, therefore several denominations are a result. Who is the authority of all these separate denominations? Satan. If he is going to start a war, he is going to begin with the Church and he is succeeding at this moment.
Jesus shows John how the church got separated from Him, “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” - Revelation 12:1-5.
The woman represents the Church, she is the bride of Christ, we are guided by the light, who is Christ. The child represents the birth and ascension of Christ, the wilderness represents the desert like moral condition of the world that is ruled by Satan and how he separates the bride from the groom. Satan has been given four designations, the dragon which portrays his monstrous character, the serpent which points out his deceptiveness, the devil who reminds us that he is a slanderer and liar, and Satan which means adversary. This separation caused a war in heaven and Satan to be cast down to earth. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” - Revelation 12:9-11.
Satan is determined to try and destroy everything that Christ stands for, but in the end the King of kings, Lord of lords is the one who will prevail. Christ prevailed when He died on the cross and arose three days later, those who ask Jesus to save them are a part of the church of Christ. Praise God!
Satan knows his fate and because he knows his fate he is going to try everything to prolong his life and take as many people with him as possible. He is going to deceive many by passing himself off as Jesus. “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” - Revelation 13:11-15.
Went we get saved, we are reunited with our Savior Jesus Christ and become apart of His Church. Since Satan is out to deceive us, even those who walk with Christ already are not exempt, it is more important than ever to hold on tight to Christ, get in His Word, learn of Him so you can know the truth, get into a church that follows the authority of the New Testament, there is only one thing that can protect us and that is the whole armor of God. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:13-17.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
Bible Study: One Great Battle 12.26.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: One Great Battle
For: Sunday December 26, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 9-11
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-26
Details of Today's Chapters: The bottomless pit, Satan reigning on earth, the angel and the little book, the return of Christ, and Christ reigning the earth.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As I was reading the chapters for today something came to my attention, the Book of Revelation foretells a one great battle between God and Satan. For thousands of years Satan deceived the earth, destroying so many lives, now, God will come to claim the throne and the lives he took. When you stop and think of the wars that have come and gone and are in the midst of the world today you can imagine all the destruction and lives lost that takes place during and even after. Now, imagine that in every country, state, city, and even street on the planet. Pretty scary stuff, huh? Makes one praise God that they have Jesus in their lives. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:24,26-29.
Before Christ returns all hell is going to break loose, literally, Jesus reveals to John a key that will open the bottomless pit of hell. “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.” - Revelation 9:1-5.
Upon sounding the fifth trumpet, a star fell from heaven to the earth. Having ceased to be a minister of Christ, he who is represented by this star becomes the minister of Satan and lets loose the powers of hell against the churches of Christ. On the opening of the bottomless pit, there arose a great smoke. Satan carries on his designs by blinding the eyes of men, by putting out light and knowledge, and promoting ignorance and error. Out of this smoke there came a swarm of locusts. The trees and the grass, the true believers, would be untouched. But a secret poison and infection in the soul, should rob many others of purity, and afterwards of peace. The locusts had no power to hurt those who had the seal of God. God's all-powerful, distinguishing grace will keep His people from this total and final destruction. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” - II Corinthians 2:14,15.
Now, Jesus reveals another angel, which held a little book in his hand, “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices...And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. ” - Revelation 10:1-3,8-11.
John is first given a little book, symbolic of God's Word, once it was digested, he was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as Savior. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and appropriating all the Scriptures into our lives. To those who have not received Christ those words would be like a sword piercing in the side. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
Jesus reveals one more trumpet that would bring an end to this great tribulation, His return. “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ” - Revelation 11:15-18.
After all the tribulation Christ comes back the second time as King of kings and Lord of lords, it is then that He begins to reign for ever and ever throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. This reign will bring an end to sin and its originator, Satan, but will also commence the full restoration of the earth. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - I Timothy 6:15-19. Those who receive Christ as their Savior need not fear the wars to come and this great battle between God and Satan, we have a wonderful life awaiting us as we enjoy eternity with our King. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: One Great Battle
For: Sunday December 26, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 9-11
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-26
Details of Today's Chapters: The bottomless pit, Satan reigning on earth, the angel and the little book, the return of Christ, and Christ reigning the earth.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As I was reading the chapters for today something came to my attention, the Book of Revelation foretells a one great battle between God and Satan. For thousands of years Satan deceived the earth, destroying so many lives, now, God will come to claim the throne and the lives he took. When you stop and think of the wars that have come and gone and are in the midst of the world today you can imagine all the destruction and lives lost that takes place during and even after. Now, imagine that in every country, state, city, and even street on the planet. Pretty scary stuff, huh? Makes one praise God that they have Jesus in their lives. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:24,26-29.
Before Christ returns all hell is going to break loose, literally, Jesus reveals to John a key that will open the bottomless pit of hell. “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.” - Revelation 9:1-5.
Upon sounding the fifth trumpet, a star fell from heaven to the earth. Having ceased to be a minister of Christ, he who is represented by this star becomes the minister of Satan and lets loose the powers of hell against the churches of Christ. On the opening of the bottomless pit, there arose a great smoke. Satan carries on his designs by blinding the eyes of men, by putting out light and knowledge, and promoting ignorance and error. Out of this smoke there came a swarm of locusts. The trees and the grass, the true believers, would be untouched. But a secret poison and infection in the soul, should rob many others of purity, and afterwards of peace. The locusts had no power to hurt those who had the seal of God. God's all-powerful, distinguishing grace will keep His people from this total and final destruction. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” - II Corinthians 2:14,15.
Now, Jesus reveals another angel, which held a little book in his hand, “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices...And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. ” - Revelation 10:1-3,8-11.
John is first given a little book, symbolic of God's Word, once it was digested, he was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as Savior. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and appropriating all the Scriptures into our lives. To those who have not received Christ those words would be like a sword piercing in the side. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
Jesus reveals one more trumpet that would bring an end to this great tribulation, His return. “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ” - Revelation 11:15-18.
After all the tribulation Christ comes back the second time as King of kings and Lord of lords, it is then that He begins to reign for ever and ever throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. This reign will bring an end to sin and its originator, Satan, but will also commence the full restoration of the earth. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - I Timothy 6:15-19. Those who receive Christ as their Savior need not fear the wars to come and this great battle between God and Satan, we have a wonderful life awaiting us as we enjoy eternity with our King. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Bible Study: Comfort Through Sorrows 12.25.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Comfort Through Sorrows
For: Friday December 25, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 6-8
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-25
Details of Today's Chapters: The seven seals, 144,000 Jews sealed, numberless multitudes thereafter sealed, four trumpets sounded, the great tribulation, and those who came out of the great tribulation.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Merry Christmas! Today we may be enjoying time with family, opening gifts, eating til our hearts content, and making wonderful or unforgettable memories. Perhaps some of us are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is the reason for the season, so, Happy Birthday Jesus, may we all take a little time today to thank You for being a part of our lives. More often than celebrating today, many are sad, depressed, angry, or bitter at God or someone else, perhaps even themselves, and are wasting away their sorrows in whatever they can find to comfort them. The Bible says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4.
There is no greater comfort than that of God, when life is not going the way you expect and it seems as though everyone is against you, God is with you. The amazing thing is that usually His comfort only comes through sorrow, that is after we have looked for it everywhere else. I will never forget the time I had one trial after another, so many that I would just sleep and dream about the life I would love to have, my comfort was in my dreams, I figured if I would dream it enough it would eventually happen. The truth is, as long as I was just laying there nothing I dreamt about would have ever had a chance to become a reality. It was through several trials that I realized it was God that I needed, in fact, the trials I was going through were God's hand upon me, correcting me. The Bible says, “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.” - Proverbs 29:17-19. How many times have you learned anything by having someone yell at you? I do not recall very often. How many times have you learned anything by punishment? Most of us learned a great deal. God does the same thing to us when we ignore His warnings and do what we want to do anyway, but when we repent He truly does give rest to our souls by removing all the guilt, shame, or whatever it is that keeps us sad, bitter, or angry.
One day Jesus will return and when He does, talk about a punishment, I am so glad that when that day does come I am heaven bound, whether I am resurrected from the dead or just taken away. Jesus revealed to John some amazing and frightful insight as to what is going to happen when He returns. John sees Jesus sitting upon a great throne surrounded by beasts, elders, and spirits. Jesus opens the Book of life, which contained several seals. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” - Revelation 5:6-9.
The Book of life contains every persons name who has been redeemed by the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ as He was slain for every sin. Those who are redeemed, that is only those whom have believed in and asked Jesus to save them, will escape the great tribulation that will take place when He returns. “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” - Isaiah 51:11.
Since Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice it was fitting that He would be the one holding the Book, the judge of all, containing the seven seals that would release the ultimate destruction of the world. Jesus begins to open the seals, the seals denote events of a religious character, and contain the history of the church from the opening of the Christian era to the coming of Christ. “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” - Revelation 6:14-17.
There are seven groups of the unsaved mentioned hear, thus denoting all who are lost. There is no respect of persons with God, position, rank, title, and honor mean absolutely nothing to God, it will not bring salvation to any of them. When all heaven and the saints were interested in their salvation, they were not. When life was offered to them they were not interested, but now that they know they are going to reap what they have sown, they run to find safety, but can not find it. The wicked have rejected the call to stand for Christ, but now they are the ones who will cry, “Who shall be able to stand?” Those written in the Book of life will be able to stand. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:12,13.
Jesus announces who will be saved from the great tribulation, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel...After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb...And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:4,9,10,14-17.
God loves you and because He loves you expect to be chastised once in a while if you have gotten away from Him. If you have gotten away from Him it is time to reconnect with the joy and comfort that only He can bring. He does not want you to suffer, He wants you to grow and prosper, but first, He wants you to just humble yourself before Him and ask Him back into your life. He will not force Himself upon anyone, but willing receives all who call Him. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” - Psalm 145:18,19.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Comfort Through Sorrows
For: Friday December 25, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 6-8
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-25
Details of Today's Chapters: The seven seals, 144,000 Jews sealed, numberless multitudes thereafter sealed, four trumpets sounded, the great tribulation, and those who came out of the great tribulation.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Merry Christmas! Today we may be enjoying time with family, opening gifts, eating til our hearts content, and making wonderful or unforgettable memories. Perhaps some of us are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is the reason for the season, so, Happy Birthday Jesus, may we all take a little time today to thank You for being a part of our lives. More often than celebrating today, many are sad, depressed, angry, or bitter at God or someone else, perhaps even themselves, and are wasting away their sorrows in whatever they can find to comfort them. The Bible says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4.
There is no greater comfort than that of God, when life is not going the way you expect and it seems as though everyone is against you, God is with you. The amazing thing is that usually His comfort only comes through sorrow, that is after we have looked for it everywhere else. I will never forget the time I had one trial after another, so many that I would just sleep and dream about the life I would love to have, my comfort was in my dreams, I figured if I would dream it enough it would eventually happen. The truth is, as long as I was just laying there nothing I dreamt about would have ever had a chance to become a reality. It was through several trials that I realized it was God that I needed, in fact, the trials I was going through were God's hand upon me, correcting me. The Bible says, “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.” - Proverbs 29:17-19. How many times have you learned anything by having someone yell at you? I do not recall very often. How many times have you learned anything by punishment? Most of us learned a great deal. God does the same thing to us when we ignore His warnings and do what we want to do anyway, but when we repent He truly does give rest to our souls by removing all the guilt, shame, or whatever it is that keeps us sad, bitter, or angry.
One day Jesus will return and when He does, talk about a punishment, I am so glad that when that day does come I am heaven bound, whether I am resurrected from the dead or just taken away. Jesus revealed to John some amazing and frightful insight as to what is going to happen when He returns. John sees Jesus sitting upon a great throne surrounded by beasts, elders, and spirits. Jesus opens the Book of life, which contained several seals. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” - Revelation 5:6-9.
The Book of life contains every persons name who has been redeemed by the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ as He was slain for every sin. Those who are redeemed, that is only those whom have believed in and asked Jesus to save them, will escape the great tribulation that will take place when He returns. “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” - Isaiah 51:11.
Since Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice it was fitting that He would be the one holding the Book, the judge of all, containing the seven seals that would release the ultimate destruction of the world. Jesus begins to open the seals, the seals denote events of a religious character, and contain the history of the church from the opening of the Christian era to the coming of Christ. “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” - Revelation 6:14-17.
There are seven groups of the unsaved mentioned hear, thus denoting all who are lost. There is no respect of persons with God, position, rank, title, and honor mean absolutely nothing to God, it will not bring salvation to any of them. When all heaven and the saints were interested in their salvation, they were not. When life was offered to them they were not interested, but now that they know they are going to reap what they have sown, they run to find safety, but can not find it. The wicked have rejected the call to stand for Christ, but now they are the ones who will cry, “Who shall be able to stand?” Those written in the Book of life will be able to stand. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:12,13.
Jesus announces who will be saved from the great tribulation, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel...After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb...And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:4,9,10,14-17.
God loves you and because He loves you expect to be chastised once in a while if you have gotten away from Him. If you have gotten away from Him it is time to reconnect with the joy and comfort that only He can bring. He does not want you to suffer, He wants you to grow and prosper, but first, He wants you to just humble yourself before Him and ask Him back into your life. He will not force Himself upon anyone, but willing receives all who call Him. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” - Psalm 145:18,19.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Friday, December 24, 2010
Bible Study: Jesus is Knocking 12.24.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
For: Friday December 24, 2010
Message Title: Jesus is Knocking
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-24
Details of Today's Chapters: Dead churches, a pillar in the Temple of God, patient churches, lukewarm Christians, the seven Spirits of God, the Book of life, a new Jerusalem, and the Lamb.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Many churches boast on teaching the doctrine of the Bible, but they do not do anything to set an example for the church. As Christian's we not only represent the church we represent Christ as He is the Church. Jesus continues to speak to the seven churches of Asia. The Church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they stopped doing anything for God. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.
This is an example of a church or person who teaches the Word of God, but does not follow what he teaches. If we preach the Word of God we must practice what we preach. I am a Sunday School teacher of kids 4-8 years of age, I must set an example for them to follow, if I do not do what I teach them then they will question why we even go to church and fall away from God before they reach high school. It is vital that we animate the word of God. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:17,26.
The Church in Philadelphia probably seemed weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended their little bit of strength. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:8,10,12.
All who remain faithful to Jesus no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say "Help Me, Jesus" can find comfort and peace as they patiently await for things to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye and all whom have put their faith and trust in Him will be saved from all the deceitfulness and wickedness that Satan is going to place upon the people of the world. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” - Hebrews 12:1.
The church of the Laodiceans prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing. “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:14-16.
Jesus much rather us not be devoted to Him at all then to try fit Him into our schedule. If we want things to change in our lives it is time to take a serious look at how we are living them. If we are in anyway compromising our relationship with Jesus in order to satisfy the world things will never change. We can not compromise with the world in order to fit in or live in peace with those who do, there is going to be conflicts between believers and non-believers. I commend those whom are believers and are married to or live with loved ones that are not, it takes a lot of strength to endure those kind of circumstances. However, unless things change you nor your family will get very far and you will never grow. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.
Today, Jesus is still knocking on the doors of those whom have backslid, He is right there waiting for them to open the door. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:20,21.
Are you looking for Jesus? He is right there, waiting for you, He wants to help you with your burdens. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
For: Friday December 24, 2010
Message Title: Jesus is Knocking
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-24
Details of Today's Chapters: Dead churches, a pillar in the Temple of God, patient churches, lukewarm Christians, the seven Spirits of God, the Book of life, a new Jerusalem, and the Lamb.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Many churches boast on teaching the doctrine of the Bible, but they do not do anything to set an example for the church. As Christian's we not only represent the church we represent Christ as He is the Church. Jesus continues to speak to the seven churches of Asia. The Church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they stopped doing anything for God. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.
This is an example of a church or person who teaches the Word of God, but does not follow what he teaches. If we preach the Word of God we must practice what we preach. I am a Sunday School teacher of kids 4-8 years of age, I must set an example for them to follow, if I do not do what I teach them then they will question why we even go to church and fall away from God before they reach high school. It is vital that we animate the word of God. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:17,26.
The Church in Philadelphia probably seemed weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended their little bit of strength. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:8,10,12.
All who remain faithful to Jesus no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say "Help Me, Jesus" can find comfort and peace as they patiently await for things to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye and all whom have put their faith and trust in Him will be saved from all the deceitfulness and wickedness that Satan is going to place upon the people of the world. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” - Hebrews 12:1.
The church of the Laodiceans prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing. “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:14-16.
Jesus much rather us not be devoted to Him at all then to try fit Him into our schedule. If we want things to change in our lives it is time to take a serious look at how we are living them. If we are in anyway compromising our relationship with Jesus in order to satisfy the world things will never change. We can not compromise with the world in order to fit in or live in peace with those who do, there is going to be conflicts between believers and non-believers. I commend those whom are believers and are married to or live with loved ones that are not, it takes a lot of strength to endure those kind of circumstances. However, unless things change you nor your family will get very far and you will never grow. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.
Today, Jesus is still knocking on the doors of those whom have backslid, He is right there waiting for them to open the door. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:20,21.
Are you looking for Jesus? He is right there, waiting for you, He wants to help you with your burdens. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Bible Study: Assurance Through Jesus 12.23.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Assurance Through Jesus
For: Thursday December 23, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-23
Details of Today's Chapters: John greets the seven churches, he sees a vision of Jesus, Jesus has a message for the seven churches, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, Nicolaitanes, and Jezebel.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word revelation means the act of revealing or disclosing, disclosure, the Book of Revelation is God's disclosure of His own nature and His purpose for all mankind. The Book of Revelation is the twenty-seventh and final book of the New Testament, the sixty-sixth and final book of the Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is the Apostle John and it was written to seven churches in Asia and to all believers in general. The purpose of the book was to give encouragement and assurance to persecuted and troubled Christians. It is also a clear warning to unbelievers of the coming judgment of God on sin and unbelief. What we are to learn from the book is that God always does what He promises and has a great promise for all, who have received His Son. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:4.
One Sunday morning as John was praying and Jesus showed up, literally, in a vision as clear as the day, Jesus asks him to write letters to seven churches in Asia. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea...The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”- Revelation 1:10-12, 20. The number seven is used to represent completion, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” - Genesis 2:2. Therefore, Christ uses seven churches to represent God's completion of His purpose for all mankind.
Thirty years earlier these churches were vibrant healthy churches that had received letters from Peter and Paul. There were other Churches too, but Jesus addresses these seven because they were the churches the apostles traveled to and visited when they were in those areas. He first starts with the church of Ephesus, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” - Revelation 2:1-5.
Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor (now Turkey) on the Aegean Sea, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time there, as well as Peter and Timothy, the Ephesians were doing well at serving God, they studied the Bible and taught the right doctrine so well that they could call out a false prophet, but somehow The Church lost the zeal they had for Jesus, thus having left its first love. We can as Christians get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we too lose the zeal for Jesus, the enthusiasm, liveliness, and desire to serve Him. When we get to that point we need to take a step back, remind ourselves that we are serving a great and living God, and He is the one we serve. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” - Psalm 100:1-3.
Now, Jesus addressed the church of Smyrna, “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” - Revelation 2:8-10. Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. They were known as the persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom. Jesus comforts them and assures them that they will be blessed and rewarded for their faithfulness. Jesus has the same message for every Christian who sticks it out and stand by Him through their tribulation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamos, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;..But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication...Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” - Revelation 2:12,14, 16. Pergamos is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship. They were known as the worldly church that mixed doctrines of Christ and Balaam (Numbers 22), now Jesus is warning them to repent before it is too late. This is a warning to all churches who worship idols, such as the virgin Mary, and allow immorality within the Church. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira, “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not...And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ”-Revelation 2:18-21,23. Thyatira is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. They were known as the false church who allowed a seductive prophetess to come in bring idol worship and immorality into the Church. There are several churches that have been started by women, all of these churches face the same death. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” - John 5:24. While we as Christians can not be certain which trials are before us, one thing we can be certain of is that we will not face the lake of fire, but bypass it all the way up to heaven. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Assurance Through Jesus
For: Thursday December 23, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-23
Details of Today's Chapters: John greets the seven churches, he sees a vision of Jesus, Jesus has a message for the seven churches, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, Nicolaitanes, and Jezebel.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word revelation means the act of revealing or disclosing, disclosure, the Book of Revelation is God's disclosure of His own nature and His purpose for all mankind. The Book of Revelation is the twenty-seventh and final book of the New Testament, the sixty-sixth and final book of the Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is the Apostle John and it was written to seven churches in Asia and to all believers in general. The purpose of the book was to give encouragement and assurance to persecuted and troubled Christians. It is also a clear warning to unbelievers of the coming judgment of God on sin and unbelief. What we are to learn from the book is that God always does what He promises and has a great promise for all, who have received His Son. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:4.
One Sunday morning as John was praying and Jesus showed up, literally, in a vision as clear as the day, Jesus asks him to write letters to seven churches in Asia. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea...The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”- Revelation 1:10-12, 20. The number seven is used to represent completion, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” - Genesis 2:2. Therefore, Christ uses seven churches to represent God's completion of His purpose for all mankind.
Thirty years earlier these churches were vibrant healthy churches that had received letters from Peter and Paul. There were other Churches too, but Jesus addresses these seven because they were the churches the apostles traveled to and visited when they were in those areas. He first starts with the church of Ephesus, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” - Revelation 2:1-5.
Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor (now Turkey) on the Aegean Sea, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time there, as well as Peter and Timothy, the Ephesians were doing well at serving God, they studied the Bible and taught the right doctrine so well that they could call out a false prophet, but somehow The Church lost the zeal they had for Jesus, thus having left its first love. We can as Christians get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we too lose the zeal for Jesus, the enthusiasm, liveliness, and desire to serve Him. When we get to that point we need to take a step back, remind ourselves that we are serving a great and living God, and He is the one we serve. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” - Psalm 100:1-3.
Now, Jesus addressed the church of Smyrna, “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” - Revelation 2:8-10. Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. They were known as the persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom. Jesus comforts them and assures them that they will be blessed and rewarded for their faithfulness. Jesus has the same message for every Christian who sticks it out and stand by Him through their tribulation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamos, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;..But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication...Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” - Revelation 2:12,14, 16. Pergamos is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship. They were known as the worldly church that mixed doctrines of Christ and Balaam (Numbers 22), now Jesus is warning them to repent before it is too late. This is a warning to all churches who worship idols, such as the virgin Mary, and allow immorality within the Church. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira, “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not...And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ”-Revelation 2:18-21,23. Thyatira is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. They were known as the false church who allowed a seductive prophetess to come in bring idol worship and immorality into the Church. There are several churches that have been started by women, all of these churches face the same death. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” - John 5:24. While we as Christians can not be certain which trials are before us, one thing we can be certain of is that we will not face the lake of fire, but bypass it all the way up to heaven. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bible Study: The True Elect 12.22.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The True Elect
For: Wednesday December 22, 2010
Chapters: The Books of 2,3 John and Jude
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-22
Details of Today's Chapters: II John, stand up for the truth, love and live in the truth, false teachers lead to evil ways and are not welcome. III John, work for the truth, walk in the truth, be hospitable to all, and have a good personal report. Jude, contend for the faith, warning against falling away from the truth, and and teach what believers should do to remain in the truth and faithful.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Truth, there is nothing like it in the world, the word truth is defined as the true or actual state of a matter, the actual existence. The Bible says, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies...The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” - Psalm 25:9,10,14. To be meek means to be humble, to realize that you just can not do everything on your own. We all have weaknesses, the strongest man alive has a weakness, but when he humbles himself before God has the strength to move mountains. Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” - Mark 11:23.
A covenant is an agreement, a truth between you and God alone, no one can break that covenant, except you. When you humbly bowed your head and put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from a burning hell you made a covenant with God. God's promise, eternal life and heaven, your promise is trusting in Him to fulfill His promise. While many people call themselves Christians, the truth is, only a majority of them are actually Christians. A Christian is someone who makes a covenant with God to allow Him to come into their lives, not just save them from hell, but to make a difference in their lives. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
The Books of II John, III John, and Jude are the twenty-fourth, fifth, and sixth books of the New Testament and sixty-third, fourth, and fifth books of the Bible. The Book of II John was an epistle (letter) written by the Apostle John to the elect lady and her children. The purpose of this letter was to caution believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must guard ourselves against false teachers who cause us to lose the spiritual qualities we have developed and who make us partakers of their evil. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - II John 10,11. In his brief letter the Apostle John reminds Christians that they are the elect, the selected few that are chosen by God Himself to represent the church. “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” - II John 1-5.
The elect lady is the Church of Christ, the Church is always addressed in the feminine gender because she is called the bride of Christ. Her children are the men, women, and children who make up the body of the Church. While anyone can get saved, God chooses specific people to represent Him in the Christ. Why? To love one another. John is quoting what Jesus said while He was walking on earth in the flesh. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” - John 13:34. What Jesus means by this is to show brotherly kindness to all, by doing so it shows the world who true Christians are and that it is a wonderful thing to know the Lord. Praise God!
The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John was addressed to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the church with which he was connected and cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit, but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers. The purpose of this letter was to commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the unchristian behavior of Diotrephes. What we are to learn from the book is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 4. Whether we are Christian's or not we set an example for others, if we are doing things that are immoral and or malicious others will mimic us and do them also. It is important that we as the elect children remain moral and set a good example for others to mimic. “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” - III John 11.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and it was written to all Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches in Palestine and/or Asia. The purpose of the letter was to warn against false teachers and what we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be alert for false teachers who divert believers from the truth of God's Word. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 21. Jude expresses the importance of holding on to the truths of God's Word and being careful not to let people get around them who will corrupt their way of thinking. Jude addresses the issue of bringing false doctrine into the Church. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Jude 4.
Every time we start a new book I go to last years message that I wrote to get the book info from it, I happened to read through a message I wrote one day and saw something I quoted from another site I used when ever I got stuck trying to explain a verse. It was something that was completely opposite of what God teaches in His Word. That is when I discovered that that site was corrupting people, he knew just enough to make you think he knew what he was talking about, I hate to think of the numerous amount of people who believe that garbage, but pray they figure it out as I did. The only way I was able to even figure out that he was destroying God's Word was by continuing to read it for myself. God reveals everything a little at a time so we learn the truth. The only way to know the truth is to know Christ, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: The True Elect
For: Wednesday December 22, 2010
Chapters: The Books of 2,3 John and Jude
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-22
Details of Today's Chapters: II John, stand up for the truth, love and live in the truth, false teachers lead to evil ways and are not welcome. III John, work for the truth, walk in the truth, be hospitable to all, and have a good personal report. Jude, contend for the faith, warning against falling away from the truth, and and teach what believers should do to remain in the truth and faithful.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Truth, there is nothing like it in the world, the word truth is defined as the true or actual state of a matter, the actual existence. The Bible says, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies...The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” - Psalm 25:9,10,14. To be meek means to be humble, to realize that you just can not do everything on your own. We all have weaknesses, the strongest man alive has a weakness, but when he humbles himself before God has the strength to move mountains. Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” - Mark 11:23.
A covenant is an agreement, a truth between you and God alone, no one can break that covenant, except you. When you humbly bowed your head and put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from a burning hell you made a covenant with God. God's promise, eternal life and heaven, your promise is trusting in Him to fulfill His promise. While many people call themselves Christians, the truth is, only a majority of them are actually Christians. A Christian is someone who makes a covenant with God to allow Him to come into their lives, not just save them from hell, but to make a difference in their lives. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
The Books of II John, III John, and Jude are the twenty-fourth, fifth, and sixth books of the New Testament and sixty-third, fourth, and fifth books of the Bible. The Book of II John was an epistle (letter) written by the Apostle John to the elect lady and her children. The purpose of this letter was to caution believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must guard ourselves against false teachers who cause us to lose the spiritual qualities we have developed and who make us partakers of their evil. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - II John 10,11. In his brief letter the Apostle John reminds Christians that they are the elect, the selected few that are chosen by God Himself to represent the church. “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” - II John 1-5.
The elect lady is the Church of Christ, the Church is always addressed in the feminine gender because she is called the bride of Christ. Her children are the men, women, and children who make up the body of the Church. While anyone can get saved, God chooses specific people to represent Him in the Christ. Why? To love one another. John is quoting what Jesus said while He was walking on earth in the flesh. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” - John 13:34. What Jesus means by this is to show brotherly kindness to all, by doing so it shows the world who true Christians are and that it is a wonderful thing to know the Lord. Praise God!
The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John was addressed to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the church with which he was connected and cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit, but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers. The purpose of this letter was to commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the unchristian behavior of Diotrephes. What we are to learn from the book is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 4. Whether we are Christian's or not we set an example for others, if we are doing things that are immoral and or malicious others will mimic us and do them also. It is important that we as the elect children remain moral and set a good example for others to mimic. “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” - III John 11.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and it was written to all Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches in Palestine and/or Asia. The purpose of the letter was to warn against false teachers and what we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be alert for false teachers who divert believers from the truth of God's Word. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 21. Jude expresses the importance of holding on to the truths of God's Word and being careful not to let people get around them who will corrupt their way of thinking. Jude addresses the issue of bringing false doctrine into the Church. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Jude 4.
Every time we start a new book I go to last years message that I wrote to get the book info from it, I happened to read through a message I wrote one day and saw something I quoted from another site I used when ever I got stuck trying to explain a verse. It was something that was completely opposite of what God teaches in His Word. That is when I discovered that that site was corrupting people, he knew just enough to make you think he knew what he was talking about, I hate to think of the numerous amount of people who believe that garbage, but pray they figure it out as I did. The only way I was able to even figure out that he was destroying God's Word was by continuing to read it for myself. God reveals everything a little at a time so we learn the truth. The only way to know the truth is to know Christ, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Bible Study: “LET THERE BE LIFE!” 12.20.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: “LET THERE BE LIFE!”
For: Monday December 20, 2010
Chapters: I John 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-20
Details of Today's Chapters: Christ is the Word of Life, Christ is the light of every Christian, without Christ we walk in darkness, He is faithful and just to forgive all, the Word of God abides in all believers, and Christ came to destroy the works of the devil.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of I John is the twenty-third book of the New Testament, sixty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is John (the same John who wrote the Gospel of John as well as Revelation) and it was written to Christians who were falling into satanic deception which was breaking their fellowship with God and other believers. The purpose of this letter was to remind believers how they might know they have eternal life and that true fellowship with Christ is the evidence of a joyful life . What we are to learn from the letter is that the born again believer does not sin habitually, though he may not be perfect he does not continually live in sin, which is evident in true fellowship with Christ and maintained by the principle of confession of sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
It is amazing to think that God's voice is so powerful that He say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear. How sad it must be for people who can not grasp the fact that the world did not just form from some speck. The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” - John 1:1-3. There is not one thing on this earth that has not been made from something that God has made, everything from rubber to plastic to metal to gasoline is made from things that God has made. God is life and the only way we will truly enjoy life is to have His life in us. Until we know Christ all we do is live by sight, we long for the things that the world thinks we can not live without. Can I tell you that the world has nothing to offer, but corruption, lies, deception, and immorality, which destroys a life, not better it.
If we truly want an enjoyable life, we need to fellowship with Christ. The Apostle John reassures Christian's that when they accepted Christ as their Savior they have fellowship with Christ, who is the light. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;..That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ...This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” - I John 1:1,35-7.
Just as powerful as that voice can say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear the instant we say to Jesus, I believe I am a sinner, I believe in You and the Gospel (His death, burial, and resurrection), I ask You to save me, and I am depending on You for my salvation God instantly says, “LET THERE BE LIFE!” “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth...That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:4,9,10.
The majority of people who reject Christ are the ones who want to live that corruptible and immoral life without feeling guilty about it. I had a man tell me once, I know Jesus, but I have a lot of partying to do before I give it all up for Him. See, the mentality is this, “If I have Christ in my life I will not enjoy my life.” The truth is there is no joy in worldly living. Oh, one might think they are having fun for a little while, but get rid of the beer, the pot, the lovers, the superficial friends, and what is left? A sad, wasted life, with nothing to show for it. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” - I John 2:15-20.
The word unction means an act of anointing, something soothing or comforting, the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person. Those who truly walk in the light receive an anointing from God, that anointing enables us to eliminate the corruptible things and replace them with godly things, which are evident to the eye.“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - I John 2:27. Once in a while I will run into someone I know that use to know me before I walked with Christ and the first question they ask is, “What happened to you?” My response, “Christ happened to me.” Christ changes us for the better and I am proof of that. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:1-5.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and an awesome week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: “LET THERE BE LIFE!”
For: Monday December 20, 2010
Chapters: I John 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-20
Details of Today's Chapters: Christ is the Word of Life, Christ is the light of every Christian, without Christ we walk in darkness, He is faithful and just to forgive all, the Word of God abides in all believers, and Christ came to destroy the works of the devil.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of I John is the twenty-third book of the New Testament, sixty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is John (the same John who wrote the Gospel of John as well as Revelation) and it was written to Christians who were falling into satanic deception which was breaking their fellowship with God and other believers. The purpose of this letter was to remind believers how they might know they have eternal life and that true fellowship with Christ is the evidence of a joyful life . What we are to learn from the letter is that the born again believer does not sin habitually, though he may not be perfect he does not continually live in sin, which is evident in true fellowship with Christ and maintained by the principle of confession of sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
It is amazing to think that God's voice is so powerful that He say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear. How sad it must be for people who can not grasp the fact that the world did not just form from some speck. The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” - John 1:1-3. There is not one thing on this earth that has not been made from something that God has made, everything from rubber to plastic to metal to gasoline is made from things that God has made. God is life and the only way we will truly enjoy life is to have His life in us. Until we know Christ all we do is live by sight, we long for the things that the world thinks we can not live without. Can I tell you that the world has nothing to offer, but corruption, lies, deception, and immorality, which destroys a life, not better it.
If we truly want an enjoyable life, we need to fellowship with Christ. The Apostle John reassures Christian's that when they accepted Christ as their Savior they have fellowship with Christ, who is the light. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;..That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ...This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” - I John 1:1,35-7.
Just as powerful as that voice can say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear the instant we say to Jesus, I believe I am a sinner, I believe in You and the Gospel (His death, burial, and resurrection), I ask You to save me, and I am depending on You for my salvation God instantly says, “LET THERE BE LIFE!” “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth...That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:4,9,10.
The majority of people who reject Christ are the ones who want to live that corruptible and immoral life without feeling guilty about it. I had a man tell me once, I know Jesus, but I have a lot of partying to do before I give it all up for Him. See, the mentality is this, “If I have Christ in my life I will not enjoy my life.” The truth is there is no joy in worldly living. Oh, one might think they are having fun for a little while, but get rid of the beer, the pot, the lovers, the superficial friends, and what is left? A sad, wasted life, with nothing to show for it. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” - I John 2:15-20.
The word unction means an act of anointing, something soothing or comforting, the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person. Those who truly walk in the light receive an anointing from God, that anointing enables us to eliminate the corruptible things and replace them with godly things, which are evident to the eye.“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - I John 2:27. Once in a while I will run into someone I know that use to know me before I walked with Christ and the first question they ask is, “What happened to you?” My response, “Christ happened to me.” Christ changes us for the better and I am proof of that. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:1-5.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and an awesome week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
Bible Study: God's Provisionsc12.19.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Provisions
For: Sunday December 19, 2010
Chapters: The Book of II Peter
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-19
Details of Today's Chapters: God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, therefore, if a Christian wants to receive God's promises he must walk in the Spirit of God and not the flesh. Walking in the flesh only leads to destruction and suffering, but God gives all the opportunity to repent.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of II Peter is the twenty-second book of the New Testament, the sixty-first book of the Bible, and contains three chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Peter and it was written to the Christian exiles. The purpose of the letter was to warn them of the dangers from within the church, their apostasy and false teaching. What we are to learn from the book too is that the greatest dangers from within the church are apostasy and false teaching. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” - II Peter 2:1
The word apostasy or heresy is defined as total rejection of Christianity by a person who, having at one time professed the Christian faith. There is only one thing that causes apostasy and that is living in the flesh. The Bible says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:19-21.
As Christian's we are prone to think that all Christian's have the same beliefs, sadly we do not. Now, I am not talking about different culture, I am talking about their view on Jesus Christ and who He truly is. Good people are being deceived all over the world by men and their false teaching, claiming that they got their instructions from God. In this letter, the Apostle Peter addresses this situation and the people who have been deceiving them. First, Peter encourages those who have escaped the lies and now know the truth, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8.
God has made full provision for every Christian to live a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit enables us to endure temptation, suffering, failure, sin, and even success or pride as we stay in the Bible and learn more through obedience to His Word. “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 25:8.
However, when people take advantage of God's good graces and want to twist His rules and Word to suit their flesh that is when He gets angry. Peter has a warning to the ones who have been teaching false doctrine in His name. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4-6,9. If God will not spare the angles that have sinned and will cast them into hell He certainly will not hesitate to cast false prophets and teachers down there with them. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
These false prophets and teachers within the church somehow had the people questioning whether or not Christ was even coming. However, Peter assures them that there are many more to be saved yet before He returns. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up...Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” - II Peter 3:8-10,13.
God is a patient God, so patient that He is willing to wait years for a person to come around and repent. The word longsuffering means long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation, that is why He sees a thousand years as one, it is our injury, trouble, or provoking that He waits patiently for. He does not want to cast anyone into hell, but He will if they continue to reject Him and deceive others. Therefore, we are to walk in the spirit, not the flesh, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” - Galatians 5:22-26.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: God's Provisions
For: Sunday December 19, 2010
Chapters: The Book of II Peter
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-19
Details of Today's Chapters: God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, therefore, if a Christian wants to receive God's promises he must walk in the Spirit of God and not the flesh. Walking in the flesh only leads to destruction and suffering, but God gives all the opportunity to repent.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of II Peter is the twenty-second book of the New Testament, the sixty-first book of the Bible, and contains three chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Peter and it was written to the Christian exiles. The purpose of the letter was to warn them of the dangers from within the church, their apostasy and false teaching. What we are to learn from the book too is that the greatest dangers from within the church are apostasy and false teaching. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” - II Peter 2:1
The word apostasy or heresy is defined as total rejection of Christianity by a person who, having at one time professed the Christian faith. There is only one thing that causes apostasy and that is living in the flesh. The Bible says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:19-21.
As Christian's we are prone to think that all Christian's have the same beliefs, sadly we do not. Now, I am not talking about different culture, I am talking about their view on Jesus Christ and who He truly is. Good people are being deceived all over the world by men and their false teaching, claiming that they got their instructions from God. In this letter, the Apostle Peter addresses this situation and the people who have been deceiving them. First, Peter encourages those who have escaped the lies and now know the truth, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8.
God has made full provision for every Christian to live a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit enables us to endure temptation, suffering, failure, sin, and even success or pride as we stay in the Bible and learn more through obedience to His Word. “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 25:8.
However, when people take advantage of God's good graces and want to twist His rules and Word to suit their flesh that is when He gets angry. Peter has a warning to the ones who have been teaching false doctrine in His name. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4-6,9. If God will not spare the angles that have sinned and will cast them into hell He certainly will not hesitate to cast false prophets and teachers down there with them. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
These false prophets and teachers within the church somehow had the people questioning whether or not Christ was even coming. However, Peter assures them that there are many more to be saved yet before He returns. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up...Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” - II Peter 3:8-10,13.
God is a patient God, so patient that He is willing to wait years for a person to come around and repent. The word longsuffering means long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation, that is why He sees a thousand years as one, it is our injury, trouble, or provoking that He waits patiently for. He does not want to cast anyone into hell, but He will if they continue to reject Him and deceive others. Therefore, we are to walk in the spirit, not the flesh, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” - Galatians 5:22-26.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Bible Study: Seasoned To Perfection 12.18.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
For: Saturday December 18, 2010
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-18
Details of Today's Chapters: Husbands and wives in subjection, modesty, suffering for righteousness, Christ suffered once for all, living according to God in the Spirit, giving glory to God through suffering, the flock of God, and perfection through suffering.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word season is defined as a time to prepare, mature, or discipline. Everything has a season, for instance, we have four seasons, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Every season is important because it allows certain vegetation to grow so that we as humans or animals are able to survive through the different types of weather. I live in Florida and it has actually been pretty cold here for the past couple of weeks, even some freezing temps at night. I laugh when I see everyone covering up their plants in fear that they will be destroyed. Can I tell you that God knows what He is doing. While some of those plants may wither and look dead, come spring new life grows from them and they become even stronger and bigger as long as someone takes the time to remove the dead leaves so they are able to grow, the same is true for us as well. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.
To meditate means to dwell in God's Word day and night, this does not mean that you have to sit and read the Bible 24/7, but it does mean that you keep God's Word with you throughout the day and night. God's Word is the seasoning we need, it prepares us, matures us, and perfects us to live in His will, the result prosperity. Peter encourages Christians, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” - I Peter 3:8-12.
God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection. God sees and knows all that we do, He sees beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions in hopes to be saved from hell. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” - I Peter 4:1-5.
Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death for all. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God will cause that person to suffer here on earth before He takes them to heaven. No one is perfect, we unknowingly sin every day, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. His grace is sufficient enough to season us to perfection. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:6-10.
All of life has seasons, the Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;..A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;..A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,6,8. Everything that we go through in life, from the joys to the sorrows to the pains to the healings to the peace we receive after is used to season us to His perfection. The more we endure through our faith in Him the more we are prepared to handle the next season, the more we are prepared the more blessed we will prosper simply by living in His will. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” - Galatians 6:9,17. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
For: Saturday December 18, 2010
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-18
Details of Today's Chapters: Husbands and wives in subjection, modesty, suffering for righteousness, Christ suffered once for all, living according to God in the Spirit, giving glory to God through suffering, the flock of God, and perfection through suffering.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word season is defined as a time to prepare, mature, or discipline. Everything has a season, for instance, we have four seasons, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Every season is important because it allows certain vegetation to grow so that we as humans or animals are able to survive through the different types of weather. I live in Florida and it has actually been pretty cold here for the past couple of weeks, even some freezing temps at night. I laugh when I see everyone covering up their plants in fear that they will be destroyed. Can I tell you that God knows what He is doing. While some of those plants may wither and look dead, come spring new life grows from them and they become even stronger and bigger as long as someone takes the time to remove the dead leaves so they are able to grow, the same is true for us as well. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.
To meditate means to dwell in God's Word day and night, this does not mean that you have to sit and read the Bible 24/7, but it does mean that you keep God's Word with you throughout the day and night. God's Word is the seasoning we need, it prepares us, matures us, and perfects us to live in His will, the result prosperity. Peter encourages Christians, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” - I Peter 3:8-12.
God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection. God sees and knows all that we do, He sees beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions in hopes to be saved from hell. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” - I Peter 4:1-5.
Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death for all. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God will cause that person to suffer here on earth before He takes them to heaven. No one is perfect, we unknowingly sin every day, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. His grace is sufficient enough to season us to perfection. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:6-10.
All of life has seasons, the Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;..A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;..A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,6,8. Everything that we go through in life, from the joys to the sorrows to the pains to the healings to the peace we receive after is used to season us to His perfection. The more we endure through our faith in Him the more we are prepared to handle the next season, the more we are prepared the more blessed we will prosper simply by living in His will. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” - Galatians 6:9,17. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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