Saturday, April 10, 2010

Bible Study: One God, One Way 04.10.10

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday April 10, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 28-31. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-10.php

Title: Bible Study: One God, One Way
As I was driving home yesterday I came upon this bumper sticker that said, coexist, each letter represented a different religion. To coexist means to come together as one, from those who believe in God to gods, to Jesus, to no god at all, coming together as one nation. The first thing that came to mind was the phrase, “Can't we all get along”. It would be nice if we could all get along, but the truth is, as long as we are on the earth we will not get along. God's people will never get along with false or non god people. Why? Because there is only One God and only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ, unless we believe in that we will never coexist. Do you know how many problems occur when we try to combine religions? We think we are coming together as one, but all we are doing is falling right into the hands of Satan. Many problems occur when we combine religions, for one, the doctrine is not the same, but worse than that, it destroys our relationship with God. At one point in everyone's life we all come to the realization that there is only One God and One way to God. Sadly, God will not hear many pleas for help because they chose to coexist with the world instead of exist with God, through Jesus Christ.

Saul, was the first anointed king of Israel, chosen by God Himself, shortly after his reign, Saul lost sight of God, he even ordered all the priests to be killed at one time. Now, he is in the battle for his life with the Philistines and since David is still in hiding he is left to fend for himself. With no prophets or priests to give him guidance, he seeks help from God. “And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.” - I Samuel 28:5-10. Saul's first mistake, he did not repent, had he went to God humbly, seeking forgiveness, He would gave listened. The second mistake, going to a witch. God allows other spirits in the world, but by no means are they the same, any spirit, except the Holy Spirit, is evil. The third mistake, placing God in the middle of his evil act. Saul, is seeking help from a witch, who he knew was evil as he forced them all out of Israel, and swore he will not harm her by the Lord. Too many people today are ignoring God and His truth, then when they try to seek Him for help and He does not answer them, they resort to something evil. We can not place God in the middle of something evil and expect blessings from Him, anyone who tries to is fooling themselves and in for a harsh awakening.

Although the woman really could not bring up Samuel, God revealed him to prove one thing, He is in control. The woman's surprise and terror proved that it was an unusual and unexpected appearance. “And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.” - I Samuel 28:12,13. The woman saw Samuel, himself, not a spirit, whom she expected to see and suddenly she was aware that she was actually doing this for Saul. This woman saw the power of God face to face and it scared her. Satan is very good at using people to play a part in his deceiving many, so good that they believe it as well, but deep down even they know that there is only One God. God enables us to be able to discern that which is from God and that which is from Satan. The only way is through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit teaches us to recognize evil. Anyone seeking advice or guidance from those who use crystal balls, recite spells, read palms, tells fortunes, or perceives to know the future are from Satan and is, in fact, an insult to God to use them. “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 21:7,8. Anyone who is caught in any of this can overcome it and be saved, but unless they truly come to Jesus and repent, no one is saved from this second death. Incidentally, we can not confuse prophecy and other acts of God as being evil, there is a difference and unless we are in the Word of God we can not know that.

God gives us a choice, we can choose the One and Only way to God and that is through the Lord, Jesus Christ and exist with God or we can choose to believe that we can all coexist amongst the thousands of false religions and gods out there. In the end, the only ones who will exist are the ones who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to save them and forgiven them. Then and only then will God hear our cries and pleas for help. All who have chosen to call on Jesus as their Savior are heard by God. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Friday, April 9, 2010

Bible Study: Stand Your Ground 04.09.10

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday April 09, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 25-27. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-9

Title: Bible Study: Stand Your Ground
As Christians we are not to be get involved with people who live in the world. There are times in our lives when we may have allowed ourselves to become friends with or marry someone who is of the world, maybe we were in the world at the time ourselves. Regardless of how we ended up with worldly people in our lives, it is important that we stand our ground as Christians and seek God's wisdom and guidance in all that we do, even if it means that family and friends despise you for it. When we stand our ground during circumstances like these, one of two things can happen, it can either bring the person or people to God themselves or God will remove them from our lives.

Abigail was a smart, beautiful woman who was married to a rich, cruel man named, Nabal, which actually means fool. Nabal had only one interest in life and that was to be rich. Now, David heard that Nabal was out shearing sheep in the wilderness and since he knew him he sought his help to feed the six hundred hungry men that were with him. “Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep. And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased. And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.” - I Samuel 25:3-10. Now, Nabal pretended that he did not know David, but it was David that helped drive the Philistines away and the reason why he was as prosperous as he was, even the shepherd's of Nabal's flock knew how good David and his men were to them, yet he refused to help him. All too often when people prosper, and this can happen to many Christians as well, they get so caught up in their wealth that they forget who helped them become so prosperous. Truthfully, they do not forget, they just do not want to help as they become consumed with greed.

After Nabal rejected David's request he became very angry and wanted vengeance, he and his men were headed for the town to destroy everyone and everything in it. When Abigail got word of the way her husband treated David, she bravely confronted him, but also brought provisions for him and his men. “Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal. And it was so, as she rode on the ass, that she came down by the covert on the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met them. Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.” - I Samuel 25:18-23. The gift that Abigail sent was an atonement for Nabal's behavior and her humbleness and submissiveness was able to give David a chance to think about what he was about to do. She did not excuse her husband, but depended on the grace of God to soften David's heart and reason with him before he took away innocent lives, reminding him that he was above someone as foolish as Nabal. It is important that we do to react out of anger, we can destroy our lives if we do things before we think about them.

Abigail proved that even though she was married to a worldly, cruel man that as long as she stood strong in her faith in God that He will stand strong on His Word and take care of her. Shortly after David left Nabal died and David took Abigail to be his wife. “And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. And Abigail hasted, and arose and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.” - I Samuel 25:39-42. David gave thanks to God for keeping him from taking vengeance on Nabal himself and for taking care of it for him. Abigail felt it a honor to become David's wife and accepted quickly. God will always blesses those who put Him first, despite the circumstances we face. The amazing thing about God is that He allows us to make our own decisions and when we mess up He is faithful and just to forgive us and help us get our of the mess. “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.Praise God!

It is time to stand our ground for God, we may live with a worldly family or have married the wrong person, but everything happens for a reason and God uses every circumstance we get ourselves into for the good. Anyone who calls on Him will get the help they need, whether He brings them to know Jesus or takes them out of our lives, He will take care of all who come to Him. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:14-23. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a wonderful and blessed weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Bible Study: Inquire of The Lord 04.08.10

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday April 08, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 22-24. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-8

Title: Bible Study: Inquire of The Lord
As Christians we will face all kinds of trials simply because of our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are even religions who claim to be Christians, yet they have now idea who Christ truly is. The truth is that these people are being deceived and really have no idea that they are being deceived. How sad is it to go through life and think that you are on the right path only to find out that you have been deceived. We can all praise God that while we are still here on earth we can see the truth, that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, who came to earth as God in the flesh and died for every sin we ever committed, then He arose from death to give us a new life as we accept Him as our Savior. We can choose to follow the truth or a lie, but if we say we are Christians we need to follow the truth and the only way to know the truth is to Inquire of the Lord.

David, was to be the next king of Israel and this put so much jealousy and hatred in Saul that he wanted him dead. Now, David is hiding in a cave, but this time he is not alone. “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. ” - I Samuel 22:1-3. Four hundred men that had nothing going for them sought David, often when we are suffering we find ourselves being drawn to others who are as well. It is actually comfort as we learn to for a time to focus on others instead of our own. David and these men had the best thing going for them, they had God they may not have known what their future held, but they knew they were in the will of God. We too may not know our future, but what we can know is that God holds our future in His hands and He will never leave nor forsake any one who seeks to do His will.

At times, it seems as though everyone is against us, but we can not forget that God is always with us and it is during the trials we face that He shows Himself as the one who can truly protect and lead us to safety. Every where David went, Saul followed, there was always someone willing to sell him out for their own personal gain, even though they knew it was wrong. Saul even stooped so low as to start killing priests and their families for helping David escape, but the first thing he did before he made a move was inquire of the Lord. “Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.” - I Samuel 23:2-5. David knew that God was with them and would help them defeat the Philistines, but he also knew that if he wanted God's help he had to ask Him for it. God will not do anything unless we seek His guidance first. By seeking His guidance we are letting Him know that we are trusting in Him to help us make the right decisions.

When our heart's desire is to please the Lord, we are often tested to seek revenge on those who have wronged us. As Saul was hiding in a cave to sneak up on David it was the opportune time for David to seek revenge and kill him instead. However, as he was about to draw his sword upon him God stopped him. “Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.” - I Samuel 24:2-7. His soldiers were convinced that God had delivered Saul into David's hands to be executed and David would be justified in killing him. However, David would not violate the Word of God that Saul had been set apart for service as the earthly representative of God on the throne of Israel. God had appointed Saul as king and until He removed him from the throne, David had no right to take this mans life even though he tried to take his.

Truthfully, revenge does nothing for us, but make us like them. No matter what people have done to us we have no right to take the law into our own hands. It is better to walk away and then to let ourselves stoop to their level. God is still in control and although He allows the devil to place evil in our lives, it is important that we do not render evil for evil. After David went back to the palace Saul asked him why he let him go when he had the chance to kill him. David replied, “The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.” - I Samuel 24:12-18. God decides who lives and who dies, He is the one that avenges us, not man. Of course, we want to see justice on someone who has wronged us, but it is not up to us to get revenge, God gets the revenge on His people. In all that we do, we need to inquire of the Lord, seeking Him in the decisions we make can be the difference between temporary suffering or a lifetime of needless suffering. When we call on Him He will make things right. “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” - Psalm 37:4-9.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and end of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Bible Study: God Is On Our Side 04.07.10

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday April 07, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 19-21. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-7

Title: Bible Study: God Is On Our Side
As Christians we face a lot of opposition because of the fact that we are Christians. Often, those who we thought were our friends and even family members have sought to shame and destroy us because of our faith in the Son of the living God. People who live in the world are jealous of us. Why? Because we live our lives to please Jesus. They see our lives changing for the better, even during the circumstances we face, and that makes them jealous because they know that God is on our side.

David was being hunted down like an animal, Saul became so jealous and enraged over David's popularity that he sought to kill him. “And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?” - I Samuel 19:1-5. Jonathan knew that there was no cause for his father to kill David so he pleaded with Saul, reminding him that it was David through the power of God who saved Israel from the hand of the Philistines. People of the world do not need a reason to try to destroy a child of God. The truth is that they see the blessings that God gives you and that enrages them because their lives are not changing. The first reaction is to destroy the person, but in reality what they are really trying to do is destroy the image of God that is inside you.

Jealousy is like a disease, it slowly spreads until it consumes and controls the person that it captures and stops at nothing to destroy what gets in its way. Saul became increasingly violent with an uncontrolled temper, he considered any opposition as treason. So, when his own son defended David he denounced him and even attempted to kill him as well. “Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.” - Samuel 20:30-33. Jonathan became a victim when he defended David. He could have avoided any risk to himself if he had decided not to get involved, but he knew that he was defending an innocent man, whatever the cost to him, and that displayed biblical principles by doing what he knew was morally right. We will all be faced with the choice to stand by our morals or not get involved, but the choice we make determines if we are following the will of God or our own. Jesus Said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:26,27. This does not mean that we are to literally hate our family or ourselves in order to be a disciple of Christ, it means that in all we do, our love for Christ is to be so much that He comes before anyone one else. When we put God first, others may think they are ignored or hated, but it is our faith in Jesus that will make us disciples.

Now, no matter how strong our faith in God, we can get a little discouraged at times when it seems that nothing is going our way. God is on our side and it is through our discouragement that He will comfort us more than ever. Many of the Psalms written in the Bible were from David when he was discouraged and seeking comfort from God. We can all find peace and comfort during all our discouragements, “O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” - Psalm 9:6-10. God never forsakes those who put their trust in Him. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and rest of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Bible Study: Brining God to Work 04.06.10

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 06, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 17-18. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-6

Title: Bible Study: Bringing God to Work
It is said that true Christians are some of the best workers on the planet. Why? Because true Christians are honest, loyal, faithful, and believe in the Word of God. How can believing in the Word of God make someone a better worker? Because when you believe in God's Word, you follow God's Word and learn that even the most tedious job in the world can be one of joy through the Lord. Everything that we do, including our jobs, we need to do in the will of God, even if we are working for worldly people. Being obedient to God, especially through the most difficult circumstances, always keeps us right with God and the reward is much greater than anything we will ever receive here on earth.

David, was the youngest of eight sons, he was the smallest of them all and of all jobs, he was a sheep herder. God chose David to be the king that would reign over Israel because of Saul's disobedience. Now, the amazing thing about God is that He does not always do everything immediately, although Samuel anointed David to be king, he did not reign right away. God was actually preparing David to become a great king and in order to do that he had to be trained. God may have some strange ways of training people, but what seems strange to us is a blessing to God. To train David properly, God placed him in Saul's life, first as a musician, then as the man who would stand up to Goliath. “Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.... And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.” - I Samuel 17:12-14,32-36. David was not afraid to take on the Philistine because he had faith in God, He knew that if God pulled him out of the paws of a lion and a bear He could certainly defeat a giant. As Christians, we may be daily facing the giants of the world, but as long as we have faith in the living God He will help us defeat the biggest of giants.

David was the talk of the town because He defeated Goliath, as soon as Saul heard that the people were cheering him he became very jealous, to the point of wanting him dead. “And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.” - I Samuel 18:10-12. The evil spirit from God is actually the devil and this does not mean that God Himself caused the evil, it means that He allowed the devil to cast it upon him. The devil was once an angel of God, but he was not satisfied with that and wanted control so, God cast him out of heaven and that is why it says the evil spirit from God came upon Saul. (See Isaiah Chapter 14). Saul's jealousy caused him to fear David, the more David trusted in God, the more fearful Saul became of him. Why? Because Saul knew that the root to all the good in David was God. You know, because we are loyal and faithful and have God on our side it will cause some strife between those who are not, especially in the work place, even leaders have been known to fear their jobs. I remember trying to get a part-time job as a cashier once just to make some extra money, the manager bluntly said I can not hire you because you are not going to take my job. The truth is this, a person that is not doing the job they are supposed to be doing always fears losing it. Saul knew he was not being the king that God called him to be and he feared that. If he was doing the job right God would have not replaced him. God is in control of all things, no one on the earth is irreplaceable and if we are not doing our jobs, we will be replaced.

This was only the beginning to the troubles that David would face before he even became king. Despite all the jealousy and the deceitfulness from people, God uses all of them for our own good, He not only tests our faith in Him, He also strengthens it as well as blesses us through them. “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” - II Corinthians 4:15-18. Every thing we go through is for our own good and God's glory. Think about it. Every day things come to pass and we rarely acknowledge that it is God, but something that comes to light by the power of God we know is from God and we praise Him for it. Every time we face affliction we are strengthened and become a better Christian and learn of the greater eternal rewards that we will receive beyond the surface. Praise God! If you are facing trials today at your work place, remember, Jesus is with you and God is renewing you and strengthening your faith in Him. Just keep doing what you are doing, knowing that, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and rest of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Monday, April 5, 2010

Bible Study: Totally Committed 04.05.10

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday April 05, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 15 & 16. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-5

Title: Bible Study: Totally Committed
It is amazing to witness the blessings, miracles, and power of God in our lives, yet it is just as amazing to see how fast many people forget God once they receive them. It can happen to all of us, but that little thing called an ego can take a blessing and turn it into a curse. How? We get so confident in what we have accomplished that we forget it was God that gave it to us or we think we no longer need God because we have what we need. There are three types of Christians, totally committed, semi-committed, and non committed. Some people get saved and that is all they will ever do and praise God, that they at least asked Jesus to save them because they will at least serve Him in heaven one day. Some Christians are totally committed, they serve God in every way that they can and some even become disciples of Christ. However, the majority of Christians are semi-committed, they only seek God when trouble comes their way and need to be bailed out. The problem with this is that sooner or later, God is not going to bail them out.

Saul, had everything going for him, he was the first king of Israel, was prosperous, and was chosen by God Himself to reign over His people. However, it did not take long for Saul to forget that God put him in that position and go against God's commands. Once again he proved that by disregarding God's commands during Israels war with Amalek. The Amalekites were actually relatives of Esau, Jacobs brother, and plotted to destroy the Israelites during their travels in the desert toward the promised land. God does not even allow relatives to turn on their own, so, He had declared a war against the Amalekites and now Saul was commanded to destroy them all, even the livestock. “Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass....And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” - I Samuel 15:1-3,7-9. Instead of destroying all of Amalek, Saul took their king captive and the livestock as well. Saul was the king and God's order was to the king of Israel, yet when the battle started and the people saw the riches that were stored up by the Amalekites, they came to Saul and caused Saul to change the orders that God had given to him. Saul allowed only the vile and refuse to be destroyed, yet the people saved the good cattle and all that was of value. How did this happen? Saul did not seek guidance from God. People of the world have a lot of influence on people of God and regardless of how strong of a Christian they are they will get persuaded to go against God if they are not seeking guidance from God.

Saul let his ego and desire to reach more popularity with the people make decisions for him rather than God. When confronted by Samuel for his disobedience he admitted his fear of the people. This time Saul's disobedience caused God to strip him of his reign as king. “And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.” - I Samuel 15:20-26. Our unconditional motive needs to be a desire to know and do the will of God as revealed in His Word. If we do not, He will reject all who seek His forgiveness.

While God is a forgiving God, being obedient to Him is much more pleasing to Him than constantly seeking forgiveness for our disobedience. “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. 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.” - Galatians 5:19-25. Are you a totally committed Christian, a semi-committed Christian, or non-committed Christian? Regardless of either we can all praise God that we are saved and going to heaven, but those who are truly committed to Christ become more like Christ and less like the world. Every time we commit sin we crucify Jesus all over again, but when we commit to Him we no longer want to live in sin, but become totally committed Christians.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Bible Study: Obedience to God 04.04.10

I apologize for this being sent our a day late, forgive me for the inconvenience. God bless you.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Resurrection Sunday April 04, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of I Samuel, chapters 12-14. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this URL onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-april-4

Title: Bible Study: Obedience To God
The faith that God honors comes as a result of full obedience to Him and His Word. Surrendering our lives to do His will above all else should be the unconditional response of every Christian, yet many people disregard God's commands in the midst of trials. In fact, it is during those circumstances that God tests our ability to be obedient to Him.

The Israelites were eager for a king to reign over them and God hearkened to their pleas and gave them a king. Now, Samuel is giving them a warning, “If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.” - I Samuel 12:14-16. God promises to give them the best of the best as long as they kept Him and His commands first. God is no different now than He was then, He still gives His people the best of the best as long as we put Him first and follow all His commands.

Now Saul, became the first king of Israel, he was a godly man and had great abilities and potential, but he had one fatal flaw. He chose to trust his own judgment rather than God's, his first failure occurred a few years after he became king. Samuel had instructed Saul to go to Gilgal and wait for him there and he would meet him there in seven days, but when Saul got there Samuel was not there. Instead of waiting for him, Saul had disobediently offered a burnt offering sacrifice earlier that day. “And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.” - I Samuel 13:7-13. Saul's mistake, he took on the role as a priest, which violated a command from God that only a priest was allowed to offer the offerings for him. God was testing Saul's ability to be patient and obey His commands. Did you ever get caught doing something wrong? How did you react? The first response is always to give an excuse, but the truth is, we get into trouble because we are not thinking clearly before we do the things we do. How often do you think about God when you are committing sin? Never, right. Saul may have thought he was seeking God for guidance, but he knew he was wrong.

God knows our flesh and he knows our needs, but He is very patient and expects us to be also. We can not rush God along, it is all in His timing. Of course, He knows we grow and learn to be more patient as we follow Him, but if we are in the will of God we will wait on Him, no matter how long it seems to take. I have a brother that passed away over three weeks ago, we are still waiting for the funeral director to pick him up from the hospital morgue to bury him. This is one of the most difficult things to wait on, but it is all in God's timing. God has a purpose and a reason for every circumstance we face and we must not disregard His Word regardless of how frustrating things may be. “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. It is only through Jesus that we will find glory in our tribulations, He is truly the only one that cane give us peace through the circumstances we face and also the one who will help us stay obedient to God and His commands through them all. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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